Centro

Travel Guide

Coimbra showing night scenes
Aveiro featuring a bay or harbour
Aveiro featuring art, heritage elements and interior views
Coimbra showing a park, flowers and a statue or sculpture
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 a city, heritage elements and landscape views

Coimbra City Centre

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Historical 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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Peniche de Cima

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Peniche de Cima might not have many top sights, but Fortaleza and Cabo Carvoeiro are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Peniche de Cima
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Água de Madeiros

Though Água de Madeiros may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sao Pedro De Muel Beach and Sao Pedro De Muel Lighthouse.

Água de Madeiros
Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro
Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro
4 out of 5
Av. Fernão de Magalhães 199, Coimbra
The price is S$86 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
S$86
10 Jul - 11 Jul
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! (650 reviews)
"I had a great stay. Hotel is conveniently placed, very good price and excellent breakfast."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro
Quinta da Lagoa
Quinta da Lagoa
2 out of 5
Lagoa, Mira
The price is S$147 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$147
9 Jul - 10 Jul
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! (78 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on 30 Oct, 2024

Quinta da Lagoa
Hotel Praia
Hotel Praia
4 out of 5
Avenida Vieira Guimaraes 39, Nazaré
The price is S$290 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
S$290
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Nazaré. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (587 reviews)
"I paid extra for a room with a balcony and the balcony basically ended up being on a rooftop where all you could see was garbage/back of other buildings. Got switched to a smaller room with a nice view thanks to staff but the other balcony view should be on expedias listing so people are aware of ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Hotel Praia
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.
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! (180 reviews)
Great location
"A comfortable spacious apartment in a great location in the centre of Aveiro. Close to all amenities and a short walk ((10 minutes) from the train station. The accommodation doesn't offer any parking however there's pay and display parking on the street if you can find a space."

Reviewed on 15 Jun, 2025

Nôma Living Avenida 60
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! (369 reviews)
"Très grand appartement la cuisine n’est pas qu’un comptoir mais une pièce à part entière. Bien équipée. Petit bémol avions appartement avec balcon et vue sur l’eau mais celui ci était très petit et la garde en béton cachait la vue une fois assis.Fenestration de grande qualité lumineux et parfait ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun, 2025

Hotel Apartamento Solverde
PenichePraia - Bungalows, Campers & Spa
PenichePraia - Bungalows, Campers & Spa
3 out of 5
Estrada Marginal Norte, S/N, Peniche, Leiria
Stay at this 3-star campground in Peniche. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Peniche Beach and Baleal Beach are ...
8/10 Very Good! (88 reviews)
"Pros: GREAT location with beautiful views right across the street from the ocean. Staff is very friendly. Loads of amenities (though you have to pay extra). Cons: Bungalows have ZERO light in the kitchen and minimal lighting in the room. We had to use our headlamp to cook. There is no way to have ..."

Reviewed on 23 Oct, 2024

PenichePraia - Bungalows, Campers & Spa
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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