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Central Portugal is a region located in the central part of Portugal, between the northern and southern regions. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and shares boundaries with the regions of Norte, Alentejo, and Lisbon to the north, east, and south, respectively. The major cities in Central Portugal include Coimbra, Aveiro, Viseu, Leiria, and Castelo Branco. Some of the best hotels in Central Portugal are located near scenic coasts like Santa Cruz, historical towns like Monsanto, and the Serra da Estrela mountain range.
Central Portugal highlights include the Serra da Estrela mountain range (the highest in mainland Portugal), the medieval town of Óbidos, the historic city of Coimbra, and the coastal surfing town of Nazaré, famous for its gigantic waves. Other towns and cities to explore include Aveiro, known for its colourful moliceiro boats and Art Nouveau architecture, Monsanto, and Santa Cruz, home to the striking Areias do Seixo and Noah Surf House.
Some of Central Portugal's typical dishes include Queijo da Serra da Estrela (ewe's milk cheese), Coelho à Caçador (rabbit stew), Leitão à Bairrada (roast suckling pig), Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice), Bacalhau à Lagareiro (oven-baked codfish with olive oil), Chanfana (slow-cooked goat or lamb stew), Açorda de Marisco (seafood bread stew), and Pasteis de Tentúgal (flaky sweet pastries). The best hotels in Central Portugal can recommend exceptional local restaurants or serve these regional delicacies onsite.
Central Portugal is served by Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) and Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), both of which are well-connected to the region’s key destinations. Smaller regional airports, such as Coimbra Airport (CBP) and Viseu Airport (VSE), cater to general aviation and private flights. Sevenair offers daily charter flights from Viseu to Lisbon’s Cascais-Tejo Regional Airport, providing convenient access to the best hotels in Central Portugal.
Central Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm to hot summers. In winter, temperatures range from around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), while summer temperatures can reach highs of 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). The Serra da Estrela mountain range experiences colder temperatures and often receives snowfall during winter, attracting winter sports enthusiasts. Many of the best hotels in Central Portugal, such as Casa das Penhas Douradas and Casa de São Lourenço, are designed to provide comfort year-round.
When searching for the best hotels in Central Portugal, we always aim to find special places – a boutique hotel nestled in a scenic landscape, a simple guesthouse in a charming town, or a countryside retreat surrounded by nature. On JO&SO, you can browse the best hotels in Central Portugal by area or filter them by type or perk.
“Sisters Joana and Sofia de Lacerda are the duo behind JO&SO, the most insider online guide to Portugal's coolest hotels.”
