Conímbriga - The best preserved Roman Ruins of Portugal

The ancient city of Conímbriga is the largest Roman settlement in Portugal and is well worth visiting on any tour of the country's central and northern regions. It is classified as a National Monument. Although Conimbriga wasn't the biggest Roman city in Portugal, it's the best preserved. The city walls are largely intact, and the mosaic floors and foundations of many houses and public buildings remain. In the baths, you can view the network of stone heating ducts beneath the now-missing floors.

Link: http://www.centerofportugal.com/roman-ruins-conimbriga/

 

Buçaco Woods

At the far end of Buçaco Mountain, where the highest range is 547 meters high, you’ll find Buçaco Woods, located just 40 minutes from Coimbra, surrounded by a high wall with eleven entrance doors. Make them your starting point for a stroll through Nature in the region and fall in love with the serene exuberance, almost magical, of Buçaco’s intense green colour.

After you track all paths in the mountain, take a rest at Bussaco Palace Hotel, one of the most beautiful neo-Manueline buildings in Portugal, or visit the Santa Cruz Convent, where General Wellington spent the night during the Battle of Buçaco

Link: http://www.centerofportugal.com/bucaco-woods/

 

Schist Villages

Discover the charm of Portugal in its most genuine state. Travel back through time and learn the skills of the local inhabitants. A trip you will not soon forget! From village to village in the territory of the Schist Villages, wonder at the discovery of walking trails, river beaches and mountain villages where you can still experience some of the ancestral skills and flavours, such as baking bread in a wood-burning oven or making fresh goat cheese.  You can also take part in craft workshops where old techniques embrace new approaches. Lodging in stone houses that have been renovated into comfortable rural tourism units, surrounded by nature.

https://bookinxisto.com/en

 

If you want to get further in the country

 

Lisbon

Boasting springtime temperatures during the winter and cool summers freshened by a breeze blowing in from the Atlantic, Lisboa offers a rich and impressively integrated diversity. The capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History. The Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisboa. Since it largely survived the earthquake of 1755, the area still retains much of its original layout. Adjacent to the Alfama are the likewise old quarters of Castelo and Mouraria, on the western and northern slopes of the hill that is crowned by St. George's Castle. Radiant skies brighten the monumental city, with its typical tile covered building facades and narrow Medieval streets, where one can hear the fado being played and sung at night. But Lisbon is also the stage for popular festivities, the place for exquisite shopping, exciting nightlife, and interesting museums, a place from where motorways branch off in different directions.

Link: https://www.visitlisboa.com/

 

Porto

Facing the big lodges of port wine to which it gave its name across the river Douro, Porto is Portugal´s second largest city and there is a certain feeling of rivalry towards Lisbon. But although its ancient roots have been preserved with pride, a modern and lively commerce makes it a thriving city and its traditional importance as an industrial center does not diminish the charm and character of its old quarters or even of the newer and busy avenues, shopping centers and quiet residential blocks.

The Cathedral area deserves to be explored, with its various monuments, such as the Renaissance church of Santa Clara, and the densely populated quarter of Barredo, which appears not to have changed since medieval times. The riverside quarter of Ribeira is also delightful, with narrow streets, typical houses and picturesque life-style: it has been recently restored and now includes fashionable restaurants and bars.

Link: http://www.visitporto.travel/Visitar/Paginas/default.aspx