De redelijk geïsoleerde locatie van Portugal in de uiterste zuidwestelijke hoek van Europa zorgt ervoor dat het de minst bezochte en meest onderschatte toeristische bestemming van het continent is. Minder menigte zorgt voor een meer ontspannen, authentieke ervaring. Vul je reisroute op met bezoeken aan middeleeuwse kastelen op de heuveltop, fraai versierde paleizen, geplaveide dorpjes en architectonisch verbluffende steden. Het land is rijk aan fascinerende cultuur, adembenemende natuurlijke schoonheid en tal van leuke en gevarieerde activiteiten. Een enkele dag kan worden doorgebracht met wandelen in weelderige groene bergen, vermenging met de vriendelijke lokale bevolking en wandelen door schilderachtige wijngaarden nippen aan beroemde, fluweelachtige portwijn. Veel verse zeevruchten, een kustlijn bezaaid met afgelegen zandstranden en een betaalbaar prijskaartje, en het is een ideale keuze voor een vakantiebestemming.
Located in Portugal’s south-central Alentejo region, known for its glorious olive groves and traditional villages, the town of Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its profusion of historical architecture and archaeological sites. These include the ruins of an ancient Roman temple dating to about 1000 BC, the medieval University of Evora, founded in the 16th century, and several beautiful old churches. Oldest of all is the astonishing neolithic site at Almendres Cromlech, which dates back 8000 years and has been used for three millennia. One of the most intriguing and macabre religious sites is the Capela dos Ossos - the Chapel of Bones - which has interior walls encrusted with bones and skulls. Gourmands will delight in the mouth-watering local dishes, most notably the incredible range of delicious traditional desserts.
Moncarapacho is a small idyllic village set amidst Olhão’s countryside close to the glittering Algarve coast, known for its dramatic cliffs and gold sand beaches. This serene town is one of the region’s most authentic villages, featuring cobbled streets, elegantly weathered old buildings, and olive groves and fruit orchards. Praça da República is the charming main square dotted with beautiful churches shaded by palm and jacaranda trees and is a great place to enjoy a meal and watch local life go by. A religious museum attached to the chapel is of unique interest as it features a collection of sacred objects and archaeological artefacts. To sample some of the best olive oil in the world, visit the Monterosa Olive Oil Farm and join the guided tour around the groves. Fuseta, six kilometres away, is a quaint fishing village where you can enjoy SUPing, kitesurfing and swimming. Further to the west, you will find some of Portugal’s most spectacular beaches.
Sagres is a scenic fishing village in the southern Algarve of Portugal, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo. Boasting four beaches, enormous cliffs, and a lovely harbour, the town is a serene favourite among outdoor enthusiasts. Praia da Mareta provides a vast stretch of soft sand, is usually sheltered and good for swimming, and is flanked by a line of excellent bars and restaurants. Praia do Tonel offers great waves for surfers, while Praia da Baleeira is reliably sheltered and Praia do Martinhal, just out of town, provides a quiet respite. History enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the 15th-century Fortaleza de Sagres, which uses three 200-foot cliffs as its walls. Make sure to visit ‘the end of the world’ - Cabo de Sao Vicente - the westernmost point of mainland Europe, was once believed to be so and offers some truly awesome views.
