This is why you should go to central Portugal (+ tips)
Oh Portugal, you are so beautiful. Not just the Algarve or Lisbon, but Central Portugal. You may not think about it that often, but you really should go there for a holiday. You can enjoy walking, cycling and good food. Really good food. Hotels, yes, there are a lot of them, and not the least. Central Portugal is the place for your holiday.
In any case, a light comes on in your mind when we say Portugal, the Algarve or Lisbon. Perhaps Faro also comes to mind, but when we talk about central Portugal there may be some question marks. We understand, this is the least touristy part of the country.
But it is very extensive. The largest region in Portugal to be precise. You have the sea, culture and a lot of nature. What to do? And where to start? We have all the nice addresses, cities and nature tips for you here.
Kleine sneak peak of the tips below: the Serra da Estrela mountain range is a fairy tale. You'll find all kinds outdoor activities, like 14 hiking trails and 4 mountain bike trails. We will explain what else you can do later in this article.
Perhaps not the coziest town in this region, but Viseu has been declared the Portuguese city with the highest quality of life. So lots of green. Wonderful for a walk through the historic center along Adro da Sé, the square in front of the cathedral.
But then there are actually two aspects why Viseu is on this list. The first is Viseu Pousada. A wonderful hotel, from where you can easily discover the region. And visit the former São Teotónio Hospital. Here you have a beautiful view of the historic city center. In particular the spa, the heated indoor swimming pool and the kids club (doublel hurray for a kids club) do not disappoint. And then Restaurante De Raiz, just outside the city, but definitely worth a visit. Here you can enjoy traditional dishes based on grandmother's recipe.
Winding paths, boulders and above all tranquility; we are in the Serra da Estrela. The highest mountain in mainland Portugal and highlight of central Portugal. The glacier is the only place in the country where you can ski in winter. You can also walk, you don't have to get on slats. Then of course we also owe you an explanation as to why it is at least as beautiful in the summer. Mountain villages galore. And the river beaches also make it very pleasant. So there is Praia Fluvial de Loriga in the glacial valley of Loriga. This beach, with crystal clear water (very cold, but cooling down is also nice) is surrounded by the most beautiful nature. During the official summer bathing period in July and August you will even find a café, a lifeguard and a lot of picnic benches. Praia Fluvial da Lapa dos Dinheiros is also a river beach if you are looking for more of this.
We promised you hotels, and not the least. Then we talk about, among other things Casas da Lapa, Nature & Spa Hotel. If you really want to relax, then you know that you will succeed in this hotel. Walking into a village in the evening for some fun is probably not an option, but then again that is not necessary in such a hotel that provides you with all the comforts.
We talk about this hotel with great praise and we also explain why. The mountain resort is located in Lapa dos Dinheiros and is a typical case of small but nice. This property features 7 rooms and 8 suites, a spa with tailor-made aromatherapy, 3 swimming pools (an indoor pool and 2 panoramic outdoor pools) and a restaurant specialized in regional cuisine. And those suites with two floors and a terrace with fantastic views, that's what we sign up for.
The hotel is located approximately 7 km from Seia and northwest of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
And not one, but two hotels that you should not miss in this region. If you ask us. A few nights in Casas da Lapa and then on to Casa de São Lourenço. This hotel requires some more explanation. The five-star hotel in the Serra da Estrela region, has panoramic views over the glacial valley and was designed in 1940 by the architect Rogério de Azevedo,
The hotel has 17 rooms and 4 suites, which are located at an altitude of 1250 meters and are all different. New meets old in the interior. So the rooms are never the same, but they have two things in common. They are full of wool. Wool? Yep, that's because of the Burel Factory. The hotel is inspired by this wool factory. Using the same machines and traditional equipment from the time when the industry was still made by hand, work continues today. This ensures unique, different and high-quality fabrics and this is reflected in the hotel. With the slippers you receive, with the rug on the bed, but also in the restaurant.
And the restaurant, we could write a separate article about that. Because oh, oh, oh how heavenly this is. The walls are made of decorations from the wool factory. Provides a magical feeling. Especially when it is evening.
With fresh and local ingredients on the menu. Would you like a matching wine? No problem. The host and sommelier are knowledgeable and are happy to help you. Don't skip breakfast, because we still dream about that. Although we were mainly distracted by the view.
And then the last reason we don't actually want to go home: the surroundings. There are daily walks organized from the hotel. All this with a guide and for as long as you want, because that is what is on offer hiking trails is big.
For a change, another village in between. But pinky promise, this one is really nice. Belmonte so, not big but it radiates friendliness. An important village for the Jewish community, with a rich history. That doesn't change the fact that you can do a lot. There is an olive oil museum and a cheese museum.
Not big, but easy to combine with a bike ride. It starts in Sortelha and ends in Belmonte and that is sometimes quite a challenge, but we will give you a good lunch spot in return below. For example, you can do this via A2Z Adventures.
For that good lunch, or dinner of course, you have to go a kilometer further than Belmonte. Bee Pousada do Convento de Belmonte to be precise.
There is a target group for chic dining in Portugal. And if you want to add even more luxury to your holiday, then you've come to the right place Lemos Mesa exactly in the right place. You should actually take a look there just for the architecture and the surroundings. Quinta de Lemos is a vineyard, a winery, and we also think the Mesa de Lemos restaurant is a very nice address.
Mesa de Lemos has even been awarded a Michelin star and we understand that, surrounded by peaceful mountains, with a fantastic interior and the menu is truly amazing. Chef Diogo Rocha, a resident of the region, is responsible for the cooking skills. Creativity and respect for the products are central, with a lot of attention for our own wine, olive oil and vegetables.
