7 Reasons why Central Portugal is Europe's Best Kept Travel Secret - Portugal by TravelTailors
When it comes to Portuguese travel, the spectacular, experience-packed Central Region is not often top of an explorer’s list - but, with such beauty, heritage and culture to offer, we have no idea why. So we asked the experts at Portugal by TravelTailors to help us reveal a little of this hidden gem, with 7 reasons why Central Portugal is Europe’s best-kept travel secret - one for every day of the week!
But we’ll start with… Beautiful, unspoiled beaches which stay tranquil all summer long. Picturesque villages run the coast length and dot the mountains, where thermal springs bubble amidst a landscape of dramatic peaks, verdant valleys, and lush greenery. Stunning scenery, templar and religious history aplenty, incredible flavours, and countless adventures that can be personalized and interchanged, with Portugal by TravelTailors’ peerless expertise, to suit the needs of couples and families alike. This is a place perfect for discerning guests looking for a European experience with a difference - full of discovery, adventure, and lashings of luxury along the way.
1. Pristine Beaches and Fishing Villages
Central Portugal's coastline boasts some of the most stunning beaches, renowned for their pristine condition and natural beauty. Unlike the more crowded Algarve, the sands of areas like Peniche, Nazaré and Óbidos remain relatively untouched, even during the peak summer months, and the clear, cool waters are perfect for swimming - ideal for those seeking tranquillity and a more intimate connection with nature.
Being on the Atlantic, and often surrounded by scenic cliffs, these beautiful beaches are also great for surfing and kite surfing – Nazaré, of course, being as famous for McNamara’s 100-foot wave as it is for its long fishing history. Nature lovers yearning for a little discovery will adore the Berlengas Islands, off the coast of Peniche, an unspoiled natural haven known for their crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and diverse marine life where guests can go snorkeling, birdwatching, and hiking to their heart’s content.
The central coastline is also graced by a string of picturesque fishing villages, each offering a fascinating glimpse into this oh-so-traditional Portuguese way of life - as well as the opportunity to savour the freshest seafood. Here, guests can meet the fisherman’s wives of Nazaré, still dressed in their traditional garb of seven skirts as they share their time-honoured skills of drying fish in the sun. In these charming spots, guests can also pick and cook their own mussels, a fun experience with a delicious result!
2. Adventures in Nature
Central Portugal has plenty for the intrepid among us. In the northernmost part of the region, the Passadiços de Paiva (Paiva Walkways) are an exhilarating experience - a series of wooden walkways which weave through the lush forest and stretch along the Paiva River, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. Here, guests use thermal outfits to jump in and out of the fresh, pure water and ride cables - a brilliant activity that’s easy enough to be good for any age, and one which can be enhanced by adding on activities like canyoning, canoeing, and river rafting in the Paiva River.
Another of Portugal by TravelTailors’ unique experiences is the Ponte de Arouca, the world’s longest pedestrian suspended bridge. Spanning a majestic valley, this adrenaline-pumping bridge connects the cliffs, providing a panoramic view of the Paiva River below and the rugged landscape beyond in an experience that’s as much about the incredible beauty all around as it is about the thrill of the height. The areas around the schist villages don’t disappoint when it comes to adventure either!
Think fun water activities like river canoeing, paddle boarding around the many pristine river beaches or in the dams and e-bike explorations that take in the hills around the Castle of Lousã like they’re flatland. As for the Serra da Estrela mountain range, the highest point in mainland Portugal, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It is transformed into a snowy wonderland each winter, with endless hiking trails and scenic drives in the warmer months.
3. Aveiro -The Venice of Portugal
Often referred to as the Venice of Portugal, the town of Aveiro is renowned for its canals and colorful moliceiro boats. Once used to transport goods and harvest seaweed, these gondola-style boats are adorned with vibrant and sometimes humorous artwork, and glide smoothly through the canals, offering visitors a relaxing way to see the city.
Here guests can sample one of Portugal’s most famous convent sweets, the Ovos Moles (soft eggs) of Aveiro - and, for those with a culinary bent, take part in a workshop to learn the secret recipe for themselves. No trip to Aveiro would be complete without a visit to the vibrant Costa Nova beach with its charmingly painted and lovingly restored fishermen’s houses - a stunning place to take a bike ride or have a tasting of Aveiro’s famous oysters. For a craft-based facet of local culture, the Vista Alegre Factory is a must for porcelain enthusiasts.
This historic factory is a comprehensive cultural experience. Inspired by the philanthropic owner’s travels in China, the factory was established in the early 1900s and today is both a showcase for and a maker of exquisite, hand-painted porcelain pieces. It boasts a museum, shops and a hotel, with an unmissable factory tour revealing the intricate process of porcelain making, from the initial design to the final, beautifully crafted products. Kids will love a tour of the Codfish Museum, whose aquariums offer an immersive experience into Portugal's deep-seated love for bacalhau, the beloved Portuguese gastronomic staple.
