A PLACE OF HISTORY
You will never be bored
NATURE
CULTURE
GASTRONOMY
It is hard to find a region in Portugal that has such a rich historical, religious, cultural and natural heritage as this central region. Here, between the mountains and the sea, you will find beaches, caves, castles, the Atlantic Road bike path and a magnificent World Heritage Site monastery. One thing is certain: there is plenty here for everyone to explore and delight in!
Nature
After the historic cities, we move on to the walking trails of the Serra de Aire and Serra de Candeeiros mountains which challenge you to discover unique places, landscapes and animals.
But this is not the only natural paradise you can explore here. The Pinhal de Leiria, Mata do Urso, Serra de Sicó and Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros are just some of the areas in the region which offer a number of hiking trails that take adventurers to the local natural cultural heritage.
And if you are really set on being an explorer, you must visit the Moeda, Santo António, Alvados and Mira de Aire caves on your tour.
Here in this central region of Portugal, the hardest thing will be to decide where to start exploring!
Not far from here, you can stroll around the cloisters of the monastery in Batalha - a World Heritage Site that tells the story of a great victory in battle, visit the historic university city of Coimbra, get to know Our Lady of Fatima and the world-famous story of the Fátima miracles, see the picturesque little town of Óbidos, the town of Nazaré - home to world surfing records, the cool Bucaço mountain range where the Napoleanic invasions took place, the traditional Portuguese-style resort of Figueira da Foz or Convento de Cristo in Tomar.
You are actually in the center of Portugal so you can wind up your visit with a trip to northern cities such as Oporto, Aveiro or Braga, or travel south to discover Lisbon. The richness of the natural, cultural and religious heritage of this region makes it one of the most desirable for even the most demanding travelers.
Culture
Gastronomy
And the cherry on the cake? Delicious regional cuisine! You should try Morcela de Arroz, Arroz de Marisco, Feijoada de Chocos, Cabrito Estufado or Cabrito Assado, Ensopado de Borrego, Friginada, Leitão Boa Vista, Migas Serranas and Chicarros. Arroz de Sarrabulho and Torresmos are a must.
[English translations: Blood Pudding with Rice, Seafood Rice, Cuttlefish and Bean Stew, Roast Kid or Kid Stew, Lamb Stew, Fried Pork Innards, Boa Vista Suckling Pig, Serranas Bread Stew and Horse Mackerel. Pork Blood and Meat Stew, and Fried Pork Crackling]
Put the finishing touch to your culinary adventure with a Brisa do Lis, Cavacas do Reguengo de Fetal, Pudim de Batalha or a Biscoito do Louriçal or one of the many other tempting sweets.
And why not try tasty Rabaçal cheese or goat cheese, wheat bread or corn bread cooked in a wood oven?