Still don’t know what to do over the Easter break or long weekend? If you’re staying in Porto, you can always check out our list of suggestions. However, if your idea is to take the opportunity to travel, then this article is for you.
From the north to the south of Portugal, there are destinations to suit all tastes, perfect for discovering on your own or in company. So take notes, turn on your GPS and get ready for adventure. From natural treasures to coastal wonders, not forgetting picturesque villages, the aim is for you to enjoy yourself to the full. Let’s go?
Table Of Contents
- Discovering the Minho Region
- Traveling back in time in Portugal's Historical Villages
- Porto and its surroundings
- Aveiro District, between the mountains and the sea
- Central Zone: Óbidos, Nazaré, Fátima and Mira de Aire
- Lisbon and its surroundings: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Setúbal
- South of the country: Faro and Olhão
Discovering the Minho Region
The ‘Portuguese Tibet’ and its picturesque terraces
This journey through Portugal begins in the north, in the heart of Alto Minho, more specifically in the village of Sistelo, in the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez.
Known as the little Portuguese ‘Tibet’, this designation is due to the existence of several terraces, which transform the landscape into a natural picture.
Sistelo is the perfect destination for those who enjoy rural life and nature at its purest. There are several attractions there, such as viewpoints, traditional granite houses, granaries and trails.
The unparalleled greenery and serenity of Gerês
After Sistelo, it’s time to dive into the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the only Portuguese protected area classified as a National Park.
Located in the Minho and Trás-os-Montes regions, this is an excellent option for those who love being close to nature.
Around here, there are incredible natural pools and waterfalls, such as Poço Azul and Portela do Homem, among others.
In the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the green landscape dominates, but you can also visit picturesque villages, monasteries and medieval castles worthy of a fairy tale.
For example, if you like to travel back in time, then you can visit Lindoso, where the scenery is dominated by one of the most beautiful medieval castles near Porto.
Ponte da Barca, Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo
Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima
Continuing in Minho, now it’s time to leave the greenery of Gerês and visit two very old towns. To begin with, we suggest a visit to Ponte da Barca, a land of “cantadores ao desafio“.
On the same day, you can also visit Ponte de Lima, which stands out for its medieval features and the beauty of its Roman bridge.
As well as its history and being a key point in the pilgrimage to Santiago, Ponte de Lima also attracts visitors’ attention thanks to its quality cuisine, such as Rojões à Moda de Ponte de Lima.
Viana do Castelo
Another destination worth visiting during the Easter vacations is Viana do Castelo. In these parts, you can enjoy a stroll along the seafront, although it’s not the best time to go to the beach.
We suggest a (compulsory) visit to the Santa Luzia Sanctuary, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view that will look good in any photo.
Braga and Guimarães
Braga
The city of Braga is known as the capital of Minho and, without a doubt, the perfect place to spend the Easter vacations. After all, this is one of the most important religious destinations in the country.
With the title of ‘city of archbishops’, Braga is full of churches and celebrates Holy Week like no other. In this context, it makes perfect sense to visit at this time of year.
The most anticipated moments of Holy Week in Braga are the following:
- Ecce Homo Procession;
- Procession of the Burial of the Lord.
You can also take the opportunity to visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guimarães
If you like history and cities with medieval features, then Guimarães could be the perfect destination for your Easter vacation.
The ‘Cradle City’ has some absolutely breathtaking monuments and points of interest, such as:
- Palace of the Dukes of Bragança
- Guimarães Castle
- Penha Park and Cable Car, among others.
Traveling back in time in Portugal’s Historical Villages
After an unforgettable trip to Minho, how about going back in time? The Easter vacations could be the ‘excuse’ you’ve been waiting for to (re)discover Portugal’s Historical Villages. What are they? It’s a network created in 1991 to promote historic places
We’ve already been to the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal and, although we liked them all, we’d like to highlight the following:
- Sortelha;
- Marialva;
- Almeida;
- Trancoso;
- Castelo Rodrigo;
- Monsanto.
Porto and its surroundings
Day after day, our mission is to write about Invicta. We like to explore every nook and cranny, discover new restaurants, dive into museums, visit the most emblematic monuments and uncover secret places.
For those who live here, Porto is synonymous with pride and passion. But if you’re from outside the city and want to visit during the Easter vacations, then pay close attention!
