Updated: September 24, 2024
Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve may be the trending spots. In these well-known locations, countless tourists and expats have fallen in love with the vibrancy of Portugal’s capital, the captivating, winding streets of Porto, or the glorious sandy beaches in the Algarve.
However, when you scratch behind the surface of Portugal, you’ll find that the country offers a wide array of beautiful and intriguing locations. None more so than Central Portugal. With captivating cities such as Aveiro, Guarda, and Coimbra, this region is rich in history, and where you’ll be able to get under the skin of what Portugal is about.
In this article, we dig deep into these relatively unknown cities in Portugal’s interior, where – should you visit – you are sure to be enthralled. For those keen to look beyond the hotspot locations in the country, this one is for you.
Exploring Central Portugal's Cities
North of Lisbon, you’ll come across Portugal’s expansive central region, where you’ll find quaint towns and local traditions and be able to get to grips with what Portugal’s way of life is really like. Right in the heart of mainland Portugal, the Central Region of the country is a treasure trove of rich history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes.
The key cities with administrative status in Central Portugal are Coimbra, Aveiro, Guarda, Viseu, Leiria, Castelo Branco, and Tomar, plus Caldas da Rainha and Torres (both close to Portugal’s Silver Coast). You’ll find an array of landscapes here, from stunning coastlines to mountains, lush countryside to quaint towns and villages.
Each of these cities holds something unique. For example, in Guarda, you’ll be nestled in the foothills of the stunning Serra da Estrela mountain range, the highest mountain range in Continental Portugal, while in Aveiro, affectionately coined the “Venice of Portugal,” you’ll be swept away by the charm of the canals and the Moliceiro boats.
Below, we’ll delve into six of the most captivating cities in Portugal’s central region.
Coimbra
The historic city of Coimbra is one of the most riveting cities in Portugal. A city of contrasts, Coimbra is at its heart a university city, home to the oldest university in the country (and one of the oldest universities in the world), and where the old and the new blend effortlessly together. The Mondego River, the longest river that flows entirely within Portuguese territory, rolls through the city, where you’ll find countless trendy bars and cute cafés to enjoy.
Whether you are seeking Coimbra real estate in the city itself or a spacious country home in the surrounding countryside, this part of Portugal is a gem. You are also less than an hour by car from the Silver Coast to the west, where you’ll be able to discover stunning beaches, impressive landforms, and delectable seafood. Day trippers can also enjoy spending time at Figueira da Foz, where you can enjoy the golden sands close to the city.
Aveiro
Aveiro, fondly known as the “Venice of Portugal,” is one of Portugal’s real treasures, with its meandering canals and colorful Moliceiro boats gliding past, alongside its art nouveau buildings. Located one hour south of Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, Aveiro is perfectly located to explore this part of the country, with both Coimbra and the Silver Coast not too far away.
As with Coimbra, if you were considering snapping up Aveiro real estate, you’ll find plenty of options. From apartments close to the city center with traditional architecture and modern interiors to more spacious properties outside the city. You will also come across some waterfront properties with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean nearby.
Guarda
Close to the mesmerizing Sera da Estrela mountain range, countless lovely river beaches – perfect for cooling down during those long summer days – and stunning landscapes, Guarda is perhaps unknown to many. Those who visit, or even choose to live here, will find a welcoming city where not much seems to have changed over the years. The centerpiece is the impressive Guarda Cathedral, and you’ll find several excellent restaurants serving up exceptional food.
While the city itself is a great base from which to explore the region, you’ll find several large properties in the surrounding countryside. Almeida, one of Portugal’s most historic villages and located close to the Spanish border, and Castelo Mendo, just south of Almeida, are perfect spots for those looking to soak up an authentic way of life. Property investors will also find that Guarda real estate looks set to move into the spotlight as more tourists and expats discover this beautiful region, with wellness centers and hotels cropping up to cater to growing interest.
Viseu
A stunning hilltop city with extraordinary views, Viseu is set to see a rise in popularity in the coming years. The Viseu baths are a key attraction, where visitors can relax and feel rejuvenated. If you are seeking a tranquil part of the country to get under the skin of what Portugal is really about, there could be no better location.
Again, you’ll find that Viseu real estate is diverse, whether you are seeking a renovated apartment in the city center or a spacious country home a short distance from the city.
