Tourism in Portugal
Center of Portugal: the heart of Christmas !
The light of Christmas shines brighter in Center of Portugal ! This is the home of quite unique Christmas celebrations that take place all over the region from the coastline to the inland. It's time to embrace the magic of the season in all its timeless splendour.
Where to go
Center of Portugal destinations
Aveiro
Christmas train
Vouga Historical Train is back on track for memorable train journeys taking place on Saturdays and Sundays until January 4th 2026. Feel the Christmas magic on board of one of Portugal's most remarkable trains!
Christmas train
What to do
The best things to do in Center of Portugal
Articles
Discover Center of Portugal
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Cities & Villages
Unique Leiria: a city full of curiosities
Leiria, beautifully located by the Lis River, is a city full of curiosities. So many stories and secrets to unveil !
Religion & Spirituality
Faith beads
The rosary business in Fátima goes back to the 20's of the 20th century. Although some part of this activity has preserved a handmade dimension, nowadays the most successful rosary-making company in Portugal, Farportugal sells mostly to the foreign markets, producing 1 million rosaries every year. Even scented rosaries.
Nature & Outdoors
Stargazing in International Águeda River
International Águeda River is born in Spain, on the Spanish flank of Serra das Mesas. It flows along 130 km, and its last 25 km set the natural frontier between the two Iberian countries. It flows into the Douro at Barca d'Alva.
Beaches & Surf
Beaches of Caldas da Rainha
Explore the eye-catching beaches of Caldas da Rainha amidst never-ending dunes and unrivalled natural settings!
Magazine
Edition 99 - Travelling with purpose
15.09.2025 • 06.10.2025
Travelling is all about making meaningful connections and feeling the spirit of the place. Talking to locals, sharing life stories, unveiling the secrets of a soul-soothing Mother Nature, making a positive impact on the surrounding environment. Feeling close to what really matters. The world needs lasting bonds. And every step counts.
Edition 98 - Ocean: Blue Dialogue
14.04.2025 • 28.04.2025
Dedicated to the theme “Ocean: Blue Dialogue”, World Expo Osaka 2025 will be held from April 13th to October 13th. Portugal and Japan share a 500 years-old History, along with a common concern for the sustainability of our oceans and the urgent need to foster a blue economy. This edition follows an inspirational journey across the Atlantic coastline, unveiling its iconic coastal cities, jaw-dropping surf spots and welcoming fishing towns.
Edition 97 - Weddings
31.03.2025 • 14.04.2025
Center of Portugal has all it takes to be a perfect wedding destination: breath-taking venues, unique natural landscapes along with top-professional wedding planners who put all their passion into every single detail. Because love will always be the secret ingredient.
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Eating in Castelo Branco
Discover the best spots in the city of Castelo Branco to taste the most irresistible specialities!
Sleeping in Castelo Branco
The charming inland city of Castelo Branco has many interesting options in terms of accommodation.
Christmas in Castelo Branco
No need to dream about a White Christmas! It will take place in the welcoming inland city of Castelo Branco.
Beach swimming pools of Castelo Branco
The inland city of Castelo Branco has swimming pools that resemble a sea!
The Castle of Castelo Branco
Although there are vestiges of human presence in the castle of Castelo Branco dating back to the Pre and Proto-History, it was not until the Middle Ages that this Templar castle was built.
Cathedral of Castelo Branco
The beautiful Cathedral of Castelo Branco, probably dates back to the 13th or 14th century.
Meliã Castelo Branco
Meliã Castelo Branco is located on top of a beautiful hill, with a magnificent panoramic view over the city of Castelo Branco, just 2 hours from Lisbon Airport.
Castelo Branco
Easily reachable by highway or by train, only 2 hours away from Lisbon Airport, the inland city of Castelo Branco is an hidden gem of historical and cultural heritage. A place of magical gardens, genius masters of contemporary painting and colourful embroideries. At the heart of a flawless nature and endless inspiring landscapes. In the surroundings of Castelo Branco, don't miss the chance to explore the eye-catching Natural Park of Tejo Internacional or the unique Historical Villages of Idanha-a-Velha and Monsanto. A true time travel !
Eating in Castelo Branco
The region of Castelo Branco has a deeply rich gastronomical tradition. The cheeses, the sausages, the wines of Beira Interior region and the exquisite olive oils with Protected Designation of Origin are a true must. Discover the best spots in the city of Castelo Branco to taste the most irresistible specialities!
48 hours in Castelo Branco
Easily reachable by highway or by train, only 2 hours away from Lisbon Airport, the inland city of Castelo Branco is an hidden gem of historical and cultural heritage. A place of magical gardens, genius masters of contemporary painting and colourful embroideries. At the heart of a flawless nature and endless inspiring landscapes. In the surroundings of Castelo Branco, don't miss the chance to explore the eye-catching Natural Park of Tejo Internacional or the unique Historical Villages of Idanha-a-Velha and Monsanto. A true time travel !
Embroideries of Castelo Branco
The embroidery of Castelo Branco is the example par excellence of the taste for naturalist representation. A diversified flora is a recurrent theme.
Cycling in Castelo Branco
Explore Castelo Branco's cycling routes: Dia de Portugal, Parque Urbano, and Egas Moniz. Enjoy stunning landscapes and modern facilities!
Castelo Branco Jews
Known since 1214, the Castelo Branco Jewish community, associated with commercial and craft traditions, quickly developed.
Castelo Branco Cheese
From pure sheep milk comes the most intense flavour in the region: the Castelo Branco cheese.
Castelo Branco
This year's edition of the "White Christmas" of Castelo Branco will take place from December 7th to January 6th 2022. A bright celebration with endless Christmas lights!