Parador de Casa da Insua (Portugal)

CENTRAL PORTUGAL

Portugal’s Central Region was formerly known as ‘Beiras’, the traditional name for the area between the country’s two great rivers – the Douro and the Tejo (Tagus).

The region is bordered by the neighbouring Regions of Porto & the North, and the Alentejo and Lisbon & the Tagus Valley to the south, Spain – Castilla y León and Extremadura – to the east and by the Atlantic in the west.

This is a region of contrasts with the largely flat Atlantic coastline with its white sandy beaches, pine forests and temperate climate giving way towards the interior to hills and mountains culminating in the ‘Serra da Estrela’, the highest mountain range within mainland Portugal. The region’s main river, the Mondego, has its source here, eventually reaching the Atlantic at Figueira da Foz after flowing through Coimbra, the principal city of this region. The region’s rural interior offers wonderful landscapes, notably within the Serra da Estrela National Park; glacial lakes and crystal-clear spring waters with spa towns such as Curia and Luso; ancient forests and dense woodlands on the mountain slopes, and many historic little towns and villages almost hidden away.

The medieval city of Coimbra in the east of the region and roughly mid-way between Lisbon and Porto is home to Portugal’s – and one of Europe’s – oldest university, known in particular for its sumptuous Baroque library. This is a monumental city: near the university is the Old Cathedral (Romanesque) and in the ancient streets with their medieval walls, arches and stairways are the 12th century Santa Cruz monastery, the 13th century Celas monastery and, on the river bank, the Baroque 17th century convent of Santa Clara-a-Nova. Some 10 miles to the south of Coimbra is Conímbriga, the site of the most important Roman remains in Portugal.

Other notable historic towns include Belmonte, and medieval Guarda and Castelo Branco, all in the west of the region; the coastal town of Aveiro with its lagoon, canals and typical ‘moliceiro’ boats; and towards the centre of the region Viseu with its traditional stone architecture, medieval buildings and further Roman remains.

The cuisine of this region is varied, with fish and seafood naturally predominating along the coastline. In the interior, roast suckling pig and lamb stews are particularly delicious regional specialities along with varieties of sausage, smoked meats and locally produced cheeses from the Serra da Estrela, Alcains and Castelo Branco.

This is a wine-growing region with a long tradition – the full-bodied Dão red wines are known internationally (recommended are those from Quinta da Pellada, Quinta dos Roques and Quinta de Sães), and Bairrada table and sparkling wines are also known for their quality.