TOP 6 TRAVEL IDEAS BY INTEREST
Douro Valley Credit Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte
Art & Culture
Portugal offers a fascinating blend of ancient heritage and contemporary creativity. It’s the perfect destination for clients eager to explore a country through its art, architecture and traditions. Beyond the well-known cultural hubs, there’s a wealth of artistic treasures in lesser-known regions ideal for low-season travel.
In the northern city of Braga, known as Portugal’s religious capital, travelers can admire baroque churches, Roman ruins, and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary in Tenões . Viseu, nestled in the Dão wine region, combines art, gastronomy, and tradition, featuring the impressive Grão Vasco Museum and charming historic center.
Heading inland, the UNESCO-listed town of Elvas is a fortress-city rich in military architecture and overlooked charm. Meanwhile, the city of Beja in the Alentejo holds treasures like the Regional Museum housed in a former convent and a medieval tower offering breathtaking views.
In the south, Lagos in the Algarve showcases a blend of maritime history and contemporary art spaces. Azores visitors can explore Terceira’s colorful festivals, and the island’s unique architectural heritage.
Portugal’s cultural depth thrives in every region, making it a rewarding and authentic experience for travelers seeking artistic inspiration.
Gastronomy & Wine Tourism in Portugal
Portuguese gastronomy is as diverse as its geography, offering a delicious journey through authentic flavors and winemaking traditions. For clients seeking genuine food and wine experiences away from the crowds, there are plenty to explore.
In the Alentejo region, renowned for its rich olive oils and hearty cuisine, visitors can savor slow-cooked dishes like migas and açorda while touring vineyards producing robust reds and crisp whites. The Beiras region, including towns like Castelo Branco and Covilhã, offers a unique blend of mountain gastronomy and local wines, such as those from the nearby Dão DOC.
The Azores archipelago is an emerging gem for food lovers — fresh seafood, cheeses like São Jorge, and the volcanic terroir give its wines a distinctive character. On the northern coast, the Minho region is famed for its Vinho Verde wines and farm-to-table dishes featuring trout and fresh garden produce.
Outdoors in Portugal
Outdoor adventures beyond the expected that captivate travelers seeking fresh air, natural beauty, and active experiences throughout the year.
Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north is a breathtaking area of mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, ideal for hiking, and visiting charming mountain villages. In central Portugal, the Serra da Lousã mountains boasts scenic trails surrounded by lush forests, perfect for immersive nature walks.
The Azores archipelago is a paradise for outdoor lovers, with volcanic craters, geothermal springs, and whale watching in pristine waters. Located in eastern Portugal, the Tejo Internacional Natural Park features quiet hiking paths amid cork oak forests and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
The Douro Superior region offers stunning landscapes along the river valleys with excellent cycling routes and river cruises, ideal for those wanting active exploration.
The mild winters and rich natural diversity make it a great destination to promote for travelers seeking outdoor adventures all year round.
Sport Tourism (Golf and Outdoor)
A top European destination for sport tourism, with a wide range of activities that attract travelers year-round. Beyond the Algarve’s famous golf courses, there are excellent alternatives for clients seeking quality and less crowded options.
The Costa de Prata, including Óbidos and Peniche, hosts excellent golf resorts like Praia d’El Rey with ocean views and courses suitable for all skill levels. In the Lisbon region, Sintra and Cascais combine historic charm with top-notch golfing and outdoor options like hiking and mountain biking.
For outdoor sports enthusiasts, the Serra da Estrela mountains offer hiking and trail running during autumn and winter, while the Azores provide world-class conditions for surfing, diving, water sports while the Douro Superior offer cycling routes through vineyards and river valleys.
The mild climate and diversity of terrains make it ideal for combining golf with other outdoor sports, providing something interesting for everyone.
Cultural Festivals in Portugal:
Autumn & Winter Escapes
The cultural calendar is on all year round, with autumn and winter offering rich opportunities for travelers to experience authentic local traditions.
In January, the Festa das Fogaceiras in Santa Maria da Feira stands out as a unique winter celebration with medieval roots. Girls dressed in white carry sweet bread (fogaças) on their heads in a solemn procession honoring Saint Sebastian—a powerful blend of faith, folklore, and community.
Carnaval in Torres Vedras, typically held during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, is famous for its satirical floats, vibrant costumes, and irreverent humor, it transforms the town into a stage of joyful rebellion and cultural expression.
Lisbon leads with a vibrant music scene, where fado—the soul-stirring traditional music of Portugal—is a year-round highlight, performed in intimate venues across the city. Fado also resonates deeply in Porto and Coimbra, making these cities essential stops for music-loving clients.
In Braga, October brings the Festival Authentica, a gathering of indie and alternative music fans, while Lisbon hosts the MIL Festival & Convention, spotlighting emerging artists from across Europe and Lusophone countries. For something more unique, the Caretos de Podence in Bragança—an energetic, pagan celebration featuring handmade costumes and masks—bridges the seasons with a centuries-old tradition now recognized by UNESCO.
Wellness and Slow Travel
Combining natural beauty, a relaxed pace of life ideal for slow travel and charming retreats, Portugal is increasingly recognized as a wellness destination.
The thermal spas of Caldas da Rainha and São Pedro do Sul offer soothing treatments in historic settings surrounded by nature. Bathing in The Azores provide hot springs and tranquil landscapes that encourage mindfulness and rejuvenation.
Coastal towns like Nazaré and Ericeira combine beachside relaxation with wellness activities such as surfing and meditation.
