Portugal – A Pure Gem of Europe

Portugal is the land of conventional villages and modern cities whose landscape is spotted with ancient, natural, and cultural marvels among which some form the part of the World Heritage sites. These sights give you some insight to this once maritime country.

The famous vibrant capital of Lisbon and its neighbor of north Porto are wonderful sights that offer scenic environs, wide plazas, quaint trams as the old but exciting means of transport, assorted restaurants, rich boutiques, and refreshing cafes. On the other hand, the minor settlements are fascinating in their own way that provide medieval quarters in towns of Evora, Coimbra, Guimaraes, and Braga.

Talking about the scenic landscapes that can be explored in the outskirts of the towns, visitors can discover the stone villages in the mountains or can dwell in the southern coast shore for some relaxation. Spectacular scenes of barren cliffs to sandy beaches lie across the shoreline.

Conceivably, the most memorable experience is an overnight hang about at some of the most gorgeous surroundings. These venues range from rehabilitated medieval monasteries extending mansions, stylish beach resorts, to metropolitan cottages established at the core of the ancient environs.

Tourists’ Attractions

• Lisbon:
  Holding the largest oceanarium of Europe, this capital city offers many scenic views on its hilltops, cafe culture in chic Chiado, and the Parque das Nacoes museum that display a strange collection of civic art.

• Belem:
  This amazing site of Torre de Belem is situated close to the legendary area that was marked by Vasco da Gama for his sail on the journey of discoveries. The famous Jeronimos Monastery is also nearby.
• Sintra:
  This is the town listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enclosed by wooded hillsides, do visit this town and its summer abode of the Portuguese royal family along with the Monserrate gardens.
• Cabo de Sao Vicente:
  Do watch the dramatic scenes of the cliff top heights and rocky beaches.
• Evora:
  A walled medieval region, this town offers a Roman temple, a cathedral, and scenic plazas.
• Mosteiro de Santa Maria (Monastery of Batalha):
  Spectacularly exhibiting the Portugal style of exterior carving, this is a gothic Manueline work that marked the victory against Spain in the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385 A.D.

• Braga:
  This is the miniature city known as the spiritual core of the Portuguese. Attractions here are baroque churches, an extensive cathedral, and Roman ruins. The traditional religious festivals are observed here all the way through the year, among them the most famous one being the Holy Week.
• Knights Templar Castle:
  Situated in Tomar, it displays captivating medieval remnants and is the home of the Convent of the Order of Christ that stands among the Portugal’s creative historical monuments.
• Ribeira:
  Located in Porto, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers neo classical Stock Exchange Palace, romanesque-gothic Cathedral, and splendid views along the lively harbor of Cais da Ribeira.
• Guimaraes:
  Once the historic capital, this region is said to be the birthplace of the Portuguese realm. Do visit the castle ruins above its narrow, paved streets and the past palace of the Dukes of Braganca.
• Coa Valley Archaeological Park:
  This offers an outstanding series of rock carvings belonging to the Upper Palaeolithic era between 22,000-10,000 B.C. Even this is the part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Coimbra:
  This is a beautiful town that holds even today the most ancient and adored university of Portuguese. Fully lush with the Portuguese culture, do visit the medieval churches and medieval alleyways that surrounds and adorn the town that vibrates with the students buzzing in the daytime.
• Tavira:
  This is the scenic area located on the banks of the River Gilhao that is considered as among the most ancient and unblemished towns of Algarve. Do visit the gothic and Renaissance churches, the seven-arched Roman bridge, old ramparts, and the unspoiled island beach.
• Alfama:
  Appearing as a district of maze that is illusion thrown by its narrow lanes of steep stairs, this region offers churches, conventional taverns, and an exciting old tram.
• Peneda-Geres:
  This is the only national park of the country offering scenic mountains, ancient stone villages, and sports adventures.
• Algarve:
  Offering you a warm coastline with some attractive beaches, this area allures visitors to spend some in relaxing, dipping in the waters, or soaking in sunlight.

• Water Sports:
  Try out scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, or kite surfing at any of the water sports centres situated besides the shoreline.
• Horse Riding:
  Offering several riding centres, the nation is famous for its sport at Estremadura.
• Festivals:
  Lisbon’s festival of St. Anthony celebrated on 12th and 13th June and Braga’s festival of St. John observed on 23rd and 24th June are the famous ones. The other conventional festivals that offer dancing and feasting are conducted all round the year.
• Fado Music:
  Do hear to this traditional form at the impressive bars and clubs of Lisbon or Coimbra.
• Fatima:
  Holding a holy shrine, this spot is a vital Roman Catholic pilgrimage since 1917 following a legend that the Virgin Mary emerged in front of a children group. Do not miss the torchlight processions held on 13th May and 13th October.
• Golf:
  The nation offers to its golf lovers a range of championship golf courses in the south with more than 20 in the Algarve only.
• Estoril:
  This offers the worldwide popular Estoril racetrack that is situated on the Atlantic coast located at a small distance from Lisbon. Tourists can enjoy the car or motorcycle races held here.