Vale de Azares

Vale de Azares is a small parish of about 330 inhabitants within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, about 6 km from Celorico da Beira. The local economy revolves around vegetables, fruit, olive oil, honey, and artisan cheese — the Queijo da Serra, made from sheep's milk using cardosins as a curdling agent, is the signature product of the region. The village has a long-running philharmonic band but limited services.