The Central Region of ​​Portugal offers a natural link between the fresh green fields of the North and the warm, dry plains of the South. Cut by small rivers, dotted with high mountains and deep valleys, the landscape is rich in pine and eucalyptus forests, on the coast some of the best beaches in southern Europe. Rising to 1,993 meters of altitude, the peak of Serra da Estrela is the highest point of mainland Portugal.

Gastronomy
In addition to its great beauty, the Centro region is one of the most parts of Portugal where the gastronomy is more diverse, based on regional and often seasonal products. This is what happens, for example, with the eel stew and the numerous ways of grilling meats and seafood.

Most of the most typical dishes of Portugal can be found in this area, such as the tasty fish soups, sole, cooked hake, spider crab and crabs, liver, hunting dishes and tender onion steaks.
Those who visit the old University of Coimbra cannot fail to try the Chanfana, stewed goat in red wine, or enjoy the delicious pastries.

The most famous dish in Central Portugal is, however, leitão (piglet), typical of Mealhada and Bairrada. The fresh trout is an ex-libris from Covilhã, a picturesque town on the slopes of Serra da Estrela, where we can also find the fantastic Serra da Estrela cheese made from sheep's milk.

Must visit
The main city of the region is Coimbra, where six kings were born and the oldest Portuguese university is located - and considered the second oldest in the world. Its cathedral (called the Old Cathedral) is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. The archaeological center of Conímbriga, south of Coimbra, reveals evidence of Roman occupation dating from the 2nd century BC. With its salt marshes and Venice-style canals, Aveiro is another city in the Central region not to be missed.

Main attractions
Cathedral Square, Viseu
Serra da Estrela
Monsanto Village

Guarda, the highest city in Portugal
Figueira da Foz beach

Old town and the University of Coimbra

 
Main events and festivities
 
• Ria Festival - Aveiro - July, August
• Rainha Santa Festival - Coimbra - July
• Queima das Fitas - Coimbra - May
• Paragliding Festival - Linhares da Beira - August
• The Holy Santa Cruz Festival - Monsanto - May

• Citemor - Montemor-o-Velho Festival - July, August
• São Mateus Fair - Viseu - August, September