The Best Hotels in Central Portugal Handpicked by JO&SO (2023)

Where is Central Portugal?

Central Portugal is a region located in the central part of Portugal, between the northern and southern regions. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and shares boundaries with the regions of Norte, Alentejo, and Lisbon to the north, east, and south, respectively. The major cities in Central Portugal include Coimbra, Aveiro, Viseu, Leiria, and Castelo Branco.

Which towns in Central Portugal are worth exploring?

Central Portugal highlights include the Serra da Estrela mountain range (the highest in mainland Portugal), the medieval town of Óbidos, the historic city of Coimbra, and the coastal surfing town of Nazaré - famous for its gigantic waves. Other interesting towns and cities in Central Portugal that are worth exploring include Aveiro, Viseu, Leiria, and Castelo Branco.

What are the typical dishes of Central Portugal gastronomy?

Some of Central Portugal's typical dishes include Queijo da Serra da Estrela (ewe's milk cheese), Coelho à Caçador (rabbit stew), Leitão à Bairrada (roast suckling pig), Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice), Bacalhau à Lagareiro (oven-baked codfish with olive oil), Chanfana (slow-cooked goat or lamb stew), Açorda de Marisco (seafood bread stew), and Pasteis de Tentúgal (flaky sweet pastries).

Which airports serve Central Portugal?

Central Portugal is served by Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) and Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO). There are a few smaller regional airports, such as Coimbra Airport (Aeroporto Bissaya Barreto - CBP) and Viseu Airport (Aeródromo Gonçalves Lobato - VSE), mainly serving general and private aviation. However, Sevenair offers daily charter flights from Viseu to Lisbon Cascais-Tejo Regional Airport (Cascais Municipal Aerodrome).

What is the weather like in Central Portugal?

Central Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm to hot summers. In winter, temperatures range from around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), while summer temperatures can reach highs of 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). The Serra da Estrela mountain range experiences colder temperatures and often receives snowfall during winter, attracting winter sports enthusiasts.