Best things to do in Portugal
21.07.2023 - 07:38
/ roughguides.com
/ Vicente De-São
What are the best things to do in Portugal? Take a look at 25 Portugal attractions, we think they're the best of all.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Portugal , your essential guide for visiting Portugal .
The Algarve’s west coast faces the full brunt of the Atlantic, whose crashing breakers and cooler waters have largely deterred the developers. Nevertheless, the rocky coastline is punctuated by fantastic broad beaches accessible from the small villages of Carrapateira, Odeceixe or, a little further inland, Aljezur. If you are in search of a beach holiday — visiting the Algarve coast is the best thing to do in Portugal for you.
This is popular territory for surfers, campervanners and hardy nudists who appreciate the remote beaches, but be warned: the sea can be dangerous and swimmers should take great care.
The designation in 1995 of the stretch of coast from Burgau to Cabo de São Vicente and up through the Alentejo as a nature reserve – the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina – has afforded the rugged scenery a certain amount of protection, though it also means that accommodation is scarce and it certainly helps to have your own transport.
The Algarve has some of Europe’s finest beaches. But few are more impressive than Praia da Bordeira. Discover Algarve as an all-year travel destination. Then see our roundup of best beaches in Portugal.
Also take a look at our tailor-made trip to the best of Portugal in which you will explore the capital city of Lisbon, historic Porto, lush Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve.
Find more accomodation options to stay in Algarve region
Spending a day on the beach is one of the best things to do in Portugal. The beach of Camilo, Algarve, Portugal © Shutterstock
Monsaraz – known locally as Ninho das Águias (Eagles’ Nest) – is perched high above the border plains, a tiny village nestled into fortified walls close to the Spanish border. With a permanent population of only a few hundred, Monsaraz has just two main streets that run parallel to each other, Rua Direita and Rua de Santiago.
The Igreja Matriz lies at the heart of the village, just off the main square that’s home to a curious eighteenth-century pillory. The village does its best to attract visitors with a series of little galleries, craft shops and restaurants, but it’s really the castle, the higgledypiggledy streets and magnificent views from the walls that keep people coming.
To the north and west, you survey a typically flat Alentejan plain of vineyards and olive groves, while to the south and east a watery expanse glitters far below the village, part of Europe’s largest artificial reservoir behind the dam at Alqueva.
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