Beiras and The Centre

Beiras is the traditional name for a strip of land flanked by Portugal´s two main rivers – the Douro and the Tagus. This region is made up of two contrasting areas: white sandy beaches, fishing villages and pine forests lie along the coast, while inland the mountains dominate the landscape.

One of Europe’s oldest university towns, Coimbra was Portugal’s capital from 1143 to 1255. The university, founded in 1290, has kept its academic traditions, as seen in the black-capped students, in the soulful tones of the fado de Coimbra (a traditional song sung to the sound of guitars by the students) and in the Queima das Fitas (Burning of the Ribbons), a boisterous celebration of graduating students. Coimbra also boasts a Romanesque cathedral, and south of the town lies Conímbriga, with the most important Roman remains in Portugal. Surrounded by the original walls, the archaeological site features an early Christian burial ground, hot springs and a museum.

Further north lies Aveiro. Famous for its lagoon, the town is criss-crossed by canals where colourfully painted moliceiro boats sail. To the east lies the Serra de Estrela, the highest mountain range in the country. It is home to the textile town of Covilha, attractive villages including Gouveia, Manteigas and Seia, plus the mountain resort of Guarda. Along the coast, the seaside resorts of São Martinho do Porto, Nazaré and Figueira da Foz offer fine sandy beaches, good seafood restaurants and water sports facilities.

Beiras has five regions: Aveiro, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, Guarda and Viseu.

Places of interest

Belmonte: A hilltop town, castle, Romanesque-Gothic church.

Bussaco: A national park founded by monks in the 6th century.

Castelo Branco:  A 13th-century castle, medieval quarter, 16th- and 18th-century churches.

Curia and Luso: spa towns.

Monsanto: A historic village, 12th-century castle, 18th-century manor houses.

Viseu: The remains of Gothic walls, cathedral.

Cuisine of the region

Roast pork, lamb stew, seafood and fresh fish are popular, including truta (trout) from the mountains of Serra da Estrela. The famous ewes’ milk cheese Queijo da Serra, is also produced in the mountains and can be bought at cheese fairs held in villages and towns throughout the region during February and March. Regional desserts include hard and sweet biscuits, pancakes and sponge cake (ovos-moles, pão-de-ló).

Chanfana: Lamb stewed in red wine.

Leitão assado da Bairrada: Roast pork.