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

Where to sleep in Guarda

Hotel Lusitânia Congress & Spa
Hotel Lusitânia Congress & Spa

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…

Hotel Pombeira
Hotel Pombeira

3 star

Nice modern Hotel, located just a few kilometers from the guard, offering beautiful panoramic views over the hills. Offers 24 well-equipped rooms, including tw…

Solar de Alarcão
Solar de Alarcão

Located in the historic centre of Guarda, this manor in granite, dated 1686, has three comfortable rooms, a pleasant garden and a terrace where you can enjoy a…

Near Guarda

Aguiar da Beira

Aguiar da Beira


Aguiar da Beira is part of the District of Guarda and part of the demarcated region of the Dão wines. Located 40 kilometers away from Viseu, this Cou…

Fornos de Algodres

Fornos de Algodres


Discover the charms, the hospitality of its approximately 1700 inhabitants and, of course, the Queijo da Serra of this village at the foot of Serra d…

Celorico da Beira

Celorico da Beira


Located in Serra da Estrela mountain massif, the village of Celorico da Beira is divided into two markedly distinct zones: the Serra, with a part int…

Mêda

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…