Central Portugal Portugal's Cities, Towns & Villages

Monsanto, perched atop a mountaintop and interwoven with the Portuguese landscape, epitomises a geographical marvel. The village is characterized by houses that are cleverly nestled among, atop, and beneath colossal boulders. The remnants of a Templar castle, partially demolished by an explosion in the 19th century, crown this mountaintop, which has held significant strategic importance since prehistoric times.

The architectural fabric of Monsanto has remained largely unchanged for centuries, affirming its status as a living museum within Portugal. This designation prohibits any alterations, allowing the village to maintain its quintessential charm.

The village has hardly changed in hundreds of years, and enjoys distinction in Portugal as a living museum. 

The village’s narrow lanes ascend steeply, flanked by cottages with red roofs pressed against verdant boulders, some of which feature doors leading into interiors carved directly from the rock. This integration of natural elements provides a distinctive twist on traditional Portuguese architecture.

A stroll along its cobblestone streets reveals that Monsanto is a condensed representation of Portugal itself. The architecture here reflects the Manueline style, as evidenced by several edifices and a church. While it adheres to the classic Portuguese village aesthetic, the unique ‘boulder chic’ cottages frequently eclipse the appeal of the mediaeval Romanesque or Manueline styles.

Monsanto exudes a timeless aura, encapsulating a panorama that includes Castelo Branco and the Estrela Mountains. For centuries, the village’s Lucan’s Tower has chimed the hours in an unaltered cadence, anchoring the community in a seemingly eternal moment.

 

The village’s ancient origins, steeped in prehistoric ties to pagan rituals, and its subsequent history under the stewardship of Gualdim Pais, Master of the Knights Templar, who fortified it with an impregnable castle, illustrate its remarkable and enduring legacy.

 

Monsanto

Portugal's Museums
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At first, you might think a tile museum sounds exceedingly dull. But Lisbon’s National Tile Museum, the Museo Nacional do Azulejo, is a revelation.

It’s an art museum in Lisbon, dedicated to the azulejo, traditional tilework of Portugal and the former Portuguese Empire, as well as of other Iberophone cultures. Housed in the former Madre de Deus Convent, the museum’s collection is one of the largest of ceramics in the world.

Inside the museum, every inch is covered with azulejos. The exhibits are arranged chronologically from the Moorish-influenced tiles of the 16th century to abstract designs of the 20th century. The museum is still relatively secret because it’s outside central Lisbon. Most tourists are too busy in Alfama, Belem, or Sintra. This museum is often left off the must-see list, and, trust me, it shouldn’t be.

The permanent exhibition of the museum is displayed in the rooms of an ancient monastery and shows the history of tile heritage in Portugal from the 16th century till modern times. The church, the chapels of Saint Anthony and Queen Leonor, and the choir are parts of this exhibition as well.

A must-see for people interested in the history and design of ceramic tiles, this speciality museum houses a splendid collection of decorative tiles dating from the 15th century to the present.

Address: R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours:  Opens 10AM Closes 5PM

Phone: +351 21 810 0340

Portugal Portugal's Cities, Towns & Villages

Ericeira Street

Ericeira, perched on high cliffs some thirty meters above a string of sandy beaches, has benefited greatly from its location. A small fishing village whose name derives from sea urchins.

In his guidebook, published in 1910, Baedeker described Ericeira as ‘a fishing village with excellent sea-bathing. In spite of burgeoning development this description still pretty much holds true today. The town’s main beach, Praia do Sul, is often crowded and has less than perfect water quality due to its proximity to the Porto de Pesca (fishing port), but numerous others such as Foz de Lizandro, two kilometres south of the main town and protected by a river that guarantees safe swimming no matter what the condition of the sea, are both unspoilt and uncrowded. The best is probably at São Lourenco, a peaceful hamlet about five kilometres north of the town.

Lately, it is the beaches that have been grabbing all the attention as a burgeoning surf culture increasingly focuses on the quality of Ericeira’s many waves. Portugal’s most famous surfer, Tiago Pires, hails from Ericeira, where there are more than 30 spots that offer good surf. One of these, the renowned beach of Praia da Ribheira d’Ilhas, 3Km north of the town, is now a regular stop on the ASP world surfing tour. In spite of a growing abundance of surf schools, surf shops and local shapers Ericeira has until recently managed to avoid the somewhat hectic atmosphere of the equally famous Peniche.

