TO SEE IN PORTUGAL OUTSIDE MINHO
Towns and Citys outside Minho and northern Portugal
Click on the respective photo and explore the different areas....
Lisbon
The Capital of Portugal
Coimbra
Portugal’s Historic University City
Aveiro
The Venice of Portugal
Nazaré
Home of the Biggest Waves in the World
Óbidos
The Town of Queens
Ericeira
A Picturesque Coastal Town
Monsanto
The Village Carved in Stone
Sintra
The Fairytale Town
Marvão
The Fortress on the Mountain
Monsaraz
The Village where Time Stands Still
Estremoz
The White City of Alentejo
Vila Nova de Milfontes
The Seaside Charm of Alentejo
Sagres
The Edge of the World
Portimão
The Heart of the Algarve’s Coastline
Historical Places outside Minho and northern Portugal
Capela do Senhor da Pedra is a striking seaside chapel located in Miramar, Portugal, near Porto. Built in 1686, this hexagonal Baroque chapel stands dramatically on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. A site of both religious devotion and natural beauty, it is especially enchanting during sunset and the annual Senhor da Pedra Festival, attracting visitors and pilgrims alike
The Bussaco Palace, located in Portugal’s Luso region, is a stunning neo-Manueline masterpiece built in the late 19th century. Originally a royal retreat, it is now a luxury hotel surrounded by the lush Bussaco Forest, a former Carmelite monastery garden. With its intricate architecture and serene setting, it offers a fairytale-like escape into history and nature.
The Roman Temple of Évora, also known as the Temple of Diana, is one of Portugal’s best-preserved Roman landmarks. Dating back to the 1st century AD, it stands in the historic center of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its grand Corinthian columns are a striking reminder of the city’s ancient past.
Mosteiro da Batalha, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Portugal. It was built to commemorate the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota. A masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture, it features intricate stone carvings, grand cloisters, and unfinished chapels, which add to its mystique. This historic monastery stands as a symbol of Portugal’s national identity and medieval grandeur.
The Convent of Christ in Tomar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a former stronghold of the Knights Templar. Founded in the 12th century, it showcases a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural styles. Its iconic Charola (Rotunda) and richly decorated Manueline window make it one of Portugal’s most fascinating historical landmarks.
Quinta da Regaleira, located in Sintra, is a magical estate known for its mysterious symbolism and stunning architecture. Built in the early 20th century by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, it features a romantic palace, lush gardens, hidden tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well, a spiral staircase used for mystical rituals. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers visitors a journey into history, mysticism, and architectural beauty.
Castelo dos Mouros is a medieval fortress perched on the hills of Sintra. Built in the 9th century by the Moors, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Atlantic Ocean. Today, its ancient stone walls and towers provide visitors with a glimpse into Portugal’s rich and diverse history.
The Palácio da Pena is a fairytale-like castle perched atop the hills of Sintra, Portugal. Built in the 19th century, it is a striking example of Romanticism, blending vibrant colors, Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish influences. Surrounded by lush gardens, it offers breathtaking views and stands as one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks.
The Palácio de Monserrate is a stunning 19th-century mansion located in Sintra, Portugal. A masterpiece of Romanticism, it blends Moorish, Gothic, and Indian architectural influences, creating a truly exotic atmosphere. Surrounded by lush botanical gardens, it is one of Sintra’s hidden gems, offering a peaceful escape into nature and history.
The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks, located in Lisbon’s Belém district. Built in the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, symbolizing Portugal’s Age of Exploration. With its ornate cloisters, grand church, and the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões, it stands as a testament to the nation’s maritime legacy.
The Palácio Nacional de Mafra is one of Portugal’s most magnificent Baroque monuments. Built in the 18th century by King João V, it features a grand royal residence, a basilica with six organs and two carillons, and an impressive library with thousands of rare books. Located near Lisbon, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a symbol of Portugal’s rich artistic and architectural heritage.
The Coliseu dos Recreios in Lisbon is a historic theater and concert hall, known for its grand architecture and vibrant cultural events. Since its opening in 1890, it has hosted a variety of performances, from opera and ballet to rock concerts. Located in the heart of the city, it remains one of Lisbon’s most iconic entertainment venues.
Hidden Secrets of Portugal outside Minho
Foz d'Égua is a picturesque hidden gem in Portugal’s Serra do Açor region, near Piódão. This small village features charming stone bridges, traditional schist houses, and a stunning river crossing, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Surrounded by lush green hills, it offers a peaceful retreat and breathtaking scenery.
Grutas de Mira de Aire is Portugal’s largest and most impressive cave system, located near Fátima. Discovered in 1947, these underground wonders stretch over 11 kilometers and showcase stalactites, stalagmites, and subterranean lakes. Open to visitors, the caves offer a fascinating journey into Portugal’s geological past with rock formations and colorful lighting.
The Berlengas Archipelago, located off the coast of Peniche, Portugal, is a stunning natural reserve known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and rich marine life. The main island, Berlenga Grande, is home to the Fort of São João Baptista, a historic fortress perched on the rocks.
Talasnal is a charming schist village in the Serra da Lousã mountains of central Portugal. Known for its narrow stone streets, traditional houses, and beautiful natural surroundings, it offers a glimpse into Portugal’s rural heritage. A perfect spot for hiking and relaxation, Talasnal is a hidden gem where visitors can experience tranquility and stunning mountain views.
Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain range, offers the country’s only ski resort, making it a unique winter destination. With its scenic slopes and breathtaking views, the area provides a mix of natural beauty and adventure. The surrounding villages offer warm hospitality, traditional cheese, and cozy mountain retreats.
Azenhas do Mar is a picturesque seaside village perched on the cliffs of Portugal’s Sintra coast. Known for its whitewashed houses, dramatic ocean views, and a natural seawater pool, it is one of the most scenic spots in the region. A perfect blend of nature and traditional charm, it offers stunning sunsets and fresh seafood by the Atlantic.
Praia da Marinha is one of the most stunning beaches in the Algarve region, famous for its golden cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and natural rock formations. Often ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches, it is a paradise for swimming, snorkeling, and photography.
Ponta da Piedade, located near Lagos is one of the Algarve’s most breathtaking coastal landmarks. This dramatic landscape features golden cliffs, natural arches, and sea caves carved by the Atlantic Ocean. Best explored by boat or kayak, it offers stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable sunsets.
