Portugal is in fashion because of its culture, its cities, its gastronomy, its people… but above all, because it is within reach of all budgets. It is also an easy country to tour in roadtrip mode because of its shape and size. So today we leave you with 20 essential stops to make in Portugal, ordered from north to south. Ready?
1.Start your adventure by visiting the castle and citadel of Bragança, a small, well-preserved medieval village within a wall.
2. If you like the mountains, this is your stop: the Peneda Geres National Park, considered a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
3. Come to Braga and dare to climb the 583 steps of the Church of Bom Jesus. (Don’t worry, you can also take the funicular).
4. For those who like history: very close to Braga you will find Guimaraes, where you can visit its castle. The first king of Portugal was born there: D. Alfonso Henriques in 1112. We also recommend a visit to the Parque da Penha for the best views of the city.
5. The next stop is sure to be familiar to you: Porto, where you cannot leave without tasting its wine and its typical dish: the “francesinha”. We recommend you to visit: the Livraria Lello e Irmao, a bookshop that inspired the writer J.K. Rowlling and which was named one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world by Lonely Planet guides; the Bolhao Market; the Placio de Cristal gardens and the Clérigos Tower.
6. A few kilometres to the south is Aveiro, where you can take a trip along the estuary in one of its traditional boats, the “moliceiros”, which were once used to gather seaweed. If you’re having breakfast or a snack, don’t forget to try the ovos moles, a delicious sweet typical of the city made in several convents in the area.
7. If you are a student and you are looking for a university to study in Portugal, here is one: the University of Coimbra, considered one of the best universities in the country. Intellectuals of the stature of Luis Camoes, Eá de Queirós and Almeida Garrett, among others, passed through its classrooms.
8. If you want to climb to the highest point in the country, discover the historic and picturesque villages of the Serra da Estrela, at an altitude of 1,993 metres.
9.For architecture lovers, a visit to Batalha‘s monastery is a must. It is one of the best and most original examples of late Gothic architecture in Portugal, mixed with the Manueline style, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. If you love water sports, this is your stop: the Berlengas Islands. A protected nature reserve considered to be one of the best places in the country for this type of activity.
11. To travel back in time, take a stroll through the Medieval Market of Óbidos. Every summer, for 12 days, this village turns into a medieval village with minstrels, dancers, merchants…
12. Portugal is a very popular country for surfers, and in many of its beaches you can find great waves to surf. If you are one of them, we recommend you stop in Nazaré, where you will also find huge cliffs with wonderful views to enjoy a sunset. Frenchman Benjamin Sanchis broke the latest world record here by surfing a 33-metre wave.
13. The next stop is Sintra, a charming town where we will also have a tour soon. We recommend visiting the colourful Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the Seteais gardens, as well as tasting the delicious sweets of the “travesseiros”.
14. Going back down to the coast you will find Cabo da Roca, where we recommend you to dress warmly whatever the season, as it is one of the windiest spots in the country. This is a place to stop and enjoy the sunset, as it is one of the best locations in the country for this. Also, a 15-minute walk away you will find Praia da Ursa, a stunning beach under a cliff which can be reached by carefully descending.
15. And we arrived in the capital: Lisbon. A marvellous city made up of seven hills inhabited by different neighbourhoods of all styles and colours. To get to know the city in depth in a quick way and soak up its essence we recommend you to take our tours: Baixa and Chiado (free tour), Alfama, Belem, Mouraria and Barrio Alto. We are the best rated on TripAdvisor! For more information visit our website: https://www.blueemotiontours.com/es/
16. Leaving Lisbon behind, but without losing sight of the ocean, it is time to head for the Arrábida Natural Park, located between Setúbal and Sesimbra. Here we recommend a swim at the beaches of Galapos and Galapinhos. And for a truly unique experience go to the Sado Estuary and take a boat trip to see the dolphins.
17. Before heading for the Algarve, you have to pass through the “Cidade-Museu” of Alentejo: Évora. Here we recommend you visit the Temple of Diana, the Cathedral and the Capela dos Ossos, decorated with hundreds of bones and skulls.
18. If you’re up for a roadtrip, head down the entire Costa Vicentina, where you’ll find plenty of beaches where you’ll want to swim.
19. Another perfect place to enjoy the sunset: Cabo de Sao Vicente. The cliffs cutting through the colour of the sea and the sun’s rays create a truly epic scene.
20. And then we reach the end of the journey, the last stretch, the southern coast of Portugal: the Algarve, known for its wonderful beaches, worthy of a magazine cover. Here are some recommendations: Marinha Beach, Mesquita Beach, Caravalho Cove, Matinhal Beach, Do Camilo Beach, Ponta da Piedade, Tres Irmaos Beach, Submarino and Joao de Arens Coves and Carrapeteira Beach.
And there’s only one thing left for you… ENJOY YOUR TRIP VERY MUCH!
