Vila Nova de Poiares is a charming town located in Central Portugal, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals.  Here is our travel guide to help you plan your visit to Vila Nova de Poiares:

Getting there: Situated just 20kms east of Coimbra, a city that boasts a plethora of gorgeous buildings and even one of the oldest universities in the world. The nearest airport to Vila Nova de Poiares is in Porto, which is about 175 km away. You can hire a car or take a bus from Porto to Vila Nova de Poiares. Coimbra is a mere 40 minutes away, and Lisbon around 2 hours by car.

Vila Nova de Poiares has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from cozy bed and breakfasts to simples hotels. 9Arches is an exquisite 18th century classical Portuguese family home. , this idyllic property, Set ina small village in the heart of the Portuguese countryside shares a swimming pool and is a perfect place to get away from it all.

Vila Nova de Poiares has plenty of attractions to keep you busy during your visit. Here are some of the must-see places:

Jardim Municipal: This public park is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic, with plenty of shaded areas and a playground for children.

Rio Ceira: This river runs through the town and is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

Food and Drink: Vila Nova de Poiares is known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine, which features hearty stews, grilled meats, and fresh seafood. And the must-try dish is Chanfana - made from goat meat that is marinated and then cooked slowly in a clay pot with garlic, onions, red pepper paste, and red wine. 

The goat meat is usually marinated for several hours, sometimes even overnight, in a mixture of red wine, garlic, bay leaves, and salt. The marinated meat is then cooked slowly in a clay pot with the other ingredients until it becomes tender and falls off the bone. The resulting stew is rich and flavorful, with a slightly spicy and tangy taste.

Chanfana is often served with lots of sides, and t is often served at special occasions such as weddings or festivals.

Festivals and Events: Vila Nova de Poiares hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Feira de Maio (May Fair) and the Festa de Nossa Senhora da Graça (Our Lady of Grace Festival) in August.

Vila Nova de Poiares is known for its beautiful landscapes, including hills, forests, and rivers, making it a great destination for hiking enthusiasts. Here are some hiking trails you can explore in and around Vila Nova de Poiares:

Serra da Lousã Hiking Trail: This is a challenging trail that takes you through the beautiful mountains of Serra da Lousã. The trail is approximately 20 kilometers long and takes around 8 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, and traditional villages.

Aldeias do Xisto Hiking Trail: This trail takes you through several small villages in the region, each of which is made entirely of shale. The trail is approximately 12 kilometers long and takes around 4 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll encounter beautiful landscapes, traditional architecture, and friendly locals.

Fragas de São Simão Hiking Trail: This trail takes you through the stunning Fragas de São Simão, a natural park known for its beautiful waterfalls and rock formations. The trail is approximately 7 kilometers long and takes around 3 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll encounter several viewpoints that offer stunning views of the park.

Penedos de Góis Hiking Trail: This trail takes you through the beautiful hills and forests surrounding the town of Góis. The trail is approximately 14 kilometers long and takes around 5 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning viewpoints, traditional villages, and beautiful landscapes.

Vila Nova de Poiares is a charming and picturesque town that offers plenty of things to see and do. Whether you're looking to explore historic landmarks, sample traditional cuisine, or simply soak up the natural beauty of the area, this town has something for everyone.