Covilhã: The Mountain City Hosting the EUC Handball 2025
In July 2025, the city of Covilhã will host the European Universities Handball Championship (EUC Handball 2025), welcoming the best university teams from across Europe. Located in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, Covilhã is a city of contrasts, where its industrial past meets a vibrant academic atmosphere and a growing connection to sports.
A City Between Past and Future
With around 33,000 inhabitants, Covilhã is one of the main urban centers in Portugal’s interior, but its territory extends far beyond the city center. Covering a vast area that includes picturesque villages, mountainous landscapes, and fertile valleys, Covilhã reaches the doorstep of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, offering a unique setting of diversity and tradition.
Historically, the city was a powerhouse of the Portuguese textile industry, earning the nickname "The Portuguese Manchester." Today, Covilhã is reinventing itself, investing in technology, tourism, and education, and consolidating its position as an innovation hub in the interior of Portugal.
In recent years, the city has achieved remarkable milestones, from the continuous growth of the University of Beira Interior (UBI)—which attracts an increasing number of international students—to its strengthening position as a nature tourism destination. Additionally, the organization of major sports and cultural events has put Covilhã on the national and European map.
Serra da Estrela: Nature and Tradition
Covilhã is the main gateway to the Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s largest mountain range and a prime destination for nature lovers. In winter, the region transforms into a snowy wonderland, becoming the country’s top winter sports destination. In summer, it reveals breathtaking landscapes, perfect for hiking, trails, and outdoor adventures.
The region is also famous for its unique gastronomy, particularly the Queijo da Serra, one of Portugal’s most prized cheeses, known for its buttery texture and distinctive flavor. Another local delicacy is the Covilhã peach, a sweet and juicy fruit that stands out as one of the region’s agricultural treasures.
A City of Culture and Urban Art
Covilhã is emerging as a cultural hotspot, blending tradition with modernity. The WOOL – Covilhã Urban Art Festival is a prime example of this transformation, bringing national and international artists each year to beautify the city’s streets with stunning murals that tell the story of local identity.
Another highlight of Covilhã’s summer is the São Tiago Fair, one of the region’s biggest events, which coincides with the EUC Handball 2025. With concerts, exhibitions, and entertainment, athletes and visitors will have the chance toimmerse themselves in the local traditions and festive spirit.
A Rich and Authentic Gastronomy
Covilhã boasts a distinct culinary identity, reflecting its mountain roots and the creativity of its people. The Pastel de Molho is one of the city’s most beloved delicacies—a unique pastry filled with meat and served with a rich and flavourful sauce, perfect for a quick bite or social gathering.
Another iconic dish is Bacalhau à Assis, a traditional recipe that elevates codfish to new levels of taste and refinement. These dishes, paired with the Beira Interior wines and local conventual sweets, make Covilhã an unmissable gastronomic destination.
Sports and the Rise of Handball
The city has been gaining prominence in Portugal’s sporting landscape, and Covilhã’s selection as the host of EUC Handball 2025 reinforces this trend. In recent years, Portugal has secured impressive victories in handball, and 2025 was no exception, with outstanding performances that solidified the country as an emerging powerhouse in the sport.
Beyond handball, Covilhã has a strong connection to university and high-performance sports. The city’s sports infrastructure has undergone constant improvements, allowing it to host large-scale events and provide ideal conditions for athletes.
Covilhã: Tradition, Modernity, and Competitive Spirit
With a privileged location, a dynamic academic environment, and a strong connection to culture and sports, Covilhã is the perfect destination for this major competition. Between intense matches and high-level performances, all participants will have the chance to discover a city full of history, tradition, and warm hospitality.
July 2025 – Covilhã is waiting for you! Are you ready for this experience?