All the hidden gems you can visit in Portugal: from a mysterious palace villa to paradise islands

Portugal is such an international destination in Spain that we are so close that the border can even be crossed with a zip line. In fact, they are the only two countries in the world where you can enter and exit this way. To cover the 720 meter distance between Sanlúcar de Guadiana and Alcoutim, it is a journey of about one minute, reaching speeds of 70 to 80 kilometers per hour, and in addition beating an hour per hour. single jump. And that’s it, we will share the peninsula and some cultural features, but traveling to a neighboring country is an experience that is nothing but boring.

Five Portuguese cities we can visit for a getaway near Spain

While we’ll talk about hidden gems later, let’s start with this first: Lisbonno less beautiful than the capital of Portugal, for which it is known. Without a doubt, a place to fall in love. Additionally, we can’t just get there by plane, it’s less than six hours’ drive from Madrid. It is known as the city of seven hills and has it all: the beach, a great history to explore full of monuments and a great gastronomy where we find much more belem cakes, which are very fashionable recently.

We can also benefit from a trip to Lisbon. Cascaisa small seaside town that was the holiday destination of the nobility and still preserves some of the beautiful mansions of the time, and Óbidos, known as the literary city of the country.

PortPortugal’s second largest city, just over 5 hours from the Spanish capital and perfect place for a few days getaway. The precious tiles adorning its streets, the old town, colorful houses, modern Miguel Bomdarda street… A city full of life and history, where gastronomy is vital.

Considered one of Portugal’s most beautiful medieval cities and declared a World Heritage Site, Guimaras Getting lost in it is a must. It is only half an hour from Porto and Its cobblestone streets and historic buildings will make you feel like in another era.. Of course, don’t go to the top of Montaña da Penha without taking the cable car to enjoy the incredible panoramic view from the sanctuary on the hill.

Founded by the Romans in 16 BC, briefs It is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. It is located near Vigo, about 5 hours’ drive from Madrid, and has a rich architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage. More than 40 baroque churches, museums and other historical buildings to get lost in. Don’t miss the Bom Jesus da Monte Sanctuary, located 5 kilometers from the city and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Located in the center of the country and known as the “Venice of Portugal”, aeroplane It is about 5 hours drive from Madrid. While getting lost in its charming streets is more than enough reason to go, there are endless fine sand beaches and an absolutely ideal fishing area: Beira Mar. gastronomy dedicated to fish and local seafood.

Madeira and Berlangas, islands made of paradise

As we can see, the neighboring country Porto is much more than Lisbon and the Algarve… It also hides treasures such as the Berlengas Islands. It is a small archipelago of granite islands located off the coast of Portugal, west of Cabo Carvoeiro in Peniche. Berlenga Grande is three islets consisting of Estelas and Farilhões-Forcados. This area has been recognized as a nature reserve.

To reach these islands You have to travel by boat from Peniche. However, transportation to this city is easy and there are public buses from Lisbon and Porto. We can also go with our own vehicle. Of course, Berlengas can’t get too many visitors at once. First of all, as it is considered a nature reserve, opportunities and options to spend the night are very limited. Sleeping on Peniche is recommended.

São João Baptista Castle is located in Berlenga Grande. Thanks to its military structure, it is the most popular structure in the archipelago. and its most emblematic monument. But lighthouse lovers have a mandatory stop on the same island: Duque de Bragança Lighthouse. It was built by the Marquis of Pombal in 1758, with a height of 29 meters and a range of 27 nautical miles.

Bairro dos Pescadores the only town in the entire Berlengas archipelago. It is located on the southern slope of the so-called Ilha Velha, where the Misericordia Monastery once stood. Here we find a restaurant, a mini market, Praia da Berlenga Grande (another point to consider) and the island’s public toilets.

Located in the middle of the Atlantic, Madeira is one of these islands. made in heaven those who find in their explosive nature one of their best virtues. Some even call it the “Hawaii of the Atlantic,” but it’s much more. In addition to its impressive landscapes and postcard cliffs, there are two. Europe’s best beaches (Porto Santo beach and Seixal beach) and is known for its gastronomy and hiking trails. Voted the world’s best island destination for another year.

As if all that wasn’t enough, they celebrate the Fiestas de los Santos Populares in June, a celebration of the summer solstice and in it he surrenders to three saints (San Antonio, San Juan and San Pedro) and is shaped by the Rua de Figueira Preta, Travessa dos Reis, Rua da Conceição and Praça do Carmo. Also, it happens the so-called Atlantic FestivalThis marks the start of the summer season in Madeira.

Three lesser known destinations in Portugal

if you loved Royal; With the aesthetic of fairy tales and/or historical mysteries, 25 kilometers from Lisbon there is a truly fascinating village that meets all these features and is called Sintra. with reported monuments A World Heritage Site, travelers passing through say it’s worth it Even if you’re only going to spend a weekend in Portugal’s capital, dedicate a day to it. And this This characteristic architectural place perfectly integrates palaces and gardens, castles and forests..

Lagos is a city located in the western Algarve. famous thanks to rocky beaches and cliffsit also has a distinctive historical character with its valuable features. walled historic center (from Roman times). And that it is a suitable place for both weekend getaways and nightlife.

The main attraction here Ponta da Piedade: An area of ​​cliffs and rocks exceeding 20 meters in height, where you can walk along a stone path leading to the water. Although, in addition to hiking, you can book a boat tour of the caves or take a canoe tour.

Located on the coast of Mondego, Coimbra was Portugal’s medieval capital for over a hundred years and Portugal’s oldest university and one of the oldest in Europe. Thus, over time, it became a “city of students” by shaping its identity around it. During the day, life is calm but flowing. The sunset at night brings me an endless party.

Its historic center consists of: picturesque buildings spanning nearly a thousand years of history, from the Moorish Arco de Almedina on the outskirts of the city to the Clock Tower that crowns the courtyard of the old university. In the modern part of the city you will find modern terraced parks, riverside bars and restaurants, a magnificent pedestrian bridge, great shopping centers and everything you would expect from a large European city.

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