Idanha-a-Nova

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Away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities and halfway between Lisbon and Madrid, the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova enjoys a privileged location and saved, until today, its patrimonial, natural, human, cultural and traditional values and transformed the interior and rurality in attractive aspects for those seeking a break from the urban life. The historical origins of the county remain obscure and take as a reference the construction of Idanha-a-Nova's castle in 1187 by Gualdim Paes, master of the Ordem do Templo. D. Sancho awarded it, in 1206, with the title of village and its current name, to distinguish it from Idanha-a-Velha. It is a region with an enviable natural and landscape heritage, a great diversity of fauna and flora and impressive geological formations, that was once known as the "bread basket of Beira Baixa" due to its fertile meadow. Today, the agricultural activity is more present in the production of tobacco, tomatoes or wheat. Idanha-a-Nova is a land of contrasts, where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Proof of this are the legends and popular traditions associated with pilgrimages as the famous Romaria da Senhora do Almortão, the valuable built heritage as the Igreja Matriz (mother church), the Palacete das Palmeiras, the emblazoned houses and manors or the monumentality of the historic villages of Idanha-a-Velha and Monsanto. There are also modern cultural, schools, sports, hotel and hospital infrastructures that, together with the proximity to the Spanish border, make this district into a real must-see.

What to do in Idanha-a-Nova

Termas de Monfortinho

Idanha-a-Nova

The Termas de Monfortinho are known since the time of Roman civilization, thanks to the purity and therapeutic virtues of the waters of the sources of Serra de Penha Garcia indicated for skin diseases, disorders of the digestive system, circulatory, respiratory and psychosomatic. Renovated recently, the Spa propose a series of personalized treatments, in addition to include gym, solarium and …

Monsanto

Idanha-a-Nova

Small village located on the slopes of Cabeço de Monsanto, at an altitude of 758 meters, known as "the most Portuguese village in Portugal". Rustic nature and human construction unite in a harmonious combination, looking, from a distance, like a stone fortress. The houses are "invaded" by huge granite boulders that serve as floor, wall or roof. Inhabited by military …

Parque Natural do Tejo Internacional

Idanha-a-Nova

A park that includes the municipalities of Castelo Branco and Idanha-a-Nova, with an exceptional natural heritage. The Tagus valleys, its tributaries (Erges, Ponsul and Aravil) and the adjacent plains establish the transition between the Central Mountain Chain and the plains of the Alentejo region. The climate is typically mediterranean and has many farmlands, as well as cork oak trees and …

Idanha-a-Velha

Idanha-a-Nova

Located on th right bank of the Pônsul river, it is one of the oldest locations in Portugal. It may have once been the imposing town of Egitânia (visigoth period). But even before that, the lusitans and the romans lived there (Civitas Igaeditanorum, a city of the 1st century bC). The morrish invasion of Idanha-a-Velha destroyed a large portion of …

Parque Icnológico de Penha Garcia

Idanha-a-Nova

Here there are some rocky formations with fossils of pre-historic creatures, some of which over 480 million years old. The place belongs to the pedestrian trail "Rota dos Fósseis" (Route of the Fossils).

Sé Catedral de Idanha-a-Nova

Idanha-a-Nova

This Cathedral has some traces from the 6th and 7th centuries, including the baptistery and the Bishop Palace. It is settled above the ruins from a Roman city, headquarters for the Civitas Igaeditanorum. It has three naves one of which …

Lago Artificial de Idanha-a-Nova

Idanha-a-Nova

A small artificial lake, surrounded by pleasant green areas.

Piscina Natural de Penha Garcia

Idanha-a-Nova

Natural swimming pool surrounded by a beautiful landscape, with a small waterfall. Offering beautiful panoramic views over the surrounding hills.

Núcleo do Azeite - Lagares de Proença-a-Velha

Idanha-a-Nova

Former camp beirão that was recovered, with a view to creating a space dedicated to the history of olive oil. Here you can see a water-powered mill, another animal traction and other mechanical traction.

Barragem de Idanha / Barragem Marechal Carmona

Idanha-a-Nova

A dam, located on the Pônsul river, on the Tagus river basin, by a narrow granite gorge, above the Campinas of Idanha-a-Nova. The most common fish species are the small-mouth bass, the barbel, the nase and the carp.

Castelo e Muralhas de Monsanto

Idanha-a-Nova

According to legend, the Foundation of this Castle began with a castro who allowed the companions of viriathus resisted a siege of seven years. Later, resisted the Castilian, Arab and French assaults. It is located in the middle of a …

Centro de Artes Tradicionais

Idanha-a-Nova

Neste local trabalham diariamente artesãos, que mostram ao vivo a sua arte, com destaque para a manufatura de adufes, olaria, carpintaria e tecelagem.

Museu Epigráfico Egitaniense

Idanha-a-Nova

Idanha-a-Velha "rises where was built the glorious city of Egitânia, countless times invaded and plundered. Here we found traces of prehistory, the Celts, the Roman Classicism, the Suevi, Visigoths, Arabs, middle ages and Portuguese Manueline period constructions. The Epigraphic Museum …

Miradouro de Penha Garcia

Idanha-a-Nova

The Viewpoint of Penha Garcia discusses the enormous cliffs that serve as support for the dam of the same name, whose albufeira also avista, featuring informative panels. The views are magnificent on the green hills and over the river.

Conjunto Arquitetónico e Arqueológico de Idanha-a-Velha

Idanha-a-Nova

Fortified town walls enclosed oval, situated on the right bank of the river Pônsul. In the interior, especially the ancient Cathedral\/Church and the ruins of the Castle. Outside the walls, the chapel of St. Damasus, the chapel of the Holy …

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Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

Historical Villages: 12 Treasures to Discover in Portugal

Located in the countryside, these villages preserve a vast and very rich historical and patrimonial legacy. There are c…

12 thermal spas and hot springs in Portugal to Improve Your Health and Well-being

Take advantage of the healing powers of the hot springs that abound throughout Portugal. As the old saying goes, a heal…

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Where to eat in Idanha-a-Nova

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Where to sleep in Idanha-a-Nova

Hotel Fonte Santa
Hotel Fonte Santa

4 star

Charmoso e elegante, o Hotel Fonte Santa, em Monfortinho, é um segredo bem guardado. Construído na década de 40 do século passado, próximo do complexo termal, …

Hotel Estrela da Idanha
Hotel Estrela da Idanha

3 star

Former hostels, redeveloped in 2005 and transformed in hotel accommodation, offering 33 bedrooms, one suite, with panoramic view, living room, games room, bar …

Hotel Boavista
Hotel Boavista

2 star

Hotel with more than fifty years, located in Termas de Monfortinho, with forty rooms simple but cozy, living room, dining room, games room, bar and restaurant.

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Near Idanha-a-Nova

Vila de Rei

Vila de Rei

Vila de Rei is a small village belonging to the district of Castelo Branco and three parishes belong to it. It is closely linked to the geodesic cent…

Vila Velha de Ródão

Vila Velha de Ródão

Vila Velha de Ródão lies in the South of the District of Castelo Branco, between the Tagus River and the Ocresa River, its tributary, the Serra do Pe…

Covilhã

Covilhã

Covilhã, which belongs to Castelo Branco district and is composed of 31 parishes, is hidden amid mountains and the slopes of Serra da Estrela. Althou…

Oleiros

Oleiros

Oleiros is part of the Central region and covers the Alvelos, Muradal and Lontreira mountains, in addition to bordering the Zêzere river. As part of …