a mini guide to castelo branco

Castelo Branco is a Portuguese city, located in the district of the same name. It is an countryside city, 50km from the Spanish border. Catches about 15% of Serra da Estrela, the highest point in mainland Portugal.

First, Castelo Branco was established on the slopes of Monte da Cardosa, but has grown and today is located mostly in the adjacent flat areas. Two rivers pass through here, the Ponsul and the Ocreza, originating the Ribeira da Líria. The climate is Mediterranean and has low levels of humidity. 

There are records of settlements in the city area dating back to the 12th century and even earlier, making Castelo Branco a superb historical city. 

Why go there?

Although Castelo Branco is not one of the most obvious destinations in Portugal, we find here a historical, landscape, and cultural offer that many urban centers do not have. Here we also find a perfect blend of peace and serenity, with enthusiasm and aliveness. It is an emblematic place not to be missed.

What to do?

Although it seems like a lot of stops in a single destination, Castelo Branco still has more to see and know. However, these corners are so fascinating that time passes quickly! 

The Paço Episcopal Garden is one of the most emblematic places in the city, it’s a baroque style garden and very often the stage for reenactments. The Cidade Antiga is a collection of historic and interesting streets named after trades and professions. Camões Square was the old center of the city, so we find curious historical stops. The Sé Concatedral was the most important church in Castelo Branco, and as such, a key point in the town. 

Belmonte, Idanha-a-Velha, Monsanto, and Castelo Novo are historic villages of Portugal, i.e., very important centers in the Middle Ages, when they played an important role in defining the borders, but which have stagnated, almost stopped in time, and reflect the same way of life. Visiting them is like visiting the past. 

Covilhã is a city in the district that acts as a “door” to the Serra da Estrela, a wonderful place to visit. As we have already mentioned, the Serra da Estrela is the highest in Portugal, providing incredible views and precisely at the highest point was built the Tower, a great viewpoint from which you can observe a landscape of embedded valleys cut by several water courses.

where to stay?

Meliá Castelo Branco | Arca dos Animais — Farming & SPA | Herdade da Urgueira (see more options with exclusive Discounts with our BPH CARD!)

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where to eat?

Visit ‘Capelo’s’ and taste the best meat and grilled food in ‘Palistão’. For fish and seafood, visit the ‘Encosta da Muralha’. Taste the best of Regional Gastronomy in ‘Retiro do Caçador’.

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