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.

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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⬇️

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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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.

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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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.

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 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.

Guide to the Algarve

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.

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

Just over 30 minutes from Lisbon, Setúbal is a city located in the Arrábida Mountains with natural landscapes, which blend between beautiful beaches and mountains covered by preserved vegetation, which makes the scenery even more stunning.

Being a coastal city in the south of the country, the temperate climate allows for pleasant walks even in the cold months of December and January when the maximum temperatures are around 15ºC and to enjoy sunbathing and the beach in the summer with maximum temperatures around 30ºC in August.

This city dates back to the Roman period, which left a very important historical and cultural legacy with centuries-old buildings and constructions. In Setúbal’s Historic Centre, each street, building, façade, pavement, or balcony is a piece of the city’s memory.

What to do in Setubal

If you want to start exploring the main attractions of the city in this area, a good option is to start with Livramento Market, a building in art deco built in 1930. Don’t miss the interior, which is decorated with a tile panel of over 5,000 tiles depicting scenes from everyday life. In this market, besides all the goods you can find in a traditional city market, you will find many places to eat, where you can taste some of the most well-known delicacies of the region.

From here will also give you the opportunity to explore Setúbal center calmly and discover the remaining Avenida Luísa Todi and its central bed full of gardens and monuments. A few minutes away, you can Discover the Praça de Bocage and the São Julião church. Besides his statue in the square after which he is named, there is the Town Hall and the São Julião Church, which was built in the 13th century and then rebuilt at the request of King Manuel I. This is why we find the beautiful Manueline-style portals.

Be sure to enter the church, which is super beautiful and has details in tiles. If after all these visits you want to take a break to eat, you have to try the fried cuttlefish! This is one of the most typical dishes of Setúbal: small strips of breaded cuttlefish accompanied by 1 quarter lemon (to squeeze) and fried potatoes. The sauce, if you like it as much as we do, should be lemon and coriander mayonnaise.

After tasting the delicious typical dish of this city, to complete your passage through the interior of this city you have to pass by one of the most relevant touristic points: the Fortress of São Filipe. It was one of the most important bastions of the capital of the Sado River, against pirates from northern Europe and Africa. From its walls, you can see some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Setúbal and the bay.

Now that you explored the inner part of Setúbal, you can’t miss its surroundings! Serra da Arrábida includes as main points of tourist interest the best beaches in the region, trails, viewpoints, historical sites, restaurants, and confectioneries. If you’re a fan of beaches, you will love the paradisiacal beaches of Arrábida like Figueirinha Beach, Galapos Beach, Galapinhos Beach, Portinho da Arrabida Beach, among many others!

An important detail when visiting this zone is that Traffic between Setúbal and the main beaches of Arrábida is restricted during the summer months, more precisely between June 15th and September 15th. Therefore, if you visit some beaches in Arrábida in the summer months, you will have to use public transport, tuk-tuks, and do some walking to get to the most famous beaches in the region.

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

Sagres, Portugal is one of the best destinations to visit in Portugal’s Algarve region. It is renowned for its wind-buffeted fortresses, scattered along its sea-sculpted cliffs, a unique edge-of-the-world feel redolent of Portugal’s former maritime exploits, and the scenic port of Sagres town. What is more, the environs around Sagres is the world’s only place where white storks nest on the cliffs’ faces.

Things to do in Sagres, Portugal

Go swimming & surfing on the unique beaches of Sagres

Sagres has a number of great beaches in its vicinity. They are not only great spots to swim and sun-bask but also great for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddle-boarding. Its Praia do Telheiro, Praia de Beliche, and Praia Tonel are nice not only to bask in the sun and swim but they also rank among the region’s best surfing locales.

Other Sagres’  beaches include Praia da Mareta boasting moderate swell, great for medium-level surfers, and a cozy beach bar; tiny Praia dos Rebolinhos, one of the most romantic beach spots in Portugal, and Praia do Zavial, located in the direction of Lagos from Sagres featuring South of Portugal’s biggest surf.

