There is more to Portugal than the historic cities of Lisbon and Porto. There are many highlights of this small Iberian nation.
The best place to go is dependent on your own interests. For historic architecture-filled towns with a rich, traditional dining scene, make your way to vora. There are many places to visit in Portugal.
Get the inside scoop on the latest cultural happenings all over the world delivered weekly to your inbox with our email newsletter.A panorama of cobbled alleyways, white-domed cathedrals and grand civic squares is a captivating scene. There are many galleries to peruse in the Portuguese capital, including the Museu Nacional do Azulejo with its collection of ceramic tiles.
The city has enough places to satisfy even the sweetest of visitors. Once the sun goes down, Lisbon's party people fill old-school drinking dens, brassy jazz clubs and open-all-night clubs that burst into life.
South of Lisbon is the Setbal Peninsula, which has been used as a playground for many years. The Costa da Caparica is an endless beachfront that is less crowded the further south you go. This is the place to go if you want a meal overlooking the waves or a surf lesson.
The Parque Natural da Arrbida is located at the southern end of the peninsula. Here, you can find cliffs covered with thick vegetation, picturesque coves and beaches, with fine sand, azure waters and the ruins of an ancient site that dates back to Roman times.
Sintra is a great option for a day trip away from the city hubbub because it is less than an hour by train. This historic hillside township is sprinkled with stone-walled taverns and is lorded over by a multicolored palace.
There are castles, mystical gardens, strange mansions and centuries-old monasteries hidden among the trees on the forested hillsides. Cool evenings are best spent by the fire in one of Sintra's many charming B&Bs.
The Minho is a verdant region of vineyard-covered valleys, mountainous wilds, isolated beaches and picturesque river towns that the Portuguese love. The city with the Roman ruins is the gateway to the region.
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers is a wilderness of dramatic peaks, meandering streams and frozen-in- time stone villages. The reserve has dozens of hiking trails that take walkers past Roman roads and castle ruins. One of the best places to be in Portugal during the summer is in the swimming holes.
Porto is one of the most romantic cities you could imagine. The Duoro River and its landmark bridges can be seen from the second largest urban center in Portugal. There's a lot to see and do. The world's best port can be found in Vila Nova de Gaia, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You can also learn about Porto’s history (both the drink and the city) and other facets of Portuguese identity at the World of Wine, a sprawling complex of museums, restaurants and bars overlooking the city. Though Porto is defined by its air of dignified history, modern architecture, cosmopolitan dining, vibrant nightlife and artistic activity are injecting new life into the city.
East of Porto is a beautiful area. The Rio Douro flows past towering hillsides covered by steeply terraced vineyards that make up Europe's oldest demarcated wine region. The beautiful village of Pinho is located in the heart of the Douro Valley and you can see it from every direction.
If you want to make the most of the region, you should spend the night at one of the vineyards surrounding the guesthouses such as Quinta Nova or Casa Cimeira.
One of Portugal's most beautifully preserved medieval towns, vora is an enchanting place to visit for a couple of days. An elaborate medieval cathedral, Roman ruins and a picturesque town square can be found inside the 14th century walls. vora is a lively university town and many restaurants serve good Alentejan food.
The medieval quarter of Coimbra is home to one of Europe's oldest universities. The sound of fado can be heard through the Moorish town gates as students walk down the narrow streets in black capes.
The medieval lanes of the historic center will appeal to grown ups. Portugal dos Pequenitos is a theme park with replicas of Portuguese monuments.
There are many sunseekers in Portugal. The Algarve is renowned for its gorgeous and varied coastline, and you can join the crowds on the people-packed sands at major resorts. Some of Europe's most memorable breaks include surfing, long oceanfront strolls, and playing in the waves.
The Algarve is a great place for kids. There are a lot of family-friendly beaches, water parks, and outdoor adventures. The region has 300 days of sunshine each year, with the best prices and smallest crowds in the winter.
The Serra da Estrela is Portugal's highest mountain range and is known for its rugged scenery, outdoor adventures, and glimpse of a vanishing traditional way of living. The region's fascinating mountain villages are perfect bases for outdoor adventures and hikers can choose from an expansive network of high-country trails.
You can ski down the only ski slope in Portugal at the summit of Torre. The furry sheepdog puppies that frolic by the roadside were not mentioned. It will take you a long time to get one home.
You will be in for a treat when you come to the historic town of bidos during a festival. You couldn't ask for more than a mock-up jousting match at a medieval fair, searching for the next Pavarotti at the Festival de pera, or a chance to read a book.
The article was first published about a year ago.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
