Portugal, which is best recognized for its restored medieval cities and untamed coastline, has had a cultural renaissance during the last several decades. Suddenly, a country that was previously entrenched in hundreds of years of history has become fashionable again!
Portugal is a bargain when compared to other Western European nations. Many museums are free on Sundays, and going outside of the summer high season will save you money on accommodation prices. Consider staying in a pensao or residencia, which can range from extra rooms in a family’s house to a tiny lodge with communal toilets if you’re on a tight budget. Instead of eating at a restaurant near a big tourist destination, pack a picnic lunch from a grocery store.
Observe Megaliths in the Darkness of the Night
In the Alentejo area, the sky above Lake Alqueva is an astronomer’s dream for about 290 nights out of the year. The heavens are clear, black, and there is minimal light pollution to impede stargazing. UNESCO designated the region as the world’s first “Starlight Tourism Destination” in recognition of this achievement.
The region offers astronomy workshops, as well as the opportunity to borrow telescopes and binoculars to see the night sky on their own time. At least ten hotels in the surrounding towns of Monsaraz, Telheiro, Portel, and Mourao — all of which may be found on the official website DarkSkyAlqueva.com – provide stargazing opportunities. Avoid missing the astronomical significance of the massive stone structures around the lake, which were constructed by ancient peoples who were similarly fascinated by the night sky.
Sintra is a great place to go palace hopping.
When you visit the mountain village of Sintra, which is located outside of Lisbon, you will understand why the royal family picked it as their preferred hideaway. The surroundings are green and airy, and there are expansive views of the surrounding countryside.
In addition to the ruins of the Castle of the Moors, there are many palaces scattered over the terrain. The colourful and pastel-painted Pena National Palace, which served as the kings’ summer retreat throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, should be your first destination. The Queluz National Palace was the hideaway of a playboy duke who had married his niece, and it served as his residence. The design of the Monserrate Palace is inspired by the Moghul Empire, whilst the Quinta da Regaleira is reminiscent of a Disney fairy tale
Go Shark Diving and see a Blue Shark
The Azores are a group of nine islands located a few hours off the coast of mainland Europe. The sea here is bathed in warm Gulf Stream currents, which attract a diversity of marine life to feed in its nutrient-rich waters, including many shark species.
The islands are one of just a few spots on the planet where you may dive with blue sharks. Cages are unnecessary since blue sharks are only interested in tiny food such as fish and squid, not people.
Take a Walking Tour of Dinosaurs
The location was a favourite hangout for Upper Jurassic dinos 150 million years ago, long before surfers and beachgoers came onto the beautiful coastline of the town of Lourinha. In fact, in 1993, one of the biggest nests of dinosaur eggs ever discovered was unearthed here, some of which had petrified embryos.
The town has embraced its dinosaur-filled history to the point that virtually every shop’s name starts with the word “dino.” There is a dinosaur museum in town, as well as a 6.2-mile walking path that includes brontosaurus tracks in a quarry and excavation sites where archaeologists found major findings. (Be on the lookout for fossils.) A petrified leg bone is even on exhibit at the neighbourhood bakery! It takes one hour to drive from Lisbon to Lourinha.
Swim in Lava Pools
Madeira is not your average beach vacation destination. Sea-carved lava rocks border the water’s edge. The volcanic sand is black rather than beige in colour. There are numerous similar beaches, notably Laje Beach in Seixal and Ribeira da Janela Beach in Ribeira da Janela.
Porto Moniz, on the other hand, is well-known for its natural ponds, which have been sculpted by the waves. There is a little cost to use them, and they may get crowded during the summer months, but they are enjoyable and peaceful ways to experience the ocean without the sound of breaking waves. Two types of pools exist: the western group is more “artificial,” with a plethora of amenities such as restaurants and stores, while the eastern group is less “artificial.” From the dock, you may stroll to the pools along a promenade that is simple to navigate.
