Far from the ordinary, yet close to everything.

Travelling through Almeida, Belmonte, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Novo, Castelo Rodrigo, Idanha-a-Velha, Linhares da Beira, Marialva, Monsanto, Piódão, Sortelha and Trancoso reveals a common thread uniting these 12 Historical Villages.

Nestled in the heart of Portugal’s interior, these villages offer a unique journey through centuries of architecture, heritage and local traditions. From granite fortresses to schist streets and time-honoured vineyards, the Historical Villages are a living testimony to resilience, identity and authenticity.

For wine lovers and cultural explorers alike, this route is much more than picturesque scenery — it’s a true immersion in the soul of the Beira Interior wine region.

The pre-national roots still etched into the historical centres, the architecture of castles, towers and defensive walls, stone pillories, ancestral legends and age-old traditions, the rich local gastronomy – and the distinct character of its people – make the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal a truly unique cultural heritage site.

Together, they form one of the most authentic destinations in Portugal, ideal for travellers seeking immersive experiences, historical authenticity and the timeless beauty of heritage landscapes.

At a time when the borders between Portugal, Leão and Castela were still shifting – marked by ongoing conquests and reconquests – the fortified villages along the Beira frontier were the main line of defence for local communities.

It was here that the first Portuguese fought to secure territory against Leonese, Castilian and Moorish forces. Centuries later, these same lands saw Portuguese and British troops stand together against the French.

Today, the monumental heritage of the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal stands as a powerful testimony to their historic role in shaping the nation's identity and defending its sovereignty.

Visiting the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal reveals a truth that defines this destination: it is one destination – and twelve at once. Each village holds a distinct personality, inviting you to discover its secrets, live its stories and immerse yourself in breathtaking, hidden paradises.

Along cobbled streets, ancient stone walls and majestic castles, you'll uncover the history of a fearless nation of conquerors, relive the stories of a resilient people, savour the richness of traditional Portuguese gastronomy, and raise a glass to life and all its pleasures.

Here, you’re invited to breathe deeply, slow down and reconnect – wandering through centuries-old heritage where tranquillity brings balance and safety. Whether you’re setting off on a scenic hiking trail or cycling through rugged mountain paths or peaceful country roads, the region offers a diverse and flexible range of outdoor experiences, tailored to your own pace and sense of adventure.

Cultural tourism reaches a rare pinnacle here. The 12 Historical Villages of Portugal offer a deeply immersive journey through the history of the nation — places where stories are told, where the past lives on, and where you are invited to live your own story.

The bond with nature is ancestral and ever-present, reflected in the wide range of authentic, nature-based experiences designed to connect you with the landscape, heritage and soul of this extraordinary region.

And because we don’t want you to waste time searching, everything you need to explore the Historical Villages of Portugal like a true explorer is just a click away.

Navigate our app and access essential information to plan your journey with ease. Our people are ready to welcome you with open arms — but until we can all travel more safely, let technology be your trusted companion.

Take care of yourself — and of the communities that make this region so special.

With your safety – and that of our communities – in mind, the Historical Villages of Portugal network has implemented a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan.

The “Safe and Sustainable” seal is proof of this commitment. When you see this seal, you can be assured that the services comply fully with the guidelines of the Portuguese Directorate-General for Health. However, safety is a shared responsibility — and that’s where the Responsible Tourist Manifesto comes in. It was created especially for you.

Welcome to the Historical Villages of Portugal — the world’s first certified networked destination and the first in Portugal to be awarded the BIOSPHERE DESTINATION seal for sustainable tourism.

Message from the President

António Robalo

“For the Historical Villages of Portugal – Association for Tourism Development, the Beira Interior Wine Route is a key project in positioning our territory as a distinctive and forward-thinking tourist destination.

Nowadays, wine tourism plays a unifying role — connecting cultural heritage with the authentic flavours of our land and our history. The diversity of soils and altitudes in our vineyards gives rise to wines with truly unique qualities. When paired with our region’s rich and varied gastronomy, they offer visitors an experience that is both unforgettable and unrepeatable — one they will treasure and want to return to.

In the current climate, we are called upon to reinvent ourselves — to be creative in finding new opportunities to energise this ecosystem and support an industry that is vital to the sustainability of our local economy.”