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Sports and Outdoor Activities

The offer of sporting activities is very large and diversified in Portugal. Golf, kayaking, snowboard, diving, rappel, climbing and mountaineering are some of the options you can choose from. However, if you want higher flights, you can also surrender to parasailing and feel completely free.

Portugal has privileged natural conditions for sports practice. Come discover the sportiest side of Portugal.

Winter Sports

Climbing up to 2,000 meters in height, we can touch the sky at the top of Portugal, breathe the fresh air, enjoy the winter sun and contemplate the idyllic scenery of white snow and blue horizon in Serra da Estrela, the only place in Portugal to practice winter sports. Get ready for an exciting descent and enjoy the feeling of sliding down one of the 19 slopes in the ski resort’s snowpark. With several options for all ages, you can also choose to go sledding or use the snow donuts, snowmobiles or a hike with the help of snow sticks and snowshoes.

Water Sports

The extensive west coast of Portugal favors the existence of various sports associated with the sea, so you can find several nautical sports, namely:

  • World Elite Surfing

Heading south and towards the coast of Portugal, sea lovers will have beaches with perfect waves waiting for them. Peniche the “capital of the wave” and the famous Supertubos Beach, which hosts world surfing competitions, such as the “World Surf League”.

Traveling about 50 kilometers along the coast, we reach the “cannon of Nazaré” at Praia do Norte, where you can admire the splendor of nature with giant waves that rise to more than 30 meters, where surfer Garret Macnamara holds a world record for the biggest wave surfed.

  • Dive in Berlengas

The best diving area in Portugal is in the Center of Portugal, in Peniche. The marine ecosystem of the Berlengas Islands is one of the richest in Portuguese waters, and a favorite destination for amateur and professional divers.

The Adventure of getting to know Portugal by cycling

If you prefer to stay on flat land rather than at sea, Portugal also has several options for you. Explore the most fantastic places in Portugal by pedal. Before hitting the road and trails, find out about route programs at the Mountain Bike Centers. In these spaces you can get to know the network of trails, and enjoy specific conditions for mountain biking, such as changing rooms and a bicycle service station.

For less extreme activities, Portugal also has several walking routes, from north to south, that you can enjoy at a leisurely pace.

Golf

If it’s on a golf course that you find the pleasure of sport, Portugal is also the ideal destination. Elected by the World Golf Awards as Best Golf Destination in Europe for six consecutive years, between 2014 and 2019, and as Best Golf Destination in the World, between 2014 and 2018, Portugal has a great diversity of courses with characteristics suitable for various levels of difficulty and budget available.

Get your backpack ready and go on an adventure! Portugal is waiting for you!

Portugal Survival Guide

Everything you need to know before traveling to Portugal

Planning to travel to Portugal? As the oldest country in Europe, Portugal has a culturally rich history, beautiful beaches, as well as top-notch wine and cuisine. Increasingly, millions of tourists travel to Portugal throughout the year. If you’re planning your visit, here is everything you need to know about traveling to Portugal – your very own survival guide to the country. From essential phrases to etiquette and weather, we have got you covered!

What language is spoken in Portugal?

You guessed it – Portuguese. 250 million people speak it around the world. As a tourist, no one is expecting you to speak Portuguese. A third of people in Portugal can speak English fluently. The cities of Porto, Coimbra, Braga, and Lisbon have the best English speakers. 

However, if you are visiting local restaurants in smaller cities and are speaking to older people, knowing some Portuguese comes in handy. The locals will appreciate it.

What are some essential phrases to know to visit Portugal?

Obrigado/Obrigada (Thank you)

If you identify as a man, use “obrigado”. If you identify as a woman, use “obrigada”. The Portuguese language is very gendered.

Por favor (Please)

You will find yourself asking, “arranja-me uma imperial, por favor?”. Meaning, can I get a beer, please?

Bom dia (Good morning)

Mornings start late for the Portuguese and go on until lunchtime, around 1 pm.

Boa tarde (Good afternoon)

You can say “boa tarde” from around 1 pm to dinner time – around 8 pm. 

Boa noite (Good evening)

Use the greeting “boa noite” from dinner time onwards. 

Não falo Português (I don’t speak Portuguese)

If no one understands, you can say it in English. This is the one English phrase every Portuguese person knows.

Portuguese etiquette rules to look out for

The Portuguese take their etiquette quite seriously. Greetings are important. If you are meeting a Portuguese friend, it is customary to give two kisses on the cheek from left to right. These are called “beijinhos”. Men do not usually greet other men this way, only if they are family members. Rather, they shake hands or hug. 

In big cities, strangers do not greet each other in passing. In smaller villages, this is customary. Use “bom dia”, “boa tarde” or “boa noite”, depending on the time of day. 

If you are invited into someone’s home for a meal, always bring something. You should ask beforehand if you should bring dessert or wine. If the host says you don’t need to bring anything, bring something anyway. 

What is the weather like in Portugal?

The Portuguese enjoy moderate weather all year, although it does vary by region. The north is the coldest and rainiest, whilst the south is warmer and drier. The interior is the hottest part of the country. 

Portugal gets a good amount of sun, even in winter (December-February). The winter months are rainy but are quite pleasant in comparison to other European countries. Temperatures in winter range from 36°F on the coldest nights to 68 °F on the warmest days.

Summer (June-August) can get extremely hot in Portugal. The Portuguese flock to the beaches in the south and avoid the interior of the country. Summer temperatures start at 68°F. and can go up to 104°F,  depending on the region. If you are looking for a beach vacation, this is the time to go. 

Fall (September- November) and Spring (March-May) are the seasons with the most moderate temperatures. Early fall and spring are the best times to visit as you avoid the high season prices of summer and avoid the rain. 

