Coimbra region seeks investors for luxury hotels in historic heritage sites

The Intermunicipal Community of the Coimbra Region (CIM RC) presented in São Paulo a portfolio of tourism and real estate opportunities focused on high-end hotels. 

The event in Coimbra, held on the 5th at the Portuguese Consulate, was attended by important representatives from the region, including Jorge Custódio, Mayor of Pampilhosa da Serra; Álvaro Coimbra, Mayor of Penacova; José Pedro Soares, President of the Bairrada Wine Commission; and Jorge Brito, Executive Secretary of the Intermunicipal Community of the Coimbra Region.

Located between Lisbon and Porto, the region is served by highways, a national railway, seaports, and quick connections to the country's two main airports. The business ecosystem is decidedly internationalized, and its logistical proximity to Spain expands its European reach.

Capital of health and knowledge

Coimbra is nationally recognized as a healthcare capital, with a robust public hospital network and complementary private offerings. The University of Coimbra—one of the oldest in Europe—anchors a cluster of science, technology, and innovation and coexists with nearly 700 schools and more than 20 public and private higher education institutions. Safety, climate, and quality of life appear as recurring factors attracting students and visitors.

Tourism on the rise with the Brazilian market as a protagonist.

Air connectivity between Brazil and Portugal is growing, consolidating the country as a gateway for Brazilian travelers to Europe. The average length of stay for visitors from Brazil is high, and in the Coimbra region, the Brazilian market is already among the most significant. National metrics for hotel revenue, occupancy, and overnight stays have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with the region growing above average and attracting qualified demand.

Authenticity far from mass appeal

The regional focus prioritizes understated luxury experiences, cultural immersion, and preserved nature, in contrast to overcrowded destinations. The territory boasts mountains, rivers, thermal springs, and over 100 km of Atlantic coastline, including virtually untouched beaches. Restored historic villages offer fairytale settings and viable integrated projects—including models where an entire village is converted into a unique accommodation unit.

Excellence in gastronomy and world-class wine tourism.

The Coimbra Region was distinguished as a European Gastronomic Region, with products structured in networks—from cheese to citrus fruits and honey—and signature restaurants. Bairrada, under the tutelage of the Wine Commission, positions itself as an oenological "jewel" due to its combination of native grape varieties, sparkling wines, and white wines with great personality. Although it represents a small slice of the national volume, Bairrada accounts for a larger share of the value generated, proof of its sophistication and brand potential.

Lorvão Monastery prepared for a five-star hotel.

Penacova has presented a concrete proposal: the reconversion of a wing of the Lorvão Monastery—a national monument over a thousand years old—into a luxury hotel with 92 rooms, a long-term public concession, and an architectural project already approved at the municipal level. The complex, located 15–20 minutes from Coimbra, preserves a museum, a church, an active cultural program, and integrates historical and religious routes, adding attractiveness and curatorial content to the investment.

Pampilhosa da Serra bets on dark skies and blue lake.

With Dark Sky certification, Blue Flag river beaches, and excellent water quality, Pampilhosa da Serra has unveiled two assets near the Santa Luzia Dam: a 27-room hotel project and an additional plot for 18 bungalows, both with advanced licenses and infrastructure in place. The mountain villages, already equipped with fiber optics and 5G, combine authentic rurality with conditions for remote work, opening up opportunities for hospitality models integrated with nature.

Cultural calendar, heritage and experiences signature

From world rallies to concerts in historic cloisters, the region transforms monuments and landscapes into stages. Castles, fortresses, monasteries, and emblematic libraries make up a photogenic and versatile inventory, suitable for high-value-added projects. The thermal circuit and nature reserves reinforce the wellness vocation, while the program of exhibitions and festivals ensures consistent flow outside the high season.

Incentives, competitive costs, and close monitoring.

The Coimbra Region emphasizes lower operational costs compared to Lisbon and the Algarve, as well as access to public and fiscal instruments for heritage rehabilitation, innovation, and internationalization. Municipal and intermunicipal teams provide direct support in project design and administrative processing, focusing on speed and regulatory compliance.

The pipeline includes palaces, manor houses, wine estates, historic thermal baths, and schist villages with potential for luxury hospitality, wellness, and wine tourism.

Reporting and photo: Mary de Aquino.