Note that Sagres, Portugal’s beaches offer not only pleasant waves, sunshine, and rock-sheltered seclusion but are also famous for their paradisiac sunsets and sunrises.

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Pay a visit to Sagres Fortress and the Sacred Promontory

Set on a scenic promontory, known to the ancients as the westernmost point of “the whole inhabited world”, the fortress is a one-of-its-kind, impeccably white, wind-whipped structure which served as a barrier against North African raiders.

It was also from here that Henry the Navigator planned his 15th-century expeditions to the uncharted waters along the West African coast, heralding Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Head here to take great photos, and sense the unique feel of being on a spot that once was regarded as the ultimate avant-post of the “inhabited” world. 

Also don’t miss out on ancient cannons inside the fortress and contemplate the strong waves breaking against its rocks.

Make a trip to the port of Sagres

The picture-perfect harbor is not only worth a visit for its motley boats bobbing around at anchor, but also for its historic significance. 

It is here that sailors from all over the world met to share nautical knowledge, which possibly resulted in Portugal’s great maritime discoveries. It may have been here that the School of Sagres, a half-mythical community of sea-farers and cartographers took shape.

Now it is a major fishing port and is known for its catches of lobster, but also other marine delicacies. Head here to immerse into the briny seaside charm of Sagres.

Note that one of the best ways to explore Sagres and environs is on a boat to see its rugged coastline from the deck.

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What makes Sagres, Portugal special?

Sagres is one of Portugal’s top surfing destinations with its cliff-protected stretches of sand offering some of the best waves in South Portugal.

But it is not just that. You can also swim, take sun-baths and do all kinds of watersports here, such as paddle-boarding. What is more, it is steeped in the history of maritime glory with Sagres’ Fortress being among the most significant landmarks linked to the feats of the Portuguese mariners. 

Head here not only for a mélange of history and great surfing but also to delight in its mouthwatering cuisine and wine.

What to eat in Sagres, Portugal

Don’t miss out on fresh sea delicacies such as lobster, dourada, scallop, and oysters, making the port town of Sagres one of the gourmands’ bucket list destinations. Also, don’t forget that Sagres is located in Algarve, making it one of the best spots to try out Algarve specialties such as Frango de Guia, and Cataplana de Marisco and its delectable wine, such as Negra Mole and Castelao.

When to visit Sagres, Portugal

Summertime is usually considered the best time to visit Portugal. But it is the months when it is bright and warm, without the intense summer heat that are truly the best to visit Sagres. Head to Sagres in Spring or early Autumn to take pleasure in its maritime charm and uncover its great surfing spots.

Conclusion

Sagres is one of the most beloved surfing & swimming destinations in Southern Portugal. It does not just offer great nature, accommodation, and food, it is also one of the historic locales that were key for Portugal’s Age of Nautical Adventure and Discovery. 

Head here to feel the edge-of-the-world feel and delight in the scenic sunsets, making Sagres one of Portugal’s most romantic places to visit.

Guide to the Algarve

⬇️What are your favorite things to do in Sagres? Let us know in the comments below⬇️

On a trip to Central Portugal, Peniche should be at the top of your list of coastal towns to visit! It is a great destination for exploring and walking around the city, or for a delightful beach holiday.

Everything is beautiful! The sea, the views, the cliffs, the colors, and the flavors make this area one of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in Portugal. Peniche is 100 km away from the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, and is a port and fishing city that conquers us with its heritage and historical relevance, a culture with a strong connection to the sea, and gastronomy that stands out at a national level.

Since it’s a Coastal zone, the best time to fully appreciate Peniche is between May and September. This time of year has longer days, with more sunshine, blue skies, and mild to warm temperatures. The hottest months are generally July and August. Consequently, they are also the most popular and attract the greatest number of tourists and visitors. If you want to avoid this, maybe the best time to visit is June or September.

