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Top Attractions in Portugal |
Evora
Evora is a fascinating, walled medieval
city. The narrow, cobblestoned streets feature a range of
superb architecture from Roman to the present day. Many of the buildings are
covered in the glazed tile and brick designs so typical of Portugal.
Don't miss the Sι cathedral, which has a museum of ecclesiastical
treasures, the charming Roman temple, and the church of Sao
Francisco (it's fashioned from the skulls and bones of 5,000 monks).
Evora is also a lively student town with plenty of restaurants.
Sintra
Sintra is an enchanting town designated a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO. Sitting on a plain at the edge of an area
of hills and pine forests, Sintra has been a favourite summer resort
for nobility and the wealthy for several centuries. Check out
Sintra’s magnificent castles, each with its own distinct
personality. The Moorish Castle dates back to the 8th century and
offers stunning views from its walls. The Palacio Nacional da Pena
is a fairytale castle commissioned in 1840 by Ferdinand of Saxe
Coburg-Gotha and is well worth visiting.
Coimbra
Coimbra is a 12th-century town housing the oldest seat of
learning in Portugal, a University founded in 1290 by King Dinis.
The town of Coimbra is packed full of things to see. Visit the
wonderful botanical gardens, the cathedrals, the Baroque library
(Biblioteca Joanina) and Portugal’s most famous sculpture museum,
the Museu Machado de Castro as well as the Roman ruins at
Conimbriga. The region is also famous for its traditional Fado
music, which can be heard in many of the bars around the city.
Fatima
Fatima is a world-famous religious site, best known as the
site of an appearance of the Virgin Mary in 1917. Pilgrims come here
to seek miracle cures for their illnesses and special ceremonies
take place on the 13th of each month from May to October.
Website: Fatima
Lagos
Lagos, on the south coast of the Algarve, is one
of the country's most popular tourist resorts. Most visitors are
drawn to the superb beaches, which include Meia Praia, a vast strip
of sand to the east and the more secluded Praia do Pinhγo to the
south. The town has abundant facilities for renting bicycles,
mopeds and horses and there are boat trips from the main harbour. Apart
from the sun and sand, the resort's other highlight is its municipal
museum which contains eccentric displays of ecclesiastical
treasures, handicrafts and preserved animal fetuses.
Porto
Porto
is an ancient city and its earliest name "Portucale"
later gave its name to the country. The city has also given
its name to the wine producing regions in the area. Built on the
slopes of the hills that overlook the River Douro, the city is classified
by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Admire the typical granite
houses and monuments, take a tram ride along the banks of the
river, or a boat ride under the magnificent bridges of the city.
Walk along the narrow medieval streets and discover gems such as the
Avenida dos Aliados, which has a black-and-white mosaic pavement.
Other attractions include the Cedofeita Church (a restored Roman
temple), the home of Prince Henry the Navigator and the Clerigos
Church, which is the tallest building in Portugal. In 2001 Porto
will be the European Cultural Capital so keep an eye out for a year
packed full of events.
Website: Porto
The Algarve
Probably
the best known Portuguese region to most European tourists,
the Algarve offers a range of holiday resorts, beautiful beaches
and year round sunshine. The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost
province, its white-sand beaches are clean, the architecture
is unique and the fishing, water sports and golfing are
second to none. There are plenty of golf courses, some of which are
among the largest in Europe. The area can get quite crowded as it is
very popular. If it all gets too much you can retreat to the
nearby mountains lying just behind the coastal strip.
The Azores
The Azores consist of nine remote volcanic islands which
are located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and can be reached
by direct flight from Lisbon. The islands are a beautifully
uncrowded, unpolluted and isolated destination.
Website: The Azores
The Island of Madeira
This volcanic island was one of the first discoveries of
the Portuguese Navigators. With its dramatic peaks and cliffs and
its unique Portuguese and British past, the semi-tropical island of
Madeira is one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Surrounded by the
waters of the Gulf Stream, with warm relaxing summers and mild
winters, it makes a delightful holiday destination throughout the
year. Madeira is regarded as an all year round 'floating garden.'
Bougainvillea and a wide variety of orchids thrive here.
Lisbon (Lisboa)
Regarded as the cultural and artistic heart of Portugal as
well as its capital city, Lisbon is a charming city. Check out our
guide to the top ten attractions in
Lisbon
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