The elegant medieval market town of Santa Comba Dão is not only our nearest destination for numerous supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants but also a lovely place to explore. Thanks to its position between the rivers Dão and Mondego, the drive into town involves crossing bridges over large expanses of water.

At first sight, Santa Comba Dão appears modern and akin to any small town in Central Portugal, however, upon entering the older central area of the town there is glorious charm to discover. The lower historic center and Bairro Alto (high quarter) provide endless opportunities to find narrow curving cobbled streets, houses built on boulders, dilapidated Portuguese mansions, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The town’s center features a flower-framed canal that is sided with boardwalks and home to some resident geese. Those exploring the adjacent square will spot water-side cafés and the imposing presence of the rather beautiful Camara Municipal building, which is the seat of the local government. A stroll up to the picturesque square Largo do Rossio is worth the effort.

Anyone feeling even more athletic can take the steep steps beside the Camara building and head up into the Bairro Alto, aiming loosely for Rua Dr. Borges da Gama and beyond. Few in town will fail to notice the two square towers and purple stained glass of the church—the Igreja Matriz de Santa Comba Dão. Beside the church, explorers will discover signs for the Miradouro Santa Comba Dao, a fun viewpoint for seeing the river below.

For those seeking an authentic Portuguese market shopping experience, the town’s feira or market operates on Wednesday mornings, except the third Wednesday of the month. Visitors can expect to find fresh produce, meat, cheese, fish, crafts, plants, and sometimes livestock for sale.

Pictures of Santa Comba Dao by Vitor Oliveira, shared under licence CC2.0. Do visit him on Flickr for more beautiful Portugal galleries!