Centro

Travel Guide

Coimbra featuring night scenes
Aveiro District featuring a bay or harbor
Aveiro District which includes art, heritage elements and interior views
Coimbra showing a park, a statue or sculpture and flowers
Coimbra University which includes a sunset and a square or plaza

Discover Portugal’s central region, a place of dramatic landscapes, ancient buildings, stunning beaches and a historic canal city.

In the geographic heart of Portugal is the Centro region, stretching from the sandy beaches of its Atlantic coastline to a green interior dotted with mountains, historic towns and medieval castles. Visit one of the oldest cities in the country, hike and climb mountains or make the pilgrimage to a holy site.

Explore Portugal's mountainous center with a visit to Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Hike through green meadows and on marked trails that lead deep into the mountains. Spot local wildlife including otters, foxes and golden eagles. During the winter, ski in the Serra da Estrela Mountains where you'll find Portugal's only ski resort. Go bird watching at Tejo International Natural Park, home to more than 150 bird species that include eagles, vultures and kingfishers. Visit the ruins of the old village of Alares while exploring the area.

Centro’s spectacular natural scenery extends to the region's coastline. Head to the popular resort of Figueira de Foz to see one of the widest beaches in Europe.

Less than a 1-hour drive east of here you’ll find one of Portugal's oldest cities, Coimbra, which served as the country's capital during the 12th and 13th centuries. See historic buildings, including the 12th-century Old Cathedral, the 16th-century New Cathedral and the Arco de Almedina, once part of the city's medieval wall.

Join Catholic pilgrims in Fátima, where it is believed the Virgin Mary appeared to three young shepherd children in 1917. Consequently, the Sanctuary of Fátima has become one of the most revered Catholic shrines and pilgrim sites in the world.

Spend some time in Aveiro, known as the Portuguese Venice for canals that weave their way through the city. Get on board a long narrow boat called a moliceiro and glide past grand art nouveau buildings.

Among Centro's cultural highlights are the medieval castle of Castelo Branco and the 12th-century Monastery of Alcobaça, a Gothic masterpiece.

Reach Portugal's Centro region by flying into the airports at PortoOpens in a new window, LisbonOpens in a new window or Faro before renting a car or taking buses to travel around the Portuguese interior.

Where to stay in Centro

Velha Cathedral which includes heritage elements, a city and landscape views

Coimbra City Centre

Historic sites, river views, and bars are some highlights of Coimbra City Centre. Make a stop by Santa Cruz Church or Old Cathedral of Coimbra while you're exploring.

Coimbra City Centre
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Casalinho

While visiting Casalinho, you might make a stop by sights like Obidos Lagoon and Praia do Bom Sucesso.

Casalinho
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Serra da Pescaria

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Serra da Pescaria and surrounding area, you can visit Nazaré Port and Nazaré Beach.

Serra da Pescaria
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Vale Furado

If you're spending some time in Vale Furado, Vale Furado Beach and Mina Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Vale Furado
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Castelo do Bode

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Castelo do Bode and surrounding area, you can visit Castelo de Bode Dam and Aldeia Do Mato River Beach.

Castelo do Bode
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Peniche de Cima

While Peniche de Cima isn't home to many top sights, Peniche Beach and Fortaleza are some notable places to visit nearby.

Peniche de Cima
Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro

Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro

4 out of 5
Av. Fernão de Magalhães 199, Coimbra
The price is P3,698 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
P3,698
P4,053 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Edificio Chiado ...
7.6/10 Good! (668 reviews)
"Breakfast was mediocre"

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro
Quinta da Lagoa

Quinta da Lagoa

2 out of 5
Lagoa, Mira
The price is P6,143 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P6,143
P6,511 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Mira. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Popular attraction Praia de Mira Beach is located nearby.
8.2/10 Very Good! (85 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Quinta da Lagoa
Lux Fátima Park - Hotel, Suites & Residence

Lux Fátima Park - Hotel, Suites & Residence

4 out of 5
Av. D. José Alves Correia da Silva, Urb. das Azinheiras Lt.4, Ourem
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,331 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P5,331
P5,651 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ourem. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (215 reviews)
"Amazing. Big room and clean"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Lux Fátima Park - Hotel, Suites & Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Apartamento Solverde

Hotel Apartamento Solverde

4 out of 5
Rua 21, n.º 77, Espinho
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Espinho. Enjoy free WiFi, a casino, and room service. Popular attractions Espinho Beach and Casino Espinho are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (378 reviews)
Sand and water
"Right by the beach. One can swim and come back for a shower. There are lots of good restaurants close by. Staff was very friendly."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Hotel Apartamento Solverde
Nôma Living Avenida 60

Nôma Living Avenida 60

3 out of 5
Avenida Dr Lourenço Peixinho n60, Aveiro
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Aveiro. Enjoy free WiFi, cable TV channels, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Costa Nova Beach and Friendship Ties Bridge ...
9/10 Wonderful! (192 reviews)
"The 1-bedroom apartment was excellent, spacious enough for our family of 4 (kids slept on the pull out couch and said it was very comfortable!!) Perfect location, beautiful view of the canal!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Nôma Living Avenida 60
SOPHIA STUDIOS

SOPHIA STUDIOS

4 out of 5
R. Sofia 37, Coimbra, Coimbra
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (135 reviews)
Just perfect - highly recommended place to stay
"We had the Deluxe Studio and as soon as we arrived we could see how immaculate it was. Bright, beautifully decorated, clean, perfect size for a short stay, fridge/freezer a huge bonus, good size bathroom, table and chairs good for eating and playing cards, nice balcony view to the outside, easy to ..."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

SOPHIA STUDIOS
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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