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 Dom Sancho I, aiming for it to act as a center of commerce and Beirã's border defense against the invaders, reason why it received the what is still its name today. To know this city, start by Praça Luís de Camões, also known as old square. From this heart of the city, located right next to the Cathedral, set off to discover the funny alleys filled with interesting monuments. The highlight goes to the Cathedral, the Castle and the old Episcopal Palace. Make sure to also visit the famous tiles from Vilar Formoso with about fifty panels by João Alves de Sá. The lovers of outdoor sports have in this council several activities to choose from, from hiking trails and cycling up to the paragliding Championships in Linhares and also skiing facilities at Serra da Estrela. The typical products are many, from handicrafts (embroidery, brass bells, weaving and lace) to gastronomy, with emphasis on the Serra da Estrela cheese and sausages. Agriculture and pastoralism predominate in the outlying parishes of Guarda, noting, however, that this is not the case in the city, where trade and services abound. The Serra da Estrela natural park, with more than 100,000 hectares, is responsible for the promotion of the municipality's tourism.
Where to eat in Guarda
Portuguese, Regional
15.00 €
A refined restaurant combined with an art gallery with an uncommon yet rather pleasant result. It h…
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 an old house where wood and stone have taken hold, serving good regional dish…
Portuguese, Regional
15.00 €
Restaurant located in a restored house from the 17th century, thanks to the dedication of its owner…
Author, Contemporary, Portuguese
30.00 €
The Dom restaurant Fork contains three nice rooms, well decorated and cozy, where are served good c…
Fast food, Portuguese
8.00 €
Master restaurant Bread Alameda, in the guard, is a space full of dynamic, with themed dinners and …
Portuguese
10.00 €
A large restaurant, with a rustic decor and an effective servicem that serves typical Portuguese di…
What to do in Guarda
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…
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 districts of Santarém and Portalegre are beautiful freshwater beaches.
Near Guarda
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 …
Seia
Seia is situated on the western slope of the Serra da Estrela mountain range, covering a large part of this important Sierra. It is known for hosting…
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…
Trancoso
Housed in a mountain area, with units arriving to hit 985 m, municipality of Trancoso enjoys a climate of altitude, with hot summers and harsh winter…