I am here today to share the best things you can do in Portugal, this little rectangle in the southwestern corner of Europe.
I’m a local, so they have the scoop, not just general visiting tips.
This article will be a bit of a love letter to an extraordinary place that was once a huge empire that ruled the world.
It’s easy to think of Portugal as a coastal country stretching from Lisbon and Porto in the north to the stunning beaches of the Algarve in the south.
Visit Gerês, Portugal’s Only National Park
“This piece of land, the large, calm lake, smooth as a polished mirror, the high hills with the huge body of water give the traveler a feeling of peace that he had not experienced before.”- Nobel Laureate José Saramago, describing Gerês.
This highland remains untouched in the highlands that mark the border between Portugal and Galicia.
Its distinctive fauna and flora thrive here, and the wolves and bears that roamed the earth centuries ago are slowly returning.
Gerês has something to offer for everyone: for pure relaxation, stay in one of the many thermal villages.
Adrenaline junkies can kayak down rivers, ride a bike, climb mountains or do bungee jumping.
Discover winter traditions from Podence to Penamacor
Portugal’s winter traditions may surprise you, as the country is best known for its hot summers.
But the unique and charming old winter traditions continue to live throughout the country.
If you are going to travel nearby in winter, then you should not miss these out-of-season delicacies.
One of my favorites is the carnival in Podence in the northeastern corner of Portugal.
Every year, local boys dress up in colorful handmade costumes and intimidating masks — the caretos — and take to the streets to simulate courtship celebrations for local women.
For Christmas, head to Penamacor, where teams of young men cut tree trunks and transport them through the forests.
A journey through time in the historic Minho
UNESCO, the United Nations Agency for Peace and Security, designates important historical sites around the world.
The city of Braga is one of these sites, which was founded in 16 BC and is home to the oldest archdiocese in Portugal.
Roman ruins have been preserved, evidence of a bygone era.
Next comes Guimarães, another World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved in Portugal.
And in a nearby town, you can find memorabilia with the tap of Barcelos everywhere to honor the city’s past as a pilgrim outpost.
But my favorite places in the Minho region are two small towns: Ponte de Lima and Ponte da Barca, both of which are famous for their beautiful bridges over the de Lima River.
These are places where the atmosphere is full of history and the spirit of nature.c
