The history of this small village seems to go back to the time before the Romans. However, it was this culture that marked the first historical records of this territory, taking us to the 2nd century BC.
The Medieval Castle is just one of the most evident signs of the antiquity of this village, which owes its notoriety to its thermal baths.
It is precisely at the hotel that serves this thermal spa that the entire RAP caravan will rest and recover for the next stage.
Located on the east slope of Serra da Estrela, at about 700 meters of altitude, this city is the most important urban center of the Serra da Estrela area.
With a long history and human occupation from remote times, Covilhã has in its wool industry one of its main references, becoming the largest wool production center in the country.
Covilhã is also known for being the birthplace of discoverers and explorers during the time of the Portuguese Discoveries, and even received Prince Henry the Navigator, the title of Lord of Covilhã.
Parks, gardens, manor houses, and many Churches demonstrate the religious fervor of the region, and are pleasant and interesting heritage patrimony of this zone. The Real Fábrica de Panos, where the University of Beira Interior and the Woolen Museum currently operate, are important legacies for the true knowledge of this region.
The University, a variety of fairs and markets, commerce and all the movement of this city make it clear that Covilhã is a lively and productive center.
In the last few years, Covilhã has conquered an important place on the international map of urban art. On many walls, scattered around the city you can find spectacular paintings made by artists from all over the world.
On the second day, one of the most special Ride Across Portugal's stages awaits for all participants.
The arrival at Alto da Torre (1,993m high) - the same iconic Volta a Portugal's queen stage finish - makes this an unforgettable stage. Not only due to its difficult challenge and need for personal overcoming, but also for Serra da Estrela's landscapes and unique images.
But before arriving at this highly symbolic cycling spot in Portugal, the athletes will travel through some of the wildest and most spectacular landscapes in this country, with the final ascent being done through the fantastic Zêzere Glacier Valley.
The connection between Alto da Torre and the end of this stage, is made in constant descent (about 14 km) through a breathtaking landscape.
The Longroiva Hotel & Termal Spa is a charming accommodation unit where rurality, innovation and good taste are together in a perfect symbiosis.
This thermal hotel, located in a small and calm historic village, is the ideal place to relax at the end of the 1st stage and recover for the next day.
The Pousada da Serra da Estrela is located inside the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela, in Covilhã. The breathtaking views are of snowcapped mountains or the greenery of continental Portugal's highest mountains at an altitude of 1,993 m.
Inside the building, the walls are pristine white, the ceilings are high and the traditional tiles are original and have been restored. You will also see fabulous old iron-and-wood elevators. This is a project of the renowned architect Souto Moura, who restored the main structure of the old Serra da Estrela sanatorium.
The Pousada has a Spa with sauna, turkish bath and heated indoor swimming pool. In summer, it’s possible to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and the gardens.
This is the perfect place to recover from the Ride Across Portugal Queen Stage.