For something different, the São Jacinto lagoon is in the midst of a nature reserve, while Palheirão offers the sweet scent of the surrounding pines, both offer many watersports and paragliding and windsurfing are widely available along the coast.
Despite its many attractions, Centro is one of the least well-trodden regions of Portugal. Near the Spanish border lies the Geopark Naturtejo, containing lakes, museums and one of the country's biggest networks of footpaths, covering the park's fossils, mines and ravines.
Good wine deserves good food, and Centro is home to some of Portugal's finest specialities, starting in Bairrada, where suckling pig is a local delicacy. 'Caldeirada' is a delicious fish casserole, while other specialities include smoked meats and morcelas de arroz, a ricebased black pudding.
Castle and landscape, Sortelha, Sabugal - Guarda photo by Pedro Aboim
Major events:
Festivity of the Crosses (also known as the Festivity of the Castle) - Monsanto, May
Burning of the Ribbons - Coimbra, May
Festivities of the Holy Queen - Coimbra, July
Citimor - Festival of Montemor-o-Velho - Montemor-o-Velho, July/August
Andanças Festival - Carvalhais/São Pedro do Sul, first week of August
Feira de São Mateus - Viseu, August/September
Caramulo Motorfestival - Caramulo, Setember
ATOP members: Castaways Unicorn Holidays, Destination Portugal, Keytel International, Leisure Link Golf Holidays International, Milestones, PTG Tours Ltd, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, Someone2travelwith, Sunvil Discovery, The Villa Agency, Villas Worldwide