The Invicta city
For those visiting the Invicta city for just one day, we have a special itinerary for you to make the most of it. In any case, we’ll leave you with some (almost obligatory) suggestions:
But there are still other places we’d like you to visit. If it’s sunny, you can always go to a terrace, or if you’re a fan of brunch, LM Art Kitchen might be a good option.
Brunch no LM Art Kitchen
For a fun family experience, there’s no shortage of indoor leisure options either, such as the 3D Fun Art Museum, a space where nothing is as it seems. Or another idea could be the indoor Minigolf circuit.
3D Fun Art Museum Porto
If, on your Easter vacation, you want to immerse yourself in the infinite charms of the River Douro, then we recommend some boat trips.
Porto: Passeio Turístico ao longo do Rio Douro ao pôr do sol com welcome drink
Porto-Régua-Porto: Cruzeiro pelo Douro com pequeno-almoço e almoço
One thing’s for sure, you can’t come to Porto without trying our famous wine or visiting one of the many cellars. After all, it’s almost like going to the Vatican and not seeing the Pope, don’t you think?
Caves Cálem: visita guiada com prova de vinhos e fado ao vivo
Aveiro District, between the mountains and the sea
Arouca
The municipality of Arouca, part of the Porto Metropolitan Area, is a destination to consider, especially for those who want to spend their Easter vacations in the middle of nature.
The municipality of Arouca is famous for the Paiva Walkways, the best adventure tourism attraction in the world. However, we recommend other equally amazing points of interest, such as:
- The 516 Arouca – one of the largest suspended pedestrian bridges in the world;
- The magical abandoned village of Drave – perfect for those who enjoy long walks;
- The Pedras Parideiras – a rare phenomenon in the world;
- The Frecha da Mizarela waterfall.
Aveiro
Now it’s time to continue down the map of mainland Portugal and head to Aveiro. Known as the “Portuguese Venice”, the city is renowned for its canals and moliceiros.
If you haven’t tried ovos moles, or a tripa (and yes, it’s a traditional sweet and not a dish to fill you up for lunch or dinner), then it’s time you did.
If you decide to go to Aveiro, take the opportunity to stop off in Ovar on the way and try the best sponge cake in the country.
Costa Nova
Located in the municipality of Ílhavo, in the district of Aveiro, Costa Nova is famous for its colorful striped houses, known as ‘palheiros’, which make it a real postcard.
However, this is not the only attraction of the coastal town. In the summer, it is also sought after by beach fans and, of course, by the local gastronomy, with typical dishes such as caldeirada and ria eels standing out.
Central Zone: Óbidos, Nazaré, Fátima and Mira de Aire
Óbidos
After Aveiro, we head to Óbidos, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe.
There are plenty of reasons for a getaway here, including the fact that it’s where you’ll find some of the best ginjinhas!
Nazaré
Famous for its giant waves, Nazaré is also a destination to consider for Holy Week.
There, you must try Ti Carolina’s Caldeirada à Nazarena at the Aleluia restaurant or a Mariscada at the Casalinho restaurant.
Photo: @lumitesi / Unsplash
Fátima
For the Easter vacations, how about a trip to one of the most important religious sites in the country?
In Fátima, you should visit the Sanctuary, Portugal’s largest pilgrimage site, and the famous Wax Museum.
Porto de Mós
While you’re near Fátima, take a trip to Porto de Mós, where there are two places we love: Porto de Mós Castle and the Mira de Aire Caves, both just over an hour from Lisbon.
Porto de Mós Castle is simply beautiful and quite different from the castles we’re used to seeing around the country.
The highlight is its two green towers, whose historical importance goes back to the defense of the cities of Leiria and Coimbra during the Christian reconquest.
The Mira de Aire Caves have been open to the public since 1974 and are considered the largest in the country with over 11,500 meters, 600 of which you can explore.
The beauty of these two places alone would be more than enough justification to travel to this part of the country during the Easter vacations.
Lisbon and its surroundings: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Setúbal
Every day we write about Lisbon and what there is still to discover in its surroundings, such as the palaces in Sintra, the beaches on the Costa and Linha and, in the city center, the monuments and places that are a must-see. But let’s go in parts!
Lisbon
Speaking of religious sites in the city, in addition to the most beautiful churches in the capital, you really must visit the most innovative churches in the capital: they’re beautiful and different from what you’re used to seeing.
