10 Most Exotic Places In Portugal You Must Visit

Portugal is one of the Southern European countries you should not miss when planning your annual holiday trip. Portugal is rich of cultural atmosphere from Mediterranean country to its own local culture.

People from around the world come to Portugal to visit various ancient history, taste its affordable local food or see the exotic places in Portugal.

This country is known for its affordable travel costs, idyllic climate and bunch of exceptional attractions which make Portugal as one of the most visited countries in whole Europe continent.

Located on the Iberian peninsula, Portugal offers its visitors with great architectural inheritance from its huge empire as well as beautiful coastal views.

Viano do Castelo

Viano do Castelo is located in the north side of Portugal. This place lies right beside Atlantic Ocean. This is a small city that has both magnificent cultural landmarks and historical architecture. You can also find bunch of centuries – old Gothic – style cathedral and churches in this place which make Viano do Castelo as a popular pilgrimage site for Christians.

Viano do Castelo is a home for numerous great and fine palaces as well as manor houses. Therefore, it is no wonder that Viano do Castelo becomes one of the exotic places in Portugal. During your stay in here, you can visit some small museums that exhibit well – preserved medieval items.

If you are interested in exploring the Lima Valley, Viano do Castelo can be your great base as it also offers astonishing natural landmarks. Many visitors come to Viano do Castelo will hike the foothills or enjoy the astounding beaches views.

The City of Braga

Braga is the third – largest city in Portugal that has become one of the most – visited places since it brings many exotic places in Portugal. This mountainous city is surrounded by sweeping valleys, rolling hills as well as fertile farm areas.

Tourists will be astounded by seeing its lively nightlife, well – preserved old churches and beautiful old town.

Braga is also a home for thousands of student population since this city has numerous schools with great reputation in the country. Therefore, there are myriad of cheap but distinctive restaurants and cafes in the center of Braga.

You can also visit astonishing museums and monuments that offers their visitors with well – preserved local heritage.

The National Park of Peneda – Geres

The National Park of Peneda – Geres is one and only national park Portugal has. It was established in 1971 and lies in the northwest of this Iberian peninsula country.

Peneda – Geres plays its part very well in preserving precious natural landscapes as well as ecosystems in the area. Because of Peneda – Geres, Portugal is able to protects its countless scenic spots spread around the villages.

This Portugal’s one and only national park covers a very vast area which includes green forest, deep valleys, fast – flowing rivers and mountainous area. This mountainous areas are rich of flora and fauna species. Many visitors choose to explore Peneda – Geres by hiking on the trails and camping on the plateaus or peaks.

Small Town Nazare

Nazare is one of the exotic places in Portugal you better do not miss when visiting this European country. Despite its small size, the town of Nazare has numerous of famous seaside resorts.

This place is also becoming very popular because of its ferocious waves on the Atlantic coastline. Many surfers from around the world come to visit Nazare due to its enormous waves undersea Nazare Canyon.

You can also lounge on the golden sands of Nazare’s coastal area while enjoying the crystal – clear blue sea. If you are hungry, you can go to the center of this small town and enjoy its fresh seafood cooked using local recipes.

The cobbled lanes in the center of Nazare will bring you to historical buildings such as museums, churches and chapels.

The Picturesque Town of Tomar

You want to experience the exotic places in Portugal all at once? Then Tomar can be your best options. Tomar is surrounded by verdure farmland which makes the atmosphere of this place is so natural.

Tomar is one of the prettiest and picturesque towns in Portugal which has religious sites, ancient streets, historical monuments and cultural centers all at once.

Beautiful old architectures can be found in the town center which have the mixture of Renaissance, Gothic and Manueline styles. One of the main magnetisms in Tomar is the Castle and Convent of the Order of Christ.

Tomar has a lot of religious monuments since this place was the Knights Templar’s headquarters a very long time ago. For many centuries, Tomar is one of the most influential town and settlement in Portugal. This is also the place where the Portugal nation was founded.

The Historic Center of Guimaraes

Portugal is a home for a lot of historical monuments in Europe. Therefore, it is no wonder that historical monuments with medieval style is one of the main tourist attractions in this country.

If you want to experience the atmosphere of medieval era with well – preserved historical sites, then Guimaraes surely is your best option.

Guimaraes located in the northern side of Portugal, not very far from Braga city. Since Guimaraes was the city where king Afonso Henriques was born, this city is known as the “birthplace of Portugal nation”.

Here you can visit Grand Dukes of Braganza Palace and amazing castle from tenth – century. Many tourists are amazed to see lovely old building and art galleries here.

Madeira Island

Speaking about Portugal, then Madeira Island surely is one of things will come up first in your head. Madeira island is no doubt one of the most exotic places in Portugal you should not forget to visit when you came to Portugal. Madeira island is located between North Africa and Portugal in the blue sea of Atlantic Ocean.

Madeira island is very well – known for its beautiful and numerous flower gardens, greenish natural landscapes and astonishing annual New Year festival. Many tourists come to Madeira island on New Year to enjoy the biggest displays of fireworks in the world. There are many options of transportations you can use to reach Madeira such as cruise ship, plane, and ferry.

You can go around the island by renting cars or riding bus. Several must – see places in Madeira island are Laurissilva Forest, The Levadas and Orchid Garden. The Laurissilva Forest is a home for a lot of laurel. The coastline area of Madeira island offers visitors with crystal clear water, the stunning sand beaches amd various water activities such as sailing, fishing and diving.

Algavre

Algavre is a home for numerous exotic places in Portugal you can ever imagine. This place offers tourists with stunning beaches, golden sand coastline, historical monuments, picturesque towns and flower – clad hills. The cuisine is sold at an affordable cost which make Algavre one of the most favorite tourist destinations in Portugal.

The countryside of Algavre also offers people with numerous options of golf courses. People choose Monchique mountain range as the great place for horse riding, hiking and biking. This mountainous range is surrounded by strawberry farmland.

Lisbon, The Capital City of Portugal

Lisbon is this country’s capital city which located near the Atlantic Ocean and stretch along the sides of Tagus River. Unlike common capital cities in whole world, Lisbon is rich of historical old buildings with mixture of many styles.

As one of the oldest cities in the whole world, Lisbon has a lot of Gothic cathedrals, colorful neighborhoods, stunning bridges and traditional landmarks.

The district of Balem in Lisbon is very well – known for its impressive royal palaces, historical monuments and gardens. Jeronimos Monastery, which is one of the most visited landmarks is located in Belem. Meanwhile, Alfama is the oldest district in the city of Lisbon.

If you want to experience the cultural atmosphere, then Chiado is the best district for you as this place contains theaters, concert halls and museums. You can go around the city of Lisbon by taking either vintage trams or metro and buses.

The Small Town of Evora

Evora might be a small town, but this is not just the usual small town. Located in the southern region of Portugal, Evora offers its visitors with historical environment from the remains of Roman Empire.

As the capital of Alentejo region, Evora has successfully maintained all of its well – preserved 4000 historic buildings such as Roman temples and walls.

You can explore all of Evora main tourists attractions by foot since all of them are near of one another. You can also take a horse carriage ride which is offered near the cathedral of Evora. Renaissance fountain in Giraldo Square is one of the must – visit sites in Evora.