Beiras

The Beiras is Portugal's central region, a vast territory encompassing the Serra da Estrela — mainland Portugal's highest point at 1,993 metres — the plains of Ribatejo, and the varied landscapes of the districts of Viseu, Guarda, Coimbra, and Castelo Branco. An inland region by nature, the Beiras has no Atlantic coastline, but compensates with an exceptional wealth of river beaches nestled in mountain and plateau scenery. The Serra da Estrela is the centrepiece: its reservoirs, glacial lakes, and rivers such as the Mondego and Zêzere create natural pools and river beaches of crystalline, ice-cold water even in summer. Praia Fluvial do Vilar in Unhais da Serra, the Alvôco river beaches, Poço do Inferno in Manteigas, and dozens of natural pools in the Serra da Estrela draw mountain sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Further south, in Beiras Baixas, the Tagus and Ocreza rivers create river beaches alongside historic villages. The Beiras is also a land of cheese — the famous Serra cheese — and of wine, with Bairrada and Dão among Portugal's most prestigious wine regions. Best season for river beaches: June to September.