Breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions and delectable food make Portugal a land of endless discovery, where each corner unveils another layer of this country's unequalled identity! From the rugged peaks of the Serra da Estrela Mountain, where local craftsmen make one of this destination's most iconic cheese, to the academic flair of Coimbra and Évora's ancient Roman heritage, every location promises a journey to remember filled with time-honoured flavours and unforgettable landscapes!
Discover Viseu: A city of heritage and gastronomy
Sunlit plazas, ancient churches and white-hued façades adorned with intricate blue tiles make Viseu an unforgettable town where history and flavour intertwine! As you stand before the majestic Sé Cathedral, you are confronted with the town’s living tapestry of Gothic, Manueline and Baroque-style architecture. From here, dare to dive into the treasures hidden inside the Grão Vasco Museum - a trove of art pieces from some of Portugal's most renowned painters.
Beyond its cultural richness, Viseu enchants with its equally vibrant natural beauty of lush gardens and panoramic views. Fontelo Park is a must-visit site known for its serene pathways lined with towering trees. For a glimpse of local life and gastronomy, Praça da República is the place to go. As you soak in the local atmosphere, allow yourself to dive into the region's gastronomy. As the recent host of the World Cheese Awards, Viseu is also recognised as the "Gateway to the Dão" - a type of crisp wine which you can pair with a slice of Central Portugal's creamy cheeses, namely the Serra da Estrela Cheese.
Portugal's cheese culture: A culinary treasure
Cheese is an inalienable edible good from Portugal’s revered gastronomy. More than food, this product is a love letter to the country’s diverse terrain and rich heritage. From the rugged mountains of Serra da Estrela and northern Portugal to the sun-drenched valleys of the Alentejo, you fill find the different expressions of this destinations' cheeses.
Whether you are savouring it on a bustling local market or at a restaurant featured in a rustic bread board, every bite of these Portuguese delicacies is an invitation to explore the country’s riveting cheese-producing regions!
So, let's discover the best Portuguese cheeses and their regions:
1. Serra da Estrela
The crown jewel of Portuguese cheeses is produced in one of the country’s most rugged terrains, the Serra da Estrela. This region's cheese is made from the milk of Bordaleira sheep and is defined by a creamy texture of tangy flavours that melts in the mouth.
You will find Serra da Estrela in the area surrounding Viseu, in Central Portugal. This is known as the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal that, in the winter, shows off a dramatic landscape of white-hued peaks. Nature lovers find here a haven of hiking trails that take one past crystal-clear lakes and lush natural settings that reveal the region's magical beauty. While here, seize the opportunity to reach sweeping views of central Portugal from the heights of the "Torre" - the range's highest point. Surely, such an outstanding sight will make you fall in love with Portugal's natural heart.
2. Coimbra
Not too distant from Viseu, in Central Portugal’s westernmost part, you will find the academic lands of Coimbra. As home to one of Europe's oldest universities, also listed as a UNESCO site, this city immerses you in a past of regal tales and thinking minds. The spellbinding Joanina Library, revered for its opulent take on the Manueline style, is one of the top attractions inside the university. Out on the cobbled streets of the Almedina district, you will find a magnetic tapestry of timeless architecture that links Coimbra to Portugal's monarchical past.
The home of one of Portugal’s richest academic heritage is also renowned for its cheese. The Queijo Rabaçal shows off a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk that creates a semi-soft product with a hint of herbal undertones.
3. Portalegre
Journeying to the eastern plains of the Alentejo, where the expanse of the countryside immerses you in the region’s tranquillity, the Queijo the Nisa rises as one of the country’s most acclaimed cheeses. This product is made from raw sheep’s milk and is matured in two different phases, hence its unique taste of herbaceous notes.
After having a bite of this flavourful cheese, why not explore one of the towns directly linked to its production? Portalegre is a lively location of a strong medieval legacy. Its imposing castle of ancient stone walls shares a glimpse into the past of noble sires and brave craftsmen who contributed to the creation of age-old traditions. In the Tapestry Museum, you can uncover another facet of this town's culture, one of skilled local weavers. If you're seeking a moment to slow down, then the São Mamede Natural Park must be included on your itinerary. Fragrant trees and tranquil streams prove Alentejo's uniqueness.
4. Évora
Amidst the UNESCO-listed landscape of Évora and its fascinating ancient Roman heritage, one finds a mouthwatering DOP-protected cheese, considered a masterpiece from the Alentejo region, alongside the famous Queijo de Nisa. This particular cheese is crafted from raw Meria Branca sheep’s milk, responsible for a tangy and salty taste that intensifies over time.
Yet, Évora's cheese should not be the only reason to visit it. This charming city charms with its unmatched blend of Roman history, medieval legacy and Alentejo warmth. Walking past the Roman Temple, locally known as "Templo de Diana", the cobblestoned lanes lined with whitewashed buildings will guide you to the haunting Chapel of Bones, one of this city's most peculiar attractions - a religious site of eerie atmosphere. As you leave Évora behind and find your way to your next Portuguese gem, note how the stone Aqueduct stands tall as a reminder of this town's historical weight.
Pairing Portuguese cheeses with wine: a match made in heaven
Cheese tasting in Portugal is more than a delectable gastronomical experience; it is a journey across the country’s lands, history and centuries of skilled craftsmanship. In each of the tastings you can endeavour across the country, you will find a match made in heaven. One where this mouthwatering good is paired with regional wine to create a sublime harmony of flavours.
The regions we have uncovered for you - Viseu, the Alentejo, Serra da Estrela, and Coimbra - offer just a taste of Portugal's rich tapestry of mouthwatering cheeses and refreshing wines.
From north to south, there are different hidden gems ready to amaze you with their flavours. Each of these offers the possibility for an unforgettable trip brimming with cultural and gastronomical experiences to remember - and we're ready to help you bring that journey to life!
Ready for a flavourful adventure around Portugal?
Cheese is one of the most treasured goods in any Portuguese gastronomical experience. As the home to a diversified range of artisanal cheeses, Portugal raises no eyebrows, when it comes to a food trip to remember! Are you a food lover, a history buff or simply a curious traveller? Contact us for personalised travel advice, and we will ensure to help you curate a wonderful tour!
