A ferry ride, followed by a short bus or bicycle ride, takes you to the Costa da Caparica, a seemingly endless beachfront that gets wilder and less crowded the further south you go. South of Lisbon, the Setúbal Peninsula has long been the weekend playground of Lisboetas (Lisbon residents). Whether you fancy the idea of a mock-up jousting match at a medieval fair or delving into the written word at Folio – Portugal's biggest international literature festival – you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop. Wandering the tangle of ancient streets in the historic town of Óbidos is enchanting at any time of year, but come during one of its festivals, and you’ll be in for a special treat. The fog that sweeps in by night adds another layer of mystery.īe enchanted by the medieval streets of Óbidos © StockPhotosArt / Shutterstock 4. Like a setting from a fairy tale, this historic hillside township is sprinkled with stone-walled taverns and lorded over by a multicolored palace.įorested hillsides form the backdrop to this storybook setting, with imposing castles, mystical gardens, strange mansions and centuries-old monasteries hidden among the trees. Less than an hour by train from the capital, Sintra feels like another world, and it's a great option for a day trip away from the city hubbub. Planning tip: Many travelers dash in on a quick day trip, but to make the most of the region, spend the night at one of the vineyard-surrounded guesthouses in the area, such as Quinta Nova or the Casa Cimeira. Whether you come by boat, train or car to the Douro Valley, you’ll be rewarded with astonishing views at every turn, especially as you near the lovely village of Pinhão in the heart of the region. Here, the meandering Rio Douro flows past towering hillsides covered by the steeply terraced vineyards that make up Europe’s oldest demarcated wine region. One of Portugal’s most beautiful areas lies just east of Porto. Portugal's beautiful Douro Valley is the perfect place to try local wines © De Visu / Shutterstock 2.
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