In fall, the weather is still quite warm and the country fills with brown and yellow leaves. It is also not too cold. The average lowest temperature in Lisbon in October, the perfect city to visit in the fall, is 59.2°F. By March, spring begins and temperatures can get as hot as 70°F. 

Read our full guide on the weather in Portugal or the average temperatures in Portugal.

Let’s talk money

What currency does Portugal use?

Portugal’s currency is the euro. The euro currency was introduced in Portugal in 2002, 16 years after Portugal joined the European Union (EU). If you’re from the EU, you do not need to worry about exchange rates. If not, you can exchange cash at the airport, hotels, and “câmbio” shops. 

What are prices in Portugal like?

Portugal is an affordable country. The average price for a hotel room in Portugal is €65 – pretty cheap. A meal at a mid-range restaurant for 2 people costs around €30. In most places, a beer (0.33 liter) shouldn’t cost you more than €1. 

So, how much money should you bring for your trip to Portugal? If you are planning on staying in one city, around €100 a day should cover your accommodation, food, and activities. 

Cash or card?

With the covid-19 pandemic, most establishments began accepting card payments. VISA, Mastercard, and American Express are all usually accepted. However, it is still important to carry cash when traveling to Portugal. Many small local restaurants will only accept cash, especially if you are only buying a coffee. 

To withdraw money, ask around for a “multibanco” – an ATM. You could likely be charged with a withdrawal fee or have to pay a foreign exchange fee. Look for an ATM from your home bank or one where you can pay reduced fees. ATMs in Portugal have a maximum withdrawal limit of €400 a day. 

Pro tip: avoid the yellow and blue Euronet ATMs. Not only are they an eyesore, but they tend to have higher fees. 

Do people tip waiters in Portugal?

Portuguese people only tip waiters when they are happy with the service. We would never discourage anyone from tipping large, but tips over €5 in restaurants are uncommon. Normally, you would leave a few euros. However, waiters often make minimum wage in Portugal so if you can afford to tip higher, they will be grateful.

Emergency services in Portugal

If you are in any kind of emergency, call 112 to contact the emergency services. If necessary, they will connect you to the police, fire department, or medical services.

If you need medical attention, but it is not life-threatening, you can call the 24-hour helpline Saúde 24 at 808 242 424. They will advise you on what to do next.

If you need to see a doctor, this is not free for tourists. It might be wise to purchase travel health insurance before traveling to Portugal. 

To make calls to other Portuguese phone numbers, do not forget the country code: +351.

What adaptor plug is needed for Portugal?

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your hotel with your phone on 1% and realizing you need a travel adaptor. Come prepared! The power plugs and sockets are of type F. This socket also works with plugs C and E.

The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You can plug in your appliances in Portugal if the voltage in your country is between 220 – 240. If the frequency in your country is different than the one in Portugal, you should not try to plug in appliances. This could be dangerous. 

Ready for take-off

Pack your bags! In no time you will be sipping some Port wine and eating a “pastel de nata”. You’re all set to visit the country awarded Europe’s Leading Destination in 2020. Although often overlooked by tourists for other European countries like Italy and France, you are sure to fall in love with Portugal. Can’t remember how to ask for an “imperial” (beer)? Keep this survival guide to Portugal with you, it will come in handy! 

The Rooster of Barcelos

Barcelos is an ancient Portuguese city from the 12th century, in Braga District in the Minho Province, in the north of Portugal and is part of one of the many Ways to Santiago used in Portugal.

Legend has it that in the Middle Ages, in Barcelos, a robbery took place, and the inhabitants were restless because the culprit could not be found. One night, a Galician pilgrim on his way to Santiago de Compostela decided to stay overnight in a local hostel and was reported as a criminal to the judge by one of the inhabitants. The authorities decided to arrest him and, despite his oaths of innocence, nobody believed that the Galician was on his way to Santiago de Compostela to fulfill a promise and that he was a fervent devotee of Santiago, Saint Paul and Our Lady of Fatima. The pilgrim was arrested and later sentenced to hang. On the day of his hanging, the pilgrim asked, as his last wish, to go and speak to the judge. Brought before the judge, who was having a banquet with some friends at the time, the condemned man knelt down and insisted on his innocence, begging not to be hanged.

Barcelos Rooster
Barcelos Roosters by Joao Lago

Since no one believed him, the pilgrim pointed to the roasted rooster on the table and said:

“It is as certain I am innocent as that rooster crows when they hang me!”

Everyone around the table laughed at the statement. Later, to everyone’s amazement, legend has it that, the rooster stood up and crowed. What seemed impossible, however, became reality!

The judge ran to the gallows to prevent the hanging, and when he saw that the rope knot prevented the strangulation, he immediately had the rooster released, letting the pilgrim leave in peace, in the direction of Santiago de Compostela.

A few years later, the pilgrim returned to Barcelos and erected a monument in honor of Santiago and the Virgin Mary, since he assumed that Santiago had protected him from the gallows.

This legend is said to have passed from generation to generation, until today, and over time the figure of the Barcelos rooster has undergone modifications, until it became the colored image, and is today, one of the symbols of Portugal.

The History of Portugal

HOW TO UNDERSTAND PORTUGAL

I think that you can only have the full experience that a country has to offer when you understand the things that you see in it. The monuments, the streets, the people. And you can only do that by knowing its history.

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe. It’s history is the combination of the story of Iberian tribes, Celtic peoples, the Roman Empire, Germanic kingdoms, Muslim invasions and the consequent Christian Reconquista, and finally, of the Exploration of the World.

