From the shores of the Atlantic to the wild hinterland, Portugal can be discovered in all seasons. Our selection of authentic and unspoiled places, for a trip or a weekend away from the crowds.
“It is not because the bird is in a cage that it cannot sing,” says a proverb in Portugal. If these words have a particular resonance in the midst of the coronavirus epidemic, they mainly reflect the Portuguese state of mind, a mixture of resilience and joie de vivre. To be inspired by it during a trip to the south of the Iberian Peninsula is a very good start. And then, sail from wild beaches to a castle escaped from a fairy tale, taste traditional cuisine in a pocket, go for a long walk between the ocean and the vast wilderness … Here are ten reasons to fly to Portugal soon.
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Venture into the Serra da Arrábida
Less than an hour from Lisbon, between Setúbal and Sesimbra, the Serra da Arrábida unveils 10,800 hectares of protected land and grandiose panoramas dominated by the mont Formosinho (501 meters). We hike between pines, cypresses and the scent of the maquis reminiscent of the Mediterranean on the southern slope of the Serra, while the limestone cliffs plunge into the ocean, forming creeks and beaches below.
On the northern slope of the Serra, the landscape changes, a series of orchards, villages and wild flowers. Among the hiking trails, that of Sierra do Risco allows to have both sides in sight. Another reason to stop at Serra da Arràbida for a few hours: its wild beaches, like the beautiful Galapinhos beach.
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Go to the beat alentejano
Huge expanses of land and low population density: the Alentejo seems ideal for living the post-confinement in all serenity. The region has also been relatively spared from the virus. But apart from these considerations, l’Alentejo, which stretches for almost 31,551 km², distills time to the rhythm of nature. The region then lends itself to a road trip running from the ocean to the hinterland, among cork oaks, olive trees, vineyards and historic villages. Not to mention the signature cuisine and wines of character, imprinted with a sun that never seems to hide.
From Portalegre on the border with the Algarve, the most beautiful region of Portugal multiplies the points of interest and suggests several getaways – on condition of course to travel at the pace alentejano…
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Learn to surf (while respecting the safety distances)
Embracing the Atlantic coast for more than 800 kilometers, Portugal has a largely unspoiled coastline. It is no coincidence that Viana do Castelo, in the north of Porto at the southern tip of the Algarve, surf schools are multiplying. Beyond Nazareth, whose waves are among the highest in the world, popular with surfers, beginners can also try their hand at surfing in Portugal.
Close to Lisbon, Ericeira provides a good basis, as are the Baléal peninsula, just in front of Barge or, in the Algarve, Tonel and Bunk bed.
»SEE ALSO – In Nazaré, gigantic waves.
Take a walk along the “Historical Path” of the Rota Vicentina
Cap on the “Rota Vicentina”, a network of hiking trails stretching along the superb vicentine coast in Alentejo and Algarve. At the origin of the Rota Vicentina, a private association that works for the preservation of the region’s natural resources and the promotion of responsible tourism alongside local partners.
In total, the Rota has 740 kilometers of marked trails, including two major routes: the Fisherman’s Trail and the Historic Trail. The first runs along the cliffs of the coast and is aimed at seasoned hikers. The second, more accessible, zigzags quietly between plains, valleys, small towns and villages, Santiago do Cacém at Cap of Saint Vincent. The Rota Vicentina is a mine of information to prepare for your trip.
Explore the Douro Valley by train
Stronghold of wine tourism, the Douro can be traveled by car, boat and train. The Linha do Douro, railway line connecting Porto to the village of well (€ 16 one way per person), ride along the water. Through the window, the meanders of the river on one side, the line of terraced vines on the other.
The journey aboard this historic train driven by a steam locomotive can be supplemented with a boat cruise. From the station of São Bento, take the train to Pinhao, treat yourself to a lunch or a wine tasting in a quinta, and continue by boat to Yours. Exceptional panoramas in sight.
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Discover the other side of the Algarve
Evoking the Algarve still often brings up the image of a region damaged by mass tourism. It is to forget that on the fringes of these seaside resorts, there is another Algarve of wild reliefs, unspoiled coves and charming villages. We discover it for example over a long walk around Monchique, in the district of Faro, the highest point in the Algarve (902 meters).
Unless you direct your steps along the beautiful Vicentine coast to Cape of Saint-Vincent, at the southwestern tip of Europe. Traveling towards the east of the Algarve, continue towards the Formosa natural park and the fish market d’Olhao, the historical charm of Tavira and the beaches of Tavira Island, among the most beautiful in Portugal.
Read also :Discovering the Algarve, the magnetic southern tip of Portugal
Invite yourself to the table of a tasca
Some have football team jerseys on the wall, others have awkward lighting or a television always on… Don’t be fooled: in the tascas, Portuguese taverns where you can feast on traditional cuisine, the quality of the plate cannot be measured by that of the decoration.
The tasca belongs to Portuguese culture. Sitting there to taste the specialties of Portuguese cuisine in a simple and family atmosphere is almost imperative. In order not to be mistaken, follow the suggestions of the day, the house specialties or the plates of your neighbors at the table. Our suggestions of specialties to taste absolutely? The delicious rice of monkfish (arroz de tamboril) and “bulhão pato” clams (amêijoas à bulhão pato) sautéed in an olive oil, garlic and coriander sauce.
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Take to the skies (and colors) at Pena Palace
Placed on one of the peaks of the Serra da Sintra, the Pena National Palace seems to have escaped from a children’s tale. Or perhaps from a fruitful imagination … Rightly: under the leadership of the “Artist King” Ferdinand II (1816-1885), this palace built around a 16th century convent embodies all the architectural fantasies of the Portuguese Romantic style. . Integrating elements of Manueline, Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic architecture and Neo-Muresque and Indian influences, the palace is intriguing with its colorful eclecticism.
In high season, opt for an early arrival to avoid the crowds and extend your visit to the palace by visiting the park where fountains, lakes and gardens refresh the spirits.
Read also :Destination Sintra, a romantic escape at the gates of Lisbon
Taste the green wine on the borders of Minho
Perched at the northern tip of Portugal, on the border with Spanish Galicia, the Minho is home to the oldest city in the country, Ponte de Lima. The region is also the only one to produce green wine, a young, dry and slightly sparkling wine.
Monçao, considered the capital of green wine, offers another version, made from a quality grape, Alvarinho. The visit of the regional cooperative of Monçao allows to understand the manufacturing process and to grasp the subtleties of these two vinho verde around a tasting.
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Wander from beach to beach
It is impossible to evoke Portugal without making a detour to its beaches, which in themselves are worth a trip. The Atlantic coast runs from the northern tip of the country to the southern Algarve, revealing superb beaches and coves almost throughout. Wild, immense, dominated by rock formations, the coastline of the Vicentine coast is among the best preserved in Europe.
From Sagres and as far as the Algarve, the relief changes: the large expanses succeed smaller beaches and charming coves. If everyone has a very specific idea of “the most beautiful beach in Portugal”, it is perhaps because there is something for everyone. Among our favorites: the Ursa Beach, near Lisbon, the very chic Comporta and further, on the Vicentine coast, the Beliche beach as well as those of Zambujeira do Mar, Carvoeiro and Odeceixe.
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