And because vacation trips aren’t all about places to visit, there are a few spots in the city we’d like you to know about:
For starters, if you’re looking for brunch and, at the same time, a place to do some shopping, JAC Brunch & Concept Store, in Príncipe Real, is our suggestion this Easter.
JAC Brunch & Concept Store
If on your mini-vacation you decide to dedicate yourself more to sport, then our tip is to take advantage of our sea and, of course, our waves , through a lesson with a specialized instructor in Costa da Caparica.
Aula de surf com instrutor na Costa da Caparica
But if you’ve opted for a more romantic Easter vacation as a couple, our suggestion is clearly this sunset stroll along the Tagus, with a Gin Tonic and stops at Praça do Comércio, Cais do Sodré, Cristo Rei, Torre de Belém, MAAT and back to Estação Fluvial Sul e Sueste.
For something more classic, there’s no mistaking it: you really have to take advantage of this Pairings plan at the Palácio do Visconde. In this experience in a 19th century palace, you’ll enjoy a quiet afternoon full of glamor. Definitely not to be missed!
To end the day, until two or three in the morning, we have a suggestion full of color, in an iconic space in the city: Machimbombo, where you can drink one of their cocktails (Lisbon Mule) and a house shot.
Sintra
In Portugal’s most romantic village, so close to the city, there is so much to see and explore.
The idea of visiting its fantastic and beautiful palaces immediately springs to mind,but our guide will take you to many more places you should visit in this typical village.
Cascais
Before you get to Cascais, where we’ve also created a very special guide for you to enjoy to the fullest, there’s a train journey you really must take: the beaches of the Cascais Line.
It’s a magnificent trip that you can take with friends or family and you’re sure to have a wonderful day.
Setúbal
We’ve been there over the last few weekends, mainly sampling the best grilled fish on this side of the Tagus , and on the Portinho da Arrábida terrace (pictured).
As the days get longer and warmer, it feels good to take a stroll along the waterfront by the Sado, as well as explore a little more of the Serra da Arrábida, perhaps to one of our favorite beaches.
In addition to the mountains and beaches, Setúbal has a lot more to offer, which is why we’ ve put together a series of suggestions and tips in a handy guide that you can bookmark.
South of the country: Faro and Olhão
By now, you’ve probably heard about the candlelit concerts that Fever is organizing in Vilamoura, but we’ll talk about that later.
For now, if you’ve chosen to turn downhill on your way out of Lisbon, and you’re heading for the Algarve, then we’ ve created an itinerary that’s perfect for enjoying the Easter vacations in the south of the country:
Faro
The capital of the Algarve region is Faro, a place with many things to visit, but still without many tourists, at least compared to the “typical” Algarve.
In Faro, we suggest a visit to the Arco da Vila, a monument classified as a National Monument since 1910, which will take you directly to the “old” part of the city, where the cobbled streets with an Arab door, considered a unique example in Portugal, will take you on a journey through history.
Still in Faro, and because it’s getting hotter and hotter, how about a visit to the famous Ilha de Faro. Here, as well as taking your first dip of the year (the water is always warmer here), you can enjoy the rich gastronomy of this part of the country, especially the fresh fish.
Olhão
Olhão is one of the Algarve towns that has gained some visibility in recent years.
Far from the tourist-filled metropolises of the Algarve, Olhão is a quieter town with an incredible gastronomy, largely due to the fact that it “sources” its food mainly from the marine richness of the famous Ria Formosa, from which we highlight the oysters and other bivalves, which fully satisfy us with their flavors reminiscent of summer days.
Touring the Ria Formosa is undoubtedly the plan we recommend, but don’t miss the Olhão Market, which is a unique experience in this town.
Divided into two types of food, the fruit and vegetable market and the fish market are two must-see places in Olhão. And on Saturdays there’s also an outdoor market, with producers from several nearby towns.
After shopping, in the area around these markets, there are restaurants, ice cream parlors and bars where you can enjoy one of the best and most incredible sunsets in the country.
Whatever your destination for the Easter or Holy Week vacations, we believe this guide will be your best friend. After all, from the north to the south of Portugal, there is no shortage of suggestions to suit all tastes. Start planning your next trip now, alone or with someone else. There’s nothing better than (re)discovering our beautiful country from side to side!
This article was written by Valter Leandro and Filipa Santos Sousa.