Places to Explore In Coimbra and Central Portugal

Águeda

This center for the production of paper products has an attractive parish church and several well-preserved manor houses...

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Almeida

Enclosed within a star-shape perimeter of massive stone walls, moats, and earthen bulwarks lies the quiet little town of Almeida. Less than 10 km (6...

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Arouca

Arouca was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2009, and it's easy to see why—the spectacular scenery, fascinating geological history, and amazing natural formations...

• 3 Restaurants
• 2 Hotels
• 4 Things To Do

Aveiro

Aveiro's traditions are closely tied both to the sea and to the Ria de Aveiro–-the vast, shallow lagoon that fans out to the north and...

• 4 Restaurants
• 4 Hotels
• 9 Things To Do

Belmonte

Two things catch your eye on the approach to Belmonte: the ancient castle and the church. (There's also an ugly water tower, a reminder that...

• 0 Restaurants
• 2 Hotels
• 7 Things To Do

Buçaco

In the early 17th century, the head of the Order of Barefoot Carmelites, searching for a suitable location for a monastery, came upon an area...

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Caramulo

In the early part of the last century, when tuberculosis was rife, people came to Caramulo for the beneficial effects of the fresh mountain air...

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Castelo Branco

The provincial capital of Beira Baixa is a modern town with wide boulevards, parks, and gardens. There are some handsome buildings here, as well as...

• 1 Restaurants
• 1 Hotels
• 3 Things To Do

Castelo Rodrigo

This old fortified town is now mostly deserted, many of its former residents having emigrated to France and Germany. Tranquillity, however, is part of Castelo...

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Celorico da Beira

Celorico da Beira is a major producer of Serra cheese, which is made from the best-quality ewe's milk, using traditional methods. Production takes place between...

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Coimbra

Coimbra is a fascinating city that combines a tangible sense of history with all of the vibrancy and street life typically associated with a university...

• 14 Restaurants
• 4 Hotels
• 25 Things To Do

Conimbriga

Surrounded by groves of olive trees and rolling hills, Conímbriga is home to one of the Iberian Peninsula's most important archaeological sites. It began as...

• 1 Restaurants
• 1 Hotels
• 1 Things To Do

Costa Nova

Take the bridge just south of Aveiro across to Praia de Barra and you arrive at the ribbon of small resorts strung along the south...

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• 0 Things To Do

Covilhã

Although its origins go back to Roman times, there's little in present-day Covilhã of historic significance. Nevertheless, it is an attractive town that serves as...

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Curia

Just 30 minutes by car from the clamor of the summer beach scene, Curia is a quiet retreat with shaded parks and grand belle epoque...

• 1 Restaurants
• 2 Hotels
• 2 Things To Do

Figueira da Foz

There are various theories as to the origin of the name Figueira da Foz. Locals at this seaside town’s busy fishing harbor favor the literal...

• 3 Restaurants
• 2 Hotels
• 4 Things To Do

Fundão

The pears and cherries grown in this region are the best in Portugal, and Fundão is the principal market town for the area's many orchards...

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Góis

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• 0 Things To Do

Gouveia

Nestled into the western side of the Mondego Valley, this quiet town of parks and gardens is a popular base from which to explore the...

• 0 Restaurants
• 1 Hotels
• 2 Things To Do

Guarda

At an elevation of about 3,300 feet, Portugal's highest city is aptly referred to by the four Fs: forte, feia, fria, e farta (strong, ugly...

• 1 Restaurants
• 1 Hotels
• 3 Things To Do

Luso

This charming town, built around the European custom of "taking the waters," is on the main Lisbon–Paris train line, in a little valley at the...

• 1 Restaurants
• 2 Hotels
• 1 Things To Do

Montemor-o-Velho

The small town of Montemor-o-Velho is most notable for its impressive ruined castle which sits high on a hill, overlooking the surrounding huddle of houses...

• 1 Restaurants
• 0 Hotels
• 1 Things To Do

Ovar

At Ria de Aveiro's northern end, Ovar is a good jumping-off point for the string of beaches and sand dunes to the north. This small...

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• 4 Things To Do

Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

A region of stunning beauty, this natural park covers approximately 1,011 square km (390 square miles) and is home to the highest mountain in the...

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• 1 Hotels
• 1 Things To Do

Penacova

A little town on a hill at the junction of three low mountain ranges, Penacova affords panoramic views and wonderful hiking opportunities...

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• 1 Things To Do

Penamacor

Like many of the towns in this region, Penamacor is a mix of old and new. Dominated by the ruins of an ancient castle, it...

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• 0 Things To Do

Sabugal

Sabugal was the site of an eponymous 1811 battle, part of the Peninsular War between the French and Anglo-Portuguese. It is renowned for having one...

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• 0 Things To Do

Sortelha

If you have time to visit only one fortified town, this should be it. From the moment you walk through Sortelha’s massive ancient stone walls...

• 1 Restaurants
• 1 Hotels
• 2 Things To Do

Trancoso

This town reached its pinnacle in 1282, when King Dinis chose it as the site for his marriage to Isabel of Aragon. Portions of its...

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Viseu

One of Portugal's most impressive squares is Viseu's Largo da Sé. bound by three imposing edifices: the cathedral, the palace housing the Museu de Grão...

• 2 Restaurants
• 4 Hotels
• 4 Things To Do

Vista Alegre

Portugal's finest china is produced here by a business that was started in 1824 as a sort of commune. Housing was provided for workers from...

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