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A holiday in Portugal is an invitation to unwind and let yourself be inspired by the richness of its cultural and natural heritage. Villanovo has selected for you the must-see sites and activities to try out in order to make the most of your stay in this beautiful country in the south-west of Europe.
Lisbon is a vibrant city with great architectural beauty. While walking around the city, take in the beautiful azuleros facades and, after dark, enjoy the festive atmosphere of Bairro Alto. Another way to discover this incredible capital is on a tram, which can take you to the four corners of the city. The most famous line is the 28. Don't forget your camera and be prepared for an unusual trip on this yellow tram.
Don't miss the Belém district, where you will discover the famous 16th century tower, built on the banks of the Tagus, and the Sao Jorge Castle, a remnant of the city's Moorish heritage. Discover the medieval streets of Alfama on Lisbon's highest hill. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view across the rooftops of this spectacular capital.
Portuguese gastronomy is famed the world over. You can try the Francesinha sandwich, considered one of the best in the world, with a good glass of port. Although each region has its own speciality, some dishes are found throughout the country, especially the cod-based ones! The famous Bacalhau is cooked in all manner of ways. Of course, no visit here is complete without a taste of pastéis de nata or pastéis de Belém, delicious desserts with unique flavours.
Are you a fan of surfing, kitesurfing or windsurfing? Then the Cape Verde islands are the place to be.
Portugal abounds with great beaches, such as Santa Maria beach on the island of Sal, ideal for an unforgettable family day out.
The sublime beaches of the Algarve are obviously a must. Although extremely popular, they manage to retain their exquisite charm. However, if you want a quieter, wilder beach, head to Comporta in Alentejo.
Diving enthusiasts can make their way to Lagoa, Pedra Da Torre, Pedra de Ancora and Berlengas, which are known for their exceptional diving spots.
The Algarve is world renowned for its beautiful and diverse beaches. It is a destination with something for everyone due to the multitude of activities and outings available: water sports and relaxation, buzzing nightlife and restaurants of the highest quality.
Among the most beautiful beaches are:
Odeceixe beach in Aljezur: ideal for surfing
Bordeira Beach in Aljezur: a perfect nature spot
Rocha Beach in Portimao: for a day of fun
Armona Island Beach in Olhao: for a real break from it all
A boat trip along the Tagus River will take you to the most stunning landscapes on the Atlantic coast. Then, you can take the opportunity to visit the unspoiled villages of Estoril, Cascais and the magnificent Sintra Natural Park, with its Disney-like Castle.
We recommend these wonderful excursions:
Monsanto: Lose yourself in the winding streets of one of Portugal's most authentic villages, which seems to have been placed carefully on the clifftop. It also offers you the sight of some exceptional sunsets. Discover the remains of the Monsanto Castle (12th century) and the Chapel of Sao Miguel (16th century). These historical relics are located on the heights of Monsanto, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding area..
Salir and Alte: These two small towns near Loulé in the Algarve are real gems. With their whitewashed houses and colourful facades, they are a real picture postcard of Portugal. Visit the church of Salir, built in the 12th century - a remarkable monument.
Porto is a city of character with a remarkable historical heritage. You can travel around the city on the famous trams and stop at one of the many restaurants in the city centre. And if you're in Porto in June, take a trip during the Sao Jao (St. John) celebrations. The city is transformed into a blaze of colour, music and flavour.
In addition to its breathtaking scenery, Portugal has an exceptionally rich cultural heritage; the prestigious legacy of centuries of tumultuous history. During your trip, you can combine a visit to a castle with a walk in a natural park such as the Serra da Arrábida or the Ria Formosa. Don't forget to visit the famous Pena Palace. With its extravagant colours, rising above the city of Sintra in a 200-hectare natural park, this palace is one of the must-see sites in Portugal. The Pena Palace is Europe's first romantically inspired palace. To get to the location, you can take the bus or walk and enjoy the countryside and the incredible views of Sintra.
Cliffs, natural parks, rice fields and a host of extraordinary natural spaces await you in Portugal.
Further afield, off the north-west coast of Africa, the Cape Verde Islands are a lush wilderness. For hikers, the islands of Santo Antao and Sao Miguel are particularly appealing.
On the mainland, the Duero River and the Algarve coastline are ideal for sailing, an excellent way to discover some of Portugal's most enchanting landscapes.
Among these wonders, we particularly recommend two sites in the Algarve:
Ponta da Piedade: located on the shores of the Algarve, this natural wonder is one of the most magnificent spots in the region. The gold of the rock blends with the blue of the water to create an unforgettable spectacle. Tip: visit this natural wonder at sunset to get the most out of the experience.
The cliffs of Cabo de San Vicente: The views of the Sagres fortress and its lighthouse rising proudly from the cliffs are a wonder to behold. You may also see whales and dolphins as Cabo de San Vicente is one of the best spots in the country for whale watching.
