Explore Hidden Gems of Portugal's Center: Cherry Orchards, Ancient Engravings and Wine Trails

     

Welcome to Portugal’s best-kept secrets in the interior of The Center of Portugal! An enchanting region where history, nature and gastronomy come together to create an unforgettable experience. We transport you across the Atlantic on yet another adventure!

If you’re planning a trip to Central Portugal  get ready for an exciting journey through the Cereja do Fundão Region’s cherry orchards and museum, the esteemed Quinta dos Termos Winery, the captivating  Côa Museum  and the stunning  Côa Park  night-time engravings. We also visited the beautiful Natural Reserve of Faia Brava. 

Let’s dive in to see why these destinations & tours are a must visit!

 Cereja do Fundão Region: Cherry Museum and Orchard

No place does cherries better than the Cereja do Fundão Region of Portugal. Imagine strolling through lush orchards and the air filled with the sweet scent of ripe cherries. 

The Cereja do Fundão Cherry Museum offers an immersive experience into the world of this delightful fruit. Here, you’ll learn everything from the history of cherry cultivation to the myriad ways cherries can be enjoyed—from jams to liquors.

We loved our tour of the cherry museum in the mountain village of Alcongosta . Also included was a brief introduction to basket weaving.  Marta our tour guide explained the process; and showed us baskets in different places around town.

The cherry and the cherry tree are identifying elements of the village. The connection of the cherry to the community is celebrated at the Cherry Festival, on the 2nd weekend in June. We arrived 5 days after the festival ended- a good excuse to return next summer!

Next up was an exciting visit to a nearby cherry orchard: "Quinta da Serrana." We picked ripe cherries and they were devoured quickly - so plump and juicy! Afterword we enjoyed a wine tasting and delightful picnic on the grass, in the heart of the orchard. 

Marta put on an amazing spread of all things cherries; ice tea, jam w/crackers, and chocolates. All the ingredients are locally sourced and produced . The ice tea was my favorite- so refreshing!

This day was a blend of education and indulgence. Whether you’re a cherry aficionado or a curious traveler, this region’s cherry orchards are a sweet escape you won’t want to miss.

 Quinta dos Termos Winery: A Toast to Tradition

Raise your glass and toast to Quinta dos Termos Winery, a gem in the heart of Portugal’s wine country near Belmonte. This family-owned estate is renowned for its rich, full-bodied wines and warm hospitality!  As you tour the winery you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, from grape harvest to bottle.

Pedro Carvalho, business development manager ( & the owner's son ) gave us a fun tour of the estate and entire wine making process. I was in awe of the gorgeous vineyards; and huge vats used to process the grapes. The barrel aging, bottling and packing process were interesting to see!

After the tour, we went to the tasting room to sample the top selling wines.  Thirty- one varieties are produced and sold around the world.

Quinta dos Termos isn't just about wine; it’s about experiencing the passion and tradition behind each bottle. You can reserve your own tasting session and savor the complex flavors of the wines. The tasting is paired with local cheeses and meats. The winery also offers picturesque views of the rolling hills of vineyards, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon.

We enjoyed warm Portuguese hospitality and a beautiful experience at Quinta do Termos! A visit here is definitely worth the 3 hour drive from Lisbon.

Côa Museum: A Journey Through Prehistoric Art

Image Credit: Center of Portugal Tourism

Next we arrived at an extra-ordinary spot! For history lovers and art enthusiasts alike, the Côa Museum offers a treasure trove of prehistoric art. Situated in the Douro Valley, the museum showcases one of the most significant collections of Paleolithic rock engravings in the world. These ancient carvings dating back over 20,000 years, offer a glimpse into the lives of our early ancestors.

It was a treat to be hosted on a tour with archaeologist Mr. Luis, and view these ancient works of art. We had an amazing history lesson condensed into a short window of time. Hearing the history of the Côa River Valley and seeing the carvings; was truly a special experience. Objects discovered during excavations conducted in the valley are also on display for viewing.

