5 Small Towns that Will Impress You More than the Capital. Travel Blog
Top Banner Background

Portugal Travel Blog

5 Small Towns that Will Impress You More than the Capital

5 Small Towns that Will Impress You More than the Capital

February 08, 2018

Explore the Portuguese small towns and discover the wonders of this Atlantic country!

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Portugal or near the majestic Atlantic coast, Portugal has several lands that are perfect for relaxing holidays. Once you start traveling, you will realize that Lisbon is only the beginning of a new adventure through this country. These are 5 small and mid-size prettiest towns in Portugal that you will, certainly, want to discover this year!

Tavira

If you’re about to visit Portugal and leaving the travel clichés behind your back, Tavira is your city. Located in the South and almost sunny all year, Tavira is the best place if you want a calm and chin-dropping trip. First of all, Tavira is one of the most beautiful Portuguese historic cities. The city has a lot of gothic and renaissance churches and a beautiful castle ruins in the top of the city. Around the city you can find calm gardens to rest or even to learn something as in the castle gardens. It has also museums and typical shops with city goods. If you pick a Summer trip you could find more tourists, but the beautiful beaches will reward you.

Guimarães

If you’re heading North, Guimarães - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - is a place to visit. The city is known for being the birthplace (or the cradle city) of Portugal since it was home of the first Portuguese king. In Guimarães you’re able to visit one of the best-preserved castles in the country, the Castle of Guimarães. But the wonders have just begun! A quick walk in the streets will transport you to medieval times! If you’re looking for a trip to the past, you’ve found the place! Once in Guimarães you can visit Porto and Braga, which are not far away, and they’re also full of wonders.

And if you want a suggestion from our experts, you can book a Private Tour through Braga and Guimarães. With a friendly and knowledgeable official driver guide, you can explore these incredible two cities and discover the beautiful Minho Region, the land of huge mountains, bucolic villages, pure Nature, the filigree jewellery and the young bubbly “Green Wine”.

Aveiro

Aveiro is known as “The Portuguese Venice”.  Full of canals where the typical boats – moliceiros – slide in the waters, we assure you that Aveiro is a place of your dreams. If you’re a fan of art, the art nouveau buildings will amaze you; it’s the new “In” route in Portugal. Speaking of amazement, you have to try the characteristic sweet dessert: ovos moles!

Coimbra

Know for having one of the oldest universities in Europe and for being the inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Hogwarts. When in Coimbra you’ve to visit the university, especially the Joanine Library, and the tower where you can watch the city from above! Strolling around the city is also great because you’ll find it a journey to medieval times. It’s a must-see!

And if you want to experience the best of these two last places, you can join our Group Tour. With people from different nationalities and an expert official Driver Guide, you will travel through the fantastic History and Culture of these towns.

Vila Real de Santo António

The last city in the South before Spain. This small city has a lot of beautiful sites to explore. For example, the ecoregions which have a natural reserve. A refuge for many species and a beautiful landscape.  Besides the ecoregions, you can visit the fortress of Cacela Velha in which you’ve a stunning view of the Guadiana River and Spain. Vila Real de Santo António is the perfect place for a relaxed trip to Portugal.