Viseu is the lively and charming capital of the Beira Alta, the centre of the Dão wine-growing region and also surrounded by fine wooded sceneries.
The old town has interesting monuments, like the cathedral and the museum of Grão Vasco, a famous 16th-century artist. In August and September it holds an animated agricultural fair, but all year round you can eat very well in its regional restaurants.
In the same district, Sernancelhe attracts by its small whitewashed houses in a granite moulding and romanesque church with also granite statues.
To the northeast, the medieval castle of Penedono, built on rocks, is an interesting site. To the north, Lamego, lying in a fertile region, is known for its sparkling wine (Raposeira), fruit and hams.
In early September, there is a popular fair, as pilgrims arrive to visit the small hilltop chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, after climbing an enormous double stairway, with 686 steps and nine sculptured terraces. Nearby, the chapel of São Pedro de Balsemão is considered the country's oldest church, dating from the 7th century.