To know the history of Portugal is to know the mentality and mindset of the Portuguese. Is to understand the streets that you will walk through when you visit it, the beautiful monuments you will see in every corner, the tales told in the ‘azulejos’ of the Churches and the houses.

And that history starts many ages ago, when the so-called Iberian tribes inhabited the territory of today’s Portugal. Then, in the beginning of the first millennium BC, Celtic tribes invaded and intermarried with the local Iberians, creating what is now known as the Celtiberians.

The Lusitanians, who inhabited the interior region of Portugal since the Iron Age, are considered the forefathers of the Portuguese nation. This is why today we have names like Lusophone, someone who speaks Portuguese, or Luso-American, a Portuguese American person. They were known for successfully fending off the Roman armies until the death of their leader, Viriathus, known as a hero in Portugal.

The tribe was considered a worthy adversary by the Romans, so much that they named the province of the whole territory of modern Portugal (south of the Douro River) and part of western Spain after them.

The Romans left various works, such as baths, temples, bridges, roads, theaters and statues, some of them are still found in the different parts of the country.

This lasted until the Barbarian invasions, when Germanic tribes migrated to various parts of the Roman Empire. In Portugal, the territory became controlled by the Germanic in the 5th century. The Kingdom of the Suebi controlled Galicia and the North and Center of Portugal, while the Visigothic Kingdom controlled the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, including the rest of Portugal, until eventually conquering the Suebi and, consequently, the whole of Iberia. This is when the rigid class structure appeared in the country, with a Nobility and Clergy getting more and more political and social power.

In the 8th century, the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate invaded the Iberian Peninsula from the North of Africa. Al-Andalus, the Islamic name for the Peninsula, became a part of the Caliphate, and Portugal with it. The Portuguese kept lots of things from their Muslim past, like many of their words, architecture and the famous ‘azulejos’.

The Christians held on in the North of the Peninsula, creating the Kingdom of the Asturias. This was until the Reconquista, when they reconquered the lands from the Moors, the Muslims.

In this Kingdom, at the end of the 9th century, a county based in the now north of Portugal was established, the County of Portugal. The county grew in power and, at the end of the 11th century, a Burgundian knight named Henry, who was fighting in the Reconquista, was crowned as ‘Count of Portugal’ and merged it with the County of Coimbra.

Henry’s son, Afonso Henriques, proclaimed himself King of Portugal in 1139 with Guimarães as its capital. This city remains known until this day as the “Cradle of the Nation’ by the Portuguese.

However, it was only in 1179 that a papal bull officially recognized Afonso I as king. The Reconquista continued with the Algarve, the south of the country, finally being conquered in 1249, and Lisbon becoming the capital in 1255. Since then, Portugal’s land borders have remained almost unchanged, being considered one of the longest standing borders in Europe.

The Kingdom of Portugal remained very important in Europe’s (and especially Iberian) politics, waging several wars against Spain, creating an alliance with England (the longest standing alliance in the world, lasting until today) and starting the “Age of Discovery”.

In this Age, the country built a vast empire, having territory all over the world, from South America to Oceania. They started by exploring their coast and adventuring into the Moroccan coast, hoping to continue the Reconquista to the North of Africa. Then, the Portuguese sailors started to adventure into the open sea, when they discovered the islands of the Canaries, Madeira, Azores and Cape Verde. Subsequently, the Portuguese explored the coast of Africa, setting trading ports, and tried to discover the maritime route to India, which they did in 1498, under the explorer Vasco da Gama.

They continued to explore and look for trade around the world, from Africa, passing through Arabia, and reaching Japan, setting several outposts, many of them having developed into colonies later on. In 1500, they reached South America and started the colonization of Brazil.

The Empire started to decline, however, when the Dutch, English, and French got in the game. They started to surround or conquer the scattered Portuguese trading posts and territories, diminishing their power. On the Battle of Alcácer-Quibir, in 1578, Portugal lost its king, becoming part of a dynastic union with Spain that lasted until 1640, when it finally gained its independence again.

After that, the country never became the great power it once was. It lost several colonies (including its largest one, Brazil) and trade routes, it saw its capital being destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 and it was occupied during the Napoleonic Wars.

From then on, Portugal was a minor power in Europe, having just some colonies in Africa and Asia and never becoming an economic powerhouse.

Then, in 1910, due to corruption, dissatisfaction with the several Kings and the loss of claimed African lands to the English, the monarchy ended and a Republic was created. Fiercely secular, to the point where it was antichurch, filed with corruption, government instability and near to bankruptcy, the regime came to an end with a military coup in 1926.

A military dictatorship was installed and then, a fascist-like regime, the ‘Estado Novo’ (‘New State’), headed by António de Oliveira Salazar. This period was marked by authoritarianism, lack of freedom and, from 1961, by the Portuguese Colonial War.

All of this ended when, in April 25th 1974, the Carnation Revolution happened, carried out by the Armed Forces Movement (Movimento das Forças Armadas – MFA), a movement of young left-leaning captains of the Portuguese Armed Forces. With the Revolution, democratic reforms were made and the first free elections with multiple parties happened, as well as the independence of all of Portugal’s colonies.

It also started the PREC (Processo Revolucionário Em Curso – Ongoing Revolutionary Process), a period when conservative and left-leaning forces inside the MFA confronted each other, marked by political turmoil, violence, instability, and the nationalization and expropriation of private lands. It came to an end on the 25 November 1975, when the MFA moderates appeared as the main force.

Nevertheless, revolutionary achievements were not forgotten, with the Constitution pledging until this day to realize socialism, as well as declaring extensive nationalizations and land seizures as irreversible, many, however, now overturned.

