Welcome to Centro, one of the most geographically diverse regions of Portugal. It's home to Portugal's tallest mountain, some of the best surfing in the world, monasteries, and sustainable mountain villages. Read on for things to know, culinary highlights, and our selection of products to get to know this iconic region.
Coimbra is one of the largest cities in Portugal, and its renowned university is one of the oldest in all of Europe.
Nazaré, one of Centro's coastal towns, is home to some of the best surfing in the world. From the months of October to March, surfers travel from around the globe to surf Nazaré's waves which can surge to up to 100 feet.
Serra da Estrela is Portugal's highest peak. From backpacking to horseback riding to skiing, this 6,500-foot mountain is one of best places to experience Portugal's natural beauty.
Fátima, Portugal, was the site of the famous 1917 Marian Apparitions. Since then, the city has been an important pilgrimage site for Catholics, receiving anywhere between 6 and 8 million visitors a year.
The Schist Villages are 27 small towns nestled in the mountains surrounding Serra da Estrela. Called "schist villages" due to the kind of rock used in their buildings, these peaceful hamlets are the perfecting place for connecting with nature.
As its name suggests, this roasted pork dish comes from Bairrada, one of Portugal's famous wine regions. A suckling piglet is seasoned with coarse salt and garlic, before being marinated in olive oil, wine and herbs. It is then slow-roasted in a wood-fired oven, yielding a crispy, golden-brown skin and a moist interior.
This culinary delicacy is a symbol of Portuguese gastronomic tradition, and is most often enjoyed for special occasions and festivals.
