Search hotels in Guarda

Guarda is a beautiful city. In 1 day I walked to all the major sites and enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Another day would have been ideal. Part of Guarda is exposed to the wind so if you go November December time be prepared with warm clothing.

Guarda was our first entry point to Portugal as we drove to the Algarve. from Spain. Check in was very laid back and easy and we were quickly settled in our apartment at Hotel Santos, a family run establishment. The old and young staff provided a level of unintrusive efficient service that some major hotel groups should learn. This is the highest city in Portugal rising above 1200 metres in the Estrella mountains. The view from our window was breathtaking looking out across the valleys below and inhaling the clean cool evening mountain air. We were surprised to find a really vibrant population of around 39000 inhabitants, many shops, cafes and restaurants in such a small community. Guarda today is an important hub for the region where many roads and railway lines meet, providing excellent transport links in every direction. Guarda as its name suggests was a defense against the Moors in days gone by and has many wonderful sights that are well preserved to this day. We found a busy square very close to the hotel almost devoid of tourists where locals sat for hours just chatting and enjoying the restaurants in the summer heat, ensuring that their way of life wasn't taken over by loud music and the chaos of high density tourism. A small part of the square had become a mini water park where children played with hoses and an improvised slide. We joined the people watching the setting sun while enjoying a light snack and the mandatory beer to accompany it. A very comfortable night and excellent breakfast prepared us for the drive to the Algarve. You cant beat this lifestyle for sheer beauty and relaxation.

Guarda is a city where history and hospitality intertwine beneath the vast Portuguese sky. From the moment of arrival, the warmth and kindness of its people shine, making each encounter memorable. The city’s compact layout is perfect for wandering, though the hills reward every step with breathtaking views. The cathedral stands at Guarda’s heart, with its towers offering sweeping vistas over red rooftops and winding alleys. Nearby, the castle and medieval tower are silent keepers of centuries gone by, each providing a unique perspective of the land below. If time permitted, the wild peaks of Serra da Estrela would beckon nature lovers and hikers with their rugged beauty and scenic trails—a promise for another day. Evenings bring culinary delight: Simple.Guarda offers outstanding Italian cuisine, while charming cafes invite guests to linger over coffee and pastries. Shops and markets bustle with life, from tempting kitchen stores to fragrant flowers and perfectly ripe fruit. The ancient, winding streets—paved with time-worn stones—invite exploration, each turn revealing new surprises like parks, a chocolatier, and inviting squares. Our visit felt all too brief. As we left, Guarda remained with us—a city to savor, to wander, and to remember fondly for its gentle magic and the warmth of its people.

We stayed in the countryside near Guarda.It was a good place for dinner but we spent all our time in the lovely village of Monsanto( not to be missed) Plus the fabulous boardwalk walk in the nearby Mondego Gorge. A 12 kilometre hike through outstanding scenery.

A medieval hystorical center, crowned by my favorite cathedral in Portugal. We were there in Carnival. The local program was top - a race in the morning, a parade at night finished in a theatre, music and light show in the main square. Food market along the week. And a traditional event in a nearby village In less than one our one can reach Serra da Estrela In summer some beaches of Rio Mondego or Zêzere are even near.

Such a pretty place to wander around, the city has a lot of character. There isn't much to do in the way of tourist attractions or sightseeing but it's lovely to go walking up to the castle and around the park taking in the surrounding views of the area and through the cobbled streets into the city. The nearby shopping centre with its big Auchan supermarket on the ground floor is nice for abit of retail therapy!