Central Portugal stretches from the coast in the west to the mountains in the east. Although the region is not very tourist-minded, it has a great variety of nature, culture and history. The landscape is hilly to mountainous, with forests, occasional vineyards, and a beautiful coast with quiet beaches. A famous wine region is the Dão, around Viseu. Taste authentic Portugal from our holiday homes in Central Portugal.
The largest mountain range in the country lies in this region, Serra da Estrela. Forests, mountain streams and lakes with clear water, rocks and ravines alternate in this beautiful nature reserve. Put on your hiking boots, and go for adventure during your holiday in Central Portugal!
Take a step back in time during a holiday in Central Portugal. The history of this region is reflected in various historical sights, from Roman ruins to medieval towns and castles. A visit to the historic student town of Coimbra is an absolute must. This Central Portuguese capital is home to the oldest university in the country, with a beautiful baroque library. Or take a day trip from your holiday home in Central Portugal to one of the other historical places, Viseu, Guarda (the highest town in Portugal), Monsanto, Folgosinho, Sortelha, Marialva or Castelo Mendo.
On the Costa de Prata coast, you will find beautiful, long beaches, interspersed with bays and rocky coasts. The abundant waves ensure the coast is also popular with windsurfers. A number of seaside resorts, such as Costa Nova, still have their traditional charm, due to the typical coloured wooden beach houses. The most popular seaside resort here is Figueira da Foz. See the historic buildings, the harbour and the elegant Palácio Sotto Mayor. After a day at the beach or after a city trip, you can eat seafood in one of the authentic restaurants, or pay a visit to the Casino.Diving into the nightlife in the evening. Or go for a stay in one of the other popular seaside resorts, Mira, Nazaré or Barra, and choose a holiday home in Central Portugal by the sea!
Go for culture during your holiday in Central Portugal! Aveiro is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. The city is known as the Venice of Portugal, due to the many canals that run through the city, and the picturesque colourful boats. A visit to the busy fish market is also a lovely experience. Due to its location on the water, Aveiro is also a popular destination among water sports enthusiasts. From Aveiro, you can take a boat trip on the lagoon of the Ria de Aveiro and enjoy the surroundings or go sailing for an afternoon, close to Aveiro is the São Jacinto Dune Nature Reserve. Here, you will also find the similar named São Jacinto beach, where you can swim in clear blue water. More to the south of the city, around the river Mondego, you can practice various outdoor activities. Between Coimbra and Penecova, you can go kayaking, rafting and jump off rocks during a day of canyoning. Enough to see and experience from one of our holiday homes in Central Portugal.
Monastery of Batalha, University of Coimbra, Berlengas Archipelago and Convento de Cristo are some places that you must visit in Central Portugal.
Some of the must-try activities in Central Portugal are:
Some of the recommended dishes in Central Portugal are Bacalhau (salt cod), oysters, Serra de Estrela Cheese, Ginjinha (cherry liquor), Seaweed, Atlantic Mackerel.
The best time to visit Central Portugal is during the spring and autumn months.
Travellers from the UK can reach Central Portugal by air, rail or road.