We are irreducible fans of Portugal and its nature, and we have plenty summer plans to enjoy it; What we lack, in any case, are vacation days!
Below, we tell you about some of our favourites: choose the ones that best suit you and have a roadtrip unforgettable, and very green , throughout the country (including the islands, of course!).
- Take a dip in the best beach in Europe
The golden sands of Porto Santo, on the island of Madeira, lead the ranking of European Best Destinations in the category of ' best beach in Europe in 2022'.
Porto Santo (Madeira, Portugal).
this paradise of soft, fine, slightly abrasive sand , has therapeutic properties, since it is composed of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite.
In addition, his crystalline waters, with iodine, calcium and magnesium, and always between 22 and 24 degrees centigrade, they extend over nine beautiful kilometers that will remain forever etched in your retina.
2. Embark on a river cruise through the Beira Baixa
The Beira-Baixa It is one of the least populated regions of Portugal and one that has best preserved a spectacular historical heritage and amazing nature. Flanked by formidable landscapes and transported by rivers Block -Yew in Portuguese territory, Zêzere, Ocreza and Ponsul , there is nothing like touring it on a river cruise.
Rhodao gates
In it, looking towards the sky, one can be stunned watching the spotted vultures dancing their aerial choreography and, by directing their eyes downwards, to be ecstatic before the Portas de Ródão Natural Monument , the shocking picture of that immense abyss that the Tagus runs through. To the sides, 20,000 rock art engravings they show the early occupation by the human being of this privileged enclave.
3. Enjoy the starry night at the Dark Sky Alqueva observatory
The observatory Dark Sky Alqueva It is located in the village of Cumeada, in the Alentejo municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz, also near the beautiful reservoir of Alqueva.
Its about largest observatory in Western Europe , and was chosen as best responsible tourism destination in Europe at the World Travel Awards 2021, the “Oscars” of Tourism.
Dark Sky Alqueva, best responsible tourism destination in Europe in 2021.
As if that were not enough, the region in which it is located was the first in the world to receive international certification Starlight Tourism Destination, that rewards the darkest skies in the world.
4. Bathe in the natural pools of Consolação beach
South of Peniche and the famous Supertubos (a word that baptizes a wave and its respective surfing beach) is consolation, a very familiar Praia das Rochas where the waves form crystal clear natural pools when the tide is low.
It is a pleasure and a relief to bask both in the mud that forms in the pools themselves and in its waters, which have a lot of iodine , which combined with the beneficial effect of the sun, relieves the symptoms of some rheumatic ailments.
Natural pools of Consolação beach
5. Cross the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world
516 are the meters that measures the slender bridge of the Arouca Geopark , region protected by UNESCO. It is built with a metal grid that Lets see the wonderful nature that houses the 175 meters of height that separate the bridge from the bed of the paiva river, an authentic natural sanctuary in which wild waters, quartz crystals and endangered species merge.
The area is also traversed by the adventurers Passadiços do Paiva, a network of more than eight kilometers of footbridges that enter the gorge on a dizzying journey alongside waterfalls, archaeological sites and river beaches.
The 516 Arouca bridge
6. Get to know the wild nature of the Azores with art as an excuse
Free exhibitions, i Installations in the middle of nature, open studios, talks, meetings, performances and interventions in public spaces. The peculiar artistic festival Walk&Talk, Held every July on the wild Azores islands, it seeks to create real connections between people and place.
And the "place" is not just anything: the archipelago has been declared Hope Spot ("point of hope") for its ecological value, as it is a sanctuary for whales, dolphins and turtles.
In July it is bustling with art, but you can also explore it by following the map of the galleries and artistic interventions that has left the festival in perpetuity as it passes through the islands of San Miguel and Terceira.
Grota do Inferno, São Miguel, Azores.
7. Delve into the traditions and nature of Alentejo through the Vicentina Route
400 kilometers of virgin coastline. The Vincentian Route , in our beloved Alentejo region, is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved nature trails in Europe. Can be done walking, cycling or on horseback , choosing to cross some of its two main paths, to which 24 circular paths are added.
Picturesque towns, virgin coasts, mountains and stork nests await us. We must not forget, yes, that the interior of the Alentejo is a rugged and difficult to farm land , which, far from making its inhabitants abandon it, has made them develop a love for it that resists everything. It is worth diving into it through the activities organized by the Route itself, with which you will meet farmers and artisans that preserve the trades, tools and ways of yesteryear.
Costa Vicentina, Alentejo.
8. Surfing in Praia de Santa Cruz
"Surf" and "Portugal" are two concepts that combine the sea well. In our neighboring country, there are many enclaves in which to embark on practicing this water sport, and Praia de Santa Cruz, on the Silver Coast, is essential to book a first class or jump straight into the sea.
More plans? Take a hike to the top of the cliffs, know the valley of Porto Novo , and even approach the local aerodrome and climb aboard a vintage plane to enjoy, from above, the many charming beaches and traditional fishing villages in the area.
Santa Cruz Beach
9. Ride on bike for the Comporta rice fields
No one could have expected that the isolated rural community of behaves would one day become a worldwide fashion destination. Above all, considering that among its inhabitants (about 1,200 according to the latest statistics, from 2011) there has always been a high sense of preservation and attachment to the most essential.
Perhaps it was that authenticity, combined with a privileged natural setting, which meant that, in the mid-1990s, the parish of wild dunes, pine forests and blue waters began to be compared to the new york hamptons.
To get to know her, nothing like renting one bike -electrical or not- and walk among the paths that are drawn between the rice fields and the fishermen's cabins on stilts. Like in Asia, but less than an hour and a half from Lisbon.
A route through Comporta... by bicycle
10. Tour the Algarve on foot!
We know its infinite beaches, its delicious gastronomy, its towns full of beautiful corners and its irresistible interior. But it turns out that the Algarve is also a paradise for hikers thanks to the Algarvian Way, a long-distance path that covers 300 kilometers from Alcoutim, on the border with Spain, to Cabo de San Vicente, there where the immensity of the Atlantic marks the end of the road.
The route is divided into 14 sections that start and end in locations where there are always accommodation and restaurant options and, therefore, to regain strength with a good feast while we delve into the beautiful nature of the region.
Algarves, Portugal.
11. Bathe on a beach in the middle of the ocean in Arrábida
The Natural Park of Serra de Arrabida It is formed by a set of mountains attached to the sea that extend since Setubal to Cape Espichel. Of caribbean look white sand and sparkling waters, its beaches are, without a doubt, one of the biggest attractions of the place.
we love the coves that form between Figuerinhas and Galapos, but nothing like hiring a Taxi Boat towards one of the islets of this coast: sandbanks in the middle of the sea, tongues of sand dappling the ocean, calling to you from the shore.
By the way: to the islet Stone of Anixa you have to approach with diving goggles, because in this area there is a lot golfinho, which is what they call the dolphin in the neighboring country. Impossible to resist them!
Sandbanks in Arrábida