Tucked away in the
rarely-visited Portuguese region
In the expansive Greater Côa Valley lies Belmonte, a charming historical town steeped in history and allure. Renowned primarily for its stunning fortress and historically significant Jewish population, this mountaintop medieval settlement doesn’t usually appear on mainstream Portugal travel routes. However, due to its distinctive appeal and breathtaking vistas, Belmonte deserves a place on your Portuguese exploration list.
To reach this destination from Lisbon, you have two options: a four-hour trip via bus or train, or about three hours by renting a car. If traveling from Porto, buses will take roughly three hours and 20 minutes; however, driving cuts down your journey by approximately one hour. Don’t let the effort deter you—this lesser-known town is well worth visiting. For accommodations rich with historical charm, consider staying at the Pousada Convento Belmonte, which once served as a 13th-century convent. This place boasts stunning vistas of the Serra da Esperança Mountains along with modern conveniences such as a swimming pool and an on-site eatery offering regional dishes.
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A Medieval Fortress Alongside an Ancient Jewish District
At the core of Belmonte lies its
fairytale-like medieval castle
Built approximately during the 13th century, this historic site remains a must-see attraction. Originally constructed under King Afonso III’s reign as protection from the Castilian forces, the Belmonte Castle eventually transformed into a dwelling place for the illustrious Cabral clan several generations after its construction. Among them was Pedro Álvares Cabral, famed Portuguese navigator recognized for being the initial European to set foot upon Brazilian soil back in 1500. Visitors may explore the premises Tuesday through Sunday with admission priced at two euros per person. Don’t miss out on observing the distinctive double-arched Manueline-style window featuring the emblematic heraldry associated with the Cabral lineage.
Beneath the castle walls lies an entry point to some of Belmonte’s most captivating past. The town now hosts one of Portugal’s biggest Jewish communities, a heritage that spans numerous generations. During the late 1400s and onward, under the pressure of the Portuguese Inquisition, many Jews were compelled to choose between converting to Christianity or departing from their homeland; however, Belmonte emerged as a sanctuary for a notable yet modest-sized Jewish population. Inside the old Jewish quarter, Judaism persisted clandestinely until 1974—the year marking the end of Portugal’s dictatorship following the Carnation Revolution—when religious freedoms began anew. Tourists interested in exploring these historical layers may wander along the winding cobbled lanes, observe the ancient inscriptions carved in stones, visit the modern-day synagogue constructed in 1996, and take part in guided tours around the Museu Judaico de Belmonte—a pioneering institution dedicated exclusively to showcasing this intricate chapter of local history.
A Settlement Abundant With Heritage and Spectacular Scenery
When you’re around, make sure to stroll through Largo do Pelourinho, the historical center’s main square, featuring a 15th-century city hall. Also worth visiting is the Museu dos Descobrimentos, focused on Belmonte’s renowned citizen, Pedro Álvares Cabral, as well as Portugal’s seafaring past. Another intriguing destination is the Zêzere EcoMuseum — an exploration into the various ecosystems alongside the Zezere River — followed by the Olive Oil Museum (Museu do Azeite). For those with an interest in antiquity, just north of this area lies Torre de Centum Cellas, a mysterious Roman tower whose original function continues to puzzle scholars.
Surrounded by majestic mountains, exploring the natural beauty of Portugal is another standout feature of Belmonte. The Serra da Estrela Nature Park, approximately an hour’s drive from the town center, boasts the country’s tallest summit alongside tranquil lakes, meadows, woodlands, and water sources. Closer to Belmonte, the river beach—Praia Fluvial de Belmonte—is a peaceful location ideal for picnics, swims, or unwinding. Should you wish to include additional charming and lesser-known destinations on your Portuguese journey, Aveiro stands out as
“Venice of Portugal” with fairytale charm
, and Zambujeira do Mar in the Alentejo region just may be
Portugal’s dreamiest cliffside town.
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