The museum itself is an architectural marvel to behold. The building was designed by Portuguese architects: Pedro Tiago Pimentel and Camilo Rebello. Its exhibits are thoughtfully curated to provide context and insight into the engravings, making it a captivating visit for anyone interested in prehistoric art and archaeology.

Night Visit to Côa Park: A Stargazing and Engraving Adventure

We had a magical and electrifying experience, and took a guided night visit to Coa Park! Down down we went on a dirt road to the river- ha! It was a crazy fun ride on the sharp hair pin curves. Ana our guide, drove us to see the Paleolithic Rock Art in the dark. It was the most exciting adventure yet to be had in Portugal- SO FUN and a bit spooky too!

We huddled up close in order to see the the ancient engravings. The rock art is most visible with special lighting provided by the guide. This is why it's recommend to visit this remarkable place at dusk or nighttime. Ana shared a very interesting history lesson, under the sparkling night sky.  If you do visit;  bring mosquito repellent or you won't be a happy camper!

This UNESCO World Heritage site was created in 1996 for the protection and musealization of the rock art and enjoyment/preservation of the space. The park’s unique nocturnal tours combine stargazing with a journey through ancient art, providing a surreal and enchanting experience.

The Côa Park is an extraordinary way to connect with history and nature simultaneously, making it a must-do for adventurous souls.

Natural Reserve of Faia Brava: Biologists Trail and Safari

Last but not least, immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Natural Reserve of Faia Brava. This protected area is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The Biologists Trail offers an in-depth exploration of the reserve’s diverse flora and fauna guided by experts- Antonio and Ana (biologists). They passionately share their knowledge for this environment and project.

We didn't walk much of the trail, but did stop for a look at the valley.  Here we discovered a breath-taking view of the Côa River, and cascading cliffs. These rocky edges ( called "beeches") are home to some species of endangered birds including the Egyptian vulture and Bonelli's eagle.

Faia Brava Safari offers an unparalleled wildlife experience in Portugal’s stunning Douro Valley. This eco-tourism destination combines breathtaking landscapes with immersive safari adventures, showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity.

The Reserve was classified by the former Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Institute ( ICNB) as the first private protected area of the country. In addition, its a pilot area of the European project " Rewilding Europe" for the creation of wild natural areas and nature tourism in Europe. 

We took a short safari through the protected Faia Brava Reserve. Antonio was our driver and guide for the trip. Then we made our way to a viewpoint, to witness the most amazing wildlife experience ever!

Wait for it...can you guess...?!?!

We stopped off at a vulture hide to watch these majestic birds feeding in their natural habitat. WOW OH WOW this was a once in a lifetime adventure!   Antonio started by scattering a trash can of raw bones  over the mountain plateau.  The vultures circled above us for 30 minutes.  From far off they looked like small bats. We quickly entered the HIDE and quietly awaited their arrival.

My perception of the stature of these birds changed real quick! Suddenly, with a speedy gliding descent the vultures all landed at the same time. They were massive in size, much larger than I imagined. Watching them come in for a landing and feast on lunch was both exciting and extra-ordinary!

Vultures are not attractive birds, but a few Egyptian vultures showed up and they were beautiful! This entire experience feels as though you are part of a wildlife documentary!

Thanks to Antonio and Ana, our tour guides for the Faia Brava visit. They are also the creators of this vulture hide & project.

Wrap-Up: The Heartbeat- The Center of Portugal

Central Portugal is more than just a picturesque destination; it’s a place where cherry orchards, fine wines, ancient art, starlit engravings and stunning natural reserves converge to offer an array of unforgettable experiences. This region has a way of turning every visit into a story worth telling. The Center of Portugal is not just a destination- its a journey through time, taste and nature.

*This Article is in partnership with the Center of Portugal Tourism Board. We were hosted on a press tour in exchange for content and honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to THE CENTER OF PORTUGAL  partners and tour guides, for hosting us on these astounding adventures. For daily inspiration & tips about this region  follow on instagram!