4. Mediaeval Marvels - Tomar and Óbidos
The central region is steeped in history, with a heritage that stretches back beyond the time of the first Kings. Home to some of Portugal’s best-preserved castles and historic sites, Tomar is a place of Templar lore at its best, including the stunning Manueline architecture of the Convent of Christ and its fortress, the iconic Castle of Tomar, both testament to the Knights’ influence in Portugal.
These remarkable historical sites were built in the 12th century, the castle’s robust walls and towers serving as a strategic military fortress. The Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architecture, its beautiful Charola (a rotunda inspired by Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre) adorned with stunning frescoes and its intricate cloisters, grand church and beautiful gardens offering a tantalizing glimpse into long-gone eras. Here, wandering the beautiful central area, guests will also uncover the strong relationship with the town’s Jewish heritage, including a fabulous synagogue.
Encircled by ancient walls, charming Óbidos offers a journey back in time with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses and historic landmarks like the impressive Óbidos Castle, which now serves as a luxurious hotel, and the Gothic-style Church of Santa Maria. The town hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including a mediaeval festival, a chocolate festival and a Christmas market - head to number 6 below to learn about its most famous gastronomic treat! If you were to do just one, make it the mediaeval festival, usually held in July. For around 10 days every year, the town transforms into a bustling scene from the past, its narrow streets lined with stalls selling traditional crafts, food and drinks and residents and visitors donning period costumes and participating in various activities.
Further North, Coimbra is one of the country's oldest cities (its sights stretch back to Roman times) and is renowned for its historical and cultural significance - not only is it where Portugal’s first King lies, but it was also the setting for the tragic mediaeval love story of Dom Pedro and Ines de Castro, said to be the most famous in Portuguese history. Once the capital of Portugal and particularly famous for its prestigious university, the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city also boasts numerous historical monuments, beautiful architecture and a rich cultural heritage.
5. Unique Experiences
For a truly unique experience, the underground museum of Carvalhão near Coimbra combines wine production with art in its subterranean galleries. Lined with barrels of aging wine, this marvelous spot is home to an impressive collection of artworks and, as well as offering wine tastings, it is a truly magical place to dine - its barrel rooms available for private dining experiences that are fabulously intimate evenings of culture and indulgence.
Around Coimbra, kids will love both the dinosaur park, with its life-sized models, and the brilliant Little Portugal, where the country’s most famous monuments and museums have been miniaturized - beautiful buildings through which little ones can roam freely, while the adults stay outside! In Coimbra Center, the Joannina Library is a must-visit for all.
Adorned with gold leaf and fresco paintings, this magnificent library keeps its centuries-old books accessible for research - and has a very unique way of protecting them, keeping a resident population of bats who ensure the preservation of these ancient texts by eating all the insects who might destroy the irreplaceable papers! The UNESCO-protected Fado of Coimbra is another unique experience not to be missed.
Unlike Fado of Lisbon, Fado of Coimbra is exclusively performed by men, its romantic and melancholic themes sung in serenades with guitar accompaniment in the city's historic squares and courtyards. Performers wear the traditional academic attire of black capes and suits, symbolizing the university's deep-rooted traditions - the capes, which were JK Rowling’s inspiration for the Hogwarts capes in the famous Harry Potter series, are often passed down through generations, adding to the dramatic and emotional presentation.
6. Gastronomic Delights
Central Portugal's culinary scene is a joy for food lovers. The region is famous for its convent sweets, including the soft eggs of Aveiro, whose fascinating history is rooted in the inventive nuns of local convents. These sweets, made with egg yolks and sugar, are a testament to creativity born from necessity - the nuns, who used egg whites to starch their habits, transformed the leftover yolks into these delectable treats.
Sweet-toothed travellers visiting in November can combine an exploration of the region’s stunning monasteries and convents with the convent sweet festival held in the monastery of Alcobaça - three days of diet-inducing deliciousness! No visitor to Óbidos should leave without tasting the famous local cherry liqueur, Ginja, traditionally served in edible chocolate cups in an ancient tradition that began when a king of Portugal asked for something special - remember to get your refill before you eat your cup!
Dedicated carnivores will love the traditional roasted piglet, or Leitão da Bairrada - another culinary highlight of Portugal that’s best enjoyed with a side of chips and a glass of sparkling wine. Characterized by its crispy skin and tender meat, this dish is a favourite among locals and visitors alike - and, for the best of the best? Guests should head to its home in Bairraba, near Coimbra, where they can walk it off afterwards in the company of a specialist guide, exploring the gorgeous gardens of the Bussaco Palace, a stunning 19th-century royal hunting lodge set within the lush gardens and ancient trees of Bussaco National Forest, which is now a luxurious hotel.
Finally, high in the mountains, Serra da Estrela cheese, known locally as "Queijo Serra da Estrela," is one of Portugal's most celebrated cheeses. Made using raw sheep's milk from the Bordaleira breed, this artisanal cheese boasts a creamy, buttery texture and a rich, intense flavour and distinctive aroma. Usually enjoyed spread on bread or as a centrepiece in various dishes, the cheese has Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, reflecting the region's pastoral heritage and meticulous cheese-making traditions.
