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The Beiras: Discovering Central Portugal

Last Updated: May 08, 2024

by Joaquim DeCarvalho

Coimbra city – Portugal

While the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto get the most recognition, the center of Portugal is equally spectacular in its beauty and history. A visit to Portugal is not complete without a trip to the Beiras.

The Beiras regions of Portugal (Beira Alta and Beria Baixa) lie between the Douro river in the North and the Tagus river in the South. The regions stretch as far as Spain to the East and to the Atlantic Ocean in the West. On the western coast, sandy beaches meet the Atlantic pine forests. Moving further inland, mountains and rocky plateaus rise up over the landscape. In fact, the Beiras regions are home to the tallest mountain range in continental Portugal: the Serra de Estrela, or Estrela Mountain Range. Magnificent castles guard historic towns and villages throughout the regions. The area is also popular for the spa towns that have formed around the healing waters found in the area.

Cities in the Beiras

In the larger towns, museum collections preserve the extensive cultural heritage of the Beiras. For example, the town of Coimbra hosts many historical sites including monasteries, museums, cathedrals, and more. Coimbra is also one of the oldest university towns in Europe. Coimbra is not the only town in the region to boast historical significance. The entire region is dotted with these cathedrals and churches. The traditional arts in the region vary by region as well: on the coast, ceramics and glass working dominate the artistic scene, while inland clay, copper, iron, and linen weaving are the more popular media.

Besides Coimbra, Aveiro is one of the most visited towns in the region. Aveiro is famous for its channels, and made a name for itself as the Venice of Portugal. Majestic forests surround the city of Bucaco, making it a popular destination for those who want to get in some hiking. The 13th century castle at Castelo Branco is great for history buffs, and so are the impressive Roman ruins in Conimbriga. Our favorite place to visit is the Grao do Vasco museum in Viseu, which houses stunning artwork.