When exploring this site, take the opportunity to visit the villages of Ermelo and Lamas de Olo (located 1000 metres above sea level), which maintains an atmosphere of peace and simplicity, with its small traditional granite houses covered with culm. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Portugal! Located literally in the centre of Algarve, the village of Alte is another little-known treasure to discover during your visit to Algarve. Read more here, Advertências Legais / Mentions Légales / Legal Notices | Política de Privacidade / Politique de Confidentialité / Privacy Policy | Copyright © "Gotoportugal.eu" 2013 - 2020, Top 20 of the places to visit in Viana do Castelo, Read this article for a detailed tour of the city of Porto, What to visit in Águeda, the city of the colourful umbrellas, Top of the places to visit in Figueira da Foz, Visit Tomar and discover the magnificent city of the Knights Templar. The forest Mata Nacional do Buçaco is a protected place, located on the hills with the same name and close to the thermal town of Luso. 4) Porto The construction of the sanctuary at the top of Monte de Santa Luzia began in 1904 and was completed in 1959, due to the initiative of the brotherhood Irmandade de Santa Luzia. From traditions that have endured for many years and which are intrinsically linked to fishing, to the giant waves that have made this city such a great tourist spot, there are many reasons why you should visit this place. But you won’t find just villages frozen in time. Considered the westernmost city on the European continent, Peniche is one of the places to visit during your stay in Portugal. Related articles: Porto introduction – 1 week in Porto, The Ponte Luís I, is the iconic bridge of Porto. Geographically, Portugal may only be small but there is much diversity between it’s landscapes, cultures and peoples. Currently, it is the largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula, with about 5 km2. This top 10 list begins with one of the most overlooked regions of Portugal, the far north. Vila Milfontes, Algarve Introduction The Algarve for Teenagers If there were fewer tourists, it would be at number two in our list. The human occupation of this island began several centuries ago with the passage of Viking and Muslim navigators, as well as French and English privateers. To visit the Castle of Almourol, you must board a small boat located on the left bank of the river, in the municipality of Praia do Ribatejo. Although Nazaré owes a lot to fishing, this city developed mainly from the 20th century onwards and especially in the 21st century, thanks to tourism and its beautiful and pleasant beaches. Inspired by Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro, this 110 metre high building was inaugurated in 1959. The trip is 650 metres, with an inclination of 160 metres and a total duration of six to seven minutes. This history is played out along the cobbled streets and small plazas, where ancient town defenses stand next to traditional tiled villas. To discover the other beautiful places in the city, please read the article Top 10 of the places to visit in Coimbra. Figueira da Foz started to be populated in the 11th century by the monastery Mosteiro de Santa Cruz de Coimbra and grew little by little over the centuries. There, traces of the medieval period can still be found. Berlengas Islands It has benefited from the influence of various architectural styles, over several centuries, including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance styles. This town is located on a peninsula with a small piece of land that connects it to the continent, making it unique in Portugal. Although considered a municipality since the 16th century, it was only in the 20th century that the current name was first used. Viseu is a city unknown to tourists (foreigners), but it has added value that few cities have in Portugal! This small town is one of the postcards of Alentejo! Located 10 km from the town of Melides, Galé beach is one of the most beautiful in Portugal! Historically boats ladened with Port from the Douro Valley sailed into the city, to store the Port in the vast cellars that line the banks of the Douro River. For more information about this town, I invite you to read the article Top 10 of the places to visit in Sintra. During your visit to this region, go to the Interpretation Centre of Tua Valley (Centro de Interpretação do Vale do Tua), located at the Tua train station, facing the Douro river. In the summer, Nazaré has a lively holiday atmosphere, but still retains its Portuguese character. To get there, leave your car at the village of Casmilo and walk 1.5 km on a dirt road. Viana do Castelo is the largest city of this region, and is a hard-working city, which built its fortunes on shipbuilding. Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe. Information: in late 2020 or early 2021, the largest suspended pedestrian bridge in the world, 516 metres long and 175 metres above the Paiva river, will be inaugurated. Portugal in January Lisbon is popular destination for cruise ships (this is the Disney Magic departing from Lisbon), Discover more of Portugal with our guides. For complete details about the church and to schedule a visit, visit the Rota do Românico website. During your visit you can take enjoyable day trips to pretty Ponte de Lima and the northern border town of Valença. Good availability and great rates for holiday rentals in Portugal. I invite you to visit the official website to obtain all the necessary information (GPS coordinates, map, timetables, purchase of tickets). Aside from being able to admire these beautiful landscapes, you will find a river beach very popular amongst those who visit this place and a waterfall accessible by wooden walkways more than 500 metres away. Not only is Portugal the oldest nation in Europe, Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is also the oldest city by centuries in Western Europe and other cities such as London, Paris and Rome. To the south of the city is Penha hill, where there are scenic hiking trails and wonderful viewpoints. Weekend in Portugal It temporarily hosted Portuguese families who came from the former African colonies. Three kilometres long and located in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, the beach is very popular amongst nature lovers and families. The picturesque Old Town and medieval walls, the winding pedestrian streets, the attractive marina, the well-kept parks and squares, the museums and the churches are reason enough to visit Faro and discover this unknown city. Nicknamed Portugal’s birthplace, due to the fact it was there D. Afonso Henriques – the first King of Portugal – fought his own mother (!) It can be visited by appointment or during the two weekly masses (17:30 on Saturdays and 21:15 on Sundays). When visiting the Peneda Gerês National Park, you can admire the magnificent landscapes, thanks to the many viewpoints, bathe in one of the many waterfalls, enjoy the different monuments with a long history of several centuries and you can even rest in a spa town! This village is just one example of the many villages used by the local population. When visiting Porto, you will discover an amazing city, where the old and new live in perfect harmony, a city that is both cosmopolitan and intimate at the same time. 5) Lagos Much of the country is a mix of rugged and scenic landscape coupled with rolling stretches of Mediterranean landscape. Furthermore, there are also Portuguese language speakers in Macao (China) and in Goa (India). Explore every corner and go to Marvão Castle. Located at the top of the mountain range Serra de Ossa, in Alentejo, it presents a square shape with 4 circular towers at each end. This forest was planted by the Order of the Carmelites in 1644 and today has an area of 400 hectares. According to history, it was here that the battle of São Mamede (Guimarães) was prepared, a battle that put the future first Portuguese king Dom Afonso Henriques and his mother Teresa de Leão, who was fighting for present-day Spain, face to face. It is located in Olhos de Água, in Algarve (between Vilamoura and Albufeira). These villages are the result of the resettlement by the Portuguese of lands recovered from Muslims and to protect the borders with neighbouring Spain. Our opinion: Lisbon is simply an outstanding holiday destination, which all visitors fall in love with. Information: in the Côa Museum building, there is the Côa Museu restaurant, where I suggest you have lunch or dinner while enjoying a superb view over the Douro and Côa valley. During your visit, lose yourself in the alleys of the village where you’ll find a beautiful pillory, visit the Casa Grande Museum, located in a beautiful 18th century mansion (manor house), once inhabited by the region’s nobles. This village was originally founded to serve as a major Portuguese fortification on the Spanish border in the 12thcentury (those pesky Spaniard really wanted this town) Many of the tours featured within the village lead guests around the wall and moat defences that made Almeida stood defiantly amidst the Spanish sieges. The city was populated by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Moors until 1147, when the city was finally conquered by the Portuguese, led by their first king, Dom Afonso Henriques. 6) Vila Nova de Milfontes To discover its wonders, read the article Serra da Arrábida, the Portuguese paradise! 7. Faro Related articles: Lagos introduction – 1 week in Lagos – Lagos’ beaches, A boat tour heading out of the Lagos estuary. