Roadtrip Central Portugal: UNESCO Mission

If I told you that not far from us, I experienced one of my most beautiful road trips? The perfect blend of landscapes and history, nature and culture. Destination Central Portugal, tracing the UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The Central Portugal region was completely unknown to us, and we were delighted to explore it for 4 days, road tripping from Porto to Lisbon. Our common thread: the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This road trip was punctuated by the UNESCO sites that shape the cultural landscape of the region:

the Prehistoric Site of the Côa Valley

the University of Coimbra

the Convent of Christ in Tomar

the Batalha Monastery

Bonus 1: Fátima (not a UNESCO site)

the Alcobaça Monastery

Bonus 2: the village of Óbidos (not a UNESCO site)

In two words: The Côa Valley The Côa Valley is the most important open-air rock art site from the Upper Paleolithic in all of Europe. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998.

From Porto, we head inland, progressing turn by turn, zigzagging between hills that gradually transform into mountains. The landscape evolves in its slopes and shades of green. My feet are tingling: I really want to touch the ground! But finally, we arrive at the Côa Valley Museum, perched on a hill. The view before me takes my breath away. >, the museum guide tells us. > He speaks these words as if he is offering us the end of the world. For all boundaries, hills as far as the eye can see and a river, the Douro River.

Our guide breaks the spell to get to the heart of the matter... and into the museum.

Here it is not a museum of History, it is a museum of art!

With pride, he takes us from room to room, discovering this ancient art and its evolution over the centuries. Carried by this desire to understand our ancestors and to understand ourselves, Modern Men that we are, the guide seemed to fly and bounce from display case to display case, without taking the time to catch his breath. An exciting visit, even for those who are not initially interested in either History or art. Because it is Man who is at the center of this museum above all.

But the Côa Valley is more than just a beautiful landscape and an art museum: it's also about artworks to admire outdoors... and why not, under the stars! It was at nightfall that we set off to explore one of the valley's sites, accompanied by a guide and armed with flashlights.

Here, you see? A goat. You see? There are the horns, the muzzle...

And so it was that in the yellow light of a flashlight, we spent part of the night playing Pictionary with Men from another century. What a strange feeling to think that these drawings engraved in stone have been watching the sun and the stars turn for thousands of years and will do so long after our passage on Earth...

Practical Information: Museu do Côa - Vale do Côa Address: Rua do Museu, 5150-610 Vila Nova de Foz Côa Website: Museu do Côa

In two words: The University of Coimbra The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is the first university in the country and holds a special significance in the hearts of the Portuguese, as it is where two countries were created: Portugal and Brazil. It is also one of the oldest in Europe and the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, the University of Coimbra brings together buildings from different eras.

There are places you do not expect. Places that add themselves to our itinerary without stirring any emotions... and which surprise us even more when we discover them. That was the case for me at the University of Coimbra!

While its library touched me (I love large, old wooden libraries, especially if they have old ladders to access the books stored high up!), my fondness for the University of Coimbra is much broader than that.

I loved...

I loved experiencing the atmosphere of the university. Or rather the atmospheres.

A timeless atmosphere, with some students dressed like students at Hogwarts, in long black capes. I caught a glimpse of Hermione, but no sign of Harry...

An atmosphere of hope, with this student who had just completed her thesis presentation, and who, in the face of the emotion, seemed to be dancing inside when she was invited to stand before the jury, an honor reserved for students who achieve unanimous approval. Her mother, at the bottom of the stairs, dissolved into tears of joy.

And an atmosphere of fervor for knowledge and the desire to learn, palpable when wandering through the corridors between classrooms. Also visible in the curiosity cabinets: true natural history museums... and a journey through time!

And I simply loved the city of Coimbra. Its alleyways with numerous staircases, with bars and cafes on every landing. Its pedestrian shopping streets. Its colorful facades. Its church and the old bistro next door...

Practical Information: Universidade de Coimbra UNESCO Address: Largo da Porta Férrea, 3004-545 Coimbra Website: University of Coimbra

In two words: The Convent of Christ Originally a fortress of the Templars in the 12th century, it became a convent in the 14th century with the dissolution of the Order of the Templars, its Portuguese members being converted into Knights of Christ. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Convent of Christ is one of the most important historical and artistic monuments in the country, witnessing 900 years of History.

This building, with its different construction eras, has many stories to tell us. Tomar was a true crossroads, through which everything passed in Roman times. Thus, all of Portugal's History is connected to this city... Just as all the chapels of Asia, Africa, and America in the territories of Portuguese colonies are: all built according to the model of the church of the Convent of Tomar.

If I were to remember only two images of the Convent of Christ, I would engrave in my memory the beauty of the cloister of Dom João III and the rotunda (round church). Words fail me to describe the beauty of these places and the ambiance that emanated from them: a softness that encourages contemplation. A sense of elevation...

This round church (or rather octagonal), built during the second half of the 12th century, was supposedly built following the Crusades based on a model from Jerusalem: according to some theories, on the model of Omar's mosque (which the crusaders believed to be the remnants of Solomon's Temple), and according to others, based on the model of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.

