Nelas: Travel and tourism

At the end of the central Viseu plateau, between the rivers Dão and Mondego and the Caramulo and Estrela mountains, the county of Nelas boasts of dazzling views offered by a landscape of pinewoods, valleys crossed by brooks and streams and extensive vineyards producing the well-known Dão wines.

These natural assets are enhanced by an architectural patrimony formed by many noble mansions and beautiful manor-houses, such as the Casa do Soito (18th century), at Santar, the manor-house at Agueira (17th century) and the manors of Vilar Seco and Canas de Senhorim, among others. The pillories of Agueira, Canas de Senhorim and Folhadal are also worth admiring.

Nelas benefits from another natural asset, the thermal waters of Caldas da Felgueira, whose therapeutic value was already known and explored by the Romans. The spa resort, surrounded by a magnificent wooded scenery, is an ideal site to relax in a rural atmosphere.

Nelas lies at the heart of the Dão Demarcated Region and boasts of producing the best wines of the area.

The local gastronomy offers visitors other specialities, including an excellent Serra cheese and savoury sausages and cured meats, besides typical dishes such as bacalhau dourado (golden cod), feijoada com morcela (kidney beans with black-pudding), roast duck and caldeirada de cabrito (kid stew).

Regional handicrafts include traditional embroideries and lace, colourful wool carpets, rag-dolls and patchwork.