Exceptional Wines — The Dão and Bairrada wine regions are producing some of Portugal's most exciting and elegant wines, made from indigenous grape varieties shaped by granite soils and Atlantic breezes. This is wine country for those who love to go beyond the obvious.
Overview
Between Porto and Lisbon lies a Portugal that most travellers never stop to discover. A region of extraordinary contrasts, where the snow capped peaks of Serra da Estrela give way to rolling vineyards, medieval walled cities, and a coastline that stretches from the lively canals of Aveiro to the dramatic cliffs of the Silver Coast.
This is the Portugal of Coimbra's ancient university and its hauntingly beautiful Fado, of Óbidos frozen in medieval time, of the Dão and Bairrada wines that are slowly captivating the world's most discerning palates. It is a region that rewards curiosity, where every detour leads to something unexpected and every village carries a story centuries in the making.
At Vinitur, we know these roads well. And we are ready to take you down them.
Why Center of Portugal?
Hidden Treasures — From the schist villages of the Aldeias do Xisto clinging to the hillsides of Serra da Lousã, to the UNESCO listed university city of Coimbra and the perfectly preserved medieval walls of Óbidos, the Centre of Portugal offers a depth of discovery that few regions in Europe can match.
Nature & Adventure — Home to the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, the Serra da Estrela, and to landscapes that shift from river valleys to wild coastlines within a single day's drive. Whether on foot, by bike, or by rail, the Centre of Portugal is one of the country's great adventure destinations.
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Experiences we’ve created
Center of Portugal facts
- Home to Coimbra, one of Europe's oldest universities, founded in 1290 and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The Dão and Bairrada wine regions produce some of Portugal's most elegant and age worthy wines.
- Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, home to Portugal's only indigenous cheese with protected designation of origin.
- Aveiro, known as the Portuguese Venice, is famous for its colourful Moliceiro boats and its unique Art Nouveau architecture.
- Óbidos is one of Portugal's most beautifully preserved medieval towns, enclosed entirely within ancient walls.
- The Aldeias do Xisto are a network of traditional schist stone villages nestled in the valleys of central Portugal, celebrated for their authenticity and natural beauty.
Center of Portugal Awards
- Coimbra, UNESCO World Heritage Property.
- Fátima, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world.
- Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal and a protected natural park.
- Aldeias Históricas de Portugal, a network of twelve medieval villages recognised for their outstanding heritage.
- Bairrada, one of Portugal's most awarded wine regions, home to some of the country's finest sparkling wines.
The Essence of Travel
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What our guests say about us
Company name
Geertrui Hofmans
"The last stage before Porto had a very nice scenery and good quality bicycle roads. I also enjoyed the combination with the ferry. The scenery from Porto to Compostela and the 'cyclable' routes there through the woods."
March of 2023
Company name
Geertrui Hofmans
"Good contact, good bikes, good wine & dine."
January of 2021
Company name
Geertrui Hofmans
"Back from our bike trip from Porto to Lissabon. We enjoy it very much. Thank you for the good organization."
March of 2023
Company name
Geertrui Hofmans
"The last stage before Porto had a very nice scenery and good quality bicycle roads. I also enjoyed the combination with the ferry. The scenery from Porto to Compostela and the 'cyclable' routes there through the woods."
March of 2023
Contact us
Every great journey begins with a conversation. Tell us what you have in mind, and we will take care of everything else.