Tour guides Portugal

5 ideas for guided tours in Portugal

• The villages of the Beiras

  

  The Beiras village region, located in the center of the country between the Douro River to the north and the Tagus to the south, is sometimes overlooked by classic itineraries.

  Yet it would be a shame to miss its spectacular scenery. Long stretches of fine sandy beaches along the coast, exceptional vineyards, colorful villages, castles, and thermal spas all showcase the cultural richness of this area.

  The main city is Coimbra, home to one of the oldest university complexes in Europe and a rich heritage of cathedrals, monasteries, and museums. A true architectural gem, Aveiro — often called the Venice of Portugal — is famous for its canals and boat rides. You can also explore the Serra de Buçaco, surrounded by a magnificent forest.

  In total, there are 12 villages that delight visitors to the Beiras countryside each year, offering a glimpse of authentic rural life. A local guide in Portugal will be your best companion to truly experience this fascinating region.

• Serra da Estrela Natural Park

  

  This park was the first natural park created in Portugal. It contains the highest point in the country as well as its only ski slopes. Its greatest appeal lies in the incredible diversity of its flora and fauna.

  Here you can spot all kinds of animals: wolves, wild boar, foxes, rabbits, and a wide variety of birds such as buzzards, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. Hiking through the marked trails of the Serra da Estrela, you’ll be captivated by the beauty and variety of the landscape — green meadows, lakes reflecting the mountains, and stunning waterfalls.

  Take your time on long walks through the quiet of these magnificent mountains, especially along the route from Covilhã to Manteigas, which leads you to the highest point, called Torre. Activities change with the seasons.

  Be sure to taste local products such as the famous Queijo da Serra cheese, visit small regional museums, or simply admire the many landscapes, including the glacial valleys of Zêzere, Unhais da Serra, and Loriga.

• Faro

  

  Located at the southern tip of Portugal in the Algarve region, Faro offers a wide variety of attractions. Its pedestrian-friendly historic center, with cobbled streets, is enclosed by ancient walls and holds a beautiful Episcopal Palace as well as the stunning cathedral known as the Sé.

  From the top of its bell tower, you’ll have a breathtaking view over old Faro and the marina. Perched atop the buildings, you can spot storks calmly resting in their nests.

  The city makes a perfect base for exploring the entire region, especially the Ria Formosa Park. Accessible by boat, it stretches across 18,000 hectares and is made up of canals, sandbanks, pine forests, and salt marshes — all crisscrossed by scenic trails and home to a truly unique variety of wildlife.

• Benagil Cave

  

  The fishing village of Benagil is located on the southern coast of the Algarve. Among its must-see sights, the Benagil Cave is unforgettable — a natural cathedral with an open ceiling in the center, nicknamed the Eye of Benagil. It can only be reached by boat or, for the more adventurous, by swimming. Exploring its caverns is pure enchantment.

  For maximum safety, you can take one of the many boats shuttling to this magical spot from the harbor or from nearby towns such as Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, or Portimão. The short trip lasts about an hour, hugging the coastline. On the way back, you can stop at secluded beaches for a quiet break.

• Nazare

  

  Welcome to the Estremadura region in central-west Portugal, near Alcobaça. Nazaré is the most traditional fishing port in the country. Its seafront is a wide crescent of white sand, with the small Sítio Hill rising 325 meters on the right, overlooking the horizon.

  At the top, you’ll find the small Ermida da Memória Church, built at the end of the 12th century. From there, continue to the Pedralva Park and reach the Pederneira viewpoint (Miradouro da Pederneira) for a stunning view of the coast. Heading back toward the town center, stroll through the narrow streets until you reach the city’s liveliest and most iconic square.

  Near the port, on Avenida Manuel Remigio, you can watch the centuries-old tradition of drying fish. The fish are laid out on racks and sprinkled with salt to preserve them.

  The Mercado Municipal captures the region’s authenticity, with stalls offering all kinds of fresh produce — especially fish, sold by the famous “varinas” (fish vendors) wearing their traditional seven-layer skirts.

  It’s also worth noting that Nazaré is a world-famous surfing spot, attracting top surfers who come to challenge record-breaking waves.