Nowadays, Portugal is one of 15 most sustainable states in the world and considered the third most peaceful. It has high living standards and a good economy. It was a founding member of NATO, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. It entered the European Economic Community (now the European Union) in 1986 and is one of its most fierce supporters, even having produced a European Commission President.

This beautiful “garden by the sea planted” is a beautiful and rich country, filled with stories to tell in every little city you can find and with many traditions that can be traced back to either the Celts, the Romans, the early Christians or even the Muslims. An open mindset due to its revolution but a Catholic population because of its Reconquista.

I hope this has helped you shed a light on what “is” Portugal, but to truly understand it, you may really have to visit it.

Sintra

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Sintra: The Crown Jewel of the Portuguese Riviera

Sitting just 14 miles outside of Lisbon, Sintra is a charming municipality on the Portuguese Riviera. The perfect destination for a winter’s escapade, Sintra is known for its beautiful palaces and mansions, 19th-century gardens, and surrounding natural beauty. Visiting tourists can explore both Sintra’s beaches and mountains in just one afternoon, but the town is best known for its lavish monuments and unique ambiance.

Once the home of Portugal’s wealthiest noble families, Sintra is still a very exclusive location, where real estate prices often reach millions of dollars. But while the town’s embedded in luxury, tourists can find many affordable hotels and hostels near the city’s center to spend the night. We recommend Sintra to all travelers who enjoy exploring nature, learning about history, and visiting stunning centuries-old landmarks.

Book Tours & Experiences in Sintra

What to Expect When Visiting Sintra

One of the best things about Sintra is that it’s filled with little secret locations. From enigmatic patterns on the walls to hidden gardens, it makes for an authentic explorer’s galore. But Sintra’s charm, unlike its many secrets, it’s impossible to miss. Once you enter the historic part of town, you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time to the 19th century. Every house is old and royal, every store and restaurant is nice and cozy, and references to the English poet Lord Byron (arguably Sintra’s most-famous former resident) can be found virtually everywhere.

Once you arrive at Sintra, we recommend that you take a walk through the town’s historic center. There’s a magical feel to it, as the surrounding forests and dense gardens make the local mansions look like the set of an old movie. The locals are pleasant and very accustomed to tourists. In addition to a few restaurants and gift shops, you’ll find a couple of typical bakeries and cafés where you can try Sintra’s best-known delicacies: the “travesseiro de Sintra” and the “queijada de Sintra.”

Sintra’s Famous Landmarks

Walking around Sintra is an experience in itself, but the town’s most impressive once you start exploring its famous landmarks. Sintra’s monuments such as the Pena Palace and the Park and Palace of Montserrat shouldn’t be missed and have something to offer to all kinds of tourists, from traveling families to couples looking for a romantic experience.

The Pena Palace

The Pena Palace is arguably Sintra’s most famous landmark, and it should keep you busy for a whole day. You can choose between paying for a ticket and exploring the site with your friends and family or joining a tourist’s tour to get to know more about the palace’s history. Either way, you’re in for a fun afternoon!

The Pena Palace experience starts miles before the actual palace. The monument makes for a magnum opus of Portugal’s Romantic era and is a must-visit for any architecture fan. But the surrounding garden—which is both very large and immensely diverse—is perhaps even more interesting than the palace itself.

Photo by Mark Lawson (Unsplash)

Exploring the entirety of the Pena Palace’s garden in just one day is almost impossible, but you should give it a try. The garden is filled with both native and exotic vegetation and features many artificial lakes and fountains that should be worthy of a social media snap.

Book your ticket to the Pena Palace here to skip the line.

Book Pena Palace Tours & Experiences

Quinta da Regaleira

The name of the famous Quinta da Regaleira translates to something like “the farm of the satisfaction,” and it’s emblematic of what it feels like to visit it. Not a farm per se, the Quinta da Regaleira is a stunning Romantic-period palace and chapel that sits right next to Sintra’s town center. That means you’ll most likely be able to walk from your hotel or hostel to the landmark in less than half an hour.

Properly exploring the Quinta da Regaleira will take at least a few hours, though. As usual, you can choose between paying for the tourist’s tour or buying a ticket and exploring it yourself. In this case, we recommend the latter. While the history of the Quinta da Regaleira is fascinating, we found it particularly satisfying to roam freely through its many gardens, religious sites, and secret tunnels.

From bizarre statues inspired by myths of Ancient Greece to austere Catholic chapels, the Quinta da Regaleira has a lot to offer to its visitors. However, the Initiation Well makes for its most-unmissable attraction. This mysterious ceremonious well features a spiral staircase that leads to Quinta da Regaleira’s intricate tunnel system and looks like something you’d read about in a secret-society thriller novel.

Photo by Wendell Adriel

Book Quinta da Regaleira Half-Day Tour

Other Famous Landmarks in Sintra

While at Sintra, you also shouldn’t miss the beautiful Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, the medieval-time Moorish Castle, and the sacred Sanctuary of Peninha, which sits right next to the beach. For other highly-commendable Romantic period locations such as the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira, you should visit the Chalet and Garden of the Countless of Edla, The Gardens and National Palace of Queluz, and the Villa Sassetti. The humble Convent of the Capuchos also makes for a fascinating monument, as does the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art—a mandatory visit to all animal lovers, especially those who are into horses.

Useful Tips for Foreign Tourists in Sintra

The fascinating town of Sintra offers more than enough to keep you busy for a week or two. But nighttime at the municipality can be a bit boring, especially during winter. For that reason, we recommend that you rent a car for your trip to Sintra. This will allow you not only to travel easily from the airport to the hotel or hostel but also to visit Lisbon at night—which is worth it!

