Often neglected as people travel directly between Porto and Lisbon, the Centro region of Portugal is especially diverse in its offerings. From picturesque villages like Óbidos where streets are filled with vendors offering Ginjinha, to enchanting remote Schist Villages hidden away deep in the mountains. It holds Portugal's fiercest coastline, with Nazaré notoriously generating monumental waves whilst also boasting the highest point in mainland Portugal at Torre in the Serra de Estrela. Rich in history and an abundance of adventure to match, it's the perfect combination of everything we love about Portugal.

Home to the highest point in mainland Portugal Torre at 1990 meters high, the Serra da Estrela is the Centro regions activity hub with its natural landscape and rocky peaks making the perfect base for endless adventure. The mountain range is host to an abundance of unparalleled sights and tastes such as the mysterious Covão dos Conchos, a hike with a rewarding view, to the creamy Queijo de Ovelha, a firm favourite in Portuguese cuisine. With a maze of hiking trails for all levels which open out to hidden historic villages made of schist, this area is a satisfying challenge for those eager to tackle its trails.

Hidden between leafy green slopes and up to the rocky peaks that shape the Serra de Estrela, the 27 Schist Villages are one of Portugals best-kept secrets, each constructing their own unique charm. From Monsanto, where red-roofed houses are quite literally encased in stone boulders, to Piódão, where a vibrant blue and white church stands clear from the schist houses, creating a stark and stunning contrast against the mossy green ravine. It's an excellent spot for hikers looking for a compelling climb, where unique sites await around every corner.

Óbidos is a central fortified town composed of confined lanes and quaint houses all guarded by its imposing medieval castle. The streets are dotted with splashes of blue artwork whilst vivid flowers spill from the windowsills adding to its infectious charm. Although often crowded during warmer months, it's possible to avoid by venturing through the quiet back-streets away from the masses. Óbidos is the birthplace of Ginjinha (Portugal’s sweet cherry liquor) and is served best in a chocolate cup whilst enjoying the views over the horizon out to the Caldas da Rainha countryside.

Coimbra, once Portugal's medieval capital is an animated city with a deep-rooted level of history. It's set above the Rio Mondego and is the second birthplace for the music of Fado, where the metallic notes of the Guitarra can often be heard reverberating off its old stone walls. Acclaimed as Portugal's University town, it's best explored during term time when a youthful energy fills the street and long-held traditions such as the Queimas das Fitas make for fascinating must-see affairs.