Practical Information: Convento de Cristo Address: Castelo Templarios, 2300 Tomar Website: Convento de Cristo Tip: UNESCO Heritage Ticket For a more economical solution, you can purchase the > which includes: the Convento de Cristo, the Mosteiro de Alcobaça, and the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória (Batalha) for €15.00 (valid for 7 days) - instead of €6 per entry.

In two words: The Batalha Monastery The Batalha Monastery, whose full name is > commemorates the 1385 victory of the Portuguese over the Spaniards: Dom João, future king of Portugal, defeated the Castilians during the battle of Aljubarrota. With its two centuries of construction, this monument among the most fascinating in Europe became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

For, before the great battle of Aljubarrota, Dom João invoked the Virgin Mary to intercede before God to grant him victory. Which he obtained. In gratitude, he constructed this monument and named it >.

After passing in front of the statue of Dom João leading his men to victory, I ventured to the entrance of the monastery. An astonishing first contact. Crushing even. A deep feeling of being infinitesimally small. In the face of its size. Its history. In this road trip, despite moving from monument to monument, I retain with each encounter a renewed sense of surprise. Unexpected!

And to think it took two centuries to build! This monastery has thus known different eras and architectural styles (Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance), as well as numerous changes: the monastery we admire today is very different from the original.

Besides its imposing facade, two images particularly marked me: the view from the heights of its roofs and its unfinished chapel.

For yes, after two centuries of construction, this building is still not finished! The plans have been lost. The complete work should have been taller than the current church. Enough to give an idea of (madness of) grandiosity... This unfinished chapel gives the feeling of entering a secret place, in a post-apocalyptic world. What happened for the civilization in place to be abruptly halted in its works? Enough to invent an entire novel...

And climbing to the top of this monastery was quite an adventure. This climb allowed me to feel the stone differently. For here, everything is stone, even the tiles! Impressive to see such a heavy material arranged with so much grace and lightness. However, if we were able to ascend, it was as invited bloggers; unfortunately, tourists cannot climb that high.

Practical Information: Mosteiro da Batalha Address: Largo Infante D. Henrique, 2440-109 Batalha Website: Batalha Monastery Tip: If you have the opportunity, stay in the evening to enjoy the night illumination of the Batalha Monastery, which enhances the architectural beauty of the building.

In two words: Fátima Fátima, originally a small village in central Portugal, has become one of the most important cities on a religious level.

Two women marked the history of this place: Fátima, who gave her name to the village, and... the Virgin Mary, who gave it its importance.

According to legend, Fátima, a Moorish princess during the Arab rule, was captured during the Christian reconquest by a knight of the Templar order. Stockholmsyndrome or fairy tale, it matters not, Fátima fell in love with this knight, the young woman married him, converted to Christianity, and changed her name, becoming Oureana.

As for the Virgin Mary, the story tells that she appeared before three young shepherds and made predictions. The city of Fátima thus became famous in 1917, when thousands of people attended the >, according to the Virgin Mary's prediction.

Following the apparitions of the Virgin, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima was built. And more recently (in 1928), a neoclassical basilica was constructed in front of it: the embodiment of sobriety. A sort of return to the essential.

What a strange feeling it is to find oneself in the middle of this huge square that separates the two buildings: Our Lady of Fátima on the right, rich in history, and the basilica on the left, imbued with an air of >.

People come on foot, even on their knees, to pray to the Virgin and leave a candle. It is impressive to observe such fervor on an ordinary day. I can barely imagine this square on days of processions...

Practical Information: Address: Fátima, Santarém Website: for more information check the website of the Tourism Office Tips: The largest celebrations take place on the evening of May 12 and 13, as well as October 13. Between these dates, every day > is a day of devotion.

In two words: The Alcobaça Monastery Contemporary to the founding of Portugal and built over a century, this monastery is one of the most impressive testimonies of Cistercian architecture in Europe. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1989 and declared in July 2007 as one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

Yes, the Alcobaça Monastery is beautiful. Yes, it is large. Yes, it has beautiful patios. But what I will remember from this visit, what sets it apart to me: its romantic flair.

Upon arriving on site, I found myself surrounded by children eager to discover the places. And I understand them: they had a beautiful princess and a great hooded monk as guides. The taste for spectacle to entice young people to take an interest in their roots: I love it!

Meeting the monk and princess throughout my visit in the monastery grounds, another place marked my mind with a scent of romance: the tombs of Dom Pedro I and Inês de Castro, facing each other for eternity. The legend says they are ready to reunite on Resurrection Day.

The love story of Inês and Pedro is deeply rooted in Portuguese culture and legends. They are the local Romeo and Juliet! A story rich in twists... Inês, a noble Galician woman, having been crowned queen of Portugal... after her death!

Take the time to kneel before these tombs to admire the carvings and reliefs narrating a love story that withstands the test of time and the end of times...

