Guarda - Discovering Portugal

Travelling to Guarda

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Guarda, a pretty good destination in Portugal (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Guarda and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Guarda, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Portugal, here's everything to know about Guarda for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Guarda

Guarda is a city and municipality in central Portugal, situated in the Serra da Estrela mountain range. It is the highest city in Portugal, at an altitude of 1,056 meters, and is known for its chilly climate, historic architecture, and scenic views. Guarda has a population of around 42,000 people and is known for its castle, cathedral, and natural beauty. It is also a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, with several ski resorts nearby. Additionally, Guarda is located along the Caminho de Santiago, a popular pilgrimage route in Europe.

What to visit in Guarda

1. Guarda Cathedral: This cathedral is the main landmark of the city, with a beautiful Gothic façade and stunning views from the bell tower. The church was built in the 14th century and is dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Assunção, the patron saint of Guarda.
2. Torre de Menagem (Keep Tower): The Torre de Menagem is the best preserved remnant of the city's medieval walls, built in the 12th century. You can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
3. Museu da Guarda (Guarda Museum): This museum tells the story of the city and the region through archaeological, ethnographic and artistic collections. It's located in the former Bishop's Palace, a 16th-century building.
4. Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela (Serra da Estrela Natural Park): This park is the highest point of mainland Portugal and offers stunning natural scenery, with mountains, valleys, lakes, and forests. It's an ideal location for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
5. Ecomuseu de Seia (Seia Ecomuseum): This open-air museum showcases the rural way of life in the region, with traditional houses, farm animals, and craftsmen at work. You can also learn about the local flora and fauna.
6. Casa da Muralha (Wall House): This building dates back to the 16th century and was originally part of the city walls. Nowadays it houses a cultural center, with art and photography exhibitions, concerts, and other events.
7. Pelourinho (Pillory): The Pelourinho is a stone column with an iron ring, where criminals were punished and public announcements were made. It's a symbol of municipal authority and historical justice.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Guarda, Portugal!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Portugal, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Guarda.

When to go on holiday to Guarda

The best time to visit Guarda, Portugal is during the months of May to October. The weather during these months is warm and sunny, with pleasant temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F) during the day. It is also the peak tourist season, so there are plenty of events and activities to keep you entertained, and the city is bustling with life. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, you might want to consider visiting Guarda during the shoulder season months of March-April and November-December, which still offer pleasant weather but with fewer visitors. The winter months (January-February) can be quite cold in Guarda, with occasional snowfall.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Guarda

Guarda is located in central Portugal and there are several ways to get there: 1. By air: The nearest airport to Guarda is Porto Airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport) which is about 200 km away from Guarda. From the airport, you can take a bus or train to Guarda.
2. By train: Guarda has a train station and is served by the InterCity train line. You can take a train from Lisbon to Guarda which takes about 4 hours.
3. By bus: There are several bus companies that operate from Lisbon to Guarda such as Rodonorte, Rede-Expressos, and Manuel Tiago. The journey takes approximately 5 hours.
4. By car: You can rent a car and drive to Guarda from Lisbon which takes about 3 hours. The A23 motorway connects Lisbon to Guarda.
I suggest you check the schedules and prices of each option and choose the one that best suits your travel needs.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Guarda, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Guarda

Guarda is a wonderful region of Portugal with a distinctive cuisine that's perfect for foodies. Here's a list of some typical dishes that you must try when visiting Guarda: 1. Bacalhau à Lagareiro - This is a classic dish made with grilled codfish, garlic, olive oil, and potatoes. The fish is cooked to perfection and paired with the salty and crispy potatoes.
2. Caldo verde - This is a hearty soup that's perfect for a cold evening. It's made with kale, potatoes, garlic, and chouriço (a type of sausage). It's served with crusty bread and it's a real comfort food.
3. Cabrito Assado - This is a roasted baby goat dish that's marinated in a mixture of garlic, olive oil, and paprika. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful, and it's often served with roasted potatoes and vegetables.
4. Arroz de Carqueja - This is a rice dish made with meat or fish and carqueja, which is a local herb that gives the dish a unique flavor. It's often served with crispy fried pork or roasted chicken.
5. Pão-de-ló - This is a traditional cake from Guarda made with eggs, sugar, and flour. It's typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar and it's a perfect dessert to end a meal.
6. Queijos da Serra - These are artisanal cheeses made from sheep's milk that's produced in the mountains of Guarda. They have a distinctive flavor that's particularly delicious when paired with local bread and wine.
Enjoy your trip to Guarda and make sure to try these delicious dishes!
You can find general info about typical foods in Portugal here.

Is Guarda an expensive destination for tourists?

Guarda is not typically considered a very expensive destination for tourists in Portugal. The cost of living in the city is generally lower than in larger urban areas like Lisbon or Porto, which means that prices for food, accommodation, and attractions can be quite reasonable. However, it's worth noting that in peak tourist season (typically June to September), prices may rise slightly due to increased demand. That said, Guarda is still generally considered to be a budget-friendly destination compared to other popular European cities.

Where to find accomodation in Guarda

In Guarda, the best areas to find accommodation would be in the city center or in the vicinity of the historic quarter. This is where you will find most of the city's attractions, such as the Cathedral and the Torre de Menagem. Another good option is to stay near the bus or train stations, which are conveniently located in the central area of the city and can provide easy access to other nearby locations. Some other nice areas to consider are the Fuentes neighborhood and the area surrounding the Castelo Branco gardens.
You can check hotel prices at Guarda here:
Booking.com

Is Guarda a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Guarda is considered a safe place for tourists. Portugal as a whole is known for being relatively safe, with low rates of violent crime. However, like all cities, it is important to use the same caution you would use in any other place. It's always a good idea to take basic safety precautions, such as not carrying large amounts of cash, keeping an eye on your belongings, and being aware of your surroundings. Also, it is recommended to stay in well-lit and busy areas, especially at night.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Portugal here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Guarda.

What type of travelers will enjoy Guarda the most?

Guarda, Portugal is a destination that can be enjoyed by a wide range of travelers. However, it is particularly suited to travelers who are interested in history and culture, outdoor activities, and traditional events. Couples who are looking for a romantic getaway in a quaint and historic town will appreciate Guarda's charming and picturesque feel. Young people who are interested in adventure and outdoor activities will enjoy the various hiking and cycling trails located nearby Guarda, as well as winter sports opportunities in the Serra da Estrela mountains. For families, Guarda offers plenty of historical and cultural attractions, including the castle and cathedral, as well as kid-friendly activities such as the Parque Municipal and the nearby ski resort. Overall, Guarda is a versatile destination that can appeal to a variety of travelers.

How to get around Guarda

In Guarda, you can use a variety of transportation options to move around the city. The most common options include taxis, buses, and rental cars. There is also a train station in Guarda, which provides transportation to other cities in Portugal. Additionally, cycling and walking are popular options for getting around the city center.

What to see around Guarda

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Guarda: 1. Belmonte - A charming medieval village with a beautiful castle and a Jewish Heritage Museum.
2. Sabugal - A peaceful town with a 13th-century castle and impressive views over the Côa river valley.
3. Vilar Formoso - A town known for its railway station, where the famous "Freedom Train" arrived at the end of World War II.
4. Sortelha - A well-preserved medieval town with a castle and a maze of cobbled streets.
5. Almeida - A fortified town with massive walls and a star-shaped fortress, built in the 17th century.
All of these places are within a 1-hour drive from Guarda, so they're perfect for a day trip. Enjoy your travels!
For every travel information about Portugal you can click here.

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