The Most Beautiful Historic Cities and Towns in Portugal
One of the oldest countries in Europe, Portugal (which became a kingdom in the mid-12th century) doesn’t suffer from a lack of beautiful historic towns. Do you want to see the best historic destinations in Portugal? Keep reading for a few ideas.
1. Tomar, Portugal
Cathedral, Church, Ruins, Synagogue
If you have a penchant for following the history of the Knights Templar, make a trip to Tomar, a town that was once a sort of headquarters for this mysterious Catholic group. Visit the 12th-century Convento de Cristo (Convent of Christ), a medieval fortress and church where the local branch of the Templars met for religious mass and gatherings. Tomar is also the location of one of the best-preserved synagogues in Portugal in addition to many other Catholic churches dating between the 12th and 15th centuries, the 17th-century Pegões aqueduct, and the stunning park and gardens called National Forest of Seven Hills (a perfect spot for a stroll).
2. Coimbra
University, Library
3. Angra do Heroísmo
Church, Museum
5. Guimarães
Church, Museum, Natural Feature, Historical Landmark
6. Sintra, Portugal
Botanical Garden, Building, Ruins, Natural Feature
Anyone who has heard of Sintra knows that it’s a lovely town filled with amazing buildings such as the romantic, 19th-century Pena Palace. What they may not know is that it was once where many Portuguese royal family members and aristocrats lived or vacationed, attracted by the forested landscape and mild climate (hence the abundance of fascinating architecture and gardens). Most of the attractions are house-museums inside romantic and eclectic mansions, chalets and palaces. Of course, there is also the medieval fortress, the Castelo dos Mouros, built in the 10th century by the Moors.
7. Chaves, Portugal
Building, Church, Ruins
In the first century, Roman settlers lived in what is now Chaves, a town close to the border with Spain in the Tras-os-Montes region. Left behind is a well-preserved Roman bridge, connecting the two sides of town across the Tâmega River and which is still used. Early settlers are believed to have been attracted to Chaves for the local springs, which provide hot, natural mineral water. Today, it is a town oozing in tradition and local culture – landmarks include the medieval town square and castle and a 14th-century fortification that has been converted into a hotel.
8. Braga
Building, Church, Monastery, Ruins, Natural Feature
9. Cascais
Building, Architectural Landmark
10. Ponte de Lima, Portugal
Bridge, Building
Ponte de Lima, named after the bridge that crosses the Lima River, is a charming village in the Minho region of Portugal, located north of Porto in northwest Portugal. Downtown is decorated with eye-catching manor homes, ancient yet well-preserved buildings, and stunning gardens. The oldest settlement in Portugal, it is also a town steeped in superstition. The Romans believed the river would cause amnesia in anyone who touched it, leading to the bridge that still stands today. Ponte de Lima is also in the centre of the Vinho Verde wine region, and visiting the local vineyards is a popular activity for visitors.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.