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
Leiria
Villa Portela
Villa Portela is an historical landmark of the city of Leiria that dates back to the 19th century. Built by Roberto Charters Henriques d'Azevedo in 1894, this iconic cottage was inspired by Swiss architecture. The municipality of Leiria has converted Villa Portela in a flourishing art centre.
Villa Portela Art Center in Leiria
What to do
The best things to do in Center of Portugal
Articles
Discover Center of Portugal
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Beaches & Surf
Nazaré Big Waves
The Nazaré Canyon is the reason why the waves are so big and so high breaking. This makes Nazaré a hotspot for big wave surfing.
Nature & Outdoors
Great Route of the Historical Villages
This great route connects the 12 Historical Villages of Center of Portugal by stages, in a circular track of 600 km.
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.
Archeology & Heritage
Guarda Jewish Quarter
The Jewish community in Guarda was for a long period one of the country’s most important Jewish communities,
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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