2 Best Sights in Belmonte, Coimbra and Central Portugal

On steep sloped roads behind the Castelo de Belmonte, a cluster of old houses makes up the Judaria. Belmonte had (and still has) one of Portugal's largest Jewish communities. Many present-day residents are descendants of the Marranos: Jews forced to convert to Christianity during the Inquisition. For centuries, many kept their faith, pretending to be Christians while practicing their true religion behind closed doors. Such was their fear of repression that Belmonte's secret Jews didn't emerge fully until the end of the 1970s. A small museum situated within a former 18th-century Catholic church includes a permanent exhibition about the Jewish period.

Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela is Portugal’s largest protected natural area, covering much of the country’s highest mountains. It is the only place in mainland Portugal to regularly see snow, with a small ski resort operating in winter, while summer offers hiking trails, glacier valleys, and natural pools.

Belmonte sits on the edge of the park, and scenic villages such as Manteigas and Loriga lie within, providing access to trails and local culture. There is no single entrance or tickets; visitors explore via roads, trails, and guided routes. The train from Lisbon to Belmonte-Manteigas (roughly four hours) is one of Portugal’s most scenic, following the Tagus river and its tributaries through hills and valleys into the mountains.

The Centro de Interpretação da Serra da Estrela in Seia provides maps, guidance, and seasonal updates. From there, visitors can plan routes for hiking, swimming in glacial lakes, or other outdoor activities throughout the year.