1. Lissabon
At number 1: Lisbon! The colorful capital has a lot more to offer than just a great climate. The hilly city is bursting with surprises, so you will find the Santa Justa lift (with viewpoint) in the middle of a busy shopping street, where ever you look, you can see the most beautiful monuments, the authentic yellow tram gives you a nostalgic feeling and the delicious Portuguese cuisine we should certainly not forget!
Look here for our tips.
2. Lourinhã
In the Lourinhã region, the most important remains in Portugal were found that testify to the presence of dinosaurs – namely fossilized eggs with the respective embryos – that are exhibited in the Municipal Museum. On the hill where the Arabs built a fort, later rebuilt by the Christians, the church Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo, a splendid example of the Gothic style from the 14th century, is worth a visit! This place is one of the best locations to view the diversity of the region, which, in addition to fertile valleys with productive agriculture, extensive vineyards and fruit orchards, also has excellent beaches.
3. Obidos (UNESCO)
In 1282 the Portuguese king Denis I married Isabel, the prince gave his bride the whole walled fortress town of Obidos because she liked to stay here. The town has been declared a national monument (UNESCO) in its entirety. The 13 meter high walls and the high location of the town give you a good impression of its proudest past. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon are the best times to walk through the narrow streets, you walk past the picturesque white house with bright flower boxes. This city is more than worth your visit! More information.
4. Torres Vedras
Torres Vedras is 50 km away from the capital Lisbon. The city is best known for the phenomenal beach Santa Cruz, with a length of 20 km. Here you can enjoy the tranquility and take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean! In 2011 Torres Vedras even won the ‘Quality Coast Award’. In Torres Vedras there is a golf course. A nice extra in late February / early March is the annual carnival tradition. In these weeks, the streets of Torres Vedras turn color with a festive entry.
5. Nazaré
Bij São Martinho do Porto is er een aangename kalme zee. Dit komt doordat de baai schelpvormig is en omheind is met heuvels en duinen. Deze kalme zee in combinatie met de duinen is het paradijs voor de kleinere kinderen. Ondanks de kalme zee is São Martinho do Porto ook geschikt om te surfen, zeilen en/of kanovaren. Buiten de baai is er ook genoeg te beleven! Er is bijvoorbeeld van dinsdag tot en met zondag een overdekte markt, met een breed scala aan overheerlijke groente, fruit en vis. Aan de oostzijde van de baai bevindt zich een haven en in het centrum kan er volop gegeten en gedronken worden in de kleine, sfeervolle restaurantjes.
6. Peniche
The former fortified town is located on the tip of a peninsula, it has been a very important fishing port for Portugal since the 17th century. Peniche used to be an island, but has now become a part of the Portuguese coast. In the same 17th century Fortaleza fort was built on the harbor side, this was in defense of the port and the city. The fort was used for various purposes, during the dictatorship of Salazar it was even used as a state prison. Today you will find a city museum and a fishing museum. You will find, among other things, a lighthouse, where you can view the Berlenga Islands with a bit of luck (see point 9). You can also take a look at the prehistoric cave on the south coast. In the famous cave large quantities of objects have been found and exhibited at the museum in Fortaleza. You should not let this beautiful peninsula with its fascinating history pass you by! More information.
7. Bombarral Vineyard
The wine lover will agree with us that the wines from Portugal have a completely own and authentic character. These wines are seen as a living tradition. What makes the wines so special is based on a combination of various factors: excellent natural conditions, unique indigenous grape varieties and old uses combined with modern production methods. Viticulture traditionally occurs throughout Portugal, from the high north to the deep south, under constantly changing natural conditions. The variation in flavors and styles is therefore very large and there is something for everyone. Red, white, rosé, sparkling, you can find it all. Characteristic of most Portuguese wines is that they are made from more than one grape variety, in every region they are different, which makes for a very varied selection. Half an hour’s drive you will find the Bombarral vineyard where you are most welcome. The owners of this vineyard travel with you through the past 100 years of Portuguese wine. Visit the website.
8. Pasteis the Belem
Just for the pastries you have to go here! You must have at least one of the famous Pasteis de Belem if you travel to Lisbon, but it will not stay by only one…. The delicious puff pastry stuffed with vanilla always tastes like more. Since 1837 they are made in Confeitaria de Belém, this shop is now famous for these pastries. That can be seen from afar, because it is busy, very busy. Every day about 10,000 are sold. Besides scoring the Belém, there is plenty to do in Belém itself. It is the place from where Portuguese sailors started their voyages, Vasco da Gama started his voyage of discovery to India. Everywhere in Belém you can see monuments and references to Portugal’s Golden Age. Also worth a visit is the monastery Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. The ornaments and decorations are true masterpieces. Would you like to get an impression of this sweet delicacy? Take a look at the website.
9. Berlenga Islands
The Berlenga Islands are located about 12 km from the mainland and can be reached by boat from Peniche. The rocky archipelago is now inhabited by monks, biologists and a lighthouse keeper. A fortress has been built called Forte de Sao Joao Baptista and currently serves as a hotel. The fortress has been attacked several times by pirates and enemy armies. To get an even better idea of how special this island is, you can take a tour with a motorboat along the most remarkable, shaped stones and rocks.
10. Kidzania
Kidzania is a park specially aimed at children between 3-15 years old. In the park a city has been reconstructed where children are the boss. They have the choice between practicing 60 professions. Children can work at the airport, police station and for the TV themselves. With the work they have done, they earn money which they can spend in one of the fictional shops. For example, Kidzania is turning to children to provide the desired norms and values in a community. Is your child already eager to visit Kidzania, for more information please refer to: http://www.kidzania.pt/