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Elvas is for me one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. Like Galé beach in Melides, Falésia beach will surprise you with the beauty of its cliffs. Portugal has many natural parks but one of … This was the first landscape in Portugal to have this distinction (normally this title is only given to important monuments in the country). Sun-drenched, easy to get to and full of historic charm, Portugal is the perfect choice for a villa holiday that combines city sightseeing adventures and lazy days spent by your private pool. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Portugal on Tripadvisor: See 1,020,625 traveler reviews and photos of Portugal tourist attractions. To discover the places to visit in and around Fátima, I suggest you read the article What to visit in Fátima, the fourth biggest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world! Make taking exclusive holidays to Portugal affordable, take your time and explore. Since 1984, it houses the City Museum of Peniche. If you can stray from the big hub of Lisbon - Sintra - Porto - Algarve, I recommend taking a road trip and exploring the countryside to discover those little gems of Portugal. Capital and biggest city in Portugal, Lisbon appears at the top of the list amongst the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Then don’t hesitate to book your hotel room, your car or the best activities by clicking the links below. Lagos is one of the finest holiday destinations on the Algarve coastline, and combines a vibrant city and glorious beaches. Get back in your car, cross the Bridge of Belver and explore the village. The city is a great destination from which to explore the western Algarve and popular day trips include Sagres, Portimão and Silves. Coimbra is a 123 square miles country in Coimbra district, Centro … The monastery Mosteiro da Batalha is one of the most beautiful works of Portuguese and European architecture and a World Heritage Site. It was on that occasion that the young shepherds discovered that this lady was Our Lady of the Rosary (Nossa Senhora do Rosário). After admiring the view from the fortress, visit the Museum of Cinema, the church Igreja Matriz de Melgaço and the church Igreja da Misericórdia, and don’t leave without tasting the region’s wine at Solar do Alvarinho. About Portugal. Estoril Portugal Above Nazaré is the Sitio headland, with its delightful historic centre, lighthouse and views over the Praia do Norte beach, onto which the massive winter waves crash. Then a light phenomenon occurs in the sky called hereinafter “the miracle of the sun” or “dance of the sun”. If you come to Águeda during winter, know that in December, the city is lit up with the colours of Christmas with its umbrellas! Despite being a small country (in size), when visiting Portugal, you will not have time to get bored, because there are many wonders (monuments, landscapes, beaches, culture, gastronomy). Advice: A car is needed to get the most from the Alentejo region There is an ancient castle, a medieval palace, a Gothic monastery and pretty streets filled with traditional houses - Guimarães is a joy to explore. Apart from these natural wonders, this municipality hides two treasures built by human hands, the sumptuous church Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Válega and the church Igreja Matriz de Santa Marinha de Cortegaça. After a few years under the control of the Visigoths, Viseu became part of the Muslim empire in the year 716. Viana do Castelo is barely known by tourists, but there is a lot to discover, with a delightful historic centre, a busy working port and a hospitable people. Guimarães is a charming, small city which can be easily visited as a day trip from Porto. To discover all the places to visit in Peniche, read the article What to visit in Peniche – from the paradise of Berlengas to the fantastic beaches. As the months passed, the crowd grew larger and larger. Very close to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the village of Sistelo is one that you cannot miss during your visit to Portugal! The Dolphin Interaction Program (the only one of its kind in Europe) gets you up close and personal with the dolphins. The monastery was donated to the order of the Dominicans who remained there until 1834, the year the religious orders were disbanded in Portugal. Our opinion: : If you have a car and the time, go and explore the Alentejo coastline. Known as the Portuguese Venice, Aveiro is a thousand years old, of which two hundred and fifty as a city. We have a huge variety of Holiday Villas in Portugal, to buy or to rent.Villa Holidays in Portugal give your family the privacy and space to really enjoy the things you know you love. The Algarve for Christmas Portugal is de perfecte bestemming voor een zonvakantie. Decided in 1991, it was only in 1995 that the Portuguese government stopped its construction to save this historic treasure. After numerous attacks over the centuries, the last of which was carried out in the 19th century by Napoleon’s troops, the castle fell into ruins and was abandoned for more than 100 years. