Central Region - Looking for treasure?...
Primely located just north of the Rio Tejo (River Tagus) and to the south of the Douro river lies the impressive Central region with a population of over 2 million. It is located around a couple of hours drive heading north from Lisbon and about an hour south from Porto. Here you will find the outstanding Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain peak in Portugal and its best kept secret - offering the most dramatic nature reserve with a breathtaking wild scenery. Seriously, the drive around this mountain range literally takes your breath away, revealing nature at its best. Breathe in the pure fresh air and enjoy the wonderful peaceful surroundings in all their glory. The deep, sweet scented forests are filled with pine and chestnut trees leading to low sweeping valleys and then onto crystal natural streams. The majority of its visitors enjoy this mountain range for a skiing break in the winter as well as savouring its famous cheese.
The Central region is one of the most surprising and spectacular areas in Portugal. Its truly unspoilt and has remained like this since the fall of the Roman Empire, offering us some rare beauties. If you are the curious type this is the perfect place for you. You can explore extraordinary ancient villages which are still inhabited to this day. You can also experience the beauty of the Mondego river as well as its many fantastic waterfalls and river beaches. The enchanting Aveiro Lagoon (Ria de Aveiro) found in one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal, Aveiro, is well worth visiting too. Known as the 'city of water' it is crisscrossed by canals and used by the beautifully painted wooden boats called 'moliceiro'.
Seeped in history, dating back to the 11th century, visitors can explore narrow cobbled streets, fortresses, castles, palaces and hidden rural villages with delightful stone houses, such as Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo, Sortelha and Monsanto, built amongst giant granite boulders, the list goes on and on. The best and the largest preserved site of Roman ruins in Portugal today are found at Conimbriga, close to Coimbra, a must visit destination.
This region is still very traditional and holds the country's oldest university at Coimbra, the region's capital and Portugal's third largest city. Perched on a hill overlooking the Rio Mondego (river), Coimbra was not only Portugal's capital city back in the 13th century, but was also famed for being the birthplace of many Portuguese kings also. It is also recognised for continuing the tradition of performing the Portuguese Fado music throughout its generations. It is very atmospheric and full of energy, created by its 25,000 students.
To top its wonderful historical attributes, the Central region also has the most amazing coastline. Attracting many die-hard surfers to Figueira da Foz, offering over a dozen huge sandy beaches to choose from. The region is well catered for watersport lovers from surfing, canoeing to fishing, as well as this hiking is a very popular activity in this area too. But if you prefer to take things easy and are in search of relaxation there are a number of thermal spas for those who enjoy splendid healing waters, dotted across the region.
There are also many popular religious festivals to experience where one can sample the local cuisine as well as a glass of the region's finest wine, the Dao or the Bairrada, and where you can get your hands on many of the local handicrafts from wooden and wicker products, rugs, woven fabrics, lace, embroidery, shoes, and many more.
If you're dreaming of peace and quiet or love the surf - you will definitely find one of Portugal's best treasures here.
The Central region is one of the most surprising and spectacular areas in Portugal. Its truly unspoilt and has remained like this since the fall of the Roman Empire, offering us some rare beauties. If you are the curious type this is the perfect place for you. You can explore extraordinary ancient villages which are still inhabited to this day. You can also experience the beauty of the Mondego river as well as its many fantastic waterfalls and river beaches. The enchanting Aveiro Lagoon (Ria de Aveiro) found in one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal, Aveiro, is well worth visiting too. Known as the 'city of water' it is crisscrossed by canals and used by the beautifully painted wooden boats called 'moliceiro'.
Seeped in history, dating back to the 11th century, visitors can explore narrow cobbled streets, fortresses, castles, palaces and hidden rural villages with delightful stone houses, such as Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo, Sortelha and Monsanto, built amongst giant granite boulders, the list goes on and on. The best and the largest preserved site of Roman ruins in Portugal today are found at Conimbriga, close to Coimbra, a must visit destination.
This region is still very traditional and holds the country's oldest university at Coimbra, the region's capital and Portugal's third largest city. Perched on a hill overlooking the Rio Mondego (river), Coimbra was not only Portugal's capital city back in the 13th century, but was also famed for being the birthplace of many Portuguese kings also. It is also recognised for continuing the tradition of performing the Portuguese Fado music throughout its generations. It is very atmospheric and full of energy, created by its 25,000 students.
To top its wonderful historical attributes, the Central region also has the most amazing coastline. Attracting many die-hard surfers to Figueira da Foz, offering over a dozen huge sandy beaches to choose from. The region is well catered for watersport lovers from surfing, canoeing to fishing, as well as this hiking is a very popular activity in this area too. But if you prefer to take things easy and are in search of relaxation there are a number of thermal spas for those who enjoy splendid healing waters, dotted across the region.
There are also many popular religious festivals to experience where one can sample the local cuisine as well as a glass of the region's finest wine, the Dao or the Bairrada, and where you can get your hands on many of the local handicrafts from wooden and wicker products, rugs, woven fabrics, lace, embroidery, shoes, and many more.
If you're dreaming of peace and quiet or love the surf - you will definitely find one of Portugal's best treasures here.
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Photography: beepbeepeurope
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
