Many of the structures that developed in this period were stone slabs and large rocks, and included megalithic monuments such as the Orca Pramelas, in Canas de Senhorim, and Outeiro Roque, near the village Lapa do Lobo.

The accented topography of approximately 124.57 square kilometres (48.10 sq mi) ranges from 256 to 467 metres (840 to 1,532 ft) above sea level.

Administratively, the municipality is divided into 7 civil parishes (freguesias):[4] With a local population of 4702 residents, the urban town of Nelas consists of an area of 21.47 square kilometres (8.29 sq mi), situated on the Beirão plateau, opposite the Serra do Caramulo.

Central to this centre is the Praça do Município where many of the local services are concentrated, including: municipal offices, local parish services, the district judiciary courts building, detachment of the Guarda Nacional Republicana, a multi-purpose building, BMS multi-service centre and GAE emigrant support office.

In addition, the urban landscape includes there are three industrial zones, with several large and medium-sized enterprises, as well as various shops and department stores.

Nelas has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csb/Csa) with cool to mild, rainy winters and warm to hot, dry summers.

Nelas falls within the Turismo do Centro association, that promotes the area's archaeological, historical and religious architecture, that includes its pillories, the places of worship, fountains and mills.

Originating from the laws of the Romans, the territory of Nelas is dotted by pillories that marked local authority, and constructed in settlements to promote development.