Roman ruins (House of fountains), Conimbriga

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The Beiras

With few big-name destinations to boast of, the Beiras often slip under the radar. But this wonderfully varied region, traditionally divided into the Beira Litoral, Beira Alta and Beira Baixa, is a fascinating and often dramatically beautiful part of the country.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Coimbra

    Universidade de Coimbra

    Coimbra

    Coimbra's Unesco-listed university, one of the world's oldest, was originally founded in Lisbon in 1290. It was subsequently relocated several times…

  • Coimbra, Portugal - July 16, 2019: The Johannine Library (Portuguese: Biblioteca Joanina) is a Baroque library situated in the heights of the historic centre of the University of Coimbra University

    Biblioteca Joanina

    Coimbra

    The university's baroque library is Coimbra's headline sight. Named after King João V, who sponsored its construction between 1717 and 1728, it features a…

  • Roman ruins (House of fountains), Conimbriga

    Conímbriga Roman Ruins

    The Beiras

    Set in the lush countryside southwest of Coimbra, this is Portugal’s largest and most impressive Roman site. Ancient Conímbriga was an important city in…

  • Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro

    Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro

    Coimbra

    This great museum is a highlight of central Portugal. Housed in a 12th-century bishop's palace, it stands over the city's ancient Roman forum, remains of…

  • Aliança Underground Museum

    Aliança Underground Museum

    Aveiro

    Between Aveiro and Coimbra, in the village of Sangalhos in the Bairrada wine-producing region, this magnificent place is part adega (winery), part art…

  • Historic Centre

    Historic Centre

    The Beiras

    The entrance to the fortified village is a grand Gothic gate. From the square inside, a cobbled lane leads up to the heart of the village, with a…

  • Sé Velha

    Sé Velha

    Coimbra

    Coimbra's 12th-century cathedral is one of Portugal's finest examples of Romanesque architecture. The main portal and facade are particularly striking,…

  • Museu Grão Vasco

    Museu Grão Vasco

    Viseu

    Adjoining the cathedral, the granite Paço de Três Escalões (Palace of Three Steps) was originally built as the bishop’s palace. It's now a splendid museum…

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Plan with a local

Go Beyond

The Beiras and beyond

Beyond The Beiras
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