The cosmopolitan city of Lisbon sits just 14 miles away and offers many nighttime activities that should be particularly interesting for groups of young friends. Renting a car will also allow you to explore Sintra’s surrounding nature to its fullest. This incredibly diverse municipality has both beaches and mountains for you to enjoy, but getting to know them can be a challenge if you’re relying only on Sintra’s relatively flawed public transportation.

⬇️Please share your favorite activities and things to do in Sintra in the comments below ⬇️

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Viseu

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One of the best towns to visit in Portugal, Viseu is known for its hilltop old town, an ancient cathedral towering over it, the scenic cobbled alleyways, and its vast plazas. It is not just home to many architectural treasures but is also frequented for the highly delectable Dao wine from the neighboring Dao region and its mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you are an architecture buff, wine lover, or foodie, Viseu has plenty to offer you.

Things to do in Viseu

Go to the Cathedral of Viseu

Looming over the town center the beautiful cathedral was started in the 12th century and is a prime example of Manueline, Renaissance, and Mannerist architectural influences. It has two beautiful bell towers and a stunning main building. Inside, it is one of the most opulent tributes to Catholicism, with its vaulted nave ceiling, the golden altar, and one-of-its-kind atmosphere of a holy place.  Head here to unveil the majesty of Viseu’s past and its unique romantic ambiance.

Uncover the Renaissance art gems in the Grao Vasco Museum

Named after the famous Renaissance painter Vasco Fernandes, it houses some prime Renaissance treasures like unique altarpieces from Viseu Cathedral, partly executed by young Vasco Fernandez, but also armory, sculpture, and metalwork. Head here to uncover how much the town brought to Portuguese art. Don’t miss out on Jesus in the house of Marta by Vaso Fernandez, one of the best pieces of Portuguese Renaissance art.

Travel to Viseu’s downtown

Make it to Viseu’s downtown to uncover the beauty of its parks, plazas, cobbled narrow lanes, and scenic facades. There, you can take a ride on a funicular, pay a visit to Almeida Moreira Museum, the former home of professor & art critic Francisco António Almeida Moreira, and read a book in one of its leafy parks. Walking in Viseu’s downtown is one of the most romantic things you can do in Portugal, so start looking for happiness or grab your significant other and head there.

Keep in mind that the best food & drink options are located here, making it one of the best places in Viseu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Pay a visit to Fontelo Park

Have a pleasant stroll in the lush Fontelo Park, one of Viseu’s best places to commune with nature. Here you will find a campsite, swimming pools, tennis courts, football pitches, a gym, and a jogging circuit. But it is not just modern sports infrastructure, it is also the park’s past that lures. It dates back to 1149 when the Bishop of Viseu bought Fontelo Estate. If in the past it was the preserve of the Viseu elite, now the green space is open to everyone, so make it here to uncover its natural beauty.

 

Book Tours & Experiences in Viseu

What makes Viseu special

Have you dreamed of a scenic locale with plenty of architecture, art, and natural beauty? Then Viseu is a place for you. Steeped in history it is home to great museums that attest to its glorious past. The area around it is the birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Alfonso Henrique, and saw a number of important historical personae such as Viriathus a Lusitanian leader who rebelled against the Romans.

It is also famous for its delectable food and is a great place to drink one of the most prized varieties of Portuguese wine, Dao, from the nearby region of Dao.

What to eat in Viseu

Have you been thinking about what to eat in Viseu? The answer is Viseu has something for everyone. For breakfast, you can have yummy Portuguese desserts and steaming hot morning coffee at Viseu bakeries and cafeterias. For lunch, you can have a sip of delectable Dao with Portuguese soups such as chourico, whereas in the evening you can have sumptuous dinner in its restaurants with the roasted meat and good Dao wine.

Note that Viseu is renowned for its delectable meat produce and great wine.

When to visit Viseu

Traveling to Viseu is most pleasant from May to October when there is plenty of sunshine and the temperature is warm. Nevertheless, it is also nice to visit Viseu at Christmas when its town center is garlanded with the Christmas spirit. Don’t miss out on its magic Christmas market.

Conclusion

Viseu is one of the best places in Portugal to combine pristine nature, splendid architecture, ambrosial food and punchy Dao wine. It is also one of the best places to discover the Beiras (Beira Alta and Beira Baicha) and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of civilization to enjoy its laid-back vibe.

⬇️What are your favorite activities in Viseu? Let us know in the comments below⬇️

Viana do Castelo

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Located on the Western coast of Northern Portugal, the magnificent Viana do Castelo is one of Portugal’s main hidden gems. It is renowned for its scenic downtown, 19th-century boulevards, narrow lanes lined with splendid Manueline houses, and its nonpareil hill-perched gargantuan basilica, Santuário de Santa Luzia. Head here not only to uncover its architectural grandeur but also to profit from its briny seaside charm and its paradisiac beaches.

What to do in Viana do Castelo

Pay a visit to Santuario de Santa Luzia

Go to the revivalist Santuario de Santa Luzia, one of Europe’s most grand cathedrals. The 1909  house of worship features the Iberian Peninsula’s largest rose windows (Europe’s second-largest), a humongous dome, and a spacious altar with a beautiful sanctuary.

Go to the Monta de Santa Luzia, where the basilica is located, by car or funicular; or climb the steps to get there. Here you can delight in a gob-smacking view over Viana do Castelo, rated the world’s third most beautiful panorama by National Geographic Magazine.

Make a trip to Viana do Castelo’s Old Town

Head to the town’s scenic old town with its quiescent narrow pedestrian lanes, spacious plazas, and many beautiful churches. Here you can not only gaze at its architectural grandeur and take in the peaceful charm of an old seaside town, but also plonk down at a bakery or a cafe to eat the famous Portuguese desserts over a cup of coffee or eat a slap-up dinner at a restaurant’s veranda.

