The Beiras stretch from the Portuguese coast right up to the Spanish border on the east, and take in three provinces with stunning interior landscapes. Beira Alta, to the north, is a succession of small hills surrounding the Serra da Estrela – at some 2000 metres the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. The Beira Litoral, as the name implies, goes up to the coast and takes in some beautiful countryside and the well-known white sandy beach of Figueira da Foz, the ancient university town of Coimbra as well as a number of interesting thermal resorts. The Beira Baixa, to the south, is probably the least well known of the Beiras, yet possesses some wonderful historic sites such as Monsanto, considered to be the “oldest and most typical Portuguese village” and the attractive town of Castelo Branco (White Castle).
The Central Coast of Portugal and the mountain ranges to the East are not as developed for tourism as the rest of Portugal, but they are definitely worth a visit. In our selection you will find luxury boutique hotels near the ocean, small bed & breakfast in historic towns and secluded quintas and guesthouses in the mountains.
This region of Portugal is filled with tourist, natural, and cultural attractions. Highlights include the Historic Villages and the castles surrounding them. Among the most representative places are Óbidos, a small village with white houses; Coimbra, the quintessential university city; and Aveiro, known for its stunning architecture. You should also not miss the charming towns of Viseu, Guarda, and Castelo Branco, where you can relive traces of Portuguese history simply by strolling through their streets.
In terms of natural heritage, the Serra da Estrela stands out with its endless landscapes and glacial lakes. The mountain ranges of Lousã, Açor, and Caramulo are also worth visiting, offering numerous trails and paths to explore. Moreover, this region is perfect for activities like climbing, abseiling, rafting, or canoeing. Nature lovers will find a true paradise in the Naturtejo Geopark, filled with crystal-clear thermal springs, river beaches, magical forests, and wild waters ideal for surfing
The gastronomy of Beiras and the Central Coast of Portugal is very traditional: meat dishes seasoned with wine and garlic are typical of the region's culinary art. Other representative dishes include “Leitão à Bairrada” – roasted suckling pig, especially tasty and renowned throughout the country – roasted venison, and all kinds of game meat cooked in traditional pots.
Cheese is truly delicious, with a standout being the “Queijo da Serra” – mountain cheese from Serra da Estrela, made with goat’s milk and considered by some to be the best cheese in all of Portugal.
The wines are also exquisite: the Dão region is one of the country’s most historic wine-producing areas, particularly famous for its refined, full-bodied red wines.
Don’t know where to go? Let our collections inspire you.
