At the heart of the Serra da Estrela mountain range lie the mountain villages of the Seia municipality, perched on the slopes of its granite giants. Lapa dos Dinheiros is one of these villages that embodies the distinctive charm of this region. Its 7.84 km² area blends seamlessly into the natural landscape of Serra da Estrela.

History

The Creation of the "Union of Parishes of Seia, S. Romão and Lapa dos Dinheiros"

Originally, the village was part of the parish of Saint Romão. At that time, inhabitants were primarily farmers, and Lapa dos Dinheiros' population was not large enough to warrant village status. Over time, pastoral activities became increasingly important to local life. Residents demanded their parish's independence from Saint Romão's administration. This petition led to the promulgation of a law in February 1988, making Lapa dos Dinheiros an autonomous parish bearing the same name.

Later, improvements were made to the village. Inhabitants preserved the charm of granite terraces and walls from that era. Agriculture gradually lost its economic importance. In 2013, the parish of Lapa dos Dinheiros was officially merged into the "Union of Parishes of Seia, S. Romão and Lapa dos Dinheiros." This union is now located in the current village of S. Romão.

The Origins of the Name "Lapa dos Dinheiros"

Many native villagers recount that the name Lapa dos Dinheiros stems from a local legend. The story goes that men wished to build a house at the site of the present-day Porto Dos Bois. Hunters passing through advised them to settle on the lower slopes instead. The men followed this counsel and began constructing houses on this hillside, gradually forming a village.

One day, King D. Dinis stopped at the village. The inhabitants extended their hospitality by preparing a sumptuous feast worthy of royal banquets for His Majesty. Pleasantly surprised by their gesture, the king asked how they had managed such an excellent meal. The villagers replied: "with our money." D. Dinis then inquired about the name of their village. The hosts answered "Lapa" (cliff in Portuguese). The king immediately ordered that this name be changed to "Lapa dos Dinheiros" (the cliff of money), in honor of his hosts' hospitality.

Why Visit Lapa dos Dinheiros?

Lapa dos Dinheiros offers breathtaking views over the Serra da Estrela park. Recent developments have enriched the village landscape. Lapa dos Dinheiros and its neighboring villages serve as the departure point for discovering hiking trails through woods and valleys dotted with chestnut, cherry, and holly trees.

Among other attractions, you can visit:

• The Church of Nossa Senhora do Amparo, a Portuguese heritage site
• The stone bridge of Caniça, spanning the "Caniça" stream in a peaceful, verdant setting
• Praia da Caniça, a riverine beach along the wild Caniça waterfall
• Souto da Lapa, a chestnut forest where some trees are centuries old
• Espaço Cooperativa Cowork, a shared workspace distinguished by its comfort and setting that mirrors the lush surroundings of Lapa dos Dinheiros

The Best Time to Visit?

Climate

June through September are the most favorable months to travel to Lapa dos Dinheiros. Days are sunny with average temperatures around 15°C. Rainfall does not exceed 33 mm.

Festivals and Celebrations

Each year, residents celebrate the Feast of São Sebastião (Saint Sebastian's Day) on the second Sunday of August. Villagers organize social activities and musical entertainment on the Fridays and Saturdays before the feast. On the main day, a procession of floats winds through village streets, accompanied by the philharmonic band. This festival holds great importance for inhabitants, boasting more than 100 editions since its inception.

In Portugal, the Chestnut Festival is celebrated every November 11th. This festival holds particular significance for Lapa dos Dinheiros. Indeed, villagers possess nearby some 18 hectares of chestnut forests. These trees form part of the cultural fabric of mountain life.

The mountain villages are situated on the lower slopes of the Serra da Estrela mountains. They lie 2 hours from Porto airport and 3 hours from Lisbon airport. This network of villages is accessible by car via a road leading directly to it. You can also reach the base of Seia municipality by bus or taxi.

Lapa dos Dinheiros is not a large village. You will find greater interest exploring the sites along its 14 pedestrian roads. Additionally, cycling paths have been established (4 routes in total). Nevertheless, a main road for vehicle travelers passes through the village network.