If you are in Portugal and wondering which is the best thing in Portugal, we can assure you everything in Portugal is the Best! You can do multiple things in Portugal and have the time of your life.
From visiting rivers to enjoying your solitude on Beaches, Portugal has it all for you, no matter how diverse your likes and dislikes are. In this blog, we explore the best things in Portugal to do, see, and visit.
Stick to your screen and keep on reading as we take you to the interesting world of Portugal. Let’s find out which is the best thing in Portugal.
1. Enjoy Algarve Beaches
The west of the Algarve serves as the coastline to the Atlantic Ocean, where the crashing breakers and cooler waters have been a hot attraction for tourists. The cool water has made this place untouched by the developers.
This coastline is also punctuated with some rocks that add some aesthetic sense to the place. You can visit small villages like Carrapateira, Odeceixe, or Aljezur and enjoy the refreshments you have been wanting after your retirement.
For those who are here for serenity and peaceful solitude away from the crowded life of a metropolitan city, the Algarve coasts are the place to be. You can unwind all the toxicities you have absorbed and breathe in the fresh air.
Furthermore, if you love surging or a campervanner, you should definitely not miss out on visiting this place. However, if you are here for some adventure, be careful because the sea can be violent sometimes. Hence, for the swimmers, we suggest taking all the precautions because the sea can sometimes be unpredictable.
The local stretches of coast ranging from the Burgao to Cabo de Sao Vicente have been designated as a nature reserve since 1995. As a result, the authorities have protected the scenery and nature. This means less accommodation and less crowd and, as a result, less hassle.
Algarve has the best beaches; however, Pra ia da Bordeira is the most impressive among them. There are also multiple spaces close to the Algarve for accommodation. These accommodation options are usually affordable and provide all the amenities that you need while staying in a hotel.
2. Stay in Medieval Monsaraz
The local name for Monsaraz is Ninho das Aguias, or the Eagles’ Nest. This place is located in the border plains, which are significantly above sea level. Monsaraz is a small village close to the Spanish border with only two main streets, Rua Direita and Rua de Santiago.
You should also visit the Igreja Matriz, which lies right in the center of the village, just close to the main square. In addition to this, the main square is a hub for pillory work from the 18th century.
If you love history and are a vintage lover, stop scratching your head thinking about which is the best thing in Portugal for you; the historic castles, the pillory work, and the galleries are the best things in Portugal. The higgledypiggledy streets will take you back to the 18th century.
In the northern and western parts of this village, you will see a flat Alentejan plain of groves, olives, and vineyards. On the other hand, on this village’s Southern and Eastern sides, you can see the twinkling and glittery water expanse. You can stay in hotels that are just two kilometers away from the village, which are quite affordable and offer you all the facilities you expect.
3. Cruise Canals in Aveiro
To the southern inland of Porto lies this coastal lagoon, which is named Aveiro and extends 40 km to the north and south. This area was the hotspot for many visitors during the mid-1500s; however, after the mouth of the river was silted, the tourist influx also diminished.
Before the crises, this coastal area used to be a bustling port. However, after the river was silted, the local economy deteriorated, leading to a decrease in popularity. This plight was overcome in the nineteenth century when the canal was dug open to drain the marshes and supply the town. As a result, saltpans were created, which helped in the seaweed harvesting, acting as a stepping stone for the flourishment of the town.
Today, Aveiro’s economy has been increasing day by day, and the tourist influx has also skyrocketed. Nowadays, the economy is completely dependent on tourism. If you want a boating experience like Venice, stop wondering which is the best thing in Portugal because we have found you one. The cruise canals in Aveiro are the best places for you in Portugal.
The Venice of Portugal, or the Aveiro, is popular among tourists for its boat rides, the Art Nouveau buildings, and the Vista Alegre factory. Hence, Aveiro is one of the best places in Portugal.
4. Stroll Through Ancient Evora
Evora is one for those who love to experience submerging throwback to centuries-old history. This place is significantly unspoiled by human interventions. The Roman temple, Moorish alleys, and the circuits of medieval mimic the old world where you can experience history like nowhere else.
Furthermore, the sixteenth-century mansions, the ochre-trimmed and the whitewashed houses have earned the city a UNESCO World Heritage award. When you are in Ancient Evora, you can find as many historical attractions as you like.
The vintage vibes and the walls reflect history here in Evora, the answer to which is the best thing in Portugal. Furthermore, Moorish architecture can also be a field of interest for those who are interested in architecture.
This village fosters a blend of modernity and old walls and is supported by a vibrant university. The current population here is around 56,000 inhabitants, which has dropped down since medieval times. You can explore the corners of this compact city within a day or two. Hence, when you are here, you will never leave the place with a fear of missing out on anything.