Go kitesurfing at Viana do Castelo’s marvelous beaches

One of the best things to do in Viana do Castelo is to go kite-surfing on its Cabedelo Beach, one of Europe’s top emerging kite-sports spots. Here you will not only find wind and waves perfect for a zippy kite-surfing ride but also can bask in the tender Portuguese sunshine and take pleasure in its warm sand, if traveling in summer. Keep in mind that there is a great wooden walkway to promenade nonchalantly along the beautiful stretch of sand.

Walk to St Mary the Great’s Cathedral of Viana do Castelo

Known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Great, the place of worship is one of Vina do Castelo’s main landmarks. Built in the 15th century, it is one of the prime examples of Portuguese Romanesque architecture and features a magnificent altar and a nave and a truly exquisite rose window. Head to this fortress and church, oozing the medieval charm and pointing to the centuries-old history of Viana do Castelo.

 

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What makes Viana do Castelo special

Viana do Castelo not only abounds in architectural marvels but is also a great beach destination. It is one of Europe’s emerging kitesurfing Meccas thanks to its propitious winds and great surf. The sand stretches for miles and offers splendid views over the Atlantic.

To see the Viana do Castelo coastline from above, head to Monta de Santa Luzia, where is perched one of Europe’s most striking places of worship, Santuário de Santa Luzia.

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What to eat in Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo offers plenty of local Portuguese fare such as one-of-its-kind seafood. A maritime region Viana do Castelo is known for its sea delicacies like oysters, cod, and sardines. Head to its Peixaria Costa Norte, a seafood market for the freshest sea catch. Also, don’t forget to visit its great Mercado Municipal.

When to visit Viana do Castelo

Travel to Viana do Castelo in April-September for you to profit from kite-surfing or sun-bathing on its long sandy stretches. Also, keep in mind that the twentieth of August is the day of Our Lady of Sorrow, celebrated since 1744, when fishermen started praying to Saint Mary to call upon her to make sure that the sea won’t be rough. Note that since April-September is a high season the price for accommodation can be slightly higher.

Conclusion

Traveling to Viana do Castelo is a great way to combine the scenic medieval charm of its downtown and bask in the sun on its great beaches. Don’t miss out on the medieval architecture in its old town such as Saint Mary the Great Church, or the revivalist Santuário de Santa Luzia. Travel here to make your Portugal holiday truly unforgettable and sun-lit.

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Tomar

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Situated in Central Portugal, the town of Tomar is one of the nicest places to visit in Portugal. It is known for unique architectural jewels, picture-perfect landscape, a wealth of gastronomical delights, and great Tomar wine. What is more, the medieval town oozes the quiet charm of a midday siesta and offers great accommodation, which makes it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of civilization.

What to do in Tomar, Portugal

Head to Convent of Christ

Travel to the Convent of Christ. The UNESCO-listed convent is known for its intricate exterior, a strikingly beautiful round church, and its one-of-its-kind air of mystery.

The site was founded by the Knights Templar, after King Alfonso II granted the lands to the order. After the knightly order was dissolved it passed to the Order of Christ, who played a huge role in the maritime adventures in the Age of Discovery.

The round church, chapterhouse, and the convent itself incorporate Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural influences. It is scenically set across the Nabao River from the rest of Tomar, one of the best cities to visit in Portugal to unveil its glorious imperial and knightly past. Make a trip to the Convent of Christ to grasp how closely linked medieval Portugal’s religion, culture, and politics.

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Travel to Castelo do Tomar

Part of the same cluster as the Convent of Christ, the UNESCO-listed Castelo do Tomar is one of the most lustrous architectural jewels that remain from the times of Reconquista.

The castle made up the first line of defense against the Moors and is a remarkably preserved example of medieval European castle architecture. It features Renaissance, Gothic, and Romanesque elements.

But what makes it truly special are the cross of Santa Maria and more abstruse symbols on a curtain of crenelated walls and towers, making it one of the most mysterious sites in Portugal. Head here to soak up its enigmatic atmosphere and hear the promise of adventure looming ahead.

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Tomar Synagogue

Converted into a museum, the ancient synagogue dates back to the mid 15th century. If you stroll along the scenic cobbled Rua De Joaquim Jacinto you won’t recognize it but by the six-pointed star of David. Inside the prayer house, you will find an impeccably white, spacious room of worship with six columns each representing one of the 6 Jewish matriarchs, and sacred Torah scrolls kept in a wooden cupboard.

Keep in mind that the site bears witness to the tragic destiny of the Portuguese Jews who were expelled or forcibly converted shortly after the synagogue was built.

Aqueduto dos Pegões

One of Portugal’s main landmarks, the stunning Order-of-Christ-built aqueduct impresses with its colossal size, two different tiers of stunningly beautiful arches, and the overall architectural brilliance.

Built in the late 16th century to supply water to the Convent of Christ, it has become one of Portugal’s signature postcard views and is a great place to take photos. Travel to Aqueduto dos Pegoes and bear in mind that you can even climb up and walk the conduit for mind-blowing vistas and great snapshots.

Old Town

Go to Tomar’s one-of-its-kind Old Town known for its scenic town square, white grin-striped facades, broad avenues, Saint John’s monumental bell tower, and the picture-perfect Renaissance Ponta Velha bridge over the Nabao River. Don’t miss out on the downtown’s cozy cafeterias and pleasant boutiques.

Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes

One of the oldest parks in the region, the park was the place of initiation into the knightly order, and even bears a small copy of the convent, Charolinha, designed by the greatest architect of the time Joao de Castilho. Take a walk from old Tomar to the convent through the park to sense the beauty of its oak trees and cedars and terraces with assiduously trimmed hedges, topiaries, and traditional stone vases.

