1. Porto
Porto is a coastal town in northwest Portugal known for its imposing bridges and port wine production. In Ribeira's medieval district, on the banks of the river, narrow cobbled streets pass through the merchants' houses and restaurants. St. Francis Church is known for its lush Baroque interior with ornate golden carvings. The lavish 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace was a stock market and was built to impress potential European investors.
6 hours
2. Peniche
Peniche and the sea are inseparable. It is one of the largest traditional fishing ports in Portugal and a major Atlantic hub for maritime-tourist activities.
Before heading to the beach, your visit to Peniche must include a walk through the historic centre. Besides the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary, the São Pedro and Misericórdia Churches, the Peniche Fort is a must-see. It was built in the 16th/17th centuries to defend the coast, together with the Fort on Consolação beach and the fort on the Island of Berlengas. It played a major role at various points in Portuguese history.
1 hour
3. Nazare
Nazaré is one of the most traditional of fishing villages where women still opt to follow custom and don the seven skirts regional dress as they care for the fish salt drying on wooden frames exposed to the sun. The Beach, falling entirely within the town's limits, maintains the traditional canvas shelters in brightly coloured strips, with the seas below wild and with strong waves providing for excellent surfing and bodyboarding conditions.
In order to best take in the beauty of this stretch of coast, head up to Sítio on the hundred year old lift that connects the centre of the town with its highest reaches.
1 hour
4. Aveiro
Visit Aveiro to discover a landscape dominated by water.
Aveiro, next to the sea and the ria (estuary), is crossed by a network of channels through which moliceiros (local boats) meander. These slim, colourful vessels used to be used to collect algae and seaweed. Another important place to visit is the Aveiro Museum in the Convent of Jesus, where you can admire the Mausoleum of Princess Saint Joana and the gilded woodcarvings that decorate the interior of the church. These are to be found in abundance in the chapel of Senhor das Barrocas and with less exuberance in the Misericordia Church, whose mannerist portal deserves mention. Those who appreciate contemporary Portuguese architecture should not miss the University buildings.
1 hour
5. Figueira da Foz
Figueira da Foz took its name from its situation at the mouth (foz) of the River Mondego and it has developed into one of the main seaside resorts in the centre of Portugal. A cosmopolitan and lively city, it first began to gain in importance towards the end of the nineteenth century when "bathing in Figueira" was to become a popular pastime amongst the aristocracy of Centro de Portugal region.
Figueira da Foz has a vast range of different kinds of accommodation for visitors, a casino that was founded in 1900 and an excellent beach which has the most extensive stretch of sand in the whole of mainland Portugal and provides ideal conditions for all kinds of water sports, with both sailing and powerboat championships being held here.
In the surrounding area, it is well worth taking a trip to the top of the Serra da Boa Viagem to appreciate the panoramic view from the Miradouro da Vela.
1 hour
Free Cancellation
English
French
Spanish
