Tao Valley Guidebook
Sightseeing
Beautifully unique hilltop village full of houses carved into the huge boulders. Wonderful views over Portugal and towards Spain too. The castle of Monsanto is also where the Winterfell scenes were filmed in the Game of Thrones series.
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Monsanto
Beautifully unique hilltop village full of houses carved into the huge boulders. Wonderful views over Portugal and towards Spain too. The castle of Monsanto is also where the Winterfell scenes were filmed in the Game of Thrones series.
Beautiful river beach only 4kms away from my land. It's the same river, downstream that has been dammed up to make a good place for swimming and sunbathing. There's plenty of parking with really friendly staff serving refreshments.
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Praia Fluvial Couca Cerejeira
Beautiful river beach only 4kms away from my land. It's the same river, downstream that has been dammed up to make a good place for swimming and sunbathing. There's plenty of parking with really friendly staff serving refreshments.
One of the best river pools (it's a pool more than a beach) in the area with lots of space to swim and sunbathe. There are some nice woodland walks to do either side of the valley and a good restaurant to come back to for food and refreshments. Parking is a little limited so get there early on weekends and during holidays to enjoy the best spots.
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Fróia River Beach
One of the best river pools (it's a pool more than a beach) in the area with lots of space to swim and sunbathe. There are some nice woodland walks to do either side of the valley and a good restaurant to come back to for food and refreshments. Parking is a little limited so get there early on weekends and during holidays to enjoy the best spots.
Food Scene
Fundao is has a nice, vibrant almost alpine feel of a market town at the foot of the Serra de Estrela mountain range. On Mondays, there's a big market full of second-hand clothes, plants and home grown foods. It's also home to Ananda Café, one of the best vegan/vegetarian restaurants in the region.
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Fundão
Fundao is has a nice, vibrant almost alpine feel of a market town at the foot of the Serra de Estrela mountain range. On Mondays, there's a big market full of second-hand clothes, plants and home grown foods. It's also home to Ananda Café, one of the best vegan/vegetarian restaurants in the region.
The best authentic taste of indian and Nepalese food in Castelo Branco, for both quality and value for money. I've only tried the vegetarian options and it's my favourite place to go. It's a family run business and the staff are super friendly.
Swagat cuisine Nepalese & Indian
95 Rua Doutor Alfredo da SilvaThe best authentic taste of indian and Nepalese food in Castelo Branco, for both quality and value for money. I've only tried the vegetarian options and it's my favourite place to go. It's a family run business and the staff are super friendly.
Good vegan chow right in the center of Castelo Branco. Everything is cooked and served by the owner. Only open at lunchtimes from 1200 until 1500.
Namaste
21 Rua de São JorgeGood vegan chow right in the center of Castelo Branco. Everything is cooked and served by the owner. Only open at lunchtimes from 1200 until 1500.
The best pastelaria in town (in my opinion). All the pastries are baked by the owner on site and the coffee is also the best you'll find in Castelo Branco. It's a good central place, with WiFi, close to the train and bus station.
Pastelaria Tentações
6 Avenida Pedro Alvares CabralThe best pastelaria in town (in my opinion). All the pastries are baked by the owner on site and the coffee is also the best you'll find in Castelo Branco. It's a good central place, with WiFi, close to the train and bus station.
Izeluleko zedolobha
Ukuzulazula
Castelo Branco and Intercity travel
Intercity train and bus services between Csstelo Branco and places like Lisbon, Porto and Guarda (with connections to Spain) are reliable, relatively cheap and a good way to see the countryside in a snapshot. Check out the Rede Express and Flixbus sites for more information.
Ukuzulazula
Local Buses in and Around Castelo Branco
It is certainly easier to get around this region with your own vehicle. However, there is a public bus service that runs between Castelo Branco and most major towns in the region. Check out the Transdev Portugal website for local bus times.