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Beiras, stretching from the Spanish frontier to the sea, the Beiras region of
central Portugal provides a natural link between the cool, green
meadows of the north and the hot, dry pastures of the south. For more detailed guides about beiras or Portugal, don't hesitate te contact us.
Stretching from the Spanish frontier to the sea, the Beiras region of central Portugal provides a natural link between the cool, green meadows of the north and the hot, dry pastures of the south.
You can begin in the peak of the Serra da Estrela (Star Mountain). It range is the highest point on mainland Portugal. Rising to 1,993 metres (6,539 ft), it is home to a modern ski resort and topped by a small stone toe known as the Torre. The region is notable for its tasty cheese, which is still made by hand and highly prized for its rich flavour.
Nearby, the ancient Roman town of Covilhã is the best place from which to explore the region, while Monsanto to the south east is officially regarded as Portugal's most typical village. Built atop a steep rocky mass in the centre of a broad valley, Monsanto's ancient castle commands a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.
Located on a 1,075-metre-high plateau on the north-east flank of the Estrela mountains, Guarda is the highest place in Portugal. Founded in 1197 by King Sancho I, its name is due to the important role the town once played in the defence of the country's eastern frontier. What to see: Many stretches of the town's original walls are still standing, including three of the main entrances. Begun in 1390 during the reign of João I and completed in 1550, Guarda's grey granite cathedral is an inspiring Gothic church rich in Manueline furnishings. On display in the nearby museum are various paintings, artefacts and archaeological treasures. Nearby: Belmonte, 27 km south of Guarda, is the birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil in 1500. 25 km north-west of the town lies Celorico da Beira, an old fortified village with some ancient houses and an imposing granite castle.
Of ancient origin, Castelo Branco was refounded by the Templars in the early 13th century. Occupying a low hill at the centre of flat lands just 18 km from the Spanish frontier, it has been known for its embroidered colchas or bed-spreads since the late 1800s, a fine range of which can be seen in the local museum. With its broad avenues, large squares and a pleasant air of prosperity, the town is a very good base from which to explore the border region of Central Portugal. What to see: Castelo Branco's top attraction is without doubt the extraordinary Episcopal Gardens beside the former bishops' palace. Laid out in the mid-18th century, the gardens are a rare sight, planted with a host of profane little granite statues amidst well-trimmed boxed hedges and orange trees.
The museum inside the palace houses 16th-century tapestries and fine examples of Portuguese primitive art. Dating back to the 13th century, the Church of São Miguel served as the town's cathedral from 1771-1881 before the bishopric was extinguished. Nearby: The granite village of Monsanto is a short drive to the north-east of Castelo Branco. Squeezed up against a slope on an extremely steep hill below a square-built fortress, Monsanto was voted Portugal's 'most typical village' in 1938.
Useful Informations
Language: Portuguese is latin in origin and the third most widely spoken European language in the world. It is the mother tongue of about 200 millions people. Portuguese is the official language in several countries: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé e Príncipe in Africa, and Bresil in South America. In Portugal itself many people can speak english, french and other languages.
Religion: Portuguese culture is very influenced by religion. Catholicism predominates but others religions can be practiced.
Electricity: voltage:220/380 volts at a frequency of 50 Hertz. All sockets Follow European standards. To use American type-plugs, a 220 volt transformer should be used together with an adapter plug.
Money: Portugal is one of 12 European Union countries whose common official currency is the euro.
1 euro is divided into 100 cents. The coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros.
The notes are differentiated by their size and colour and come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros.
One side of the coins has a common design (the European side), and the other side has a national symbol. All euro coins can be used in any euro-zone country, irrespective of which national symbols they display.
ATMs - Automatic Teller Machines (Multibanco): Portugal has a national network of cash machines (ATMs) identified by the symbol MB (Multibanco), from which you can withdraw cash 24 hours a day.
Currency Exchange: You can exchange money at banks, which are open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. five working days a week; at bureaux de change; and at automatic currency exchange machines (these are for currency sale transactions only).
Car rentals: There are car rental services at airports, international rail terminuses and in the main towns and cities.
Drivers with mobility difficulties, or anyone who prefers to, can rent automatic or adapted vehicles.
To rent a car you must: be at least between 21 and 25 years old, depending on the company’s rental policy, show identification (identity card for EU citizens or a valid passport for other nationalities), have had a driving license for more than one year.
Banks: Banks are open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. five working days a week. Portugal has a national network of cash machines (ATMs) identified by the symbol MB (Multibanco), from which you can withdraw cash 24 hours a day.
Pharmacies: Pharmacies are open on weekdays between 9am and 1pm and from 3pm to 7pm and on Saturdays between 9am and 1pm. They display an illuminated green cross outside when open at night. All of them have information posted on the door indicating the nearest pharmacies that are open at night.