Ericeira itself is still a laid-back place of cobbled streets, grilled sardines, narrow lanes and whitewashed houses, although with Lisbon less than an hour’s drive south (35Km). Ericeira’s surprisingly good nightlife is well-served by weekend visitors. The main square, Praca da Republica, is lined with pavement cafes and cake shops, while the Rua Dr Eduardo Burnay, which leads from the main square to Praia do Sul, is full of bars and excellent seafood restaurants.

The Seaside Town of Ericeira | Portugal Travel Guide

Capela de São Sebastião, Ericeira | Mafra

On the northern edge of town, the little mosque-like chapel of São Sebastião stands alone in front of the vast, sandy Atlantic coastline, this small chapel dedicated to St. Sebastian dates back to the 13th century. It was completely rebuilt in the 1700s

The town’s Misericordia church has interesting 17th and 18th-century paintings and gilded baroque woodwork, while the adjoining museum provides an insight into the town’s history with a large collection of model boats, a variety of fishing equipment and a fine collection of old paintings.

Ericeira

Central Portugal Explore The Centre Of Portugal Portugal Portugal's Cities, Towns & Villages

Vila de Rei celebra Dia do Concelho e 740 anos de Foral | Médio Tejo

Vila de Rei - Turismo Centro Portugal

 

The small town of Vila de Rei, which translates to “King’s Town,” is 30 kilometres north of Abrantes and is a charming place set in a wonderland of pinewoods, lakes, running streams, and waterfalls right in the centre of Portugal.

 
 
The Picoto da Melrica, a monument that depicts the geodesic centre of the Portuguese Mainland, demonstrates how central the city is to Portugal.
 
The town is situated precisely in the geographic centre of Portugal, which is indicated by a tower on Milriça Peak, a small municipality surrounded by dense forest.
 
The tower, which is one of the most fascinating sights in central Portugal, is 600 metres (2,000 feet) high and was constructed to mark mainland Portugal’s geodesic, which is the location with the shortest distance from all other locations in the nation.
 
A small Geodesy museum highlighting its geographic significance is also located on Milriça Peak, which additionally provides the most breathtaking panoramic views ov

Olhar Portugal-Centro Geodésico de Portugal, Vila de Rei - Descla

er a vast area. The Vila de Rei Council and the Portuguese Geographic Institute collaborated to create the museum, which includes a permanent exhibition, a small multimedia auditorium, and a café. It is situated precisely at the Portuguese Geodesic Center at the summit of Serra da Melriça.
 
It is worthwhile to admire the Miserichord Chapel and the parish church from the 18th century in the small town of Vila de Rei. Saint Michael Castro is a fortified and walled settlement that is thought to be of Celtic origin, dating from the Iron Age, and has been designated as a National Monument. It is located at the summit of the Ladeira mountains, at a height of about 493 metres (1,600 feet). A particularly stunning example of a shale village along the route that passes through Vila de Rei is Gua Formosa. Vila de Rei itself is well worth a visit to admire its lovely parish church from the 17th century, which is particularly notable for its exquisitely painted coffered ceiling.
 
The Penedo Furado is a natural wonder of Vila de Rei. It is a large, pierced boulder that has been changed to hold two belvederes on a rocky platform surrounded by woods and waterfalls.
 
The Knights Templar and the Order of Christ helped establish, protect, and develop Vila de Rei and its surroundings in the fourteenth century. King Manuel I later renewed the charter in 1513.
 
The neighbourhood of Castelo Branco, where Vila de Rei is located, is full of interesting historical and natural landmarks. The magnificent Castelo de Almourol, a fairy-tale fortress in the middle of the River Tagus, is one of Portugal’s most photographed castles, and visitors to the area can get up close to it. The historic city of Tomar, which is home to the Convent of Christ, is one of Portugal’s most significant landmarks, as are the towns of Abrantes, Constância, and others that are nearby.

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Vila de Rei

 

 

Explore Lisbon Portugal Portugal's Gastronomy

This is one of those places that you will remember for the rest of your life.

 

 

Hidden behind a big red door in the heart of Príncipe Real, Lisbon, Pavilhão Chinês is a bar unlike any other—a blend of museum, curiosity cabinet, and nostalgic sanctuary. There’s no neon sign luring you in and no fanfare besides the subtle rite of ringing the doorbell, making each visit feel exclusive and whimsical.

 

 

 

 

 

What to Expect Inside

  • Unique Atmosphere: The venue features five rooms, each overflowing with oddities. Think dark, polished wood and lavish crimson walls, illuminated by the glint of ceiling-hung model airplanes and spotlit glass cabinets overflowing with antique toy soldiers, comic figurines, retro porcelain, and historical memorabilia.

