Central Portugal can easily be described as one of Portugal’s most diverse regions. Covering everything from the big wave Atlantic coast, to snow peaked mountains and Portugal’s only ski resort. In between you’ll find historic cities hiding UNESCO world heritages sites, fertile river valleys, and tiny villages.
All of it well worth taking time to explore. Without an international airport, or a major city, Central Portugal is often seen as ‘middle bit’, a place to pass through to get to more well-known destinations. However, if you choose to explore this central region, you’ll be richly rewarded!
Central Portugal – Região do Centro
Officially known as Região do Centro, the Central Region is officially Portugal’s second largest region by land area, and third most populous. Its biggest city is the historic Coimbra (140,000), followed by Leiria (128,000), and then Aveiro (80,000).
It’s traditionally been a powerhouse, growing through wealthy coastal towns, and fertile arable land fed by its inland rivers. Its historic wealth is easily seen in towns like Alcobaça, Batalha, and Tomar, where that wealth was often poured into grand building projects. Today, many of those projects are UNESCO heritage sites, but even those that are not, are seriously impressive.
The 12 Best things to See and Do in Central Portugal
With an introduction to the central region of Portugal, lets move on to the 12 best things to see and do in the region!
Coimbra
We’ll start with the biggest and one of the most widely known cities in Central Portugal, Coimbra. It’s a historic city, deeply connected to Portugal, and also home to one of oldest universities in Europe – The University of Coimbra. Nearby are the ruins of Conimbriga, giving evidence to the wealth of this fertile region that developed all the way back to the Roman age!
Nazaré
Nazaré was a traditional fishing village and religious pilgrimage site. However, recently it’s become known as a surfing mecca. Due to the monster waves that occur due to unique local conditions. Timing your visit around these waves is tricky though – they usually require Atlantic storms which are difficult to predict.
Outside of the storm season, you’ll find a healthy blend of both tradition, and a more modern seaside resort town!
Óbidos
Óbidos is known as the ‘finest walled village in Portugal’ and it’s a village that immediately takes you back in time. It is a small historic village, that remains completely encircled by its medieval walls. It’s an impressive monument, and you’ll still find some daily village life among the tourists!
That said, at just over an hour from Lisbon, it’s one of the most popular day trips. Which can make it feel a bit over touristy and hectic. If you can try to visit outside of peak hours, arriving before the day trippers, or after will help you discover the magic in this beautiful village.
Tomar
Tomar is a historic riverside town that manages to blend small town charm, with beautiful surroundings and a whole lot of important history. Within the town is one of Portugal’s most famous UNESCO heritage sites – The Convent of Christ. It’s a huge site that goes far beyond the typical photos and it is well worth exploring.
Eslewhere in the town, you’ll find connections to Portugal’s Jewish history and one of the earliest synagogues. It’s a vibrant town with its own culinary scene too, so make sure to try the local delicacy – fatias de Tomar!
Batalha
Batalha might only be a small town, but it packs a strong historical punch. Anyone interested in history or architecture should place Batalha and its grand Monastery on your list of places to visit while in Portugal!
Although the town is dominated by the monastery, the small streets surrounding it have that typical small town Portuguese charm. You’ll even find a few other historical curiosities.
Alcobaça
Alcobaça is a town that’s steeped in Portuguese history and hosts the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Monastery of Alcobaça. However, the monastery is not the only part of the town worth visiting, you’ll find ceramic exhibitions, and even a wine museum celebrating the local wine region!
Aveiro
Heading back towards the coastline is Aveiro, Portugal’s canal city and its beach resort Costa Nova do Prado. Aveiro is a picturesque city which is well known for its charming canals, colourfully designed boats, and its Art Nouveau architecture.
Mira de Aire Caves
If you’re looking for something well off the usual tourist track, look no further than the Mira de Aire Caves or Grutas as they are officially called. The extensive caves were only discovered in 1947 and during a guided visit you can access a 600m section that’s around 200m below ground. A truly unique attraction in the centre of Portugal. In 2010 the Mira de Aire caves were voted by the public as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal.
Fátima
Fátima is most widely known for its religious significance and as a pilgrimage site for Catholics all over the world. The town is supposedly named after an Arab princess who converted to Christianity sometime during the 8th century. However, the town would get worldwide attention for stories of apparitions of the Virgin Mary that were witnessed by three young children in 1917. To this day it remains an area of immense significance to Catholics.
Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. It offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and in winter, Portugal’s only skiing opportunities. It is the only place in mainland Portugal that reliably experiences snow fall. You’ll also find several Schist Villages from the Schist Village network in the Serra da Estrela region.
Monsanto
Monsanto actually holds the titles of Portugal’s most Portuguese village, an award that was given out once and then never again! That’s not all that’s special about it, it’s seemingly made out of giant boulders, and those boulders litter the village. On the hill above the town, is the 12th century Castelo do Monsanto, which gained worldwide attention, when its giant boulders and castle became Dragonstone in HBO’s House of Dragon.
When to Visit Central Portugal
The amazing thing about Central Portugal is it’s diversity, which means at any time of the year, in any season you will find something great to see or do. In the height of the summer, it’s coastal towns are buzzing with a hectic seaside atmosphere. Head inland, and you’ll find serene rivers and river beaches, many in small villages. Great for cooling off after a morning’s hike!
In the winter, the seaside towns settle down, except in Nazaré. Where winter is the big wave season, where surfers attempt to scale record breaking waves. In land, in Serra da Estrela, you’ll find Portugal’s only snow resort.
Getting to Central Portugal
There isn’t an airport in Central Portugal, so most international visitors will fly into Lisbon, or Porto. From both cities you can access Portugal’s rail network or domestic bus services. However, to really explore the region then often a rental car is the best choice. As public transport can be limited once you stray away from the major cities and towns.
If you’re looking at renting a car, read our guide to car rental here! It covers everything you need to know and how to avoid the extra costs.
