Idanha-a-Nova

Idanha-a-Nova is a municipality in the Beira Baixa, a region of Central Portugal. It includes Monsanto, an ancient fortified village perched on the side of the mountain. The tiny streets are carved from and in the rocks. The houses are squeezed between gigantic boulders. This historical village is often mentioned as the most Portuguese village in the country.

Understand




Idanha-a-Nova (/i.ˈdɐ.ɲɐ ɐ ˈno.vɐ/, ee-DUH-nyuh uh NOH-vuh) has a population of 9,716 (2011). In 2015, the town was added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its music.

Monsanto's (/mõ.ˈsɐ̃.tu/, mohn-SUHN-too) appearance has not changed in centuries. In 2011, it was home to about 800 people.

At the top of the -high hill, stands a very old square built fortress or castle, that played an important role in Medieval times; it's said to have been built by the Templars Grand Master and withstood several battles, including the Napoleonic invasions. The walk up to the castle is rewarded by gorgeous views in the whole region.

By plane
Fly to Lisbon Airport and then take the train/bus to Castelo Branco. Monsanto is northeast of Castelo Branco.

By car
The easiest way to reach Monsanto is by car. Portugal is one of Europe's cheapest countries for renting a car. Buy and use a normal road map over Portugal. There is free parking in the beginning of the mediaeval village.

By rail
If you will not or cannot drive a car, it is possible to arrive to Monsanto by public transportation: trains and buses, but first you have to get to Castelo Branco. From Lisbon, take the train to Castelo Branco. The latest time table shows trains operating between 08:00 and 19:30 and will take approximately 3 hours from Lisbon.

Intercity Trains operate from Lisbon (Gare do Oriente) to Castelo Branco. From Porto, the train journey takes approximately 5 hours.

By bus
From Lisbon, take the Metro from the airport to Seite Rios. Express bus at 09:50 (all working days and Saturdays - if not a holiday) from "Terminal Rodoviario de Seite Rios" in Seite Rios (near the Lisbon Zoo) to Castelo Branco. Change to the bus to Monsanto at 12:25.

Express bus at 14:00 (all working days but Friday if it is a holiday) Change in Castelo Branco to the bus to Monsanto at 17:15. As of February 2023, the bus runs at 15:15 and requires a change at Idanha A Nova. Take the Idanha A Nova bus from platform 7 of Castelo Branco station then catch the bus that takes the children home from high school once you reach Idanha A Nova.

From Porto, the bus journey takes approximately 4 hr 30 min.

See

 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.
 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.
 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.
 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.
 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.
 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.

Drink
Same places as mentioned above

Go next

 * Beira Alta
 * Beira Baixa
 * Penha Garcia
 * Serra da Estrela
 * Castelo Branco
 * Fátima