Attractions - Portugal

Attractions - Lisbon

Beiras, Portugal

The Beiras region is one of tremendous contrasts combining ancient and modern, seaside and mountains, forests and plains. It is geographically divided into three areas: alto, baixa, and litoral; upper, lower, and coastal. You will be spoiled for choice with a huge selection of destinations. The city of Coimbra, ancient towns, villages, spa towns, Roman ruins, castles, monasteries and convents remain as evidence of its vast cultural and historical past. Enjoy sandy white beaches, pine forests, and wildlife reserves providing a wealth of flora and fauna. This region of Portugal will appeal to all tastes.

T he gem of the Beiras region, Coimbra overlooks the Rio Mondego and lies halfway between Porto and Lisbon. Wander through the tangled alleys of this old university town and soak up the atmosphere of days gone by. Do not miss the late 12th-century Romanesque cathedral - one of the finest in the country. And the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro offers fine collections of paintings and ceramics, especially 16th- and 17th-century Flemish and Portuguese paintings. There are some good restaurants and seductive cafés here and Coimbra offers music of all kinds, but make sure to take in the traditional fado singing that will pull at the toughest of heartstrings. Using Coimbra as a base for a couple of wonderful day trips, visit the Roman ruins at Conimbriga, the best in Portugal. And make time for a healthy visit to the spa town of Luso, where you can revive yourself with a number of different water therapies. Walk through the Bucaco Forest on the slopes of the Serra do Bucaco, a religious haven where, in mystical surroundings, you can spend a peaceful day wandering around its forest of 700 different tree species, including Mexican cedars, giant ferns and ginkgo trees.

I f it’s the sea you fancy, make your way to the largely unspoilt Atlantic coastline. Take advantage of some great surf or visit the casino in the old-fashioned resort and fishing port of Figueira da Foz - one of the country’s most popular resorts. Sample the local cuisine in one of the many bars and restaurants. In the Upper Beira area Pinhel still has its original walls and two towers from the 14th-century castle. There are Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance churches and some attractive old town houses with wrought-iron balconies in its main square.

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