5 tips for fun sights and activities around Quinta do Retiro:
The region around Tábua and Oliveira do Hospital is a hidden gem in Central Portugal, perfect for an authentic and peaceful holiday. Nestled at the foot of the Serra da Estrela, it boasts a wealth of nature, historic villages, and gastronomy.
Here are 5 tips for fun sights and activities:
- Serra da Estrela: Nature and Portugal’s Highest Point
What it is: Portugal’s largest natural park, just a fifteen-minute drive east. In winter, you can ski there, and in other seasons, it’s perfect for hiking, cycling, and admiring glacial landscapes.
Highlights: Visit Torre (the highest point, 1993m), the Zêzere glacial valley with its hairpin bends, and Covão d’Ametade, a beautiful mountain lake. Taste the famous Queijo da Serra (sheep’s cheese) and smoked ham from local producers. Practical: Bring warm clothes, even in summer, as it can be cool and windy up there.
- Historic Schist Villages (Aldeias do Xisto)
What it is: A network of medieval villages built of schist, beautifully restored and nestled in the hills.
Recommendations: * Piódão: The absolute highlight. This village resembles a slate amphitheater, with blue doors and windows. It’s a bit further away (about 50 minutes), but an unforgettable sight. * Candal & Casal de São Simão: Lesser-known, but therefore very authentic. Casal de São Simão boasts a spectacular location above a river gorge. Perfect for a short walk and a drink.
Practical: The roads to get there are winding but beautiful. Bring your camera!
- River Beaches and the Rio Mondego
What it is: The region is full of refreshing and often well-equipped river beaches.
Recommended: * Praia Fluvial de Fraga da Pena: Near Oliveira do Hospital. An enchanting spot with waterfalls and natural pools in a wooded setting. * Praia Fluvial de S. Sebastião (Tábua): Right in Tábua on the Rio Mondego, ideal for families. * Albufeira da Barragem de Santa Luzia: A reservoir with a recreational area, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or picnicking.
- Medieval Villages with Castle Ruins
What it is: Characteristic villages that bear witness to the strategic importance of the region during the formation of Portugal.
Recommended: * Linhares da Beira: One of the most beautiful historic villages in Portugal. The village is winding, made of granite, and dominated by a mighty 12th-century castle with breathtaking views across the plains to the Serra da Estrela. * Avô: Known as the “village of the two rivers” (where the Alva and Mondego rivers meet), it boasts a charming square and the ruins of an old castle atop a hill.
- Local Product Tastings
· What it is: This area is a paradise for food and wine lovers.
· Recommendations: * Wine: Visit a local winery (Adega) in the Dão region, one of Portugal’s oldest wine regions, known for its elegant red wines. * Cheese and Meat: Look for “Venda Directa” signs at farms for the local Queijo da Serra and Chouriço (smoked sausage). * Cherry Season: In June/July, the area around Oliveira do Hospital is famous for its cherries. There’s even a Cherry Festival (Festa da Cereja). Taste everything from fresh cherries to liqueur.
Bonus Tip: Take a drive along the N2, the famous “Route 66 of Portugal,” which runs north-south and passes right through this region. The stretch between Oliveira do Hospital and Lamego is spectacular. Quinta do Retiro Parcampismo is quite close to the N2!
Conclusion: Combine a morning walk in the Serra da Estrela with a lunch featuring local produce, visit a schist village in the afternoon, and finish with a dip at a river beach. It’s the perfect formula for a diverse and relaxing holiday far from the crowds.