Portugal has long been known as an outstanding tourist destination with a great climate and lots of interesting and exciting things to do and see, making it one of the most desired fun in the sun locations worldwide. Not only can you find some of the best vacation property in Portugal, but it is also a place with so much to offer, so it can be easy to miss some of the hidden treasures that don't always show up in tourist brochures.
Here is a top ten list of the things that Portugal gave the world that you might have otherwise missed and regretted not seeing after your vacation was over.
10. Paco Ducal de Vila Vicosa (Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa)
Built in the late 15th century as the seat of Casa de Braganca, one of the most important noble houses in all of Portugal, the Paco Ducal de Vila Vicosa is located in Alentejo, a south-central region of Portugal. The palace became the ruling house of the Kingdom of Portugal sometime after 1640, and was within the royal family until 1910. It wasn't until 1984 that the palace was open to the public. The Ducal Palace is just one of the many world heritage sites Portugal has to offer.
9. Oceanário de Lisboa (The Oceanarium)
Although steeped in fine traditions and a wondrous sense of history, Portugal also supplies the world with modern attractions like the Oceanário de Lisboa, the second biggest aquarium in the world. It was constructed as part of the World Exhibition of Lisbon during EXPO '98.
8. Boca do Inferno (The Mouth of Hell)
There are so many natural wonders in Portugal, ranking the most impressive ones is virtually impossible, although the Boca do Inferno is something you won't forget after you visit. Near the city of Cascais, this chasm affords you all the excitement of watching the crashing waves from the shores where you can take a leisurely stroll.
7. Prehistoric Rock Art
Take a step back in time before the nation even existed by traveling to Vila Nova de Foz Côa in northeast Portugal. Here you can view Paleolithic engravings that date back to 22,000 to 10,000 BC. Goats and other animals as well as Iron Age warriors are depicted here.
6. Motorsports (The Estoril Racetrack)
With all the natural beauty and history, it would be easy to overlook the love of motorsports the Portuguese have in general, specifically theit love of the Estoril Racetrack. The Portuguese round of the Moto GP is just one of the high profile events held in this time honored place.
5. Festa dos Tabuleiros (Festival of the Trays )
The Portuguese are known for their love of life and that translates into a series of street festivals where dancing, drinking and banquets are common. The Tray Festival, also known as or the Divine Holy Spirit Festival (Festa do Divino Espírito Santo), is held every four years in the city of Tomar. The last festival was held in July 2011, so you have three years left to practice your tray carrying.
4. The Ria Farmosa
This 60km of coastline between Manta Rota and Vale do Lobo will take you on an odyssey of natural wonders that include sand isles, freshwater lakes and even canals, as well as an assortment of life that stretches as far as you can see. It's a rolling lagoon area that caters to vacationers' rest and relaxation needs.
3. The Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres
There's something for everyone in Portugal and traveling here you‘ll find a nation that prides itself on one-of-a-kind and unique landmarks. Known in an affectionate way as the Gerês, the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres is a natural reserve that shares a northern border with Spain and is the only one if it's kind in all of Portugal. Beautiful rivers, mountains and unique ecosystems are the rule of thumb for those who enjoy elegant pines and even some fascinating archaeological sites.
2. Convento da Ordem de Cristo (Convent of the Order of Christ)
Interested in the history of the Knights of Templar? Then you'll want to take time out from the leisure of fine dining, exquisite golfing, or any of the other secular attractions in Portugal to visit the Convent of the Order of Christ. Originally erected in the 12th century, this Templar sanctuary consists of towers, a castle and, of course, a church. This spectacular monument is listed as a World Heritage Site and includes numerous Gothic sculptures and paintings that are flavored with the Templar mystique.
1. Guimarães
As you might have guessed by now, Portugal prides itself on a rich and varied history so it should be no surprise that this town is one of the best examples of preserved Portuguese history and culture. Located in the northwest region of the country, the town boasts a 10th century castle as well as other impressive buildings spanning the 15th to 19th century. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira is among the other must see attractions in Guimarães, and the monastery should be at the top of everyone's list.
Portugal is the country of Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan. It is a nation that has supplied us all with World Heritage Sites to satisfy our collective interest in the past and still keeps an eye to the future with modern aquariums and racetracks. It is truly a place with something for everyone, whether you want to explore the natural beauty or the lively festivals.
