Central Region - Região Centro
Located in the center of Portugal, the Região Centro is the heart of the country and offers interesting destinations for every holidaymaker. It comprises eight sub-regions and forms the transition from the green north to the cultural center of Lisbon.
With its impressive variety of landscapes, historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and culinary specialties, the Região Centro offers a perfect balance between nature, culture and enjoyment.
The vibrant city of Coimbra, known for its historic university and wonderful library, offers not only an insight into the lively student culture, but also into the history of Portugal. Equally impressive is the city of Aveiro, often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal”. With its picturesque canals, traditional Moliceiro boats and colorful houses, it casts a spell over visitors. Not to be forgotten is Viseu, known for its historic old town, medieval cathedral and its connection to Dão wine.

The Região Centro is also famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, which are located on the Silver Coast. Here you will find quiet places to relax or ideal conditions for water sports. The beaches have everything to offer. Another highlight is the Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in Portugal. It offers impressive landscapes and a variety of activities such as hiking and cycling.
The area is a paradise for foodies. Traditional dishes such as the famous Leitão da Bairrada (suckling pig), which is prepared in the Bairrada region, or the sweet delicacies such as the Pastéis de Tentúgal or the Ovos Moles from Aveiro are well-known and popular. The Região Centro is also known for its wines, especially the Dão wines, which are appreciated for their elegance and quality.
Discover the Região Centro

"Venice of Portugal" - it just sounds like a place you shouldn't miss. We took the train to Aveiro for a day trip in beautiful sunshine.

Welcome to Coimbra, the capital of Portugal … not the current capital, but the capital of the years 1139 to 1256. 48 hours in Coimbra were barely enough for us to discover the lively student city properly.
Travel information
Arrival
By plane
The nearest international airport is in Lisbon. From there you can either rent a car or take the train to get to the Região Centro. Alternatively, there are flights to Porto, from where you can easily reach the Região Centro by train or car.
On the way in...
By train
The Portuguese railroad company “Comboios de Portugal” offers regular train connections between the largest cities of the Região Centro and the surrounding regions. Coimbra, one of the largest cities in the region, is an important hub in the train network. Trains run regularly between Coimbra and other major cities such as Porto and Lisbon.
By Bus
Several bus companies such as “Rede Expressos” and “Rodonorte” offer services in the region. You can take buses to get to beaches, historical sites, mountains and other tourist destinations in the region.
On foot
GR22 – Rota das Aldeias Históricas (Route of Historical Villages):
This 565-kilometer circular trail takes you through 12 historic villages in the mountains of Serra da Estrela and Serra da Malcata. Along this route you can explore some of the oldest villages in Portugal, built because of their strategic location on the borders of the country. You can discover the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage, picturesque landscapes and traditional Portuguese architecture.
Caminho Português da Costa (Portuguese Coastal Path):
While not exclusively located in the Região Centro, this trail runs along the coast of Portugal and passes through parts of the region. One of the routes of the famous Way of St. James, this trail begins in Porto, runs along the beautiful coastal landscapes of northern Portugal, and ends in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Best time to visit
Die Região Centro kann das ganze Jahr über besucht werden. Die Sommermonate (Juni bis August) sind ideal für Strand- und Wassersportliebhaber, während der Frühling (April bis Juni) und der Herbst (September bis November) mit milderem Wetter ideal für Outdoor-Aktivitäten wie Wandern und Radfahren sind. Der Winter in der Serra da Estrela bietet Skifahrern und Snowboardern Schnee und Spaß.