Practical Information: Mosteiro de Alcobaça Address: Praça 25 de Abril, 2460-018 Alcobaça Website: Mosteiro de Alcobaça

In two words: Óbidos It is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, >... according to our guide! Visited for its well-preserved walls, the village of Óbidos is a perfect example of a medieval fortress. Since the early Modern Age, it has not evolved much and has been well preserved.

A bright and colorful town, it derives its name from the Latin word > meaning >. Initially Roman, it was later occupied by the Moors (until 1148), then conquered by the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, and finally fortified in 1527.

Its whitewashed houses give Óbidos a dollhouse charm. Surmounted with climbing plants, bougainvillea and honeysuckle, each has its unique charm: a touch of color here, a wooden shutter there... Among tourists strolling through the winding alleys, we encounter old gentlemen bent over their canes and some dogs, happy to take a nap in the middle of the path...

In addition to the pleasure of strolling through this timeless decor, several places offer a purpose for tourists to visit: the Moorish castle, now converted into an inn, the Church of Santa Maria, with the pretty chapel of São Martinho, and outside the walls, the church of Senhor da Pedra.

Practical Information: Location: in the west of the Central Portugal region, Sub-region, District of Leiria (about an hour's drive from Lisbon) Website: for more information, the website of the Centro de Portugal Tourism Office Tip: Book lovers will be delighted, Óbidos has become a Literary Town. Bookstores of all kinds abound in this tiny village, each with its unique charm: café bookstore, bookstore in an old church, bookstore-organic market, bookstore-museum... Tip: Several events punctuate life in Óbidos: Holy Week, Ancient Music Festival, International Literature Festival, International Chocolate Festival...

Casa da Cisterna

Staying in an old village in Portugal: a picturesque experience not to be missed! A favorite for Castelo Rodrigo, a village of raw stone perched in nature not far from the Côa Valley.

The guesthouse Casa da Cisterna provided us with a magnificent welcome: a romantic duplex-type room (with a fireplace!), a delicious dinner, and a very good breakfast. I am very eager to return to try their picnic and camping under the stars.

The hotel on Booking and on Agoda.

Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas

Elegance and style are perhaps the best words to describe this hotel. Friendly service, beautiful gardens, a pool... but above all, romance: for this is where Pedro and Inês lived their forbidden love.

The hotel on Booking and on Agoda.

Luz Houses

And the best for last: our absolute favorite of this stay! Both for the setting, the welcome, and the atmosphere that arises from this place, Luz Houses more than charmed us.

Carefully decorated, the rooms and reception areas are warm and instantly make you feel at home (but better!). Very good homemade breakfast and, a little bonus: their very original zen massage room... to be tested!

The hotel on Booking and on Agoda.

Restaurante O Cardo - Furadouro Boutique Hotel

We stopped at the beginning of our road trip in Furadouro for lunch at the restaurant of this hotel. Delicious buffet and a very good time, with a view of the sea and its impressive waves that crash constantly. The hotel on Booking and on Agoda.

Address: Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 734, Praia do Furadouro, 3880-355 Ovar

Restaurante Casa das Ratas

A restaurant with a funny name (>), all in a quirky setting: an old wine bar converted into a restaurant. This place has a warm and intimate atmosphere. Sitting on wooden benches, we enjoy good charcuterie as well as typical meat and fish dishes.

Address: Rua Dr Joaquim Jacinto, no 6, 2300-577 Tomar

Restaurante Nau dos Corvos

We choose this restaurant first for its view, then for its good dishes! Its prices are above the average of Portuguese restaurants, but the service is good and the welcome, chic and friendly.

Address: Cabo do Carvoeiro, 2520-605 Peniche

Pâtisserie Acoa (Alcobaça)

If you had to remember only one address, it would be this one! Famous for its > pastries: it's worth a stop, right?

Its > are acclaimed as the best in the country: they even rival the famous pastéis de Belém in the Lisbon region! Beware, great danger of entering this bakery with its extremely tempting display!

Some of their specialties next to the pastel de nata: divina gula, segredo de Pedro, torresmo do céu, fradinho, ovos do paraiso, manjar dos deuses, cornucopias...

Address: Praça 25 Abril no 44, 2460-018 Alcobaça

I love traveling by car. Road trips offer great travel comfort and, above all, great freedom in your itinerary and travel pace... And to discover all these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it's better to have a car! We really enjoyed our route from Porto to Lisbon: a good balance in terms of distance and variety of discoveries.

A site to help you: the car rental comparator BSP in Portugal.

While writing down my memories and doing some research for this article, I discovered that since 2007, there has been a list of > (>).

Surprise: three of the sites I presented to you are on it!

And I was amused to realize that I had already visited almost all of Portugal's Wonders: I just have one left to see... A good excuse to come back and travel in this beautiful country!

For more information on preparing your special > stay, check out the website of the Central Portugal Tourism Office.

Travel invitation from the Portugal Tourism Office.

To go further: Central Portugal: first impressions Two useful articles for discovering Lisbon Lisbon: practical information Lisbon on rails: discovering trams and funiculars Two useful articles for discovering Sintra: 6 reasons to go to Sintra Sintra: practical information