Region in Portugal
Centro
Mountain villages, riverside beaches and the silver coast
About Centro
Centro is the green heart of Portugal, situated between Lisbon and Porto. Along the coast lies the Costa de Prata, with wide beaches, fishing villages such as Nazaré and the shell-shaped bay of São Martinho do Porto. Inland, you’ll find wooded hills, river valleys and slate-roofed villages, as well as towns such as Coimbra and Leiria with their castles towering high above the rooftops.
For young families, Centro is a delightful destination. It is greener and cooler than the south, and dotted throughout the hills are little riverside beaches: natural swimming spots with grassy areas, shade and shallow water.
Why choose Centro for your holiday?
A holiday in Centro offers plenty of variety without the need for long journeys. One day you might spend time on the beach, the next you could visit the walled village of Óbidos or go for a walk along a river in the hills. It takes between one and a half and two hours to get there by car from Lisbon or Porto.
The region is less well-known than the Algarve, and you can really tell. The villages still feel genuinely Portuguese, the prices are reasonable and the accommodation is often small-scale, with owners who are happy to show you the best spots in the area.
In Centro, look out for a ‘praia fluvial’ – a river beach. You’ll recognise them by the signs along the road. There’s usually a patch of grass, a beach bar or picnic area, and shallow, clear water where toddlers can play safely. In summer, they’re a lovely way to cool off after a hot morning.
If you’re in the Coimbra area, do visit Portugal dos Pequenitos. It’s a park full of miniature houses, churches and monuments, where young children can walk right through the doors themselves.
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