In recent years, Portugal has conquered the eyes of the whole world and has become an obligatory passage for Brazilians traveling through Europe. Is not for nothing!
The land of Camões is full of beautiful landscapes and monuments, good food and a wonderful climate, with the sun shining most of the year.
Elected the Best Destination in Europe by the World Travel Awards in 2017, the country offers many attractions for different types of tourists. That's why we've prepared a list of the 20 best destinations to visit when you're passing through the country:
NORTH
Guimarães
The city where it all began! Guimarães is where Portugal was born and this pride is stamped on the charming medieval streets in the center of the city. A mandatory tourist spot in the city is the Castle of Guimarães, where there is an exhibition explaining everything about the beginning of the country's history.
Braga
Braga is known as an essentially university city. So, don't be surprised by the number of young students there. But it is also one of the most religious cities in the country. The center of the city, always in bloom, is enchanting, and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and the Sanctuary of Sameiro are worth a visit.
Oporto city
On the banks of the Douro River, Cidade do Porto, or simply Porto, is the second largest city in the country and home to the famous Port wine and tasty francesinhas. Both can be tasted in Ribeira, the main postcard of the city.
Douro region
The Douro tour covers more than one city and can be done by road or by boat. There are about 30km between Peso da Régua and Pinhão, where you can visit the various wineries and taste the wines of the region. But remember, if you drink, don't drive!
Gerês National Park
For those who like to be in contact with nature, Gerês is a must. Located in the far north of the country, already bordering Spain, the park is a World Biosphere Reserve designated by UNESCO. With beautiful landscapes and waterfalls to discover through trails, Gerês is a great option for those who like to camp, but also has inns and hotels nearby for those who prefer.
Nazareth
Place where the biggest waves in the world form! Nazaré could only become a meeting point for surfers and fans of the sport. To see the phenomenon, you must visit the place between October and November, when the sea is more agitated.
CENTER AND VALLEY OF THE TEJO
Aveiro
Known as the “Portuguese Venice”, the city of Aveiro is located on the banks of the Ria de Aveiro, where you can take boat trips similar to the Venetian gondolas. A very special and romantic touch to the look of the city. It is also the origin of the Moles eggs, one of the most typical sweets in Portugal.
Serra da Estrela
The great Portuguese winter attraction. Serra da Estrela is the point in the country where you can most easily see snow. There is a ski slope for those who already practice or want to get to know the sport.
Schist Villages
The central area of Portugal is marked by mountains where the charming Schist Villages are located. Characterized by centuries-old houses made with schist, a dark stone with a laminated shape. You can visit the villages by car or through the trails through the woods that join them. The most famous and touristic is Piódão.
Coimbra
Home to the coveted University of Coimbra, the city sees its population grow significantly during school hours. It is also the birthplace of university fado, with several venues in the center where you can listen to the artists.
Fátima
The main religious city in Portugal is also one of the main religious tourism destinations in the world. Visiting the Sanctuary of Fátima is almost mandatory for the most religious, with May being the busiest month as it is when the festivities of the Apparitions of Fátima take place.
Lisbon
Located on the banks of the Tagus River, the Portuguese capital is the largest city in the country. Consequently, it has the most attractions. Built on 7 hills, the city has several slopes and stairs that build much of its charm. From Parque Eduardo VII it is possible to see many of its sights such as Avenida da Liberdade, Praça Restauradores, Castelo de São Jorge, Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara and the Tagus itself.
Sintra
Sintra was the place chosen by Portuguese royalty to spend the summer months. This is because Sintra has a microclimate that means that, despite being next to Lisbon, the city always has a cooler climate than the capital. A walk through the village invites you to enjoy the delicious Sintra pillows. The colorful Pena Palace, at the top of the hill, can be seen from different points of the city.
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Cascais
Known for its beautiful beaches and old mansions, the village of Cascais has become one of the main leisure spots in the metropolitan region of Lisbon. From the trip there by train overlooking the sea, to watching the sunset with the sound of the waves at the Boca do Inferno viewpoint.
Óbidos
The main attraction of the city is the Óbidos Castle located right in the center of the city. Having maintained the medieval aspect of the historic center, this region is the scene of different thematic events, including the Christmas Fair, held in December, and the Medieval Fair, held in July.
SOUTH
Évora
The practical capital of Alentejo. Being one of the cities with the best preserved monuments in Portugal. Évora is known as the City-Museum and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is where the famous Capela dos Ossos is located, where the walls are decorated with bones taken from the monastic cemeteries that existed in the place.
Alentejo Coast
Composed of 5 municipalities (Alcácer do Sal, Grândola, Odemira, Santiago do Cacém, Sines), the Alentejo Coast is a region with well-preserved beaches. A walk full of contact with nature. It is also a region rich in gastronomy, being a coastal area of rice fields, there are good dishes created based on rice and fresh fish.
Algarve
The most famous beaches in Portugal are in the Algarve. It is no wonder that the region is the most touristic in the country, with the summer season being obviously the busiest. The reddish rocks by the sea give a very special touch to the look of the beaches that are known for having the “warmest” temperature of the water for bathers.
ISLANDS
Madeira
Madeira Island is known as a great producer of bananas and for being the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo. But there is much more to see on the island with a sub-tropical climate and volcanic origin. There are beautiful cliffs and mountain peaks such as Pico Ruivo, Pico das Torres and Cabo Girão, one of the highest cliffs in the world. There is also part of the region's natural vegetation, the Laurissilvas, which survived the fires made by the settlers when they arrived on the island and are now classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Azores
There are 9 lush islands that make up the Azores Archipelago: São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa, Flores and Corvo. With a large area of preserved vegetation, in the Azores you can see breathtaking landscapes. Apart from tourism, the main activity in the Azores is livestock. Don't be surprised if you have to stop the car to wait for the cows to pass. The region is a major producer of milk and cheese.
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