Discover the charms of southern Portugal through Spanish eyes!
In summer, it’s always tempting to visit southern Portugal. The Algarve is a small paradise with many fantastic beaches that guarantee unforgettable moments. But there are also villages and towns that offer fantastic and unique experiences.
Strolling through the rustic streets and seeing the whitewashed houses are moments that make these charming villages special. The journalists chose their favorite destinations outside Lisbon. Places that have driven them crazy…
The 10 most beautiful villages in southern Portugal according to Spaniards
1 – Carvoeiro
This destination is home to wooden boats. The daily life of this land is marked by the presence of fishermen. They are the postcard of this village. They set the scene for a perfect day’s fishing, against a backdrop of “silver sunshine and turquoise waters”.
2 – Monsaraz
This is one of our country’s oldest villages. Monsaraz is also one of our most charming villages. Like many Alentejo towns, it was built on top of a mountain near the river. The sunrises and sunsets in Monsaraz are breathtaking. An enchanting sight that can be admired from the white houses, their balconies and wrought-iron bars. The article also recommends a visit to Esporão, a Michelin-starred restaurant.
3 – Cacela Velha
This charming destination lies at the eastern end of the incredible Ria Formosa Natural Park. Cacela Velha is situated on a hill. The village is protected by the ruins of a 17th-century fortress.
Cacela Velha is characterized by a cluster of white houses around its church. The temple was rebuilt after the earthquake that devastated Lisbon in 1755 damaged the religious structure.
Near Cacela Velha are some of the best golden-sand beaches, which have the advantage of being among the least well-known in the Algarve. When the tide goes out, they fill up with warm lagoons.
4 – Sagres
This is one of those places where you just want to be without the rush and bureaucracy. In Sagres, surfing dominates daily life. Here you can enjoy excellent cuisine, such as octopus rice, grilled lobster or a tasty seafood cataplana.
5 – Alte
This is the most typical village in the Algarve. Alte is full of whitewashed houses. These buildings have arabesque-laden chimneys, flanked by trees.
When the heat is on, it’s natural to want to take a dip at Fonte Grande. This is one of the natural pools of Alte, recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in the south of the country.
6 – Évora
This destination offers excellent wines. Évora’s tangled streets allow us to discover its charms, monuments, landscapes and people. The warmth of the people is fantastic.
This medieval land is so beautiful that it becomes inevitable to fall in love with it and leave the promise of a return visit. Évora is also recognized as a top gastronomic destination.
7 – Silves
This small town lies in the interior of the Algarve. Silves has an Arab past. This charming destination shines on a hill surrounded by green fields.
Silves was once the capital of the Algarve. This destination has a charming history. Silves also boasts a fortress among its attractions. There’s also a cathedral built with funds from the Knights of the Order of Santiago.
The whitewashed facades bear coats of arms. If you take a stroll through the neighborhood’s streets, you’ll find a wide variety of bars, restaurants and cafés offering highly enjoyable experiences.
8 – Ferragudo
This is one of those Portuguese coastal towns that has many charms, but lacks the popularity of other nearby destinations. So you probably don’t know it yet. But you should visit this charming place. Its streets are narrow and open, in a setting where whitewashed houses stand out.
9 – Mértola
This is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in the south of the country. It’s a “village-museum”. There’s no shortage of reasons to visit Mértola. One of its highlights is its windmill. These constructions have been in operation here for centuries, powered by local water. Today, they retain their usefulness.
10 – Alcácer do Sal
Portugal has many historic villages, rural destinations crowned with castles and towns surrounded by ramparts. Alcácer do Sal is a perfect example of a destination steeped in history.
Its streets are worn by time. They allow us to climb a hill, reminding us of what towns were like in the Middle Ages. According to the journalist who wrote the article, “France is not the only queen of the Middle Ages”. There are many places in our country that reflect this medieval way of life.
You can read the original article, Los pueblos más bonitas del sur de Portugal, here.
