Guarda
Guarda is known as the city of the five F's: strong, rich, cold, faithful and beautiful (forte, farta, fria, fiel e formosa). It is the highest Portuguese city, at approximately 1050 meters above sea level. The original city was founded in 1199 with the charter provided by the portuguese king Dom Sancho I, with the intention of making it the center of commerce and Beirã's border defense against the invaders, reason why it received what is still its name today (“Guarda” means Guard). To know this city start by Praça Luís de Camões, also known as “Praça Velha” (Old Square). From this location, right next to the Cathedral, set off to discover the funny alleys filled with interesting monuments. You can also find a lot of typical products: from handicrafts (embroidery, bronze bells, weaving and lace) to gastronomy, with emphasis on the Serra da Estrela cheese and meat sausages.
What to do in Guarda
Travel Guide
Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions
Between Spain and Serra da Estrela there is a Guarda to discover
Be sure to visit Guarda, a treasure to discover between the border with Spain and Serra da Estrela. All About Portugal …
The best river beaches in Central Portugal
From the Serra da Estrela area to the Santarém and Portalegre districts there are beautiful freshwater beaches.
Where to eat in Guarda
Author, Contemporary, Portuguese
30.00 €
The Dom restaurant Fork contains three nice rooms, well decorated and cozy, where are served good c…
Portuguese, Regional
15.00 €
Restaurant located in an old house where wood and stone have taken hold, serving good regional dish…
Italian, Mediterranean, Portuguese
15.00 €
A refined restaurant located near the town of Guarda that serves Portuguese dishes with a touch of …
Portuguese, Regional
15.00 €
Restaurant located in a restored house from the 17th century, thanks to the dedication of its owner…
Portuguese
10.00 €
A large restaurant, with a rustic decor and an effective servicem that serves typical Portuguese di…
Portuguese, Regional
12.00 €
A restaurant decorated with rustic objects and animated by background music. It features a vareid m…
Where to sleep in Guarda
4 star
The now named Hotel Lusitania Congress & Spa is a modern and very comfortable unit, one of the outputs from the city of Guarda. With contemporary lines, the Ho…
Near Guarda
Mêda
The municipality of Meda has an approximate area of 296 km2 and encompasses 16 parishes, with a population of around 8 000 inhabitants. Because it is…
Gouveia
Gouveia is located on the western slope of the Serra da Estrela mountains, offering fantastic views over the Mondego valley. It is one of the almost …
Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo
At about 50 km to the north of Guarda, to which district it belongs, and very close to the border with Spain, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo is owner of…
Manteigas
It is a small municipality located on the eastern slope of serra da Estrela and in the river Zêzere. It is part of Vale Glaciar do Zêzere, a space vi…