| Beiras hotels |
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Charming and romantic Beiras hotels, rural retreats, boutique hotels, luxury hotels, romantic getaways, small hotels, bed & breakfasts
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Choose from our selection of romantic and charming Beiras hotels and accommodation by clicking on the map or list on the right. These will highlight a wide selection of Beiras hotels, including romantichotels, quintas, bed & breakfasts, amongst others. Whatever your taste, we’ll help you find that perfect getaway.
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| Click on hotel icons on map or see all Beiras hotels |
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| All hotels have been personally visited by member of our management. ask our advice |
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The Beiras stretch from the Portuguese coast right up to the Spanish border on the east, and take in three provinces with stunning interior landscapes. Beira Alta, to the north, is a succession of small hills surrounding the Serra da Estrela – at some 2000 metres the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. The Beira Litoral, as the name implies, goes up to the coast and takes in some beautiful countryside and the well-known white sandy beach of Figueira da Foz, the ancient university town of Coimbra as well as a number of interesting thermal resorts. The Beira Baixa, to the south, is probably the least well known of the Beiras, yet possesses some wonderful historic sites such as Monsanto, considered to be the “oldest and most typical Portuguese village” and the attractive town of Castelo Branco (White Castle).
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| The three Beiras may not be that well known to the outside world, but they have traditionally been of great commercial and strategic importance to Portugal. The Beira Alta developed out of the Roman commercial routes, although they did not establish themselves there to the same degree as in the Beira Litoral. Here, they left the magnificent ruins of Conimbriga, which later gave its name to the university city of Coimbra. In fact, the university, which was founded in 1290, is the oldest and most prestigious in Portugal and is still held in the same esteem as Oxbridge is in Britain or Salamanca in Spain. The city of Coimbra also lays claim to once having been the capital of Portugal, from 1143 to 1255, before handing over the baton to Lisbon as the Christian armies pushed southwards. |
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Fiestas
The Beiras are a traditional and family orientated region and the celebration of traditional festivals, whether religious or secular, is of great importance. Some notable occasions include the: Queima das Fitas (Burning of the Ribbons) in Coimbra, during May. It is a joyful student occasion. The Rainha Santa Festivities, also in Coimbra, take place in July. In September, Buçaco holds the Celebrations of the Battle of Buçaco (1810), when Napoleon suffered his first serious setback in his Peninsula campaign, whilst the Festivity of the Crosses is held in Monsanto, in May. In September, many people also flock to the São Mateus Fair in Viseu. It is a wide ranging fare taking in all sorts of activities, including an agricultural show, folkdancing, music and even the occasional bullfight. Many other celebrations are held throughout the region, particulary during the summer months. Finding one is not too difficult, with many local restaurants and cafés showing posters.
Handicrafts
As a mainly agricultural region where many activities are still made in time honoured fashion the role of the artisan is still strong. Handicrafts include porcelain, hand-painted ceramics from Coimbra, glass and crystal, embroidered silk bedspreads from Castelo Branco, ceramics and black pottery, lace as well as copper and wrought iron works. Many of these products can be purchased at excellent prices in the numerous fairs that seem to abound in this region.
Monuments
Coimbra’s status as a past capital has helped leave an impressive array of monuments. These include the “Old” Cathedral, one of the finest examples of a fortress church in Romanesque style in the country, with a notable 13th century cloister, and the “New” Cathedral a 17th century church built in the Mannerist style. Coimbra University Tower goes back to 1728 and is seen as a symbol of the city. It stands at 34 metres high and is richly decorated with a narrow spiral staircase leading to the upper storeys. The interesting Cathedral in Viseu still retains the appearance of a fortified building though later alterations can be seen, particularly the 17th century façade and the 18th century decoration on top of the bell towers. Archaeologists amongst you will surely enjoy the Roman complex at Conimbriga, one of the most important archaeological Roman sites in Portugal. The mosaic pavements are especially noteworthy.
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| The gastronomy of the Beiras is traditionally rich; meat dishes seasoned with wine and garlic are typical of the region’s cuisine. Other representative dishes include leitão à Bairrada (sucking-pig - particularly good in Mealhada) roast buck and all sorts of game cooked in traditional pots. The cheese is absolutely delicious and includes the queijo da serra (mountain cheese) from the Estrela Mountain - made from goats milk and widely considered to be the best cheese in the whole of Portugal. The wines are delightful too. The Dão, for example, is one of the finest and most historic wine producing regions in the country and particularly famous for its robust reds. |
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| The winter months can get extremely cold in the Beiras, particularly in the Serra da Estrela region where temperatures can reach below zero - so come prepared. Snow, for example, is not unheard of here. In fact, the peak of the mountain contains Portugal’s only, albeit very modest, ski resort. By contrast, the summer months are rather hot. Be sure also to try the delicious “Queijo da Serra”, Portugal’s finest cheese comes from here. |
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