Take a trip into Portugal’s past by visiting 7 charming historic villages across the country.
Portugal is brimming with historical treasures that transport you back in time. From north to south, picturesque villages have preserved their charm and authenticity.
We’ll take you on a tour of 7 historic villages that will let you immerse yourself in Portugal’s rich and captivating history. Prepare yourself for a journey back in time, encountering cultural heritage and local traditions in these Portuguese villages.
Monsanto in the Centre region
Discover Monsanto, a historic village in Portugal’s central eastern region. It has been voted « Portugal’s most Portuguese village »! However, please note that Monsanto is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be amazed by its atypical architecture, with houses built on rocks. To begin your visit, set off on a hike to reach the hilltop castle. You’ll be rewarded with majestic ruins and panoramic views from the tower. Next, take a detour to the tombs dug into the rocks nearby. And for a little more adventure, a further hike to the Pé Calvo rock will allow you to explore this unspoilt region even further.
As you walk through Monsanto, you can also visit the Renaissance-style Church of Misericordia, dating from the 16th century. You can also visit the Chapel of Saint Antoine, with its 1836 cemetery. The Church of Saint-Sauveur is also a must-see for history buffs. After a day of exploring, head to Pego’s river beach for some refreshment and relaxation.
Sortelha in Central Portugal
Also located in Portugal’s Central region, Sortelha is a historic village that will take you on a journey with its cobbled streets, medieval atmosphere and rock houses. Start by passing through the Gothic gateway with its balcony and the famous Varanda de Pilatos. You’ll also see the defensive openings, known as mata-cães, used to protect the village from attackers.
It’s also famous for its imposing castle, perched 760 m above sea level on a rocky outcrop from which you can enjoy a magnificent view. Continue your visit along the ancient Roman-Muslim footpath, once used by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Nearby, you can also visit other points of interest such as the town of Sabugal and the Malcata Mountain Nature Reserve, southeast of Sortelha, where you can observe exceptional flora and fauna in an unspoilt landscape.
Belmonte in the Castelo Branco region
Belmonte is a fascinating historic medieval hilltop village in Portugal. The ramparts and castle ruins adjacent to the São Tiago church overlook the surrounding Serra da Estrela mountains. Visit the Bet Eliahu synagogue, which has preserved Jewish prayers and customs in secret.
It’s also the birthplace of the famous navigator Pedro Alvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil in 1500. Immerse yourself in the city by visiting must-see attractions such as the Museum of Descobrimentos, the Judaic Museum, the Church of Santiago and the Pantheon of the « Cabrais », as well as the Zêzere Ecomuseum. Continue your exploration with a visit to Guarda, 30 km away, where you’ll see the curious Centum Cellas Tower, whose origin remains uncertain.
Trancoso in the Guarda region
Take a stroll through Trancoso ‘s Jewish quarter and explore the Isaac Cardoso Judaic Itinerary and Judaic Interpretation Center, to learn more about the region’s rich Jewish heritage.
Pass through the gates of El Rei, Carvalho and Prado, which reveal a unique atmosphere. Explore the Casa do Gato Preto (House of the Black Cat), which bears witness to the daily life of the period. Continue your journey and discover the former Beresford headquarters, another testimony to this historic Portuguese village.
Almeida in the Centre, classified as a historic village
Almeida, a fortified village in Portugal’s Central Region, offers a real plunge into the past. Listed as a historic village, Almeida is famous for its impressive fortifications designed by Vauban, Louis XIV’s architect. A 12-pointed star-shaped fortress surrounds the town over a perimeter of 2,500 m, with ashlar walls, strategically placed ditches and boulevards. These features testify to the tactical importance of the area and its unique military architecture.
Lose yourself in the charming cobbled streets, explore the many historic sites and discover the three tunnel gates and underground prisons, evidence of the fascinating history of this place.
Comporta from Setúbal
From Setúbal, take the ferry to the magnificent Troia peninsula, home to the charming village of Comporta. During your visit, see the Roman ruins of Tróia, which tell the fascinating story of the region. You can also visit the Rice Museum to learn more about this traditional crop.
The unique fishing port of Palafítico de Carrasqueira is another must-see attraction. Finally, sports enthusiasts can enjoy horseback riding, cycling and kayaking in this « highly protected nature reserve ».
Monsaraz in the heart of Alentejo
Come and explore the medieval village of Monsaraz, one of the oldest in Portugal. Located in the heart of the Alentejo region, close to the Spanish border, this historic village will transport you back to Portugal’s past as soon as you step into its narrow, pedestrian-only streets. Houses with whitewashed walls and wrought-iron balconies add an authentic touch to this enchanting setting. What’s more, perched on a hill, Monsaraz offers breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and Lake Alqueva, and is the perfect place to visit Monsaraz Castle. It’s easy to get to, mainly by car.
In 2017, Monsaraz won Portugal’s most beautiful villages competition in the « Villages Monuments » category. It was also certified « First Starlight Tourist Destination » in 2012, thanks to the clarity of its starry skies.
Take advantage of your stay to explore Reguengos de Monsaraz, the 2015 European Wine Capital. Finally, discover the region’s menhirs, such as the Cromeleque do Xerez and the Menhir de Outero, further witnesses to the region’s rich history.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in Portugal’s captivating history by exploring these historic villages? Share your suggestions for your favorite historic villages in the comments area and invite your friends to enjoy this unique experience. So, what are you waiting for to immerse yourself in Portugal’s past?