Portugal's
largest cities are all majestically-sited by grand rivers and are a
delightful mix of the historical and the contemporary -- Lisbon is one of Europe's most alluring
capitals, while it is hard to beat charismatic Porto's
singular atmosphere and magnificent setting.
Coimbra,
dominated by one of the world's oldest universities also demands attention,
but even more memorable is exploring the country's timeless medieval
towns (especially Obidos, Marvão, and
Monsaraz)
and picturesque coastal villages (such as Nazaré, Tavira,
Ericeira,
and Cascais).
Castles dominate the skyline, particularly in the enchanting province
of Alentejo (a
region characterized by stork nests, cork trees, and white medieval
villages), but the most imposing are at Almourol,
Santa Maria da
Feira, Obidos, Leiria, and
Porto de
Mós.
Most of them are romantic ruins, while others have been
beautifully restored and now function as hotels called
"pousadas" (no visit to Portugal is complete without a stay at
one of them).
To go further back in time, admire the world's largest outdoor gallery of
Stone Age art in Côa Valley (a
World Heritage Site), step through ancient Celtic settlements (Citânia de
Briteiros), walk around mysterious prehistoric stone circles, megaliths,
and dolmens (the one in Zambujeiro is
the largest in Europe), and don't overlook the fine Roman ruins in Conimbriga
(with its excellently-preserved mosaics) and Evora (with
its graceful Temple of Diana).
The Portuguese royal family became one of the richest in Europe due to the
Great Discoveries, so the country's extravagant palaces should also rank
high on your list of must-sees.
Pena Palace in Sintra
(guaranteed to be one of the most romantic towns you'll visit anywhere in
the world) is one of the country's most fantastic sights, while more royal
splendor is found in Queluz, Mafra, and Vila
Viçosa.
The wealth generated from the golden Age of Discovery also led to the
building of some of Europe's finest medieval monuments (in Alcobaça,
Batalha,
and Tomar),
and the creation of great baroque treasures
and architectural
masterpieces with ornate stonework. Prepare yourself for some incredible
and intriguing church interiors
-- Evora's and Porto's São
Francisco churches (one completely decorated with human bones and skulls,
the other spilling with gold),
or Lisbon's São Roque
Church (showcasing one of the world's richest chapels), are just a few
examples.
Just as striking are the huge blue and white tile panels covering
entire interiors of train stations (particularly that of Porto's São
Bento Station) and churches (the most stunning of all being São Lourenço in
Almancil).
For inspiring religious mysticism head to one of the most famous shrines in
the world in Fátima, while
the spectacular baroque sanctuaries in Braga and Lamego
attract both the devout and the curious.
Even more mystical sites are found
along the coast at dramatic capes - Cabo da Roca
is Europe's westernmost point, while Prince Henry the Navigator's Cabo de
São Vicente was once believed to be the end of the world
-- standing at
either one of them won't fail to impress you and make you understand why so
many voyages of discovery departed from here.
Portugal is also a major golf destination and offers some of Europe's
top leisure complexes and resorts. Vilamoura,
Quinta
do Lago, and Vale do
Lobo offer the most sophisticated facilities, while closer to the
capital there's the choice of top golf courses
and Europe's largest casino in Estoril,
world-class surfing in Cascais, and
golden sand in Troia.
Beach lovers will have to make some tough choices throughout most of
the country, as the coastline seems endless, offering some of Europe's
finest sandy beaches, most with the European Union's Blue Flag for
excellence.
There are more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in the natural
parks of Arrábida
and Serra da
Estrela, Buçaco
forest, and Gerês National
Park - ideal destinations for walkers and nature lovers. True
wilderness is found in Montesinho
Natural Park, while calm, relaxing moments in a cruise down the Douro River
and surrounding wine region (with its magical World Heritage landscapes) is
an experience to remember.
All of these aspects of Portugal are explored on this site. All you need to
do is click on the links on the left. To help you decide where to head
first, take a look at the list below and for more information on the best of
Portugal and its regions, see our main Portugal page.
-M.F.
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The Best of Portugal's Cities and Villages
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Major MONUMENTS - Batalha
Abbey, Alcobaça
Abbey, Tomar's Convent of
Christ, Lisbon's Jeronimos
Monastery and Belem
Tower, Braga's Bom Jesus
Sanctuary, Coimbra
University
Most impressive PALACES -
Pena Palace,
National
Palace, Queluz
Palace, Mafra Palace,
Ajuda
Palace, Regaleira
Palace, Buçaco
Palace, Mateus
Palace
Most imposing CASTLES - Almourol, Santa Maria da
Feira, Porto de
Mós, Sintra's Moorish
Castle, Leiria
Most enchanting MEDIEVAL TOWNS - Obidos, Monsaraz,
Marvão, Castelo de
Vide
Most charming REMOTE VILLAGES - Piodão,
Monsanto,
Belmonte
Most picturesque COASTAL TOWNS - Nazaré, Tavira,
Ericeira,
Cascais
Prettiest SMALL CITIES & TOWNS - Viana do
Castelo, Guimarães,
Ponte de
Lima, Barcelos
Best RESORT TOWNS - Lagos,
Vilamoura,
Vale
do Lobo, Quinta
do Lago, Albufeira
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Choose the best hotels for you in
Lisbon,
Porto,
Sintra,
Cascais,
Estoril,
Fatima,
Albufeira,
Faro,
Lagos,
Vilamoura,
Funchal, and more.
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