 

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What makes Tomar, Portugal special

Apart from the unique Medieval atmosphere, Tomar boasts a great pedestrian-only downtown, a riverine park home to swans, herons and families of ducks, and ancient structures such as Castelo do Tomar and Convent of Christ.

Also, it includes less tangible marvels, such as wine and food. Taste the delectable Tomar wine coming from the vineyards along the right bank of the Tagus River, and its ambrosial farming produce at the Tomar’s fresh market, Mercado Municipal de Tomar.

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When to visit Tomar, Portugal

Tomar and its environs are pleasant to visit throughout the year but it is for sure the summertime that is the best season to travel here. During the summer months, you can smell the fragrance of its shady parks and gardens and stroll by the quiet flowing Nabao River. But if travelling over Christmas you can revel in Tomar’s festive ambiance and see the beautiful lighting hanging over its pretty streets lined with snow-white facades.

Conclusion

Head to Tomar to uncover its scenic architecture, one-of-its-kind cuisine, and delectable wine. Don’t miss out on a walk with herons and swans in its riverside park and remember that Tomar is a town of many hidden gems and secrets so keep awake your sense of wonder and head to Tomar, redolent of Portugal’s former exploits.

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Tavira

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The pleasure of visiting Tavira is not only to find irresistible rich history in one of the most beautiful villages in Algarve. Seeing Tavira is also an occasion to dive on some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and feel Ria Formosa’s soul and energy all around you.

Tavira was built alongside River Gilão, in an intricate of narrow roadways and white houses that you feel like walking without haste. Jardim do Coreto is near the city center and the liveliest area, where numerous people walk around at night enjoying ice cream and the fresh air, especially on summer nights, when shows or other events bring truly more life to this area.

In this city center, you can also find Ribeira Market, which after having been stopped from use for its original functions, was restored and is now a venue for entertainment and leisure. And from there to the castle where you have the most amazing view over the village, Tavira’s allure tempts us to discover its corners and reveal its secrets.

The juicy fruit orchards, don’t lack the gold of oranges. Furthermore, the whitewashed houses, the lacy chimneys, the hills covered with fig and almond trees, and, in the end, the vast mountain where eagles fly, birds sing, and flowers bloom. The castle and the many church steeples.

The river reflects the houses and gardens as a mirror. The triangles of the “scissors” roofs. Beach and sea horizons. This is a quick sketch of Tavira’s charms and its municipality. Tavira is definitely a city of art and history and a must-visit point on the Algarve’s cultural itinerary. An invitation to discovery voyages.

There is a certain Arabic charm in this city, in its “scissors” or hipped roofs, which cut out from the sky in a peculiar way, and in the lattice doors made of interwoven wood that protect the houses, letting in air and sound, the heritage of the Arabs who inhabited this region.

Tavira is distributed along the two banks of the river, in an intricate of narrow streets and white houses that you feel like walking without haste. Jardim do Coreto is near the city center and the liveliest area, where many people walk around at night enjoying ice cream and the fresh air, especially on summer nights, when shows or other events bring even more life to this area. This is where the Ribeira Market is located, which, after abandoning its original functions, is now a space for entertainment and leisure.

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What to do in Tavira

The oldest bridge, believed to have a Roman origin, is a 17th-century structure with walled parapets from which we can enjoy a beautiful view over the houses. Not as much as what can be seen climbing the Castle Tower, without a doubt the best viewpoint in the city, covering the undulating roofs, the domes of the churches, the river, and the salt flats, to the blue line of the sea that is its limit on the horizon.

Local tradition says that, in the castle, there is an enchanted Moorish woman who every year, on the night of São João (the night of the 23rd to the 24th of June), appears to mourn her fate. She would be the daughter of Aben-Fabila, the Moorish governor who, when Tavira was conquered by the Christians, disappeared by magical arts, after enchanting his daughter. It is said that he intended to return to reconquer the city and thus rescue his daughter, but he never succeeded.

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Tavira’s Churches

The effort of the climb to the top of Tavira’s Castle is compensated by everything that we can admire along the way. For example, when we cross the wall gate and are surprised by the beautiful Renaissance portal of Misericórdia, one of the 37 churches in Tavira. We can also visit the Islamic Nucleus to learn more about the city’s history or the Municipal Museum, located in the Palácio da Galeria, its most remarkable building.

A little further up, there is the castle and the Church of Santa Maria, which occupies the place of the former largest mosque in the city; here rests D. Paio Peres Correia and the seven knights of the Order of Santiago from the work they had to conquer Tavira from the Moors in 1242. Close by, the Church of Santiago, was also built over an old mosque, as well.

On the other side of the river, on the hill in front, there are more churches to visit, such as the Medieval Chapel of São Brás, the Church of Ordem Terceira do Carmo, one of the most sumptuous temples in the Algarve area with exuberant baroque decoration, or the Church of São Paulo (Saint Paul), simpler and more austere.

Gastronomic Specialties: Fresh Fish and Seafood

To make up for the energy expenditure on so many tours, there’s nothing like trying out gastronomic specialties, especially fresh fish and seafood, such as octopus cooked in different ways or razor clam rice.

Tuna, in steaks, also stands out on the menus, as fishing was one of the most traditional activities in this area. We can learn more about this art at the Museum Center in Arraial Ferreira Neto, near the mouth of the river Gilão, built, in the earlier years, to house up to 150 fishermen and their families and was, in 2000,  transformed into a hotel.