Shopping: In general, shops are open from Monday to Friday, from 9 or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some close for lunch from 1 to 3 p.m. On Saturdays from January to November, shops generally close at 1 p.m. though in city centers some are open in the afternoon. Shops tend to stay open on Saturday afternoons and sometimes even on Sundays in December for Christmas shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers inside and outside the cities that are usually open from 10 a.m. to midnight every day of the week. They generally have stores with the main international brands. However, traditional shops with Portuguese products can be found particularly in the streets of the older neighborhoods of towns and cities.
Telephones: In public telephone booths, coins and special cards can be used. They are sold in Portugal Telecom shops, post offices and some kiosks and news-stands (with a sign indicating this). All telephone numbers in Portugal are composed of nine digits. To call from abroad to Portugal, it is necessary to dial the international access code 00 and the country code 351. To call abroad from Portugal, dial 00, the country code, the area code and then the number wanted. The dialling codes of the various countries are affixed in public telephone booths.
Internet: Internet access is available on payment in some cafés and in numerous post offices that have the Netpost service. In various hotels and public facilities, like conference centres and shopping centres, there are duly marked "wireless" areas where it is possible to access wireless Internet.
Driving: Vehicles drive on the right in Portugal. Unless otherwise indicated, vehicles coming from the right have priority in squares and at intersections. At junctions with roundabouts, vehicles already on the roundabout have right of way. Road signs comply with international rules. Compulsory papers: personal ID, driving licence, motor insurance certificate, vehicle registration or equivalent, vehicle logbook (livrete) or equivalent. On the spot fines are issued.
Speed limits for cars without trailers and motorcycles:
50 kph - in built-up areas
90 kph - on normal roads
100 kph - on roads restricted to motor vehicles
120 kph - on motorways
It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 grams per litre or more. All occupants must wear seat belts.
Disabled access: many hotels have accommodation that has been adapted for use by people with motor disabilities. However it's a good idea to contact them directly for details. Public transports usually have reserved seats for passengers with difficulties, but there is no access for people in wheelchairs. Lisbon metro is not fully accessible to people with motor disabilities. Blind passengers are allowed to travel with their guide dogs, provided that they wear a collar and muzzle. All Portuguese airports have wheelchairs and disabled toilets and transfer facilities. They also provide special assistance on request. There are many limitations on disabled mobility and we recommende that you obtain more detailed information from the services you plan to use.
Stretching from the Spanish frontier to the sea, the Beiras region of central Portugal provides a natural link between the cool, green meadows of the north and the hot, dry pastures of the south.
You can begin in the peak of the Serra da Estrela (Star Mountain). It range is the highest point on mainland Portugal. Rising to 1,993 metres (6,539 ft), it is home to a modern ski resort and topped by a small stone toe known as the Torre. The region is notable for its tasty cheese, which is still made by hand and highly prized for its rich flavour.
Nearby, the ancient Roman town of Covilhã is the best place from which to explore the region, while Monsanto to the south east is officially regarded as Portugal's most typical village. Built atop a steep rocky mass in the centre of a broad valley, Monsanto's ancient castle commands a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.
Located on a 1,075-metre-high plateau on the north-east flank of the Estrela mountains, Guarda is the highest place in Portugal. Founded in 1197 by King Sancho I, its name is due to the important role the town once played in the defence of the country's eastern frontier. What to see: Many stretches of the town's original walls are still standing, including three of the main entrances. Begun in 1390 during the reign of João I and completed in 1550, Guarda's grey granite cathedral is an inspiring Gothic church rich in Manueline furnishings. On display in the nearby museum are various paintings, artefacts and archaeological treasures. Nearby: Belmonte, 27 km south of Guarda, is the birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil in 1500. 25 km north-west of the town lies Celorico da Beira, an old fortified village with some ancient houses and an imposing granite castle.
Of ancient origin, Castelo Branco was refounded by the Templars in the early 13th century. Occupying a low hill at the centre of flat lands just 18 km from the Spanish frontier, it has been known for its embroidered colchas or bed-spreads since the late 1800s, a fine range of which can be seen in the local museum. With its broad avenues, large squares and a pleasant air of prosperity, the town is a very good base from which to explore the border region of Central Portugal. What to see: Castelo Branco's top attraction is without doubt the extraordinary Episcopal Gardens beside the former bishops' palace. Laid out in the mid-18th century, the gardens are a rare sight, planted with a host of profane little granite statues amidst well-trimmed boxed hedges and orange trees.
