The interior central region of Portugal is home to beautiful and interesting historical villages, rich in tradition, heritage and history set in the most beautiful natural landscapes. These granite and slate villages were generally built on high ground, walled and most have a castle as they were strategic defence points for the population even before the Roman occupation and for the Country itself until the French invasions.

The network of historical villages of Beira Interior (Beira Baixa and Beira Alta) now includes the villages of Almeida, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Novo, Castelo Rodrigo, Linhares da Beira, Marialva, Piódão, Sortelha, Belmonte, Trancoso, Idanha-a-Velha e Monsanto.

We recommend you visit Idanha-a-Velha, a small village with Visigoth ruins and Monsanto, the oldest village of Portugal.