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Long Gold Sand Beaches

The city’s charms continue to the Ria Formosa, which we reach by following the road parallel to the River Gilão and flanked by white salt marshes where you can see birds such as the long-legged wing, the flamingo or the tailorbird. In the end, in Quatro Águas, we can take the boat that crosses it and take us to the beach on the sand “tongue”, an island that separates the estuary from the sea. There are 11 kilometers of sand, which includes the beaches of Ilha de Tavira (Tavira’s Island), Terra Estreita (Narrow Land), Barril (Barrel), and Homem Nu (Naked Men), and where we can rest from this well-filled tour.

Tavira Island Beach. Photo by Jose A. (Flickr)

Top Things to do in Tavira: Be sure to…

  • Enjoy the panoramic view from the castle tower
  • Walkthrough the ancient streets and discover the remains of the Islamic wall
  • Visit the Camera Obscura at Tavira’s Tower in the old water tank to see all the splendor of the city
  • Visit some of the 37 churches in Tavira
  • Try regional specialties such as octopus or tuna salads and puff pastries from Tavira
  • Enjoy an ice cream at Jardim do Coreto
  • Take a salt flower extracted from the salt pans in the region
  • Take a walk by the sea on the long sandy beach of Tavira’s Island
  • Be surprised by the “cemetery” of anchors at Praia do Barril
  • Visit the waterfalls of Moinhos da Rocha or Pego do Inferno, 8 km from Tavira

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Silves

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Silves is one of the largest municipalities in the Algarve. This town holds great historical value, it was first conquered by the Moors in the 12th century, and was once the capital of the Algarve. It ceased to be so in the 16th century when it went into decline mainly due to the silting up of the Arade river on which it was heavily dependent for communication with the outside world. The capital of the Algarve then became Faro. In this town were found traces of human presence since prehistoric times, which demonstrates its antiquity.

The focus of a discovery trip in Silves should be its Historical Center, to be explored on foot. The essential points are concentrated in the area, very close to each other. Although let us give you some friendly advice, the climbs are steep, so you’d better save your breath, this unfortunately is not a tour for people with mobility problems.

In order to start your exploring journey of the city center, you should head to Moinho de Pedra street. If you visit in the warm season, you may see many storks. They are a sight to behold. For many tourists, it is the first time in their lives that they have seen these birds. They build huge nests that can be found everywhere in this area.

A few steps up the street we come upon the first historical attraction, The Silves City Gates. They were attached to walls that protected the town and they used to be the main entrance of Silves. You can cross through this structure to continue on our path of historic thrills.

In front of the City Gates, you will find the town square, where the Silves Town Hall is located. This is another beautiful site in the town, with several palm trees and a lake in the center. Here you will also find some traditional stores where you can purchase some local products and souvenirs.

A few meters away, you’ll find Silves Cathedral, the most important Gothic construction in the Algarve that is also considered to be the best religious monument from this period in southern Portugal. You can also visit the interior, where you will find various architectural styles intertwined. The apse and transept have Gothic ogival vaults and the side altars have Baroque carved decoration.

If you’re enjoying the historical vibe of this area, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit the Silves Municipal Archaeology Museum. This Museum opened in 2008 and contains a dynamic exhibition about the 20th century in Sines in historical, ethnographic, and development terms. As part of this museum, you can also visit The Vasco da Gama house, a part of the museum with multimedia equipment where you can learn about the biography of the famous Vasco da Gama, the places where he lived in this castle, and the importance of his deeds for the History of Mankind.

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After this, if you want to know some of the products, you can stop by the Municipal Market. The Municipal Market is a relatively recent construction, it has the city’s coat of arms standing out next to the entrance portico in the shape of a medieval tower. The market is open from Monday to Saturday, always in the morning, so you can stop by and buy fresh produce from the region.

A tour of Silves is not complete without visiting the Castle, one of the best viewpoints over the city and the region. It was built in 1424 during the Reign of D. João I and served as an important lookout and defense point of the Alentejan area, and it is believed that it was in the castle keep that the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama was born. Since 1933, Sines Castle has been classified as a Site of Public Interest and has therefore undergone some restoration work. You can visit the castle from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free.

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Where to Stay in Silves: 5 Best Hotels in Silves

1. Gato Preto de Silves 

An adults-only bed & breakfast located 5 kilometers from Misericordia Church offers trendy studios, apartments, and suites. The property features a restaurant, garden, and a patio, as well as free WiFi. Some of the units come equipped with a satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette with a dishwasher, and a private bathroom with a bidet.

2. Casa Amada 

A 180 m2 holiday home, Casa Amada is a two-bedroom villa in Silves, around 2 kilometers away from Misericordia Church. This luxury villa features a balcony, barbecue, terrace, and private pool with views of the countryside. The villa has 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and microwave, a flat-screen TV, a living room, and two bathrooms with a bidet.

3. Casa do Planalto by Patio 25

A 3-bedroom villa surrounded by greenery, Casa do Planato by Patio 25 is a 250m2 holiday home located less than 4 kilometers from Misericordia Church. This stunning villa features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a barbecue, and extra-long beds for added luxury, as well as 3 bathrooms. The villa comes equipped with bed linen, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen.

4. Villa Exclusive & Private Pool & Orchard and Gardens & BBQ & Privacy & Golf Silves

A 300m2 holiday villa, this property comes with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and can sleep up to 10 people. The large villa features a private pool, garden area, and a balcony, as well as air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio. The property is located less than 3 kilometers from the City Doors and the Misericordia church.

5. Quinta da Luz – A Luxury Boutique B&B

A quaint bed & breakfast, Quinta da Luz features an outdoor swimming pool with loungers, a bar, and a patio. The units come equipped with a comfortable seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy a lovely breakfast every morning on the premises.

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