Algarve (Portugal)
The Algarve is a region in the south of Portugal, located 300 km from Lisbon. It is widely known for its resorts, but besides them there are many interesting places.
Faro has been the provincial capital since 1756. The city has a rich history. Previously, there were trading posts of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians. Under the Romans, it became an administrative center and a major port. The greatest prosperity came at the time when the Arab conquerors dominated Portugal. In Faro, sections of the ancient fortress walls have been preserved. Beyond them are the church of St. Francis (XVI-XVIII centuries). 8 km east of the city is the Ria Formosa lagoon – a natural reserve, home to many birds, more than a hundred species of fish, shellfish.
Portimão is the second largest city in the Algarve. In its vicinity is the fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar, as well as monuments of ancient architecture – the ruins of the Roman villa of Abicad (IV century), the ancient necropolis of Alcalar, dating back to 1600 BC.
Also in the province it is worth visiting Silves, in the past its main city, the port city of Lagos, Estoi, where the largest Roman excavations in the Algarve are located, the thermal resort of Caldas di Monchichi.
Braganca (Portugal)
The city of Bragança is located on a high plateau in northern Portugal. In the past, it was the seat of the royal dynasty of Braganza. In Braganza, it is worth seeing the castle of King Sancho I (1187); Domus Municipalis (XII century) is the only example of civil Romanesque architecture in the country; churches of Sao Vicente (XIII century), Sao Bento (1590), Santa Maria (XVIII century), visit the Abade de Baсal Museum, where canvases of the 16th century are exhibited. unknown authors.
Cascais (Portugal)
According to Picktrue.com, Cascais is a popular resort on the Estoril coast and is located 30 km west of Lisbon. The first settlement appeared here in the 12th century. The locals were engaged in fishing. In the 16th and 17th centuries, several fortresses were built along the coast to protect the approaches to Lisbon. In 1755, the famous Lisbon earthquake destroyed much of the fishing village. However, already in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cascais became known as the main summer holiday destination of the Portuguese royal family. Thanks to this, electricity was provided here quite early, a railway and roads to other cities were laid. In 1896 in Cascais The country’s first oceanographic laboratory was opened. Sandy beaches stretch
along the entire coast of Cascais. The beaches are well equipped and have everything you need for a carefree holiday. The city’s westernmost and largest beach is Guinho. It can be called the “mecca” of surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing of the Estoril coast. It is worth noting that all the beaches of the western part of Cascais are very popular among surfers due to the constant big waves. Other famous beaches in the city are Riberia and Torre. Right next to the beaches are numerous hotels, bars, restaurants and discos. There is a Marine Club in the city which offers all kinds of water activities.
In the city itself, small residential buildings with white walls, tiled roofs and carved balconies are of interest. Be sure to visit the city’s 16th century Fort, which was built to protect the harbour. Now on the territory of the Fort there is an open-air military museum. The municipal museum is housed in a chic palace. It exhibits archaeological finds and artwork from the Estoril coast craftsmen. Classical music concerts are periodically held in the museum. In addition, in Cascais you can see several churches from the 16th century.
A small part of the city coast is rocky. People go for walks here to admire the local nature and surroundings. Here, in one of the coastal cliffs, there is a Boca do Inferno cave, which was made by waves.
The proximity of Cascais to Lisbon and its attractions makes the city especially popular among tourists who want to combine a beach holiday with an educational one.
Coimbra (Portugal)
Coimbra is an old university city located on the banks of the Mondego River. Almost 1/6 of its population are students. The city was founded in the VI century. inhabitants of the Roman settlement of Conimbriga, located 16 km from it. Until the 11th century Coimbra flourished as a trading city, and in 1139 became the first capital of the young Portuguese kingdom. Already in the Middle Ages, the city became a recognized scientific center.
It is best to start your tour of Coimbra from Largo da Portagem Square, where the customs house used to be. The main attractions include the main gate of Almedina in the medieval city wall, the Sub-Ripash Palace, decorated in the Manueline style, the old Se Vella Cathedral, the University, the library (XVIII century), the Machado de Castro Museum, the Augustinian monastery of Santa Krush. A great place to relax is Santa Cruz Park, which has preserved stairs, benches, and fountains of the 18th century.
