Portugal is a country rich in fairs and festivals that honour its people’s centuries-old traditions and culture. It has a low crime rate, excellent service, and a mild, warm climate. With its clean beaches and sea coast, ancient cities and medieval fortresses, resorts, and incredible cuisine, Portugal attracts visitors of all ages from all over the world. What should a student look for when they visit Portugal, a warm and welcoming country?
Summer is a much-anticipated time for students. Many of them travel to other countries to recharge their batteries before the start of a new semester.
The Best Destinations To Visit In Portugal
Because of its location on Europe’s westernmost cape, washed by the ocean, Portugal can make you feel as far away from home as you have ever felt.
This amazing country gives travellers new impressions and provides students with motivation for the entire academic year. New experiences gained from visiting a new country, aided by the best online paper writers’ services, allow them to achieve new levels of performance.
Nazaré
Nazare is a small seaside town surrounded by some of the best beaches in Portugal. In the summer, long and wide sandy stretches are packed with beachgoers. This location is especially popular among surfers due to the biggest waves in the world that can reach heights of more than 70 feet.
If you have not learned to surf yet, do not worry because this location has surf schools where you can take lessons from private instructors. Nazaré boasts not only beautiful bays but also a plethora of attractions that you should visit:
- Forte de Sao Miguel;
- Nazare Funicular;
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazare;
- Norpark.
Porto
Do you want to experience the true Portuguese atmosphere, try local cuisine, visit the famous port, and get lost in the maze of narrow streets? Visit Ribeira, one of Porto’s most beautiful and lively neighbourhoods. It enchants visitors with its bright houses that are tightly packed together and descend from a high hill directly to the river’s embankment.
These small buildings make a memorable impression on visitors with their diverse colour palette and traditional ceramic Azulejos tiles painted in blue and white tones. In Ribeira, one can find entertainment both during the day and at night: eat at one of the local cafes or take a cruise on one of the yachts.
Lagos, Algarve
The beaches in the Portuguese Algarve region are among the best in Europe. Lagos is a popular destination for tourists and young people who enjoy loud parties. The beaches of the Algarve resemble the Mediterranean Sea.
However, because it is the Atlantic, there are opportunities for good surfing and water sports here. The entire coastline is covered with soft sand. It provides breathtaking views. Visit these places while you are in the area:
- Praia da Marinha. It is one of the most scenic places for taking pictures in the Algarve;
- Praia de Dona Ana. It is another popular beach surrounded by colourful rocks, sparkling sand, and blue waters. It is within walking distance of Lagos, which is quite comfortable for people who travel without private vehicles;
- Praia de Odeceixe. It is one of the safest places for swimming.
Lisboa
If you are planning a trip to Portugal, you cannot miss visiting the country’s capital, Lissabon. The Belem Tower (also known as The Tower of Saint Vincent) is a prominent landmark in the city.
This genuine landmark stands near the river that flows into the sea. Its architecture combines the Manuelino style, typical of Portugal, with elements of Gothic and Moorish style.
The building was built in the 16th century to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India. Torre de Belem deteriorated during Napoleon’s wars, but it was completely rebuilt in 1845. For a time, the tower served as a prison and an armoury.
Today, it has become an object of cultural and historical heritage. In 1983, it entered the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the best ways to enjoy the Belém Tower is on a boat trip on the Tagus River.
Aveiro
While planning a tourist route through the westernmost European country, consider visiting Aveiro, also known as “Little Venice.” The town’s nickname comes from its water channels, Art Nouveau architecture, and bright, narrow boats named “Maliseirush” that remind one of the boats one can see in Venice, in Italy.
Because of its age, this town has preserved many historical attractions:
- Museu de Arte Nova;
- Porcelain Factory Vishta-Allegre;
- Aveiro Cathedral;
- The Maritime Museum of Ilhavo.
In between excursions, one can unwind at one of the local restaurants or visit the beaches of Barra and Costa Nova nearby.
Portugal is gaining popularity among a wide range of travellers. You should visit Portugal if you’re looking for cheap good food, warm weather, first-rate Atlantic beaches, and friendly people have made this small country a popular tourist destination in Europe. Every new trip to Portugal will be a memorable adventure that you will undoubtedly want to repeat.
