Covilhã, officially the City of Covilhã, is a city and municipality located in the Centro region of Portugal. It is situated within the Beiras e Serra da Estrela subregion and the Beiras and Serra da Estrela Intermunicipal Community. As of 2021, the city proper had a population of 33,691, while the broader municipality recorded 46,455 inhabitants across an area of 555.60 square kilometres.
Often referred to as the "town of wool and snow," Covilhã is one of the primary urban centers of the historical Beira Interior region. It has a long industrial tradition centered on the textile industry, fueled by local wool production since antiquity; this history earned the city the nickname "Portuguese Manchester." In contemporary times, the economy has diversified, and the city serves as a university hub offering degrees in various fields ranging from medicine to aeronautical engineering.
The region is characterized by its proximity to mountains, which provide dramatic scenery suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, mountain climbing, and skiing. The municipal holiday is observed on October 20.