Central Portugal: The Elegant Heartland Waiting to Be Discovered
A region of rolling vineyards, timeless villages, and landscapes that invite you to slow down and explore.
Greetings from Portugal’s hidden gem.
October 2025, I was fortunate to be invited on an exclusive “Unveiling Luxury” fam trip to the Centre of Portugal — a region that sits quietly between Lisbon and Porto yet overflows with history, charm, and creativity. Hosted by the Centre of Portugal Tourism Board, and Travel Weekly Aspire Travel Club this journey revealed a side of Portugal that feels deeply authentic, beautifully diverse, and effortlessly welcoming.
Between Portugal’s two main airports lies a landscape rich in heritage and soul. This region is home to the country’s Historical Villages, Border Castles, Schist Villages, and Mountain Villages, each telling stories of centuries past. It’s also a place of connection — small, friendly towns where tradition meets innovation, and where hospitality runs deep.
With its rolling vineyards, timeless towns, and gastronomic treasures, the Centre of Portugal captures everything travellers love about this country — warmth, flavour, and soul.
Why Travel To This Region
Santa Cruz & Areias do Seixo
Our journey began in Santa Cruz, a hidden coastal gem just an hour north of Lisbon, where golden sands meet dramatic cliffs and the Atlantic breeze carries the sound of surf. It’s a paradise for surfers and dreamers alike, connecting two of Portugal’s most famous surf hubs — Ericeira and Peniche.
We checked in at Areias do Seixo, a truly magical boutique hotel that embodies Portugal’s connection to nature. Set among pine trees and dunes, this eco-chic retreat blends sustainability with style. Each room tells its own story, filled with texture, warmth, and creativity. The hotel’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “Leave routine behind and return to the beginning — when to feel was enough.”
The day ended with a beautiful dinner showcasing local produce and wines — the perfect welcome to the region’s soulful hospitality.
Deeper Into Central Portugal
Nazaré — The Land of Giants
The next morning, we travelled to Nazaré, a seaside village known around the world for its record-breaking waves. This once quiet fishing town became legendary after surfer Garrett McNamara rode a 78-foot wave here in 2011. Today, it’s a fascinating blend of traditional Portugal and international surf culture.
We explored its cliffs, history and coastline by private boat tour, learning about the deep Nazaré Canyon beneath the ocean that creates its iconic waves. Lunch at Pangeia Restaurant, overlooking the sea, reminded us that Portuguese cuisine is as warm and generous as the people themselves — fresh fish, local wines, and a view that takes your breath away.
Santar – Where Heritage Meets Harmony
From the coast, we ventured inland to Santar, a graceful village in the Dão Wine Region, surrounded by vineyards and noble manor houses. Here, tradition lives in harmony with nature.
Our base for the next two nights was the Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa, an exquisite 17th-century manor house transformed into a sanctuary of elegance and wellbeing. Its concept — rooted in nutrition, design, and relaxation — reflects the sophisticated yet unpretentious charm of this region.
Santar’s story is one of collaboration. The visionary Santar Garden Village Project opened private gardens to visitors, uniting families, spaces, and generations in a shared passion for beauty. Walking through these terraced gardens felt like stepping into a living work of art.
“In Central Portugal, the good life is poured by the glass — and it’s waiting for you.”
Quinta da Taboadella – A Toast to Dão
A highlight of our trip was the visit to Quinta da Taboadella, one of the Dão region’s most innovative wineries. The architecture itself is a masterpiece — contemporary, sustainable, and deeply respectful of its surroundings.
We strolled along the “Barrel Top Walk,” a suspended wooden pathway that overlooks the barrels below, before tasting a selection of wines crafted from indigenous grapes such as Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, and Encruzado. Each glass reflected the authenticity and balance of this region — elegant, aromatic, and full of character.
Dining Highlights – Mesa de Lemos & De Raiz
Dinner at Mesa de Lemos, a Michelin-starred restaurant near Viseu, was an unforgettable culinary experience. Chef Diogo Rocha crafts menus that celebrate local ingredients and nearly forgotten flavours — a true expression of Portuguese creativity.
Our journey ended at De Raiz, a small family-run restaurant near Viseu led by Chefs Inês Beja and Nuno Fonte. Their menu pays homage to traditional recipes handed down through generations, brought to life with modern artistry. It was the perfect finale — heartfelt, authentic, and deeply rooted in Portugal’s culinary soul.
Viseu – The Beating Heart of the Dão
Before heading home, we explored Viseu, a city of granite streets, azulejos, and leafy squares. Known as the Heart of the Dão Wine Region, it combines a cosmopolitan flair with a timeless charm. From the impressive Cathedral Square to the Grão Vasco Museum, Viseu’s cultural heritage is matched only by its warmth and quality of life.
A Journey of Togetherness
This fam trip was a beautiful reminder that luxury isn’t always about grandeur — it’s about connection, authenticity, and experience. The Centre of Portugal radiates these values in every sense: through its people, its landscapes, and its passionate hospitality.
A heartfelt thank you to the Centre of Portugal Tourism Board and Aspire Travel Club for the opportunity to discover such a soulful region. I’ll be sharing more highlights and insights from this journey on my social media and website soon.
If you’d like to explore this part of Portugal — perhaps combining Lisbon with the Centre’s hidden gems — I’d love to help design a journey that’s every bit as inspiring.