7. Step back in time in the Stunning Schist Villages
For guests who love to feel like they’ve stepped back in time, the charming schist and granite villages like Piodão and Monsanto are a must. Offering a glimpse into rural life as it’s been here for centuries, these traditionally styled buildings built from local schist stone blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings, whether perched on the hillsides or nestled in the valleys.
With narrow cobbled streets, stone houses and picturesque surroundings, the villages are perfect for leisurely explorations on foot, as the unique character and history of each place slowly and surely unfolds. Piodão, with its distinctive, blue-painted doors, is particularly picturesque, while the houses of Monsanto, often referred to as the “most Portuguese village in Portugal” are built around giant boulders creating a dramatic and unforgettable landscape.
In this area, little ones will adore a fun farming experience, milking the village farmer’s goats, making fresh cheeses and wood-oven baked bread and tucking into the fruits of their labour on a riverbank picnic. And those in search of ancient romance? Head to the fairytale setting of the Castle Valmoral set on a little island in the middle of a river and accessible only by boat.
FAQs - Where to Stay? Accommodation in Central Portugal
Travellers seeking luxurious accommodations will find plenty of options in Central Portugal - and Portugal by TravelTailors has a select list of the best of the best for guests to choose from, from opulent five-stars to cozy, boutique-style stays. Which would they focus on, if pressed?
First up would be the fabulous Areias do Seixo, which offers a stunning cliffside location near Lisbon and villas perfect for families - some with their own pools. The main house, reserved for over 16’s, provides a serene spa retreat close to the region’s most beautiful beaches with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the property’s emphasis on sustainability and organic living adds an extra layer of appeal for eco-conscious guests.
Luzes Houses, within walking distance of the Sanctuary of Fátima, is a wonderfully unique boutique property. It was built by a young couple to resemble a small traditional village with charming cottages and pretty gardens. Here, guests can kick back in cozy, beautifully decorated rooms, with access to a fabulous spa - located in a secret cave complex discovered during its construction - and a serene outdoor pool; the perfect spot to complement the spiritual experience of visiting Fátima.
In the centre of Coimbra, the Sapienza Boutique Hotel is truly a perfect stay - just 22 rooms and apartments, all elegantly appointed with modern amenities and tasteful decor and a rooftop terrace to the hotel which provides stunning views of the Mondego River and the city's ancient architecture.
Heading into the countryside, the Palácio do Lousã is simply beautiful - an enchanting blend of 18th-century charm and modern luxury. In the picturesque town of Lousã, this former palace features beautifully restored interiors with elegant furnishings and period details - think spacious, well-appointed rooms (we highly recommend the palace superior rooms), stunning living areas to relax and socialize, a serene outdoor pool and lush gardens. The on-site restaurant serves gourmet cuisine prepared by a superb young chef, with a strong emphasis on regional flavors. The hotel is ideally situated for exploring the surrounding areas - hiking, biking and discovering ancient schist villages.
Casas do Côro is in Marialva, a little town which still has remains of its ancient castle, offering a unique stay in beautifully renovated historic houses. This charming complex of just 12 accommodations (we particularly love the 7 beautiful villas) provides an authentic Portuguese experience with modern comforts - its houses are tastefully decorated, combining rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The village itself, with its ancient castle ruins and quiet streets, provides a tranquil setting for a relaxing holiday.
As for our favourite stay in the mountains? In the heart of the Serra da Estrela, Casa São Lourenço is an intimate, luxurious and sustainable boutique hotel with breathtaking panoramic views of the Zêzere Glacier Valley. Perfect for nature lovers and trekkers, this hotel seamlessly blends modern design with traditional Portuguese craftsmanship, where guests can enjoy elegantly designed rooms, an infinity pool, a spa and gourmet dining that showcases local flavours - as well as visiting the hotel’s wool factory, which makes a wide range of clothing and decorative items using traditional local techniques.
FAQs - How long do you need to explore Central Portugal?
With so much to discover, this is a place you could spend a long time exploring! Portugal by TravelTailors recommends at least 3 days, if not a full week to make the most of this stunning region.
FAQs - And what add-ons do you suggest?
Being centrally located, the rest of Portugal is your oyster!
Beginning North and heading South would leave guests within easy striking distance of the delights of Lisbon and/or the Alentejo, another up-and-coming Portuguese gem with its delicious wines and foods.
Learn more about discovering the Alentejo with Portugal by TravelTailors
In reverse, finishing in Coimbra brings guests close to Porto and Douro Wine region, as well as the historic gardens of Northern Portugal, beautiful slices of paradise that make for a soulful, restful end to any trip.
Get travel inspiration for Porto and the Douro Valley here, and for a nature tour of Northern Portugal’s historic gardens here.
The off-trail delights of Central Portugal are perfect for all types of travellers - be they couples in search of something different or families looking for a memorable and enjoyable adventure that’s a million miles from a generic beach package.
Whatever your client’s requirements, Portugal by TravelTailors is able to personalize a tailored itinerary that delivers their every need.
To learn more, or for an introduction to the team, get in touch today.
