Planning a Portugal trip can be easy, fun, and exciting all at the same time. Portugal is a country in Southwestern Europe right next to Spain. The weather in Portugal is considered to be the warmest out of any of the European countries, which makes it the perfect destination at any time of the year.
Lisbon may be the capital of the country, but no visitor should plan on only seeing this city while in the country. With that being said, there is quite a bit to see and do in this magnificent capital. Anyone who loves to shop will want to venture over to the Baixa, which is where the oldest and most traditional based shops are located. While many people have been in business there for centuries, this Baixa is not the original. The first one was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 and the area was rebuilt afterwards.
Panoramic views of the landscape below can be seen from either the hilltop in Alfama or St. George’s Castle. Belém is a historic waterfront neighborhood where people can see multiple monuments, museums and the famous Pasteis de Belém, which is a Portuguese tart place. Besides grabbing a tart, many people walk over to the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Discoveries Monument while in the city.
Roman ruins can be found in Conímbriga and these ruins have been preserved quite well. According to history, a town was split in half by a wall before being abandoned. On each side of the pieces of wall still standing, people will see mosaics, heated baths, and fountains. Everyone can walk through the renovated four room museum to learn more about the history of this area.
In Óbidos, people can visit the Parish Church of Santa Maria as well as the Chapel of S. Martinho. Just outside the town, people will also find the Church of the Senhor da Pedra. This city has multiple festivals throughout the year with the most popular being the Holy Week Festivities. This is when people recreate the steps on the Way of the Cross.
Guimaráes is a special place in Portugal and the city where the first king of Portugal fought a battle in 1128. This battle was against an army that his mother was in charge of and he won. The medieval castle from that war is still there as well as the 15th century Ducal Palace. Ducal Palace is now a palace with a museum. One of the most beautiful streets in all of Portugal is the Rua de Santa Maria, which is in Guimaráes and is a narrow medieval street.
A Portugal trip can be filled with history, entertainment and beautiful panoramic views of the landscape and cities. Most people will find that they need plenty of time to explore everything within the country and while this is true, many people can spend a few days here and there throughout the country and see enough in one visit to satisfy their curiosity until the next time.
