Serving as an anchorage for caravels and galleons in the 17th and 18th centuries, Port of Horta is the capital of the Faial island of Azores, Portugal. Today, it is a marina for yachts and is famous for its gorgeous fertile countryside. In the months of June and July, beautiful pink and mauve hortenses drape the countryside, providing for a fascinating sight.
One of the interesting places to visit while on vacation in Horta is the Horta Museum which houses nautical memorabilia, model ships and handicrafts by well known artists. The Scrimshaw Museum is another interesting place where you can see artifacts that are a testimony to the island’s tradition of whaling in the 19th and 20th century. As of 1984, whaling has been banned in Horta.
Among the prominent historical buildings are the 16th century Sao Salvador Church and the 17th century Jesuits College. Whale spotting is something you cannot afford to miss on this island. Pilot whales, different dolphin species and marine turtles can be seen in the summer months. You can arrange for a guided tour and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A trip to the volcanic mountains at Miradouro da Espalamaca and Monte da Guia is highly recommended. A visit to the active Capelinhos volcano is also something you should not miss.
(Image courtesy AiresAlmeida)
Located to the south of Algarve, Portugal, Castro Marim is a quaint town that lies between two low lying hills. From here, you get a great view of the River Guadiana estuary, which is the dividing border between Algarve and Spain’s autonomous province of Andalusia.
The town is best known for its two fortresses, one of which is located on a hill. Tourists generally like to enter the fortress from the front gate and then take a leisurely walk about the battlements to discover that there is one castle constructed within another. The inner castle is built in the shape of a square with cylindrical towers at the four corners. It served as the headquarters of the Military Order of Christ, successors to the Knights Templar of Portugal in the 15th century. The second fort called Sao Sebastiao was built in the 17th century as a protection mechanism after Portugal gained independence following sixty years under Spanish rule.
The area around Castro Marim is a protected natural reserve. You will find black winged stilts and many other species of water birds in the surrounding marshes. Flamingo groups and other varied bird species can also be seen during specific seasons. Carry your camera with you to take some neat photographs of the different bird species.
(Image courtesy Dubas)
Sao Miguel, the most populous island of the Azores, is a favorite tourist destination thanks to the unforgettable scenic beauty of its lakes, wide sandy beaches, imposing mountains and fascinating plains.
You will be astonished to find the coexistence of modern amenities like dazzling restaurant-cum-bars, night clubs, sea-front cafes and well-preserved historical heritage represented by old architecture and cobbled streets.
Our Lady of Peace Chapel was constructed on a mount from where you can have a stunning view of the islet. Situated 1 km from the coast line, the islet has a sanctuary which is protected as a Natural Reserve.
Terra Nostra is a beautiful park which was made in the 18th century. You will spend a pleasant time strolling through the bushes of flowers and old trees, walking by lakes and streams in the park.
If you can take the strain of nearly two hours walk up the mountainous road, you can visit Pico da Vara located at an altitude of 1105 meters. Along the way, you will enjoy the beauty of primitive natural scenery.
You can indulge in a lot of holiday activities in Sao Miguel. The most interesting of the activities are swimming with dolphins, diving, fishing, whale watching and jeep safaris.
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Located in Alrgarve, Portugal, Silves is a quaint town and an important agriculture center. With a beautiful hilly landscape and surrounding citrus groves, Silves is frequented by tourist on vacation in Portugal. Like every town has its history, so does Silves, albeit a sinister one as certain parts of the town used to be fortified areas during medieval times. This historical aspect is also a reason that draws tourists, especially those interested in history and civilization, to this town.
The red sandstone castle and the adjacent white cathedral are the two most important building in Silves- testimony to the occupation by ancient Romans and Moors, who were responsible for the town’s fortification as a protection from invaders. The credit for transforming the ancient city into a prosperous commercial zone goes to the Moors. Tourists visit the castle and the cathedral, which has been restored quite a few times. The cathedral houses the tombs of crusaders who met with their death fighting in the ancient city.
Present day Silves is a busting town center with walkaways, exhibits and modern amenities. You can still walk down the narrow streets or just explore the town on your own for an enjoyable experience.
(Image courtesy Hinnerk)
Praia da Marinha is a popular beach on the Atlantic coast, in Lagoa, Portugal. The enchanting beach is endowed with rare natural beauty which has earned it the title “Golden Beach” from the government.
As you enter the beach from the adjacent town Portimao, you will be enthralled at the uniqueness of the beach that lies not only in its sand, but also in extremely beautiful cliff formations and the immaculate quality of water. You get a divine feeling when you rest in a beach cove below limestone cliffs and serene water. It is a bit difficult to access, one reason why you will not find much tourist traffic here.
The water is ideal for snorkeling and paddle boating. You can glide through the water in a carefree way or go on boat trip to caves around the beach. On the way, you can see shrimps, starfish and sea anemones. If you are fond of photography, you can take exquisite snaps of the highly photogenic Praia da Marinha.
Top of the cliff provides a spacious picnic area where you can arrange a picnic with your family or friends. Alternatively, you can have lunch at a simple wooden bar-cum-restaurant.
