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Beiras extends from the coast in the west to the mountains in the east and lies between the regions of Porto and Lisbon. This is not really a tourist region, but it does have a large variety of nature, culture and history. The scenery includes hills and mountains, forests, some vineyards, and a beautiful coast with secluded beaches. Around Viseu, you will find the famous wine region of the Dão. In this region you will find the largest mountain range of the country, the Serra da Estrela. This gorgeous natural park offers forests, mountain streams and lakes with clear water, rocks and gorges, and it has various marked footpaths. The history of this region is reflected by its historical sights, ranging from Roman ruins to Mediaeval towns and castles. You really should pay a visit to the historical university town of Coimbra. The capital of this region is also worth a visit. It has the oldest university of the country, with its gorgeous Baroque library. Also have a look at the other historical towns and villages, such as Viseu, Guarda (the town at the highest elevation in Portugal), Monsanto, Folgosinho, Sortelha, Marialva, or Castelo Mendo. At the Costa de Prata you will find beautiful long beaches interspersed with bays and rocks. The waves make the coast popular with wind surfers too. A number of seaside resorts, such as Costa Nova, still have their traditional charm, because of the characteristic wooden beach huts. The most popular seaside resort is Figueira da Foz. Here, you may visit the historical buildings, the harbour, and the elegant Palácio Sotto Mayor. After a day at the beach or in a town, you could have fish at a small restaurant, visit the casino, or explore the nightlife. Other popular seaside resorts are Mira, Nazaré, and Barra. Aveiro is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal and is also known as the Portuguese Venice, because of its many canals and the picturesque colourful boats. A visit to the busy fish market is also good fun. Aveiro’s location on the seaside also makes it a popular site for water sports enthusiasts. From Aveiro, you could take a boat trip across the lagoon of the Ria de Aveiro and enjoy its surroundings, or sail a boat yourself. Close to Aveiro you will find the São Jacinto Dune Nature Reserve. Here, you will also find the beach of São Jacinto, where you can swim in clear blue water. Further to the south, you can indulge in various outdoor activities near the river Mondego. Between Coimbra and Penecova, you could go kayaking on the river. Many companies also organize rafting and canyoning there.
Places of interest
- Coimbra, the historic student town with its fabulous university.
- Portugal’s most important Roman remains are found in Conímbriga.
- The monastery of Batalha, Mosteiro da Batalha – this 14th century monastery is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Also visit one of the historic towns.
- Aveiro, Venice of Portugal. Here you can take a boat trip across the lagoon.
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More regions of Portugal, Alentejo, Beiras/Centro Region, Lisbon Region, Oporto/North Region
FEATURED PROPERTIES
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| In a magnificent mountainous region in Portugal (Serra da Estrela natural park) offering splendid landscapes and remarkable flora and fauna, a charming cottage (55 m2) bordering a 3 ha property. It adjoins Casa do Feitor (03) and Casa da Cerejeira (05) an... |
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| A charming little house (41 m2) that is part of Casas do Toural, a group of 8 restored old country houses, integrated into a 3 ha property in the heart of the Serra da Estrela natural park, a magnificent mountainous region in Portugal offering splendid la... |
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| In an old 3 ha property, in the middle of the Serra da Estrela natural park, a charming house (27 m2), equipped with a great deal of taste. A magnificent mountainous region in Portugal offering splendid landscapes and remarkable flora and fauna.
On the pr... |
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| In an old 3 ha property, in the middle of the Serra da Estrela natural park, a charming house (110 m2), equipped with a great deal of taste. A magnificent mountainous region in Portugal offering splendid landscapes and remarkable flora and fauna. This hou... |
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