Sitting pretty between the Douro and Tagus rivers, oft-overlooked Beiras is a richly diverse district of central Portugal. In this under-the-radar region, you’ll find the best of Portugal’s natural and cultural landscapes—exploring the rugged Atlantic coastline, medieval villages, towering mountains, and vineyards are some of the best things to do in Beiras. It’s also home to the Serra da Estrela, the country’s second-highest peak; the 13th-century Coimbra University, one of the oldest in the world; Aveiro, nicknamed the Venice of Portugal; and the world-famous pilgrimage site of Fatima.
Even though Beiras experiences nowhere near the same amount of crowds as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, summers can be extremely hot and uncomfortable— especially if you’re staying more inland in Beira Alta or Baixa. Visit in May, June, September, or October for cooler climes ideal for outdoor exploration. In June, the medieval town of Coimbra erupts into celebrations that honor patron saints and historical heritage, so expect a joyous atmosphere then.
The region is split into three sections—Beira Alta, Beira Baixa, and Beira Litoral. Trains stop at major towns in the Litoral coastal region, such as Coimbra and Aveiro, and continue north or south of Portugal via Porto and Lisbon. You can take a coach operated by FlixBus or ALSA to smaller towns such as Fatima and Castelo Branco, which aren’t on the train route. Hiring a car is the best option if you want to explore Beira Alta and Beira Baixa.
No visit to Beiras would be complete without visiting two of the region’s highlights: Aveiro and Batalha. The winding waterways and Art nouveau architecture of Aveiro have earned it the nickname of the Venice of Portugal—but you won’t have to jostle for space among the crowds in this hidden gem. Nearby, Batalha Monastery (Mosteiro da Batalha) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the resting place of Portuguese royalty. It’s surrounded by a quaint town ideal for wanders and snacking on Portuguese specialties.
