If you're looking for the peace and quiet of a safe place and you're also thinking of studying for a degree or even a master's or doctorate in Portugal, living in Covilhã is the right choice.
The municipality is located in Cova da Beira, in Beira Baixa, and is part of the Castelo Branco District, in the centre of Portugal.
It is exactly 2.5 hours away from both Porto to the north and Lisbon to the south. In other words, Covilhã is a strategically located region.
Next we'll show you what it's like to live in Covilhã, its cost of living, education, climate and leisure.
What's it like to live in Covilhã?
Its 555.60 square kilometres and 51,800 inhabitants tell the story of Covilhã, which borders the municipalities of Seia and Manteigas to the north, Guarda to the north-east, Belmonte to the east, Fundão to the south and Pampilhosa da Serra and Arganil to the west.
The city is on the road to the famous Serra da Estrela, the name given to the mountain range with the highest altitudes in mainland Portugal, a destination for many tourists who want to visit and play in the snow in winter.
Formerly a factory town due to its specific role in the wool industry, today Covilhã is characterised by being a municipality that is progressing along with the University of Beira Interior (UBI).
It is also worth mentioning that the city used to be known as the Portuguese Manchester due to its long tradition in textile production. Nowadays, it has industrial and rural areas, with a focus on agricultural activity geared towards the production of olive oil, fruit and wine.
A curiosity is that the municipality is divided into the "upper part", where the historic centre and the area closest to the University's Main Campus are located, and the "lower part", where there are supermarkets, alternative restaurants and a shopping mall, Serra Shopping.
Covilhã cultivates historical sights, has a few bars and promotes events aimed at students. Its population is made up of young and old people, as well as families who have chosen this as their city of residence - to invest in their children's education.
To live in Covilhã is to breathe the fresh air of the countryside, to have contact with the culture of the region, to enjoy good cheeses and wines, in other words, to live in a cosy place.
What is the cost of living?
For being a country town, Covilhã offers a lower cost of living compared to the big cities on the coast of Portugal.
As such, self-employed people or students looking for a place to live can rent out their flats or rooms in shared houses at competitive prices. Everything will depend on the location, size and condition of the property.
One-bedroom flats in the central region cost between €250.00 and €350.00, but in other "freguesias", or neighbourhoods, the cost can go even lower. The monthly price of a two-bedroom flat (T2) varies between €350 and €550, and in the case of a three-bedroom property (T3) it's around €500 to €750.
Education in Covilhã: UBI
According to recent rankings evaluating higher education institutions in Europe, it is one of the 6 best universities in Portugal and one of the 150 best young universities in the world.
Founded in 1986, it comprises a number of Faculties, Departments and Centres in different areas of knowledge and today has around 10,000 students. It offers a wide range of courses and has laboratory and research facilities. Its philosophy is based on supporting teaching, with strong links to society and the business world.
UBI's history begins in 1973, with the Polytechnic Institute of Covilhã. Its first students entered the Textile Engineering and Administration and Accounting programmes in 1975. In 1979 it was renamed the University Institute of Beira Interior and in 1986 it was renamed the University of Beira Interior.
What the weather is like?
The climate in Covilhã is Mediterranean, with rainfall being scarcer in summer and abundant in winter. In summer, high temperatures can reach 40°C. The hottest month is August, but the heat can already be felt in June.
So living in Covilhã means knowing that in summer the climate is dry, with low humidity. There is also the danger of forest fires, which are very common in many Portuguese cities at this time of year.
On the other hand, the coldest month is January, with an average of 6° Celsius. Temperatures can reach 0°C. The cold increases with altitude, but the most snow occurs in the highest areas - such as the town of Penhas da Saúde, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. In urban areas, snow rarely appears.
From October to May, rainfall is a constant reality and lasts through autumn, winter and even some of spring. As a result, the humidity becomes higher during these months.
What to do in Covilhã?
Serra da Estrela doesn't begin and end what you can visit in Covilhã. Yes, it's rare to talk about the place without mentioning the incredible walks embellished by the snow that falls in winter and highlights the special charm of the mountains. But there are other attractions that can be explored.
Covilhã is a city with history. Through the Route - History Among the Mountains, visitors can learn about its history. Since the first charter was granted in 1186 by King Sancho, Covilhã has been the seat of a vast territory, which would later become the origin of the province of Beira Baixa.
In addition to this, the Covilhã, City Built of Wool Itinerary can also be very interesting for those who are interested in the history of places. Fabric production in Covilhã in the 12th century was based on a domestic and artisanal system. The raw material initially came from the flocks of sheep that the Serra da Estrela fed. This system lasted until the mid-19th century.
In summer, Covilhã has several well-known river beaches. Paul, Valhelhas, Sameiro, Unhais da Serra, Lavacolhos and Loriga are examples of places with crystal-clear waters to cool off any holidaymaker. Shade, fresh water and lots of fun are waiting for groups of friends or families to enjoy the sunny days.
Now, if you're interested in Street Art, the Pelourinho slopes, in the "upper part", can guide you on walking adventures through Covilhã's narrow streets. There's also a staircase just behind the town hall, from where it's easy to start getting in touch with the works. Painted on the walls, they are linked to the city's history and heritage. Discovering the Urban Art Route can be very enriching.
The New Hand Lab is a project that came about with the collaboration of different artists and which operates where the António Estrela woollen factory used to be, considered the oldest in Covilhã. The idea is to keep alive the memories that date back to the use and colour of wool. The coworking space is open to artists involved in handicrafts as well as tourists and locals.
When it comes to nightlife, Covilhã has many attractions for students. From Art Baró to Café Bar da Covilhã Jardim, Comfusão and Mote, among others, these are the places that make an impression on those who live in this university town.