A holiday home in Beira for a typically Portuguese experience
Once part of the six traditional provinces or comarcas of Portugal, today Beira is one of Portugal's most influential wine regions. Located in Central Portugal, Beira's towering mountain ranges, stark wilderness and lush vineyards along with a profusion of holiday homes, holiday rentals, holiday apartments and holiday houses make it a consummate vacation choice for families.
Land of Wine
Spread across Portugal's central provinces of Beira Alta, Beira Baixa, and Beira Litoral, this region is home to a number of prestigious vineyards such as Dão, Bairrada, Beira Interior, Távora-Varosa and Encostas d'Aire. Take your pick from red, white, sparkling or fortified wines to try at the local wineries. Aromatic wines come from the dominant red grapes of Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro, while the late-ripening, pungent Baga is found in the clay soils of Bairrada. White grapes such as Siriam, Arinto, Malvasia Fina and Rabo de Ovelha are favourites too. The staff at most holiday apartments, holiday houses and holiday rentals can make suggestions on wine selections.
Culture and Adventure
The landscapes of Beira vary dramatically as they spread over the Atlantic coast to the borders of Spain. While the peaks of the Serra da Estrela in DOC Dão attract cyclists and hikers, the DOC Bairrada region that stretches to the beaches of the Atlantic coast beckons to watersports enthusiasts. Equipment is easy to hire here. The region's lengthy border with Spain provides access to 900-year old castles and fortresses. The city of Coimbra sits on a hill above the Rio Mondego and houses the country’s oldest university. Other points of interest include Portugal’s most extensive Roman site, Conímbriga, the castle at Montemor-o-Velho, the forests of Bucaco and the atmospheric spa town of Luso. Beira's mountain villages have resisted the onslaught of modernity, and they are home to several traditional rituals and mountain festivals. Leitão à Bairrada (suckling pig), wild boar, goat, sausage, and the DOC Serra da Estrela soft sheep’s cheese are featured on most dinner tables.
Rent a holiday home in Beiras to experience quintessential Portugal.