  • A Living Collection: This isn’t a kitschy themed bar—it’s a curated, living collection. Every shelf tells a story, inviting guests to wander, take photos, and lose themselves in a world of vintage discovery.

  • Relaxed Elegance: Despite its maximalist decor, the ambience is never pretentious. Overstuffed leather armchairs and a classic pool table in the back make it just as suited for a quiet drink as for a lively night with friends.

Service and Cocktails

  • Professional Staff: Expect red-vested, old-school staff—a significant part of the charm—who are both welcoming and attentive.

  • Serious Cocktails: The drinks menu favors timeless classics, all crafted with balanced flavors and traditional techniques. You won’t find flashy gimmicks or over-the-top concoctions, just perfectly executed cocktails.

Why Visit?

  • Experience one of Lisbon’s most unforgettable night spots.

  • Enjoy the freedom to explore five eclectic rooms.

  • Revel in a place where word of mouth keeps it thriving—a true local secret.

  • Immerse yourself in a vibrant blend of history, nostalgia, and relaxation, all tucked away behind an iconic red door.

Pavilhão Chinês offers a night out that feels like stepping into someone’s personal treasure trove, welcoming you not with advertisements but with stories waiting to be discovered.

Pavilhão Chinês
Rua Dom Pedro V, 89/91
Príncipe Real
Lisboa
 
Art & Culture

Livraria Lello, often referred to as Livraria Lello & Irmão (Lello & Brother), is not only renowned for its stunning architectural features but also for its rich history and cultural significance. Located in the heart of Porto’s historic centre, this iconic bookstore has become a must-visit destination for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts from around the world.

In 1906, Livraria Lello, a building designed by Xavier Esteves, opened its doors to the general public. Esteves combined elements of art nouveau and neo-Gothic styles to create a truly unique and captivating space. The bookstore’s Neo-Gothic interior complements the intricate art nouveau details on its facade, which include decorative motifs and ornate ironwork.

Instead of a bookstore, Livraria Lello greets visitors with a breathtaking sight resembling a cathedral. The interior is adorned with exquisite craftsmanship, including intricately carved wood panelling, soaring columns, and a magnificent stained glass ceiling that bathes the space in a kaleidoscope of colours when sunlight filters through.

One of the most striking features of Livraria Lello is its iconic curvaceous staircase, which winds its way up to the upper floors of the bookstore. Crafted from rich, dark wood and adorned with delicate carvings, the staircase is not only a functional element but also a work of art in its own right, evoking a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication.

Throughout the bookstore, visitors can admire the attention to detail in every aspect of its design, from the hand-painted figures over the windows by artist José Bielman, symbolising “science” and “art,” to the stained glass window bearing the monogram of “Lello and Brother” and their motto, Decus in Labore (“Honour in Work”). Plant motifs and geometric shapes further enhance the ambiance, creating a harmonious blend of beauty and functionality.

Over the decades, Livraria Lello has retained its status as a beloved cultural landmark in Porto, attracting not only book enthusiasts but also literary figures, artists, and tourists alike. It has served as a source of inspiration for writers such as J.K. Rowling, who reportedly drew inspiration from its enchanting ambiance while living in Porto and working on her Harry Potter series.

Today, Livraria Lello continues to thrive as both a bookstore and a symbol of Porto’s rich literary heritage, offering visitors an unforgettable experience that combines history, art, and literature in a truly magical setting.

Explore The North Of Portugal Hiking Off The Beaten Track Portugal's Attractions

In Portugal’s storied Minho region, a fascinating revelation appears in rare moments of drought: the haunting remains of Vilarinho da Furna rise from beneath the waters, exposing the silent skeletons of a lost community. Where a placid lake now ripples most of the year, ancient stone walls, doorways, and memories resurface in the shimmering sun, captivating all who witness this extraordinary scene.

The tale of Vilarinho da Furna is as compelling as its rare emergence. In 1967, ambitions for hydroelectric progress led the Portuguese Electricity Company to commence construction on a dam along the River Homem. The project promised power for the region, but at a mammoth cost—a small, tightly-knit village with roots tracing back some 2,000 years would be forever changed. Oral histories recall the Roman founding in the 1st century C.E., and for countless generations, life flourished in this valley. Yet, progress could not be stopped. Residents—around 300 souls—accepted compensation and said their final farewells, the last villager departing in 1971 as the waters inched ever closer.

Come 1972, Vilarinho da Furna surrendered to the rising tide, its ancient homes and cobbled paths swallowed entirely. Occasionally, when the dam’s water level recedes after a prolonged dry season, the spectral village returns. Its time-worn architecture—walls, windows, and doorframes—emerges briefly from the deep, an evocative reminder of centuries past.