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, the convent Convento de Cristo is today one of the most beautiful Portuguese monuments. On May 13, 1917, Lúcia and her cousins ​​Jacinta and Francisco, 12, 9 and 7 years old, were taking care of their sheep in Cova da Iria, Fátima, when they saw a bright light appear in front of them. Braga was founded by the Romans over 2000 years ago, under the name Bracara Augusta. Portugal is a country where the sun shines 300 days in the year, a country with an amazing history, an extraordinary culture, a delicious gastronomy, magnificent landscapes, beautiful beaches, mountains greater than you can imagine and warm people that will make you feel at home. From the vantage point of the chapel’s dome roof, the dramatic Costa Verde coastline can be seen extending both north and south. Bijkomend... Bekijk Artikel If you’re coming to Portugal, you’re probably wondering what are the Portuguese like! Surrounded by vineyards, there are also wine estates where Port wine is produced and which you can visit to discover all the details of the production process of this amazing wine. Lisbon to Porto Tour Een klein land met een omvang van duizend kilometer aan de Atlantische Oceaan, Portugal een land van tradities. villa algarve | villa verhuur carvoeiro | luxe vakantievilla's lissabon & noord portugal. The Frecha da Mizarela viewpoint offers an incredible view of the 60 metre high waterfall with the same name. Do not hesitate to click on the link above to learn more about the “miracle of the sun”. While visiting the Douro Valley don’t miss the opportunity to discover this national monument, as well as its winery and chapel. This cruise takes at least 1 hour and will introduce you to the most beautiful part of the Douro Valley from a different perspective. Porto is the city that gave Portugal its name (Portucale) and the famous Portuguese wine with the same name (Port wine). Built in the 12th century to protect the land recovered from the Moors, the Leiria castle is without a doubt one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Portugal! In dit Zuid-Europese land zal elk type vakantieganger zich prima vermaken. Tavira lies on the quieter eastern Algarve and was an important Moorish (9th century) trading town and major port during the 14th century. Conímbriga is located 16 km from Coimbra and offers the possibility to see what a Roman city was like 2000 years ago! Surfing a 30m wave in the winter months….. Nazaré has much more to offer than extreme surfing, and is one of Portugal’s best beach resort towns. Melgaço is one of the most beautiful towns located on the banks of the Minho river and on the Spanish border. Guimarães is regarded as the historic birthplace of Portugal, being where the first king of Portugal (Afonso I) was born and where the fledgling country was established in 1128. Do not hesitate to stroll along the banks of the lagoon to the gazebos to contemplate this wonder. In the most isolated areas of the park, you can still find wolves as well as wild boars, badgers, otters, deer and wild horses. Located in the municipality of Vila de Rei, very close to the N2 road (the longest road in Portugal with 739 km – I will talk a little more about that below), Penedo Furado is a place where you can admire hills covered with pine forests, the Codes creek, the Castelo do Bode dam reservoir, thanks to the viewpoints of Penedo Furado, Fragas de Rabadão and Cristo Rei. 6. The 739 km long Estrada Nacional 2 is the longest Portuguese road and the only one in Europe that crosses a country along its entire length (there are only 3 in the world: Route 66 in the United States, Route 40 in Argentina and N2 in Portugal). Portugal Flats Cabanas de Tavira Algarve Slaapkamers:1 van € 650 /maand. If you love hiking, know that Sistelo and its beautiful region have many walking routes. This record was broken by 61 centimetres in 2017 by Brazilian Rodrigo Koxa, setting the record at 24.38 m. To discover this city and its surroundings, I invite you to read the article Top 20 of the places to visit in Nazaré and its surroundings. Do not hesitate to eat at the restaurant just above the pool to enjoy a good Portuguese dish while enjoying an incredible view. Once, there was a small corner in Europe of 92 090 km2, a place which became known as Portugal (1139 A.D.) – D. Afonso Henriques was the founder of this kingdom and its first king. Top 10 Portugal In the 19th century, Figueira da Foz doubled its population thanks to the port and shipbuilding, as well as the arrival of many tourists to enjoy the magnificent beaches. Sintra