Central Portugal (Centro) is the second largest region of Portugal and sits above the Alentejo and Lisbon areas, below Northern Portugal and has a border with Spain.

Depending on where you are in the Centro Region, the landscape varies significantly. To the west are the white sand beaches of the Atlantic Silver Coast, mainly unspoilt, with sand dunes and pine trees. To the east is the mountainous border with Spain, rich with fortifications and castles, where it is possible to follow a route from one castle to another. In between are the mountains of the Serra da Estrela, plateaus, forests and lakes.

This is a region of outdoor pursuits - walking, climbing, horse riding. In terms of towns, Coimbra is an absolute gem, with its medieval university, 12th century Jewish Quarter and maze of alleyways. Obidos has a walled medieval centre and imposing castle.

There are plenty of places to stay in Central Portugal - hotels can be found in most cities and towns. Accommodation to rent tends to reflect the outdoor, rural nature of the region, with cottages, farmhouses and country guesthouses being the norm, other than on the coast where you will find apartments and villas to let.