The “Ghost Town” of Vilarinho da Furna, a Drowned Roman Village ~ Vintage Everyday

Today, the spirit of Vilarinho da Furna is kept alive in nearby São João do Campo, where a museum stands as a tribute to the submerged city. Commemorative efforts and oral storytelling ensure that its rich history endures. Recently, transparent-bottomed boat excursions have become a novel way for visitors to catch glimpses of the hidden village when conditions allow—though approaching the submerged ruins is risky and strongly discouraged due to fluctuating water levels and unpredictable hazards.

Should fortune guide you to the region during an exceptionally dry spell, you may witness this submerged marvel firsthand. Otherwise, local boat operators are available for safe lake tours, offering stories and context about life before the flood. Whether seen or simply imagined beneath the water, Vilarinho da Furna remains a poignant emblem of resilience, loss, and memory in Portugal’s dramatic Minho landscape.

How to get there

To visit the submerged village of Vilarinho da Furna, you will first need to head towards the Peneda-Gerês National Park in northern Portugal, specifically the civil parish of Campo do Gerês, within the municipality of Terras de Bouro, Braga district. Here’s how to get there:

By Car

  • From Braga (the nearest major city), drive about 48km northeast towards Campo do Gerês. This takes approximately 54 minutes and provides the most flexibility, allowing you to reach the area near the dam and the museum in São João do Campo.
  • In the summer months, you may be able to access closer to the ruins by car for a fee. At other times, access is typically on foot.

By Public Transport

  • From Braga, you can take a bus from the Centro Coordenador de Transportes de Braga to Campo do Gerês. The journey takes about 1 hour and 14 minutes, with the bus running several times a week. Expect a transfer to local routes in Terras de Bouro, then a local taxi or a hike to the site.
  • For those relying on public transport, the nearest bus stops to the area include Veiga de S. João and Campo do Gerês (Museu Etnográfico)—the latter a short walk from the starting point of local trails.

Points of Interest

  • The Ethnographic Museum of Vilarinho das Furnas in São João do Campo provides background and context to your visit. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and is easily accessible once you arrive in Campo do Gerês.

Tips

  • The submerged ruins are only visible during times of severe drought when water levels recede.
  • Local guides or boat tours are sometimes available, but it’s wise to check conditions in advance, as the area can be dangerous due to fluctuating water levels.

This journey is best suited for those with a car, but determined explorers can reach the vicinity via bus and short hikes. The village remains hidden under the waters except during rare dry spells, making any visit especially memorable if the ruins are visible.

Explore Lisbon Explore Lisbon Region Portugal's Historical Sites

The first Rhinoceros to set foot on European soil since Roman times did not last long. Surviving the 120-day sea voyage to Portugal, the rhino was a diplomatic gift from India. Arriving in 1515, the Indian rhinoceros was off-loaded near the construction site of the Tower of Belem in Lisbon.

Tragically, the rhino never made it to Rome, drowning instead in a shipwreck off the coast of Northern Italy.

Strangely, the short-lived rhino inspired a famous woodcut by the artist Albrecht Dürer, who never saw the animal in person. He based his illustration on secondhand descriptions and a sketch by an unknown artist. The resulting woodcut shows a magnificent beast in riveted armour. Real rhinos being in somewhat short order at the time, this fanciful interpretation of reality became known as “Dürer’s Rhinoceros” and went on to inspire dozens of paintings and sculptures across Europe.

Meanwhile, the beautiful Tower of Belem was being built as the third in a series of fortifications designed to protect the natural port of Lisbon. Constructed between 1514 and 1520 of local limestone, the tower is an example of the distinctive Portuguese “Manueline” style, named for King Manuel I. The style incorporates motifs inspired by the great Age of Discovery and the recent return of Vasco de Gama from explorations to the Far East. Design elements from Morocco, Venice, and India mingle with nautical symbols like a rope. The entrance to the tower is marked with carvings of armillary spheres representing Manuel’s support of exploration.

The turrets are decorated with carvings of exotic beasts. At the base of one of the turrets, stone carvers immortalized the rhinoceros they saw in 1515, now well worn, but notably lacking the armour of Dürer’s interpretation.

The 100-foot tall tower survived the disastrous earthquake of 1755 and has been restored many times. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 
 

 

Portugal's Museums Portugal's Parks & Gardens

The Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira was built in 1671 as a hunting pavilion to Dom João de Mascarenhas, 1st Marquis of Fronteira, who received his title from King Afonso VI of Portugal for his loyalty to the House of Braganza in the Portuguese Restoration War.

