Portugal is an ancient and small country, but it is full of historic villages, considered by many experts to be some of the most beautiful in Europe. What makes them so special is their culture (people are different in each place we visit, aren't they?), their architecture, their charm and their essence, maintained through the centuries. When we visit one of these villages, we are “invited” to transport ourselves to the past.
When visiting Portugal, don't just focus on the big cities. Take some time to explore the villages that you'll only find here. They're definitely worth the time. Below I've listed five of them (in a completely random order and not in any particular order) that I suggest you visit. Are you ready?
1- Monsanto
I'll start by talking about the first village I visited when I moved here in 2013. I'm talking about Monsanto, in the Beira Baixa area, almost on the border with Spain and 275 km from Lisbon. This small fortified village was named the “most Portuguese village in Portugal ” in 1938.
The houses and streets of Monsanto are tightly packed and carved out of the rocky cliffs and granite boulders that surround the town itself, which currently has just over 800 inhabitants. In addition to walking around the village, a must-see stop is to climb a little up the mountain and visit Monsanto Castle, where you can enjoy a view that will leave you smiling with happiness.
2 – Nazareth
Until recently, the village of Nazaré (which is much larger than the villages mentioned in this article, with almost 15,000 inhabitants) was a fishing haven. It is impossible not to admire the women in seven skirts on the beach, with trays of fish dried in the sun. The men, on the other hand, usually wear suspenders. Even the fishing boats want to embrace the extroverted style, with brightly colored designs and Phoenician-inspired eyes painted on the pots. The center of the village is ancient and full of experiences to be had.
But now, in addition to being a fishing village, Nazaré is known as the beach with the biggest waves on the planet, over 30 meters high, and is therefore now a success in the surfing world.
3 – Obidos
Óbidos has been called one of the most romantic villages in Europe because of its colorful, flower-filled houses, Gothic passageways, cobblestone streets and whitewashed churches surrounding its 12th-century castle. As of this writing, this is the closest village to the capital, just 84 km away. With just over 2,200 residents (less than 800 inside the castle), Óbidos is a pleasant surprise.
Inside a church, there is actually a bookstore. Cafés and restaurants are a constant. Souvenir shops too. Oh, and one of the most popular Portuguese drinks comes from Óbidos: the Ginginha de Óbidos. If you visit in July, don't forget the Medieval Fair, with lots of medieval music, dashing knights and historical theater performances so you can travel back in time and feel like you're in the Middle Ages.
4 – Marvao
Marvão is another medieval village on top of a mountain, at an altitude of 860 meters, which considers its unspoiled charm to be its greatest attraction. Almost on the border with Spain, the village had a defensive function.
Marvão is a small village with just over 500 inhabitants, in the Alto Alentejo region, 235 km from the capital. The residents still preserve their charming structures, houses and churches that lead to a magnificent 13th century castle.
5 – Monsaraz
Monsaraz is a village located in the Alentejo region and is 189 km from the capital. The journey to get to the village alone is worth the trip, as the landscapes of the Alentejo are pure beauty, with endless olive groves (the best olive oils are produced here), and not only that, as the olive trees share space with the cork plantations. Monsaraz has just over 700 inhabitants.
This village, which is actually a small village inside a castle, maintains its historical and medieval atmosphere. Whitewashed houses, which were built between the 16th and 17th centuries, are scattered throughout the village. There is a small, bucolic and very pretty church. Because of its elevation, the village offers a beautiful view of the Alqueva River and the vast plains of olive groves.