This city has a lot to see, but it is best to start by exploring the city itself and only then the beaches, to relax after all your sightseeing! A good starting point to visit what this city has to offer is, obviously, the Peniche Fortress, the city’s most identifying postcard image! This well-preserved fortress was the scene of some of the most important historical episodes on the national scene. It is also well known for having been one of the political prisons of the activists who rebelled against the Salazar dictatorship. In addition to the beauty and grandeur of the fortress, inside you will find a Municipal Museum where all the memories of that time are kept.

After exploring the fortress, you are in a good place to explore this city that is deeply connected to the sea. You can start walking towards the center, you’ll be surrounded by in the fishing districts and you’ll also find a labyrinth of streets and alleys great for exploring! In this area you’ll find the Church of Sao Pedro originally, it was built in 1977 and it is without a doubt the most imposing church in the municipality of Peniche. Be sure to visit its interior, where you can see several beautiful paintings and an organ with over 500 tubes!

Right next to the church, much more modest, there’s another temple – or we should consider it. We’re talking about Peniche’s Bobbin Lace Museum, which holds a very valuable collection of refined lace pieces and over 400 years of history of art made by fishermen’s wives, as a complement to the household’s sustenance.

A few minutes away, you can also visit the Garden Square, also known as Jacob Rodrigues Pereira Square. While walking towards this square you can still see some traditional (resilient) shops’ windows and chaste little shops. It’s the perfect place to do some shopping and buy some souvenirs.

If you keep walking, you’ll also find Baluarte Park, a park with a green space that stretches out and divides itself between the various ends of the stone wall, with palm trees, beds of shrubs and flowers, tennis courts, a children’s playground, and even a skatepark. Pass by the small waterfall and climb the stairs on the right side to the top of the wall and the first glimpse over the center of Peniche. Go back to the garden and go to the Statue of the Rendilheira, a symbol of one of Peniche’s most ancient arts: bobbin lace.

Approximately 4 minutes away (through José Estevão Street), it is also worth visiting Largo 5 de Outubro. Here the Misericórdia Church with its Clock Tower has been marking the hours of the penicheiros since 1697. Inside, the ceiling is covered with 55 panels illustrating scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as walls covered with 17th-century tiles.

Now, if you feel hungry after all this walking and exploring, it is considered common knowledge that visiting Peniche without indulging in a nice Caldeirada de Peniche, a fish soup, a sweaty lobster or a grilled fish, is a crime, so be sure to enjoy a meal with all the traditional dishes of this area!

After delighting yourself with the traditional snacks and dishes of the area, if you can easily move around by car or taxi, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit the Lighthouse of Cabo Carvoeiro.

This lighthouse was built in 1758 and is one of the oldest in the country still in operation. It was built to mark out an area of the coast with a high risk of shipwreck. Without a doubt, a place to see in Peniche.

From here, you can set off to discover the Portinho da Areia Sul beach, the Varanda de Dominique viewpoint, the hidden Furninha cave where prehistoric remains have been found, and of course the belvedere at Cape Carvoeiro with its unique rock formations, including the emblematic Nau dos Corvos, also known as Pedra da Nau.

To finish, and because we can’t talk about Peniche without mentioning it, are you ready for an even bigger adventure? If you’re here, visiting the island of Berlenga is a must, be sure to reserve. Set aside a whole day for this adventure, it’s worth every second!

The Berlengas Archipelago consists of small islands and coastal reefs, to visit you have to go by boat. The boats to Berlenga leave from the quay near Peniche Fortress, but you’ll find information about them everywhere, there are several companies that make the crossing between Peniche and Berlengas.

Book Berlengas Tours & Experiences

When you arrive on the island because the trip can be tiring. You can take the opportunity to rest on Berlengas beach which is located right next to the port and enjoy the beautiful sandy beach and transparent water. After recovering you can start exploring the various attractions of the island such as the Berlengas Lighthouse and the Fort of São João Baptista. It’s also recommended that you also don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat trip to the island’s caves, or if you’re feeling like it you can also go diving, snorkeling, or canoeing.

Book Tours & Experiences in Peniche

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