The palace is the private residence of the Marquesses of Fronteira

The palace is located in a very quiet area, near Monsanto Forest Park. The house and the garden have glazed tiles representing different themes such as battles or monkeys playing the trumpets.

The Room of the Battles has panels representing scenes of the Portuguese Restoration War. They depict the Battle of Montijo (1644), Battle of Arronches (1653), Siege of Badajoz (1658), Battle of the Lines of Elvas (1659), Battle of Ameixial (1663), Battle of Castelo Rodrigo (1664), Battle of Montes Claros (1665), and encounter at Chaves (1667).

The dining room is decorated with portraits representing some members of the Portuguese nobility, painted by artists such as Domingos António de Sequeira.

The chapel, dating from the end of the 16th century, is the oldest part of the palace. The façade is adorned with stones, shells, broken glass and porcelains. It seems that those pieces were used during the palace’s inauguration and were broken on purpose just not to be used again.

In spite of being the current residence of the Marquis of Fronteira some of the rooms, the library and the garden are open to public visits.

Type of Historical Garden: Baroque Garden, inaugurated in 1670.

Address:

Palácio Fronteira – Largo São Domingos de Benfica nº 1 – 1500-554 Lisboa Portugal

Phone:

(+351) 217 782 023 / (+351) 217 784 599

Web: fronteira-alorna.pt
E-mail: fundacao@fronteira-alorna.pt / fcfa-cultura@fronteira-alorna.pt

Region: Lisbon Metropolitan Area
Municipality : Lisbon
Town : São Domingos de Benfica, Lisbon
Place : Lisbon
Google Maps Coordinates:

38º44’25.33 N; 9º10’49.64 W
38.740554 -9.180420

Access from the provincial capital :

Direct. Lisbon bus Bus nr. 770 stops in front of the palace gate

 

 

 

Portugal Portugal's Beaches
12 Best Beaches near Lisbon | PlanetWare

The westernmost beaches of Europe are located near the continent’s sunniest capital. Lisbon’s abundance of sunshine, mild temperatures, and long stretches of sand make it one of Europe’s most blessed cities and a one-of-a-kind tourist destination, combining urban pleasures with seaside fun. With a varied and beautiful coastline, it is the European capital closest to sandy beaches, facing the Atlantic. The majority of it carries the Blue Flag, which indicates cleanliness and water quality, and it is also a popular surfing destination in Europe. There is always a spot for you whether you head west to the resort towns of Cascais and Estoril or south to the Caparica coast.

– Easiest to Reach by Public Transportation:
Praia da Conceição, Praia da Rainha, Praia do Tamariz, Carcavelos

– Most Beautiful Beaches:
Praia da Ursa, Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, Praia dos Galapinhos, Praia do Creiro, Praia da Adraga, Praia do Guincho, Praia de Santa Marta, Praia da Rainha

– Closest to the Center of Lisbon:
Carcavelos, Praia de Santo Amaro, Praia de Caxias

Visit Praia de Caxias | Beach activities, Dolores park, Beach
Praia de Caxias

– Best Beach for Sports:
Carcavelos

– Best Beaches for Surfing:
Carcavelos, Costa da Caparica, Praia do Guincho, Praia da Cresmina, Praia Grande, Praia do Magoito

– Largest Beaches:
Costa da Caparica, Carcavelos, Troia
Lovely beach just 30 minutes from Lisbon - Traveller Reviews - Praia de Carcavelos - Tripadvisor
Carcavelos
  • Troia
  • Costa da Caparica

– Best Beaches for Families:
Praia da Rainha, Praia das Moitas, Praia de Santo Amaro, Praia das Maçãs, Praia da Figueirinha, Praia do Creiro

– Romantic Beaches:
Praia da Ursa, Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, Praia do Creiro, Praia da Rainha, Praia de Santa Marta

– Gay Beach: Praia 19

Chat – Praia 19 – Praia de Nudismo Gay

– Nude Beaches: Meco, Rio da Prata, Fonte da Telha, Praia 19, Praia da Ursa, Praia da Aguda

Beach-going in Lisbon | www.visitportugal.com
Meco
Praia da Fonte da Telha | Atracções | Grande Lisboa, Lisboa
Fonte da Telh
PEDRO LARANJEIRA - Roteiro de Praias
Rio da Prata
30 reasons why you will definitely fall in love with Cascais
Cascais

– Best resort town: Cascais

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