Historic villages of the Beira

Route description

Guarda, at over 1,000 m the highest city in Portugal, has a fortress-like granite cathedral. From here drive north-east to Almeida, a village enclosed by star-shaped ramparts near the Spanish border; walk round the top of the walls to see the design.

The road continues north to Castelo Rodrigo, a walled hilltop village above almond groves that blossom white in February and March. Then head west to Marialva, where the ruined citadel has an empty, haunting charm, and on to Trancoso, a larger walled town with a castle and a medieval Jewish quarter.

Drive south-west towards the Serra da Estrela to Linhares da Beira, a granite village under its castle, and a launch site for paragliders. From here narrow roads wind across the Serra do Açor to Piódão, a village of dark schist houses stepped up a hillside, lit by the white church at the bottom.

All these places belong to the Historic Villages of Portugal network, and all are best explored on foot, with parking outside the walls. The last road to Piódão is steep and narrow, best in a car or van. Winters are cold here, with occasional snow; spring and autumn are ideal.