7 lesser known destinations in Portugal

Portugal

When we talk about visit Portugal We all almost always think of the same places, such as Porto or Lisbon, but the truth is that in this country there are many more destinations of interest that are perhaps not so well known. Small towns or old cities that have a lot to contribute and that today we are going to put on our list of places to visit in Portugal.

In this list we have from castles of great beauty to beach areas, sanctuaries or university cities. In the Portugal destinations We can find many things that may interest us and that is why we must find out about all those places that can give us something to make small getaways in which to discover every corner.

Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo

This city is very close to the border with Galicia and is located on the right bank of the Limia River. It is a beautiful city that everyone should visit, especially if we come from the north and go to Porto, since we are passing through. The heart of its historic area is the Republic Square, ideal starting point to see the old streets. If we want to have a wonderful view of the city, we must climb the Santa Luzia mountain, where the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located.

Sintra

Sintra Castle

Sintra is a small place that can be easily visited in one day and that does not leave anyone indifferent, especially for its spectacular Palace of Pena, which looks like something out of a story. It is about 30 kilometers from Lisbon and it is good to bring your own car to see all its tourist attractions, some in the natural park. The Palacio da Pena is its main attraction and you have to arrive early to avoid queues, but we can also visit the Castelo dos Mouros, which is on a route with more climbs but is worth it for the views. Something not to be missed is the Quinta da Regaleira palace, nowadays converted into a museum and where we can enjoy beautiful gardens with secret corners, a beautiful palace and all kinds of details, such as the initiation well, also known as the inverted tower.

Funchal

Funchal

The capital of Madeira is another place that can be ideal to enjoy on vacation. One of the things to do in this city is to enjoy walking through the Velha area, where there are many artists and charming places. The funicular is also often used to go from the highest part of the city to the area closest to the coast, so that you can enjoy the great views at the same time. Visitors do not stop visiting the Catedral da Sé or the wineries of Sao Francisco, its best wine. And if we like gastronomy we cannot avoid going through the Lavradores market.

Cascais

Cascais beach

Cascais is a summer area that became fashionable in the XNUMXth century because it was chosen by the Portuguese Royal Family to spend their holidays. It is a small town with a beautiful old town and several beaches to enjoy in the summer season. From the center we can walk to the Boca do Inferno, an area of ​​cliffs with water inlets that produce a characteristic noise when hit by the water, hence its name. From there it is possible to walk to Guincho beach, one of the most popular near Lisbon. If we want to reach the westernmost point of continental Europe, we only have to reach the cliffs of Cabo de Roca.

Coimbra

Coimbra

Coimbra is a city that relates to your university, since it is one of the oldest in Europe. However, this city has much more to offer. Its historic center is full of small streets where you can discover shops and places to eat, in the style of Porto. It also has two cathedrals, the Old Cathedral from the XNUMXth century and the New Cathedral from the XNUMXth century, in the Mannerist style. The Sé Velha with its Romanesque style is more beautiful. You can also visit the university area, with old buildings and places like Sala dos Capelos.

Óbidos

Óbidos

This villa is about 70 kilometers from Lisbon and stands out for being a fortified citadel with a nice castle and small cobbled streets. Without a doubt it is a city that you have to visit if you like different places with medieval charm.

Fátima

Sanctuary of Fatima

The city of Fatima is known for the sanctuary of the Virgin of Fatima. The legend that has been generated around the sanctuary tells that three shepherd children saw apparitions of the Virgin in the Cova da Iria, which told them to build a chapel in that place. Over time the legend gained strength and the sanctuary was built, which today attracts hundreds of pilgrims every year.


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