The nearest town, Oliveira do Hospital, lies on the very
edge of the nature reserve and the high mountans, Serra
da Estrela (2,000 m). A wonderful area for rambling with
splendid views, storage reservoirs, rock formations,
and a fairy-tale cataract.
The villages in the surroundings, such as Travanca de
Lagos, Bobadela and Fiais da Beira breathe a really Portuguese
atmosphere and are definitely worth seeing.
Finally, the bigger towns of Coimbra and Viseu, offer a wealth of culture.
Culture
Coimbra
Ancient university city with marvellous buildings, shops restaurants and museums; centre of science and culture.
Viseu
Ancient town and one-time capital.
Guarda
Most highly situated town of Portugal (1000 m).
Mira
Beautiful sandy beach; southern part used by naturists.
Restaurants
Lagares da Beira
- ‘O Coreto’ (also pizzas)
Tranvanca de Lagos
- ‘O Carioca’
Oliveira do Hospital
- ‘O Tunnel’
- ‘Marques’
- Also pizzarias, chicken-grill restaurants and snackbars
Ervedal de Beira
- ‘Quinta do Pisao’ (portuguese and flemish cuisine, speciality: vegetarian dishes)
- ‘Val dos Amores’ (portuges cuisine; also vegetarian dishes)
Markets
Oliveira do Hospital
- big market once a month
- on Friday mornings covered market
- dayley fish and vegetables
Tábua
- big market once a month
Sunday mornings covered market
Arganil
- big market every week, on Thursday mornings
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