The best guides to the towns and villages of the historic Central Portugal.
Central Portugal is one of the country’s most rewarding regions to explore, but also one of the easiest to overlook. Many travellers pass through on the journey between Lisbon and Porto, stopping briefly in Coimbra or Óbidos before continuing north or south. Slow down, however, and you’ll discover a region of remarkable variety: Atlantic beaches …
Monsanto is unlike almost anywhere else in Portugal. Built into the steep slopes of a granite mountain, the village appears to have grown around and sometimes underneath enormous stone boulders. You’ll find houses and even restaurants squeezed into the spaces between them. Above the village lies the ruins of a medieval castle which offers sweeping …
One of the most beautiful castles I’ve ever seen in Portugal is the Castle of Almourol. Surprisingly, you might not have heard of it! This grand castle sits in the middle of a river on a rocky outcrop. Despite being an important place to build a castle and fortify the area in the 12th century, …
Visiting Óbidos is one of the top day trips from Lisbon – a historic village completely circled by walls. If you’re planning on visiting in Óbidos in December, you might be surprised to find snow here! Well once you get up close, you’ll find out its not quite real snow, but it looks convincing! Every …