This Country is Officially Home to the Best Coastal Towns
Portugal’s coastal towns have officially been recognized for their ability to protect the local culture, heritage, and long-standing traditions. ITB Berlin, the world-renowned travel trade show, recognized Portugal’s west coast in terms of “Best Cities, Communities, and Culture” earlier this month and we at Culture Trip agree with their choice. Here is a breakdown of Portugal’s more lovely coastal towns, incorporating a couple located on the islands.
1. Cascais
Building, Architectural Landmark
2. Nazaré
Natural Feature
One of Nazarés biggest claims to fame is its reputation for huge waves, attracting the most adventurous big wave surfers like the legendary Garret McNamara, Guinness World Record holder for the largest wave surfed (in Nazaré). This isn’t the only reason to visit though. Nazaré is and has been one of the country’s most important fishing villages. Colorful boats decorate the coast and fishermen can still be seen cleaning the day’s fresh catch. While visiting, keep an eye out for women walking through the streets in traditional outfits characterized by several layers of skirts, once meant to keep them warm while they waited on the beach for their fishermen to return from sea.
3. Óbidos
Historical Landmark
5. Torres Vedras
Building, Ruins
Noted for the surrounding green farmland and vineyards, and filled with historic landmarks, it’s fair to say that there isn’t a bad time to visit Torres Vedras. Those who have seen the town come alive with parties and parades in February, however, would argue that the best time is at Carnival (known as Carnaval in Portugal). Torres Vedras has been celebrating Carnaval since the 19th century but the organization of official events began in 1912.
6. Peniche
Memorial, Ruins
7. Ponta Delgada
Botanical Garden, Church, Natural Feature
8. Angra do Heroísmo
Church, Museum
9. Santana
Building
Plenty of travelers know to visit Madeira Island’s capital city Funchal, but have they heard of Santana? Just opposite the capital, facing towards the north, is this lovely town of under 8,000 people where you can find the island’s striking traditional houses called Casas Típicas de Santana. Shaped like triangles, these houses are built with stone and covered with thatched roofs. And do you like to dance? Santana is where you will find one of the island’s most popular folklore festivals, held annually in July.
10. Viana do Castelo
Building, Church
11. Lagos
Building, Natural Feature
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.
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