regions of Portugal: central Portugal

Half way up Portugal, not far from the coast and centred on the historic university town of Coimbra, the Beira Litoral is perfect wandering country. You won't find any natural parks or protected areas here, but the countryside contains some of the most beautifully-situated villages in Portugal. In the Serra da Lousã, enjoy the eerie sensation of exploring mountain hamlets abandoned for decades. Or head north to visit the still-inhabited, narrow cobbled streets of the villages around Penacova.

The Serra da Estrela is the backbone of Portugal, where granite spires and mountain pastures characterize the highest peaks in the land. The serra is riddled with a network of footpaths, giving easy access to one of the best walking regions in Portugal. The small, tranquil market towns that surround the serra are comfortable hiking bases.

looking up the Zêzere Valley towards Torre, at 1993 metres, the highest mountain in mainland Portugal

The Serra da Malcata, a forgotten mountain range on the border with Spain, is one of the last refuges of the Iberian lynx, the most endangered species of wild cat in the world. Isolated pockets of Pyrenean oak and holm oak provide this beautiful, feathery-eared lynx with undisturbed habitat. Although the chances of spotting one of these shy felines is slim, don't be put off visiting Malcata: the walking is easy and you're almost guaranteed solitude.

Half way between Lisbon and Coimbra, the Serra dos Candeeiros are dominated by limestone landscape and are a mecca for bat lovers and cavers from across Europe. The natural park has one of the best-organized trail networks in the country, and the walking is relaxed and easy.