Aldeias de Montanha
The mountain villages or “Aldeias de Montanha” project works actively to promote the integrated development of the Mountain Villages Network of 41 villages as an unified brand of the touristic potential of the Serra da Estrela region and Beira Interior. The villages around Starbase18 are part of this network and that gives the recognition of collectiveness.
Aldeias de Montanha
The network ADIRAM (Associação para o Desenvolvimento Integrado da Rede das Aldeias de Montanha) is a private, non-profit association dedicated to promoting the integrated and sustainable development of the Mountain Villages network across Serra da Estrela and Beira Interior. It brings together nine municipalities, Covilhã, Seia, Guarda, Manteigas, Celorico da Beira, Oliveira do Hospital, Gouveia, Fundão and Fornos de Algodres, to strengthen tourism and regional development through innovation, cultural preservation, scenic beauty, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation.
Starbase18 can be found just in between Trinta and Fernão Joanes
Explore All 41 villages or find them on the interactive map
The Mountain Villages, four dozen villages nestled between Serra da Estrela Natural Park and the Serra da Gardunha Protected Landscape, are unified under a single brand. Each one is defined by its authenticity, clouded atmospheres, granite architecture, traditions of mountain living, and rural heritage alive in modern innovation and resilient communal practices.
The guiding motto “Nature authentic, People genuine” reflects a commitment to preserving traditions while fostering competitiveness through creativity, technological adaptation, circular economy, solidarity, and sustainability.
ADIRAM's mission is rooted in social innovation. One highlight is the “O Lugar” platform, a digital hub that connects individuals, companies and communities to sustain locally driven social initiatives through funding and support.
Another flagship is the “Queijeiras” project, empowering women cheese producers in the mountains through mentoring, brand development, and storytelling. These women, guardians of artisanal heritage, are celebrated, trained, and supported through this initiative, including a symbolic woolen cloak and an accompanying book.
ADIRAM also champions rural co-working through its Cooperativa Cowork @Aldeias de Montanha. These are the first rural co-working spaces in Portugal, modern, locally crafted, and embedded in nature, launched in Videmonte, Alvoco das Várzeas, and Lapa dos Dinheiros.
