The Summer Solstice set the tone for a Blog and Press trip to Beira Baixa, with Portuguese and Spanish Bloggers and Journalists, organized by the Intermunicipal Community of Beira Baixa.

Where is Beira Baixa?

Beira Baixa is a region in central Portugal made up of six municipalities. Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Oleiros, Penamacor, Proença-a-Nova and Vila Velha de Ródão. The "capital" of Beira Baixa is Castelo Branco. This is a "raiana" region, as it forms part of the border with Spain. It is crossed by the rivers Tejo, Zêzere, Ocreza, Reges and Ponsul. And where we find the Gardunha, Malcata and Muradal mountains. 

3-day itinerary in Beira Baixa (by car)

Day 1 - Village of Monsanto and São Pedro de Vir-a-Corça (Municipality of Idanha-a-Nova)

We celebrated the summer solstice at the Hermitage of São Pedro de Vir-a-Corça, a well-kept secret at the gates of Portugal's most Portuguese village, the Historical Village of Monsanto.

It's at a dinner at Quinta de São Pedro de Vir-a-Corça and next to the Chapel of São Pedro de Vir-a-Corça that we toast the summer solstice and learn about the stories, legends and traditions of Beira Baixa, many of them related to the solstice itself.

What is the Summer Solstice?

The Summer Solstice marks the beginning of summer on June 21, with the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, and the shortest day in the southern hemisphere. Throughout the world, the solstice is celebrated in both religious and pagan ways. One of the best known monuments related to the solstice is the Stonehenge monument in England. Although it is still shrouded in mystery, it is believed that it may have been built for the purpose of observing the seasons and therefore the solstice.

Monsanto Village

We began our journey in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, in the village of Monsanto. This is one of Portugal's 12 Historic Villages and was awarded the title of Portugal's most Portuguese village by the Estado Novo in 1938. With the title came the silver rooster that we see at the top of the Torre do Lucano (also known as the clock tower). Monsanto is the village that defies the law of gravity par excellence. It is literally built in the middle of cliffs. The village is small, but there are several points of interest.

What to see in Monsanto in pictures

Lucano or Clock Tower

Mother Church

Chapel of St. Peter of Vir-a-Corça

Fernando Namora House

 

Castle

Laje das Treze Tigelas or Tijelinhas da Fidalga

 

Mono Fountain

Grotto

Penedos Juntos

 

Day 2 - Vila Velha de Ródão and Proença-a-Nova

Vila Velha de Ródão

Boat trip in Vila Velha de Ródão, lunch with Beira Baixa wine tasting and a visit to Portas de Ródão

On our second day in Beira Baixa, we took the opportunity to visit the Portas de Ródão, an impressive natural monument, while enjoying lunch with a tasting of the region's wines. The tour started at the river pier in Vila Velha de Ródão (organized by Vila Portuguesa). While we enjoyed the beautiful scenery, we sampled regional products and tasted the region's wines. Lunch consisted of dishes made with fish from the river.

 

 

Proença-a-Nova

Serra das Talhadas

In Proença a Nova we went to see the Serra das Talhadas. Highlights include the Paragliding Ramp and the 16-meter-high Lookout Tower, designed by the architect Siza Vieira. This tower was designed based on the old watchtower and now serves as a viewpoint.

In the Serra das Talhadas it is possible to practice enduro mountain biking, and for hiking lovers there are several walking routes.

This is where we find Portugal's largest Via Ferrata(A Via Ferrata is an itinerary prepared on the rocky walls of the mountain - with ladders, cables, pitons, etc. - designed to facilitate progression and optimize safety for mountaineers).

 

Froia River Beach

There are several river beaches in the Beira Baixa region with excellent infrastructure. This time we went to Fróia River Beach. It's set in a valley and close to the typical villages of Oliveiras and Pedreira. Here you'll find clear water from the source of the Fróia stream and two small waterfalls. There are toilets and a restaurant and terrace area open all year round.

 

Schist Village of Figueira

Figueira is one of the 27 Schist Villages in central Portugal. It belongs to the group of Schist Villages along the Tejo-Ocreza river. The village's ex-libris is its Community ovenwhere we can still see the markings for the use of the oven by the inhabitants. In addition to the Community Oven, the following should also be highlighted The Balau family home, a Source, a Eira, the Mills and the Lagares.

 

Day 3 - Castelo Branco

A visit to the historic center of Castelo Branco is an essential part of a tour of the city.

The city of Castelo Branco is the district capital and county seat. My suggestion for getting to know this city is to stroll through the streets, see the 16th century gates, the old Jewish quarters, the mural dedicated to the city, the Clock Tower, the Castle, the Episcopal Palace Garden, the Cargaleiro Museum and the Embroidery Interpretation Center.

Visit to the historic center of Castelo Branco

Castle

Episcopal Palace Garden

 

Cargaleiro Museum

Embroidery Interpretation Center

 

Practical Guide

Travel

The best way to do this is by car. If you don't have your own vehicle, it's best to hire a car.

Where to eat

Restaurant "Casa da Ti Augusta" (Schist Village of Figueira)

The gastronomy of Beira Baixa is a real journey in itself. At the Casa da Ti Augusta restaurant we tried some of the typical dishes of this region. Plangaio, maranho, afogado de boda, tigelada and medronho liqueur. There was also plenty of cheese, sausages, olives and tasty bread baked in the village's community oven.

 

Restaurant "A Tábua" (Castelo Branco)

At this restaurant the food is served on wooden boards. The menu includes fish, meat and various starters.

Where to sleep

To sleep, I recommend two accommodations.

Quinta de São Pedro de Vir a Corça (Monsanto)

Meliá (Castelo Branco)

Videos

I'll leave you with videos of other trips I've made in Beira Baixa.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=c0g5-MACC6w%2520title%3DYouTube%2520video%2520player%2520frameborder%3D0%2520allow%3Daccelerometer%3B%2520autoplay%3B%2520clipboard-write%3B%2520encrypted-media%3B%2520gyroscope%3B%2520picture-in-picture%2520allowfullscreen

https://youtube.com/watch?v=GJg2VN2h9qc%2520title%3DYouTube%2520video%2520player%2520frameborder%3D0%2520allow%3Daccelerometer%3B%2520autoplay%3B%2520clipboard-write%3B%2520encrypted-media%3B%2520gyroscope%3B%2520picture-in-picture%2520allowfullscreen

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