Caldas da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha, which literally translates as “Spas of the Queen”, is a thermal spa town rich in sulfur waters that is considered excellent treatment for skin and bone ailments. Queen Leonar visited the city at the end of the 15th century and was delighted by the thermal waters here and their health properties.
Today, Caldas da Rainha is a terrific place to live, close to the Silver Coast and the quaint towns of Nazaré and Peniche, both former fishing villages that are highlights of the region. The city, as with the Silver Coast region as a whole, is continuing to catch the attention of property investors. Caldas da Rainha real estate offers a wide range of property types, including many close to the ocean.
Leiria
Leiria is a scenic town, with its standout selling point being its lovely old town and hilltop medieval castle that makes it easy to get a glimpse of what life must have been like in the Middle Ages. With spectacular views of the surrounding area and a strong expat community, foreign nationals are increasingly drawn here thanks to its relaxed pace of life and proximity to some gorgeous beaches on the nearby Silver Coast.
As with any part of Central Portugal, nature lovers will be in their element, whether they enjoy spending time by the beach or hiking in the beautiful landscape close to the city, with there being several hiking trails nearby. You will also find Leiria real estate offers an array of modern apartments in the city center, spacious country homes a little off the beaten track a short drive from the city, and waterside properties closer to the ocean.
Other Top Locations in the Central Region of Portugal
There are countless smaller towns and places to visit across the central region that could prove to be a top place to move to or an excellent investment opportunity. For example, Santarém could be a great place to consider if you want to be close to Lisbon, while Tomar, a terrific medieval city to the southeast of Leiria, could also be a great contender for an authentic slice of Portuguese lifestyle.
Monsanto, a traditional Portuguese village in the east of Central Portugal, known as the most Portuguese village in Portugal, and Óbidos, the magical medieval town just to the north of Sintra are also top choices. While buying real estate directly in Óbidos might be better as an investment, any of the surrounding countryside would make a lovely, peaceful retreat.
Property Prices in Central Portugal: What You Can Expect
Portuguese real estate is generally affordable compared with other Western European countries. And when it comes to Central Portugal, this is one of the most affordable regions in the country, with the average asking price standing at €1,864 per square meter in 2023. When you compare this with other regions such as Lisbon (average asking price for the Lisbon Metropolitan Area is €4,061) and the Algarve (€3,897), you can see just how affordable snapping up a property here is.
To provide you with some more concrete examples from some of the cities we have mentioned, the average asking price for property in Aveiro stands at around €3,305 per square meter, while in Caldas da Rainha and Leiria, prices stand at €2,479 and €2,327, respectively.
Investment Potential of Central Portugal
Central Portugal – along with Northern Portugal and the Alentejo- are gradually moving into the spotlight and gaining increasing attention from tourists and foreign property buyers and investors. This comes alongside a shift in tourist looking outside the key tourist hotspots of capital Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve to discover some of Portugal’s lesser-known gems.
A stay in Central Portugal is becoming more appealing with tourists as wellness centers, spas, and great hotels welcoming tourists looking to relax, have a digital detox, and enjoy some peace and quiet are becoming more commonplace. And a boost in interest from tourists opens the door for investors, with property prices being very affordable and the number of tourists looking to stay overnight in key cities and locations in the center set to increase.
Interior areas face no restrictions on short term rentals.
Currently there are restrictions on securing an Alojamento Local (AL) license in hotspot locations such as Lisbon. This is a license that is required to rent out properties in the short time. At present these restrictions are currently being reviewed by the government to make it easier for foreign investors. However, in the meantime, interior areas which includes much of Central Portugal, are not included in this restriction, making them an attractive prospect for investors.
You can find out more about the current situation regarding short term rentals in our article on the topic: What is Changing Regarding Short-Term Rentals in Portugal?
Looking to Score Your Dream Property in Portugal
Should you visit Central Portugal, you will be swept away by the quaint towns, local traditions, and stunning scenery. From the narrow cobbled streets of Coimbra to the golden sand of Caldas da Rainha, you’ll be surprised at why this stunning part of Portugal is not more well-known.
Looking to buy property in Portugal? Whether you are keen to explore Portugal’s lesser-known areas or Portugal’s more well-known hotspots, such as Lisbon or the Algarve, Portugal’s property market is dynamic and diverse.
Want to learn more about buying property in Portugal? Check out our complete guide