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
The Top Ten Hidden Treasures To Experience In Portugal
Portugal has long been known as an outstanding tourist destination with a great climate and lots of interesting and exciting things to do and see, making it one of the most desired fun in the sun locations worldwide. Not only can you find some of the best vacation property in Portugal, but it is also a place with so much to offer, so it can be easy to miss some of the hidden treasures that don't always show up in tourist brochures.
Here is a top ten list of the things that Portugal gave the world that you might have otherwise missed and regretted not seeing after your vacation was over.
10. Paco Ducal de Vila Vicosa (Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa)
Built in the late 15th century as the seat of Casa de Braganca, one of the most important noble houses in all of Portugal, the Paco Ducal de Vila Vicosa is located in Alentejo, a south-central region of Portugal. The palace became the ruling house of the Kingdom of Portugal sometime after 1640, and was within the royal family until 1910. It wasn't until 1984 that the palace was open to the public. The Ducal Palace is just one of the many world heritage sites Portugal has to offer.
9. Oceanário de Lisboa (The Oceanarium)
Although steeped in fine traditions and a wondrous sense of history, Portugal also supplies the world with modern attractions like the Oceanário de Lisboa, the second biggest aquarium in the world. It was constructed as part of the World Exhibition of Lisbon during EXPO '98.
8. Boca do Inferno (The Mouth of Hell)
There are so many natural wonders in Portugal, ranking the most impressive ones is virtually impossible, although the Boca do Inferno is something you won't forget after you visit. Near the city of Cascais, this chasm affords you all the excitement of watching the crashing waves from the shores where you can take a leisurely stroll.
7. Prehistoric Rock Art
Take a step back in time before the nation even existed by traveling to Vila Nova de Foz Côa in northeast Portugal. Here you can view Paleolithic engravings that date back to 22,000 to 10,000 BC. Goats and other animals as well as Iron Age warriors are depicted here.
6. Motorsports (The Estoril Racetrack)
With all the natural beauty and history, it would be easy to overlook the love of motorsports the Portuguese have in general, specifically theit love of the Estoril Racetrack. The Portuguese round of the Moto GP is just one of the high profile events held in this time honored place.
5. Festa dos Tabuleiros (Festival of the Trays )
The Portuguese are known for their love of life and that translates into a series of street festivals where dancing, drinking and banquets are common. The Tray Festival, also known as or the Divine Holy Spirit Festival (Festa do Divino Espírito Santo), is held every four years in the city of Tomar. The last festival was held in July 2011, so you have three years left to practice your tray carrying.
4. The Ria Farmosa
This 60km of coastline between Manta Rota and Vale do Lobo will take you on an odyssey of natural wonders that include sand isles, freshwater lakes and even canals, as well as an assortment of life that stretches as far as you can see. It's a rolling lagoon area that caters to vacationers' rest and relaxation needs.
3. The Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres
There's something for everyone in Portugal and traveling here you‘ll find a nation that prides itself on one-of-a-kind and unique landmarks. Known in an affectionate way as the Gerês, the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres is a natural reserve that shares a northern border with Spain and is the only one if it's kind in all of Portugal. Beautiful rivers, mountains and unique ecosystems are the rule of thumb for those who enjoy elegant pines and even some fascinating archaeological sites.
2. Convento da Ordem de Cristo (Convent of the Order of Christ)
Interested in the history of the Knights of Templar? Then you'll want to take time out from the leisure of fine dining, exquisite golfing, or any of the other secular attractions in Portugal to visit the Convent of the Order of Christ. Originally erected in the 12th century, this Templar sanctuary consists of towers, a castle and, of course, a church. This spectacular monument is listed as a World Heritage Site and includes numerous Gothic sculptures and paintings that are flavored with the Templar mystique.
1. Guimarães
As you might have guessed by now, Portugal prides itself on a rich and varied history so it should be no surprise that this town is one of the best examples of preserved Portuguese history and culture. Located in the northwest region of the country, the town boasts a 10th century castle as well as other impressive buildings spanning the 15th to 19th century. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira is among the other must see attractions in Guimarães, and the monastery should be at the top of everyone's list.
Portugal is the country of Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan. It is a nation that has supplied us all with World Heritage Sites to satisfy our collective interest in the past and still keeps an eye to the future with modern aquariums and racetracks. It is truly a place with something for everyone, whether you want to explore the natural beauty or the lively festivals.
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.