Portugal, AlentejoIntroduction Carte de Portugal Lieu exact non fournis - Ville indiquées sur la carte. When you arrive at the stud farm, you can learn more about its history, visit the stables, the museum, take horseback riding lessons and see the daily tour of the mares that go to the pasture. In 1882, Figueira da Foz went from being a town to being a city, and today it houses more than 62 000 inhabitants (city centre and neighbouring villages). From this period, there is a gate, two towers, one of which served as a prison, but Ponte de Lima has retained its medieval charm and authenticity. They first thought it was lightning, but then a brighter light illuminated the place. This temple is an excellent example of neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic architecture. Once known as the Gothic capital of Portugal, in the historic centre of Santarém, you will find several architectural styles that make this city a place not to be missed. Porto is a city which is on the up, and can easily rival much larger Lisbon for a city break. Sintra is regarded as the best day trip from Lisbon, and is connected to Lisbon by a direct railway. Portugal is located on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, ideally positioned between Spain and the Atlantic ocean. It is well known in Portugal for its delicious Alvarinho green wine, but the village is not just that! Once there, take the stairs on the left side of the house and walk along the campsite wall. Nazaré is famed for its colossal wintertime (Nov-Jan) waves, which can reach as high as 30m, and attract daredevil surfers. The city is a joy to explore with grand plazas leading to narrow cobbled streets that are dissected by the quaint tram network. To admire the same landscape in the photo above, leave your car in the beach parking lot and walk 500 metres towards Porto Covo. In the centre of the Douro Wine Region, Pinhão is undoubtedly one of the most famous villages in the Douro Valley, due to its beautiful train station, with 24 tile panels representing Douro’s landscapes and scenes of the vintage. Just 12 km from the Douro, Freixo de Numão is a parish in the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, surrounded by beautiful landscapes composed of vineyards, olive and almond trees. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. Thanks to the Age of Discoveries, Portuguese is one of the most spoken languages in the world: Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe and East-Timor. Lisbon has so many varied districts, each one proud of its own unique history and architectural styles. Evora is at the heart of the arid Alentejo region and is one of the most culturally rich cities of Portugal. In the “new city”, visit the Centro Ciência Viva de Estremoz, an interactive and educational museum located in a former convent. Our opinion: We adore Sintra, but the town has succumbed to over-tourism; it’s not fun to wait for an hour for the tourist bus or standing in the endless ticket queues. In addition to the historic side, Lagos will surprise you with its magnificent beaches considered as some of the most beautiful in the world! This network of walking routes is part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park and is divided into 3 parts: the Historical Way, the Fishermen’s Trail and the Circular Routes. Known in Portugal as the city of students, Coimbra has an incredible history and monuments that you should definitely not miss when visiting Portugal! Lagos is a bustling city with a large selection of restaurants, bars and numerous interesting tourist attractions. Even though this town is very touristy, I recommend you explore it, as this place is full of wonders not to be missed, such as the Pena National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the Monserrate Park and Palace. Wij verhuren veel luxe vakantievilla's in de Algarve, in de omgeving van Carvoeiro en Ferragudo, Albufeira, Lagos, Portimao en nabij de luxe golf resorts van Quinta do Lago en Vale do Lobo. During your visit, make sure to go to the majestic palace Paço Ducal, former residence of the Dukes of Bragança, the Castle of Vila Viçosa, built in the 13th century, the sanctuary Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the beautiful church Igreja de São João Evangelista. Its route starts in the city of Chaves, close to the Spanish border (northern Portugal) and crosses the countryside to Faro, capital of Algarve. A large part of the route is made on wooden walkways, which allow you to walk very close to the river. Portugal is a wonderful destination for your holiday and this guide will detail our top 10 favourite places to visit. The most charming town of the eastern Algarve, The religious centre of Portugal and likeable city, Extravagant palaces, opulent villas, and stunning scenery, Delightful beach