(Image courtesy MiguelVieira)
Porto is the second largest city and the capital of the Portugal. Porto also known as Oporto is a calm uncrowded city. It is a mountainous region with rivers, natural parks, hills and natural vegetation. It is a hustling and passionate city because of the shipping and trading. It is also called as the heritage city due to the cultural evidences it gives through its structures.
The port wine is the major attraction of the city that is located on the east west trending duoro river. You will find the architecture in the city to be fascnitating as it includes Roman, Gothic, Neoclassic, Baroque and renaissance structures.
Summer is pleasant and experiences a moderate climate and you may also witness little rainfall in the northern area.
Few more attractions of the city are the 12th century cathedral or se, Igreja da Sao Francisco, Ponte de D. Luis and the Riberia Do Port. Ponte Luis is the iron bridge of the city built by the disciple of the famous Effil
Riberia Do Port is a group of buildings with smoky bars, seafood restaurants along the seashore. Igreja daSao Francisco is a Gothic church with amazing museum and catacombs. Apart from all this you have the golf clubs and landscapes that add to the overall fun.
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Cabo da Roca is a famous cape located in the district of Lisbon, Portugal. Rising 140 meters above the sea level, it is the westernmost point of Portugal and mainland Europe. The unique location of the cape once earned the name “Rock of Lisbon”.
Cabo da Roca is known for its varied plant life. Creeping plant species like Carpobrotus edulis grow densely all over Cabo da Roca. For the past several decades, the local residents have used it to cover the ground of the cape.
The biggest attraction of Cabo da Roca is its lighthouse. The white tower is 22 meters high and at night, the light of its red-colored lantern is visible from as far away as 25 nautical miles. Its construction was completed in 1772 and was renovated in 1843.
Every year, a large number of tourists visit the cape. You will also see a spectacular crucifix monument on the cape. A plaque bearing engravings in Portuguese was subsequently added to the monument.
You will find the surroundings of the cape including the vast expanse of the Atlantic and the coastlines fascinating. Especially enchanting is the coastline above and below Cabo da Roca which will make you feel like coming to the place once again.
(Image courtesy Honza Soukup)
Located in the city of Guimaraes, Castelo de Guimaraes played a crucial role of bringing about the independence of Portugal. After the freedom was achieved, the castle also served as the official royal residence. Subsequently, the castle was officially declared a national monument.
Originally the Guimaraes castle was constructed to protect the people and the monastery from the Norman and Moorish invaders. At different points of time, the defensive capacity of the castle was further enhanced.
Guimaraes castle occupies a special place in the history of Portugal because it is where D. Afonso Henriques was born and brought up. Subsequently, he planned and prepared for the war of independence of Portugal in the 12th century. It is rightly called the “Cradle of the nation”. Portugal’s war of independence continued for several years when the castle played a pivotal role.
With the introduction of artillery in modern warfare, the Guimaraes castle with its ancient defense system became obsolete. The Portugal royal government abandoned the castle for as long as a few centuries. Alternative use of the castle was made by converting it into a prison and a quarry. Extensive restoration of the castle was undertaken in the ‘30s to make the castle the symbol of national pride.
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Evora in Portugal is an ideal place for those who are interested in the rich architectural heritage of Portugal. It is known for its well-preserved monuments that trace back to several centuries. For instance, the Temple of Diana, is one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Portugal. Placed on a 10-ft. high platform, the temple still has 18 original spectacular granite columns.
You can visit Praca do Giraldo, the main square of the town. Originally an execution ground, the square now has many shops and cafes. At one end of the square, you will find a fountain that was built in 1571.
Another important building worth a visit is the Cathedral where you will find a beautiful fusion of Romanesque and Gothic style. The 14th century Apostles is sculpted on the portal of the cathedral. Sacred Art Museum is known for its spectacular 13th century ivory Virgin. The unique feature of the ivory Mary is that it opens out and the nine episodes of her life become visible to the visitors.
You must visit the Church of Sao Francisco which has a Manueline Gothic structure. A Portuguese navigator is believed to have been buried in the church. Moreover, bones and skulls of around 5000 people are displayed on the walls and columns of the church.
(Image courtesy PhillipC)
Alentejo is province to the south of the Tagus River (Rio Tejo), at a distance of about 130 kilometers from Lisbon, Portugal. The region’s capital is the city of Evora, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Alentejo is famous for its red wine and consist of many vineyards and wine estates.
It is a city that has been around since Roman times when it was known as Liberatus Julia. Some remnants of the walls and chambers from this period still remain. It passed under Visigoth rule at the end of the Roman Empire, and in 715, was conquered by the Moors.
Evora and the Alentejo region were wrested from the Moors in 1166, after which it flourished as one of the most dynamic in the Portuguese kingdom. The city is known for its University, where great European Masters such as Clenardo and Molina taught. The University was run by the Jesuits, who were later expelled in the 18th century and Evora declined.
The Alentejo region is covered by vast fields of golden wheat, and peppered with oak and olive trees that have withstood the ravages of time. Occasional fortresses can be found on elevations in the region, and carry traces of Roman, Gothic and Moorish influences over the region. The region’s coastline is also worth exploring, with its high sheer cliffs and tiny hidden beaches.
(Image courtesy Fr Antunes)
