Central Portugal

Once a tiny village in the hills of Santarém between Lisbon and Oporto, Fátima is now town of around 10,000 people globally renowned for the religious visions which took place here in 1917 and which have made it an important pilgrimage centre for the Catholic faith. Interestingly, given its now super strong links to the Catholic Church, name Fátima itself originates from a Moorish girl’s name.

In terms of historic significance and romantic beauty, Coimbra is second only to Lisbon and Oporto. Its ancient buildings cling to the side of the hill that rises above the curves of the river Mondego, the ornate buildings of the famous University of Coimbra are its crowning glory.

The origins of the spa town of Caldas da Rainha lie in a journey made by the 15th century Queen Leonor to her father-in-law’s funeral in neighbouring Batalha. Upon coming across peasants apparently bathing in unpleasantly smelling water, the queen enquired as to their motivation and was informed that the waters held curative powers. Leonor, herself rheumatic, put the waters to the test and on feeling relief from her affliction, ordered the construction of a thermal hospital so that others might benefit.

A small town amidst the hills of the Leiria area, Batalha only became a place of any significance upon the building of its magnificent monastery, now honoured with UNESCO World Heritage status. This gigantic pearl of Gothic architecture occupied Portugal's most accomplished tradesmen under Royal command for the best past of two centuries.

Aveiro is a medium town of around 55,000 people that grew up around its thriving port. Established in Roman times, Aveiro was initially known as Aviarium, meaning, "a gathering place or preserve of birds". As you would expect of a coastal town with good shelter for boats fishing was an important activity from the beginning. In fact the cod fishing grounds off the coast of Newfoundland were discovered by João Afonso, a son of Aveiro. 

Praia de Areia Branca, whose name translates to White Sand Beach, is a traditional Portuguese coastal village with a long sweeping sandy beach suitable for both swimming and surfing. There are a number of bars, restaurants and cafes lining the promenade, which runs the full length of a beach popular for both surfing and volleyball.

A little less remote than Quierios and Tocha, Praia da Mira sits on a small lagoon 35km north of Figueira da Foz and 29km south of Aveiro.

Just 35 minutes north of Lisbon on a section of toll-free motorway, the beautiful and wild Praia Azul, whose name translates to 'blue beach' is one of the first beaches associated with the famous waves of Peniche. This relatively unspoilt blue flag beach is a long, sandy surfer's paradise located where the Sizandro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. There is fairly consistent surf at all times of the year, with off-shore winds blowing from the east.

Figueira da Foz, just 40km west of Coimbra, is one of the liveliest towns on the west coast of Portugal. Situated where the Mondego River meets the Atlantic and sheltered by the mountains of the Serra da Boa Viagem this coastal settlement was a major deep-sea fishing port long before it became a popular tourist destination. Literally 'Fig Tree at the Mouth of the River', Figueira is home to Portugal's largest beach, a three kilometre stretch nick-named 'Rainha das Praias', the queen of beaches.

The small resort of Furadoura just 5km from the town of Ovar boasts an extensive sandy beach backed by a long stretch of pine-fringed dunes. Like most Silver Coast resorts, although it can get crowded in summer, Furadouro is relatively unspoilt. The water quality is good- the beach has a European Blue Flag award – and the water’s edge is patrolled by Lifeguards in season. Good facilities for the disabled, easy parking and numerous bars, cafes and restaurants make this a relaxing choice for people of all ages.