The museum inside the palace houses 16th-century tapestries and fine examples of Portuguese primitive art. Dating back to the 13th century, the Church of São Miguel served as the town's cathedral from 1771-1881 before the bishopric was extinguished. Nearby: The granite village of Monsanto is a short drive to the north-east of Castelo Branco. Squeezed up against a slope on an extremely steep hill below a square-built fortress, Monsanto was voted Portugal's 'most typical village' in 1938.
Useful Informations
Language: Portuguese is latin in origin and the third most widely spoken European language in the world. It is the mother tongue of about 200 millions people. Portuguese is the official language in several countries: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé e Príncipe in Africa, and Bresil in South America. In Portugal itself many people can speak english, french and other languages.
Religion: Portuguese culture is very influenced by religion. Catholicism predominates but others religions can be practiced.
Electricity: voltage:220/380 volts at a frequency of 50 Hertz. All sockets Follow European standards. To use American type-plugs, a 220 volt transformer should be used together with an adapter plug.
Money: Portugal is one of 12 European Union countries whose common official currency is the euro.
1 euro is divided into 100 cents. The coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros.
The notes are differentiated by their size and colour and come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros.
One side of the coins has a common design (the European side), and the other side has a national symbol. All euro coins can be used in any euro-zone country, irrespective of which national symbols they display.
ATMs - Automatic Teller Machines (Multibanco): Portugal has a national network of cash machines (ATMs) identified by the symbol MB (Multibanco), from which you can withdraw cash 24 hours a day.
Currency Exchange: You can exchange money at banks, which are open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. five working days a week; at bureaux de change; and at automatic currency exchange machines (these are for currency sale transactions only).
Car rentals: There are car rental services at airports, international rail terminuses and in the main towns and cities.
Drivers with mobility difficulties, or anyone who prefers to, can rent automatic or adapted vehicles.
To rent a car you must: be at least between 21 and 25 years old, depending on the company’s rental policy, show identification (identity card for EU citizens or a valid passport for other nationalities), have had a driving license for more than one year.
Banks: Banks are open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. five working days a week. Portugal has a national network of cash machines (ATMs) identified by the symbol MB (Multibanco), from which you can withdraw cash 24 hours a day.
Pharmacies: Pharmacies are open on weekdays between 9am and 1pm and from 3pm to 7pm and on Saturdays between 9am and 1pm. They display an illuminated green cross outside when open at night. All of them have information posted on the door indicating the nearest pharmacies that are open at night.
Shopping: In general, shops are open from Monday to Friday, from 9 or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some close for lunch from 1 to 3 p.m. On Saturdays from January to November, shops generally close at 1 p.m. though in city centers some are open in the afternoon. Shops tend to stay open on Saturday afternoons and sometimes even on Sundays in December for Christmas shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers inside and outside the cities that are usually open from 10 a.m. to midnight every day of the week. They generally have stores with the main international brands. However, traditional shops with Portuguese products can be found particularly in the streets of the older neighborhoods of towns and cities.
Telephones: In public telephone booths, coins and special cards can be used. They are sold in Portugal Telecom shops, post offices and some kiosks and news-stands (with a sign indicating this). All telephone numbers in Portugal are composed of nine digits. To call from abroad to Portugal, it is necessary to dial the international access code 00 and the country code 351. To call abroad from Portugal, dial 00, the country code, the area code and then the number wanted. The dialling codes of the various countries are affixed in public telephone booths.
Internet: Internet access is available on payment in some cafés and in numerous post offices that have the Netpost service. In various hotels and public facilities, like conference centres and shopping centres, there are duly marked "wireless" areas where it is possible to access wireless Internet.
Driving: Vehicles drive on the right in Portugal. Unless otherwise indicated, vehicles coming from the right have priority in squares and at intersections. At junctions with roundabouts, vehicles already on the roundabout have right of way. Road signs comply with international rules. Compulsory papers: personal ID, driving licence, motor insurance certificate, vehicle registration or equivalent, vehicle logbook (livrete) or equivalent. On the spot fines are issued.
Speed limits for cars without trailers and motorcycles:
50 kph - in built-up areas
90 kph - on normal roads
100 kph - on roads restricted to motor vehicles
120 kph - on motorways
It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 grams per litre or more. All occupants must wear seat belts.
Disabled access: many hotels have accommodation that has been adapted for use by people with motor disabilities. However it's a good idea to contact them directly for details. Public transports usually have reserved seats for passengers with difficulties, but there is no access for people in wheelchairs. Lisbon metro is not fully accessible to people with motor disabilities. Blind passengers are allowed to travel with their guide dogs, provided that they wear a collar and muzzle. All Portuguese airports have wheelchairs and disabled toilets and transfer facilities. They also provide special assistance on request. There are many limitations on disabled mobility and we recommende that you obtain more detailed information from the services you plan to use.
Guide created: 06/21/06
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