town, which is a favourite with the Portuguese, The classic Portuguese walled town, owned by the Queen of Portugal, Authentic Portugal on the undiscovered Alentejo coastline, Experience true Portugal in this busy fishing port, A charming town, famed for the world’s highest surfing waves, The charismatic and undiscovered north of Portugal, The finest resort town of the Lisbon coastline, The ancient stronghold of the Knights Templar, The capital of the Alentejo region is steeped in history, The largest and liveliest resort town of the Algarve, The birthplace of Portugal and pretty city, A complete list of all of our guides to Portugal, Where to go in Portugal? On days when the sea is more agitated, the beach is the ideal place for water sports such as surfing and bodyboarding. Apart from the beautiful authentic landscapes, you can discover some of the 1500 incredible caves in the park. Founded in the 2nd century BC, Bragança is a city to visit during your stay in Portugal, especially for its beautiful citadel. Here, you get a chance toin the world 9. There, you can enjoy the natural pools and viewpoints that offer stunning views of the village and the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is also one of the few countries in the world that, once visited, is never forgotten. Listed in 2011 as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, the Berlengas Natural Reserve was the first protected area in Portugal, decreed by King Dom Afonso V, who banned hunting on the largest island of this archipelago, Berlenga Grande (1.5 km long and 800 m wide). There are several entrances along the way, so you can just hike part of the route. There, you will find the convent Convento de Santa Cruz do Buçaco, which housed members of this Order from 1628 to 1834, when religious orders were disbanded. On the outskirts of Mértola, discover one of the most relevant waterfalls in southern Portugal, Pulo do Lobo, as well as the São Domingos mine, used until 1965 for copper extraction. The interior of Portugal is as equally varied, from the abundant wine-growing region of the Douro through to the arid hills of the Alentejo. It’s not by chance that the cultural landscape of this town has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 7) Sintra It is the oldest Portuguese stud farm and the oldest active stud farm in the world. The Costa Verde is a wild and rugged coastline, of beautiful beaches, jagged cliffs and powerful seas. Welkom bij de nieuwe, zonniger Kyero. 8) Guimarães Portugal Tourism: Tripadvisor has 6,644,293 reviews of Portugal Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Portugal resource. If, like me, you enjoy big sandy beaches, walk in the midst of stunning landscapes, admire the fishermen working and discover their authentic villages, Costa da Caparica will surprise you! Information: the best time to hike in the Rota Vicentina is from September to June. To protect the city, King Dom João I of Portugal built a defensive wall throughout the city, of which two of the original seven gates still remain (Porta do Soar and Porta dos Cavaleiros). This inheritance was later handed over to the Order of Christ before it became property of the Portuguese state. Discover, during your visit, the dormitory, the chapter house, the refectory, the Dom Dinis cloister, the incredible kitchen, the Hall of Kings and the church (free part). There, you can go for a hike on the 14 km circular route of Rota do Mineiro to admire this place. It is in this area that the casino and most hotels, restaurants and bars are located. Although it was recently elevated to the category of city (in 1988), Peniche has always been of particular importance in the country, especially at the maritime and fishing areas. To discover its wonders, read the article Costa da Caparica, Lisbon’s paradise. The National Railway Museum presents visitors with 160 years of railway history in Portugal. I believe that if we don’t know our origins we don’t truly know ourselves. Built in the 12th century, in a Romanesque style, the interior of the church will impress you, especially if you like beautiful tiled decorations. Departing from the natural park and to the next point, make a small detour and go to the sanctuary Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Graça in Mondim de Basto, more than 1000 metres above sea level, known for being one of the most difficult stages of the Volta a Portugal de Bicicleta (Portugal Bicycle Tour). Villa. You will find stairs that will take you to the beach. Even though you can drive there, I recommend that you go on foot to enjoy this magnificent place. The Historical Way begins in Santiago do Cacém and stretches all the way to the cape Cabo de São Vicente, in Algarve (230 km), through mainly rural paths, passing through towns and villages with several centuries of history.