Pinhel is a town in the district of Guarda, in the province of Beira Alta, Centre region and sub-region of Beiras and Serra da Estrela, with approximately 8,092 inhabitants. Also known as Falcão City, it is the seat of a municipality with an area of 484.52 km², bordered to the north by Vila Nova de Foz Côa, to the northeast by Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, to the east by Almeida, to the south by Guarda and to the west by Celorico da Beira, Trancoso and Mêda.
The municipality of Pinhel lies between 350 and 600 metres above sea level and is bathed by the rivers Côa and Massueime, but also by the rivers Cabras and Pêga, surrounded by monumental landscapes: hills, plateaus, mountains and the Serra da Marofa. The name Pinhel comes from the large number of pine trees in the area. The county's proximity to Spain made it one of the most advanced fortified centres in the country.
Pinhel remains as a focal point of the Terras de Riba Côa, dominated by plateaus, forts, pillories and the vast horizons, next to the Côa Valley. Among the built heritage, you can visit typical Beira monuments.
Among the archaeological heritage, the highlight is the Archaeological Park of Vale do Côa, World Heritage Site, where you can visit unique examples of rock art from the prehistoric civilisation that populated the region.
Gastronomy and wine are also part of the heritage of this municipality. As a result of the agriculture and pastoralism that drive the regional economy, the highlights are caldo verde and wild boar, but also kid or lamb, stewed or grilled; lagartadas, made with olive oil produced in the region; without forgetting, of course, sweets such as cavacas de Pinhel, coscoréis and filhós, sweet rice and pão de ló.
Local products are the hallmark of traditional dishes. But also its sausages, such as "bucho", "chouriças", "farinheiros" and "morcelas", which are served with "grelos à pobre" or "salada de meruges", are highlighted among this production. The morphological conditions of the land and the evolution of production techniques have also made the wines from Pinhel win the choice of connoisseurs for their quality and differentiation.
Road access to Pinhel is easy from Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra. The town offers the necessary services and infrastructures for the well being and comfort of its population, as well as for all those who visit it.
Source: Municipal Council of Pinhel