Photo credit Laura Chambers
The Towns and Villages of Ansião
Region: Coimbra and Central
There is so much to see and do in this region of Central Portugal. I moved to Portugal in 2002. Then you were lucky to find anyone who spoke English, it has grown so
much since then. From bars and restaurants, to walks, windmills and an historical castle, there is plenty for everyone.
If you prefer to wake up early, the cake shops open at 7am where you can enjoy hot coffee and beautiful cakes and pastries plus there are trendy bars, cafes and restaurants in town for young and old alike.
If you visit the small villages close to Ansião you will still find local shepherdesses tending their sheep and goats while sitting under a tree crocheting, with its undulating landscape there are many areas with breathtaking scenery, plus beautiful cobbled tracks to explore.
This is a region steeped in Roman history with old windmills still standing where they used to grind the corn, there are castles at Santiago da Guarda, Pombal and Penela plus Roman ruins and stunning mosaics in Conimbriga.
During the year many of the villages hold festas which are well attended by all ages and last well into the night. The Portuguese have the ability to create a party in the middle of a street or car park which are adorned with homemade decorations and flowers and its a joy to visit the stalls during the day where you can buy homemade products including cheeses, olive oil, honey and wine. In the evening there is always music, dancing and a barbeque and everyone is invited and made welcome.
This region is very popular with hikers and cyclists as it is on the route to Santiago da Compostela in the North and Fatima in the South. Their journeys are well signposted, taking them through the heart of Portugal.
The scenery en-route is constantly changing with beautiful countryside in which to enjoy a picnic plus the cafes are always available to provide lunches typical to the region.
This region has much to offer whether you choose to live here or to enjoy a relaxed holiday as it’s perfectly placed to access major roads to other towns and cities including the historic city of Coimbra which is only 30 minutes away.
But, most of all, it’s the Portuguese people who make not just Ansião, but Portugal itself, a very special country. Their friendliness and generosity never ceases to amaze everyone who visits plus, of course, our long hot summers and beautiful coastline help a little bit too! But don’t take my word for it, here is a promotional video to enjoy showing this region at it’s best.
Video Promocional do Concelho de Ansião Click here for you tube link
Author Bio
Laura Chambers is the Manager of Whole House Holiday Management. She moved to Portugal in 2002 where she studied at the local school in Ansiao. She is both British and Portuguese and fluent in both languages.
In 2017 she began looking after holiday lets. Whether taking care of letting licences, managing bookings or ensuring properties are ready for occupation, Laura takes great pride in ensuring holiday home owners have nothing to worry about, If you have a holiday home in Central Portugal and feel you would benefit from this service. She can be contacted at Whole House Holiday Management
