Exploring Portugal: Beyond Lisbon and Porto

Six captivating towns and villages await, from historic Braga to enchanting Sintra

While Lisbon and Porto are popular landing spots and points of discovery for most international visitors, there is a bounty of beautiful and intriguing cities, towns, and villages to visit if you want to deviate from the expected path. Take the train, a bus, or rent a car and hit the road. From north to south, here are a half dozen destinations worthy of your time and exploratory effort.

Braga

Sixty kilometres north of Porto, Braga—or, Bracara Augusta as it was called during the Roman Empire—is the oldest city in Portugal. Home to the oldest Portuguese archdiocese (dating back to the 3rd century), the Braga Cathedral (consecrated in 1089), and numerous churches, chapels and sanctuaries, Braga is often referred to as the “religious capital” of Portugal. The Cathedral and its treasure museum are located in the historic town centre. To get there, you will likely pass through the Arco de Porta Nova, one of the medieval gateways in the defensive wall that was initially built in the 1300s and reconstructed in the 18th century. Just outside of Braga is the Bom Jesus du Monte, a Baroque-style pilgrimage site complete with cathedral, chapels, grottos and gardens. You can drive part way up, or park at the base and take the 17 flights of stairs—imposing, yes, but relatively manageable because of the zig-zag design. The views from the top are stunning. 

Aveiro

Located on the banks of a lagoon just inland from the Atlantic Ocean, Aveiro was once an important shipping seaport and a major salt producer. Now, salt production happens on a much smaller scale and traditional boats called moliceiros are captained by knowledgeable guides who transport tourists (instead of commercial goods) on educational cruises through the canal system. The boats resemble Italian gondolas, earning Aveiro its “Venice of Portugal” nickname. Many buildings in the old town area feature Romanesque and Art Nouveau architecture and offer substantial shopping and dining opportunities. Look for traditional dishes like caldeirada de peixe (fish stew) and arroz de marisco (seafood rice), and sparkling wines from the Bairrada region. Locally harvested salt in decorative containers make great souvenirs for those who appreciate interesting food finds, as do ovos moles, an Aveirense treat of sweet egg-yolk paste in rice paper pockets shaped like seashells. Stroll the narrow streets behind the shops to admire the colourful houses covered in trailing flowers and tilework of various designs. Much of Aveiro’s terrain is flat, meaning easy walking—a welcome reprieve from what you encounter in Porto and Lisbon.  

Nazaré

With its expansive beaches and quaint neighbourhoods of white-washed buildings, Nazaré appeals to many visitors as a summer destination. Spending an afternoon learning about the history, customs and culture of the people is a wonderful way to appreciate this seaside town steeped in ancient traditions. Come winter, though, the coastline turns into a whipped frenzy of waves that reach 90-feet in height, drawing world-class surfers and spectators from around the globe. Nazaré comprises three areas, Praia (the beach), Sitio (the old town at the top of the cliff), and Pederneira (a village in the hills). Take the funicular from Praia to Sitia where you can visit the historic Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, home now to a museum and interpretive centre. During surf season, this is the spot to catch sight of the big waves on the north beach.

Obidos

An hour’s drive north of the Lisbon airport will have you at the gates of Obidos, a medieval town situated within the walls of a castle. The main street is lined with shops and restaurants, where many attendants and serving staff dress like extras in an historical drama. If you’ve been to Porto or Lisbon, you’ll know that the Portuguese love their literature, and it’s obvious even here, amidst the turrets and cobblestone paths, with several shops, markets and even former churches like the Grande Livraria de Santiago devoting space to books and stationery supplies. Grab a deep-fried salt cod fritter and a glass of wine or ginjinha (a sour cherry liqueur that originated in Obidos); catch up on your reading or let the beauty of this fairytale setting inspire you to write. The hilly landscape around Obidos is planted with fruit trees that offer a heady aroma of lemon and stonefruit to further soothe the harried traveller. There are worse ways to spend a day.

Cascais

This picturesque town in the Portuguese Riviera is full of palm trees, tiny shops, restaurants, museums and sandy beaches. The 40-kilometre trip from Lisbon can be easily done by car or train, and if you take the latter, arriving by rail puts you one minute away from souvenir shops, bars and attractions in the main plaza. Find the promenade and head up to the Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luiz de Cascais, an ancient fort that now houses an artisans’ market. Luxury boutiques can be found near the marina, and walking the seawall past the 19th century villas will provide endless photo ops. Set aside time for food and refreshments in any of the quaint restaurants; if you’re looking for a seafood feast, this former fishing village is a good place to indulge. Meandering through the cobblestone streets after dinner will take you to lookout points where you can catch glorious views of the setting sun.

Sintra

Tucked away in the Sintra Mountains, this village once served as a summer retreat for Portuguese nobility wanting to escape the heat of Cascais and other southern hotspots. In 1995, Sintra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site that now sees thousands of visitors appreciate its gardens, parks, castles, and palaces. The Palacio de Pena, with its whimsical architecture and bright yellow and orange exterior, is far and above the most popular attraction. The palace contains furniture, art and the accoutrements of daily life as it was in 1910 until its inhabitants fled to Brazil when the monarchy was overthrown. A café at the palace offers regional fare and refreshments, but in the historic centre of Sintra, you’ll find several restaurants worthy of your patronage. Private vehicles are allowed only to a certain point within the town limits, and many roads are accessible to residents only, so it’s best to purchase tickets beforehand and arrive by bus. If you do drive, find a parking lot near the town centre and hire a tuk tuk to take you up to the entry point.