The Costa Verde

Portugal’s Costa Verde is one of the country’s best-known tourist areas, but don’t be put off by this: the region is full of history and charm and has plenty to offer, even to the most experienced and discerning holidaymaker. Stretching from the city of Porto to the Spanish border, the Costa Verde has a young population, and is full of great restaurants, bars, shops and historic sites to explore. Two of the region’s most well-known towns are Braga and Guimares, and both have an abundance of charm and character.

Braga is famous for its imposing architecture, and this originates from the town’s medieval history, when it was the capital of the district. Braga’s medieval castle is well worth a visit, as are its collection of museums, such as the Museum Medina, the Image Museum and the Pius XII Museum. Other highlights include the grand Palace of Braga, with its mannerist and baroque architecture; the Circus Theatre, and the nearby Dona Chica Castle.

The Parque de Penada Gerez is a nature reserve in the north-east corner of Costa Verde, on the border with Spain. The reserve is a great place to see a wide range of wonderful wildlife and plant life, with some rare species which are native to the Iberian Peninsula. This is an excellent day out for nature lovers, or those looking for a relaxing getaway from urban holidaymaking. Not to be missed!

For accommodation during your vacation, you could choose from one of the region’s many hotels, or its traditional pousadas. However, these can be expensive and are in high demand, so you may face being unable to book the dates you are looking for. A much better choice, we think, is to find a self-catering property with easy access to the best of local facilities, amenities and activity options. This way you get the best of both worlds – freedom, privacy and lots of space, combined with nearby catering so you do not have to cook for yourself 24/7 if you do not wish to. Holiday Rental Homes promotes a number of great properties on the Costa Verde – why not start browsing them today, and start planning a truly memorable holiday?

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Portugal Holiday & Travel Guide: Portugal is a great escape for a whole host of reasons....for sun lovers seeking total relaxation or for the active bodies seeking fun outdoors...it is sure to check all of the boxes! With an idyllic climate year round, there is no 'best time' to visit this relatively small, but beautiful country.

For those wanting an insight into the culture and history of the country, head inland, take in the breathtaking scenery and visit the quirky little towns and villages... each holding secrets of the past.

The Algarve without doubt is a very popular tourist destination primarily for its beaches, but there are endless other activities to get involved in...why not visit one of the many world class golf courses around the area?

For a city break head to Lisbon, the cosmipolitan capital city situated on the Tagus estuary... oozing with character and charm you will not be short of things to do here. Kick back and relax in a cafe or head to the shops to find a bargain!

Take your time to browse through our regional guides to discover your perfect Portuguese getaway...alternatively search by activity to find where is best to go for your chosen holiday experience.

For more information on Portugal, visit the Portugal Tourist Board's official website.

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