To discover

Third-largest city in economic terms, just behind Lisbon and Porto, the historic university town of Coimbra is rich in history and tradition. The capital of the country until 1255, the city saw the birth of no fewer than six kings in its former palace, now home to the country’s oldest university and one of the oldest in Europe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Joanina Library, with over 300,000 books, is also a place to discover.
https://www.centerofportugal.com/article/perfect-for-families

Aveiro, also known as Portugal’s Little Venice, is a charming town with Art Nouveau architecture and canals crossed by the famous moliceiros boats.

Not far from Aveiro is Costa Nova, known for its beaches and traditional striped houses known as ‘palheiros’.
https://www.centerofportugal.com/destination/aveiro

For wine lovers, there are many cellar and winery visits where you can sample the wines of the Bairrada region (DOC).

The vineyards of the Bairrada region cover 10,000 hectares, very close to the sea and dominated by the Baga grape variety. A sparkling wine, ‘Espumante’, has been produced here since 1890.

Bussaco is the starting point for a beautiful walk in the heart of nature, in a deep forest where 700 species of plants, planted by Carmelite monks, live side by side. The walk continues with a visit to the Palace Hotel du Bussaco, one of the most beautiful neo-Manuélin buildings in Portugal, converted into a luxury hotel in 1917.
https://www.centerofportugal.com/poi/bussaco-woods

There are many beaches not far from here. Take advantage of these vast, natural and wild landscapes! The region’s beaches are ideal for surfing and long walks.
https://www.centerofportugal.com/tour/sunny-sandy-beaches-in-center-of-portugal

The town of Fatima is world-famous for its major sanctuary, which attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world every year. A major place of pilgrimage for Catholics, Fatima owes its fame to the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917.
https://www.centerofportugal.com/destination/fatima

The city of Tomar is a must-see destination for anyone interested in medieval history. Founded in 1160 by the Order of the Templars, Tomar is an immersion in the fascinating world of knights, crusades and religious heritage.

The highlight of Tomar is definitely the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural masterpiece symbolises both the power of the Knights Templar and the transition to the Order of Christ, created in the 14th century.
https://www.centerofportugal.com/destination/tomar?hl=en-IN

The Royal Abbey of Santa Maria d’Alcobaça, also known as the Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 1178 and is one of Portugal’s most emblematic monuments.

It represents one of the earliest expressions of Gothic art in Portugal. Its austere, monumental architecture reflects the principles of simplicity and devotion of the Cistercian monks.
https://www.portugal.fr/Decouverte-dAlcobaca.html

The monastery of Batalha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Gothic masterpiece and a true architectural treasure. Its construction was ordered by King John I in 1385, to honour the decisive victory of Portuguese troops over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota. This victory was not just a military one: it consolidated Portugal’s independence.
https://www.centerofportugal.com/destination/batalha?mdrv=www.centerofportugal.com

Nazaré, a Portuguese town transformed into a world surfing arena. From November to March, it’s time for big waves, offering a huge natural spectacle.

In February 2023, the world record was surpassed: a surfer tackled a 28.57 metre wave!
https://www.centerofportugal.com/destination/nazare