Linhares da Beira

Linhares da Beira is one of the historic villages of Portugal, a small granite settlement on a hilltop in the Serra da Estrela. Its castle, its Romanesque church and its narrow streets have survived almost unchanged, and the views from its walls take in the mountains and the surrounding plateau.

History and identity

The village grew up around its castle, built in the twelfth century on the frontier between Christian and Muslim lands. It later became a quiet rural community, and its medieval layout and granite houses have been carefully preserved as part of the historic villages programme.

What to see and do

• The castle and its walls, with views over the mountains.
• The Romanesque church of Santa Maria and the village’s old streets.
• The pillory and the granite houses of the historic centre.
• Walking routes in the surrounding Serra da Estrela.

Gastronomy and traditions

The village keeps the traditions of the Beira mountains, with local cheeses — including the Serra da Estrela cheese — and the robust dishes of the region. Its festivals follow the agricultural calendar of the plateau.

Visiting Linhares da Beira

Linhares da Beira is in the municipality of Celorico da Beira, in the Serra da Estrela region, reached by road. Access to the village is free; for the castle and local services, check with the municipality before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-celoricodabeira.pt.

Image credit: Linhares da Beira, Celorico da Beira, by Carlos Pinto, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.