The Rossio, which is located south of the city walls, holds a huge open-air market every second Tuesday of each month. Also, you can enjoy these open-air markets in areas like Mercado Municipal on Praca 1 de Maio. Here you can get samples of each local product. You can also taste the wine from cellars, and farmers visit this market most weekends.
The Fiera de Sao Joao is the biggest annual event of this town that rules over the city between the 20th and 30th of June and offers handicrafts, musical festivals, and gastronomic. Also, for a fresh breath, you can stroll down the streets of Evora, named the golden-stoned university town. That way, you will be able to witness Roman temples, Moorish alleys, and the walls of the medieval age.
You can also book a private walking tour and get yourself more information regarding the history of the town. Furthermore, you can find hotels located 600 meters away from the Capela dos Ossos with breathtaking locations and sights.
5. Mountain Biking in the Algarve
Hey there, Bikers! If you are about to visit Portugal and have recently been thinking about which is the best thing in Portugal, we suggest you visit the Algarve and do some mountain biking there. Here, we provide you with some of the biking spots where you can feed your thirst for mountain biking and get the thrill you have always wanted.
- Bike Tours Innovative: This British-run mountain bike adventure will offer you bike tours that can last half or full day. These tours can be on the coastline or inland.
- Surf and Bike Rental: They sell surfing gear and mountain bikes, which can cost you €15 per day. They also launch surging lessons and fishing trips for their clients.
- Tuk-tuk Tours: You can stroll around the city on these tuk-tuk tours that will take you around the beaches for 90 minutes. This tour can cost you €10 for each person, so keep in mind your budget as well.
With a cycle, you can paddle all of the coastline of the Algarve and refresh yourself with a thrilling ride alongside your tour partner. You can also take a guided tour and get to know more about the spots of the Algarve.
6. Gift Yourself a Trip to Obidos
Obidos is a place that will charm you like no place else. This small town is completely surrounded by the medieval walls. However, this town was rebuilt in the 18th century after an earthquake hit the place in 1755.
The cobbled alleys and whitewashed houses take you back to history and give you flashbacks to the medieval ages. Portuguese call this place as “Wedding City.” The Portuguese adopted this name after a custom where the kings used to gift a village as a wedding present in the Old Ages.
According to the local history, this city was hit by a sea that reached closer to the ridges’ foot where Obidos stands today. Here, the boats were moored, and the sea then retreated. After the sea retreated, it left a green plain behind it.
In 2015, this city was awarded the title of “ City of Literature by UNESCO”. The title was given to the city for its literary heritage in the past and the modern-day creative efforts of the community.
Obidos also hosts many festivals for those who love celebrating events. Hence, if you are one of those festival fanatics, we can answer your question: What is the best thing in Portugal? The best thing in Portugal is visiting the March Chocolate Festival, which is held in the summer from July to September. It includes a ten-day medieval fair and other events that can include concerts.
You also get the chance to listen to opera at the castle, and during October, you can also attend the Classical Music Festival. In addition to this, during the Christmas month, there is a big Christmas Fair held on the city premises, which you can attend and enjoy.
Here, in this area, you also get good accommodation options that have recently been renovated and upgraded to 4 star. Some of these hotels are a reflection of Portugal’s history, which means these hotels are the best places in Portugal for history lovers.
7. Explore the Rio Douro Valley
Linha do Douro in Rio Douro Vallet was termed as the engineering marvel after it was launched in 1887. It is still particularly famous among many of the tourists that fly to Portugal. In the heyday, this train crossed the border and entered the land of Spain. This ride takes you through stunning valleys, 30 bridges, 20 tunnels, and 34 stations.
This place might not be as captivating as others, but this valley has been in the limelight for many tourists. The waterside promenade has been a target of hubbub for years as it has been the place most tourists love to visit.
Furthermore, thanks to the wine-trade patronage, it has boasted the local restaurant industry and accommodation options in the vicinity of this valley. You can also visit Douro Valley via a boat or train from Peso da Regua. You will find this journey one of the loveliest of your entire life.
You can also book a guided trip to Douro Valley wine with an expert who will lead you through the exciting trails. With a trip expert, you can visit the most famous wine-producing areas that may including the Douro Valley. Furthermore, you can explore Lisbon and Porto, which are historic cities, and also get served by a tourist guide.
There you go, we have offered you the options from which you can see which is the best thing in Portugal. There is always something for everybody, which everybody considers the best thing in Portugal. You can look out for many things to find out which is the best thing in Portugal and is suited to your likes and dislikes.
Once you are in Portugal, you can always find something which is the thing in Portugal. Hence you can book your trip to Portugal without worrying about which is the best thing in Portugal because you can always find a good thing in a country like this!
