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Top 10 cities to visit in Central Portugal
One of the questions we get most often from guests when they arrive is: “What should we really see while we’re here?”And it’s a fair question. Central Portugal may be one of the country’s less touristy regions, but it is packed with history, culture and incredible places to explore — from UNESCO-listed monasteries and Europe’s biggest waves to a medieval walled town and a university city that was already centuries old before Harvard even existed.
We’ve been living here for several years now and have visited most of these places ourselves, many of them more than once. So here is our personal top 10, including the approximate driving time from the campsite and one tip from us for each destination.
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- Last updated on 23 August 2026
Let’s start with the city right on our doorstep. Tomar was once the home of the Knights Templar, and you can immediately see their influence at the Convento de Cristo, a magnificent monastery and castle towering above the city. Inside, you’ll find the famous Manueline window and the Charola, a remarkable circular Templar church that is hard to forget.
- Driving time from the campsite: ± 20–25 minutes
- Our tip: Don’t just visit the monastery. Take some time to explore the historic centre, walk along the Nabão River and enjoy a coffee at one of the terraces near the old watermills.
2. Coimbra
Coimbra is Portugal’s university city and it certainly feels like one: lively and youthful, yet steeped in centuries of history. The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For many visitors, the Biblioteca Joanina, the magnificent Baroque library filled with gilded bookshelves, is the absolute highlight.
Driving time from the campsite: ± 1 hour
Our tip: Allow at least half a day. Combine the university visit with a walk through the old town, including Baixa and Alta, and have lunch beside the Mondego River.
3. Fátima
One of Europe’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Even if you’re not religious, the immense square at the Sanctuary of Fátima is an impressive sight — especially in the evening, when the candlelight procession takes place from May to October.
- Driving time from the campsite: ± 40 minutes
- Our tip: Visit in the evening rather than during the day. During the day, the square can feel busy and touristy, but at dusk, with hundreds of candles glowing, it has a completely different and much more peaceful atmosphere.
4. Óbidos
One of the most photogenic places in Portugal. Óbidos is a completely walled medieval town filled with whitewashed houses, colourful flowerpots and narrow streets that feel almost like an open-air museum. You can even walk along part of the old town walls for beautiful views across the rooftops.
- Driving time from the campsite: ± 1 hour
- Our tip: Try the local speciality, ginjinha — a traditional cherry liqueur often served in a small chocolate cup. Ideally, visit early or later in the day. Around lunchtime, Óbidos can get very busy with day-trippers during the high season.
5. Nazaré
Famous for some of the biggest waves in the world, Nazaré attracts surfers from all over the globe who come to watch — or challenge — these incredible waves. But even if surfing isn’t your thing, Nazaré is well worth a visit: a traditional fishing town with a long sandy beach, great views and plenty of fresh fish restaurants.
- Driving time from the campsite: ± 1 hour
- Our tip: Take the funicular (or drive) up to Sítio, the higher part of Nazaré, for spectacular views across the bay and towards the famous waves at Praia do Norte.
6. Batalha
Together with Tomar and Alcobaça, Batalha forms the “Golden Triangle” of monasteries in this part of Portugal. The Mosteiro da Batalha (Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória) is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, built to commemorate a battle that secured Portugal’s independence from Castile.
Driving time from the campsite: ± 45 minutes
Our tip: Combine Batalha with Alcobaça (see below). They are only around 20 minutes apart and together they tell an important part of Portugal’s history.
7. Alcobaça
The third point of the monastery triangle. The Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça is one of Portugal’s most impressive monasteries and is home to one of the country’s most beautiful — and tragic — love stories: the tombs of King Pedro I and his beloved Inês de Castro.
- Driving time from the campsite: ± 50 minutes
- Our tip: Don’t miss the enormous monastery kitchen, with a chimney so large that entire oxen could reportedly be roasted inside it.
8. Aveiro
Often called “the Venice of Portugal”, thanks to its canals and colourful moliceiro boats. Aveiro is a little further away than the other destinations on this list, but makes a lovely full-day trip, especially when combined with Coimbra.
- Driving time from the campsite: ± 1.5 hours
- Our tip: Try ovos moles, a sweet egg-based speciality from Aveiro. You’ll find them in bakeries throughout the city.
Book your stay with us
Planning to explore Central Portugal? Stay with us at Quinta da Cerejeira and use the campsite as your base for discovering the region.
9. Constância & Castelo de Almourol
A lesser-known but beautiful combination. Constância is a charming whitewashed village situated where the Tagus and Zêzere rivers meet. Just a short distance away, you’ll find Castelo de Almourol — a medieval castle sitting dramatically on a small island in the middle of the river. You reach it by a small boat.
- Driving time from the campsite: ± 30 minutes
- Our tip: This is one of our personal favourites for guests looking for something a little less touristy. Visit on a quiet weekday for the best experience.
10. Leiria
Leiria is often overlooked by tourists, but it has a surprisingly beautiful castle perched high above the city, offering views across the River Lis and the rooftops of the historic centre. It makes a lovely, quieter stop if you’re driving back from Nazaré or Batalha.
Driving time from the campsite: ± 50 minutes
Our tip: Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Pinhal de Leiria, one of Portugal’s historic pine forests, stretching towards the coast.
What is the most beautiful city to visit in Central Portugal?
That’s a personal choice, but Coimbra and Óbidos are most often mentioned as absolute highlights — one for its historic university and lively atmosphere, the other for its beautifully preserved medieval character.
Can you visit these cities from the campsite without a car?
For most of these cities, having a car is recommended, as public transport in this region is limited. Tomar, for example, can easily be reached by bike.
How many days do you need to see the main highlights?
Allow at least 5 to 7 days if you want to explore the main cities at a relaxed pace without having to spend every day travelling.
Is Fátima worth visiting if you’re not religious?
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