Serra da Estrela & Central Portugal

Coimbra, once the capital of Portugal, is now a vibrant university city on the Mondego River, its character strongly shaped by its historic university. The Universidade de Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dominates the cityscape with its magnificent architecture and the world-renowned Biblioteca Joanina. You can explore the narrow, winding streets of the Upper Town, which lead to the university and the Romanesque Sé Velha. In the Baixa, the Lower Town, traditional shops and cafes invite you to linger while you observe daily life. Coimbra is also the birthplace of its own Fado style, often performed by students, characterized by its profound melancholy. For an authentic experience, you should visit a Fado performance in the evening and explore the historic Old Town on foot. The best time to visit is spring or autumn, to experience the city without the greatest summer heat or the student hustle and bustle of exam periods.

Covilhã, nestled on the southern slopes of the Serra da Estrela, is a historic hub of the Portuguese textile industry and a gateway to Continental Portugal's highest mountain range. The city combines its industrial past with a vibrant university culture. In the historic centre, you'll discover narrow alleys lined with traditional houses and impressive murals, which are part of an urban art route. The Museu dos Lanifícios, housed in former factory premises of the University of Beira Interior, highlights the historical significance of wool for the region. For a comprehensive overview of the city and the surrounding mountain landscape, the viewpoint at the Igreja de Santa Maria is ideal. The ideal time to visit Covilhã is spring or autumn, to leisurely explore both the city and the nature of the Serra da Estrela.

Welcome to Belmonte, a historic gem in Portugal's Serra da Estrela region! Here, where the famous navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral was born, a fascinating blend unfolds before you: Roman antiquity, medieval tradition of castle lords, and the unique, still-vibrant history of a Jewish community that lived hidden for centuries. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere that is equally authentic, poignant, and deeply inviting.