Guarda is one of those places we found simply by chance. On our journey down to Portugal, we looked at the map; worked out a rough halfway point between Santander and the Western Algarve, and booked an overnight's stay to split up our journey. Well boy did we get lucky!
After a long ferry journey, we wanted to stop for a night on the road South to the Algarve. We have opted for the beautiful Spanish city of Caceres on many occasions, but this time we fancied an overnight in Portugal.
Guarda is the highest city in continental Portugal (over 1000 metres above sea level), northeast of the Serra da Estrela - the largest mountain in mainland Portugal. As it's so close to the Spanish border, it was an important stronghold during the middle ages, and the whole area is dotted with fortifications and stunning little hilltop villages.
We stayed in a fabulous little 17th century house right in the centre of town with private parking and a peaceful little garden. We found an incredible local restaurant just two minutes away, and a wine bar with an owner just as passionate about wine as we are!
Guarda is so beautiful and the people are so welcoming that we'll definitely consider visiting there again in the future. If you fancy a trip to the city, it's an excellent departure point for visiting the many medieval cities and fortresses on the border with Spain.
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