Portugal's Underrated Cities
5 Key Takeaways
- Diversity of Portugal’s Underrated Cities: The cities of Coimbra, Aveiro, Evora, and Setubal each offer a unique slice of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and historical past. While Coimbra is known as the city of students, Aveiro is often likened to Venice, Evora is a living museum, and Setubal is a seafood paradise.
- Historical Significance: Each city has a profound historical significance, boasting attractions such as the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aveiro’s Art Nouveau buildings, Evora’s Roman Temple, and Setubal’s Moorish castle.
- Unique Experiences: These cities offer unique experiences that range from a boat ride in Aveiro’s canals, a visit to the chilling Chapel of Bones in Evora, dolphin-watching tours in Setubal, and soaking in the vibrant youthful energy in Coimbra.
- Gastronomical Delights: Each city offers unique local cuisines that are worth exploring. While Coimbra is famous for its ‘fado de Coimbra’ and student culture, Aveiro is known for ‘ovos moles’ and Bairrada wine. In contrast, Evora offers Alentejo’s wines and traditional lamb stew, and Setubal is known for its ‘choco frito’ and Moscatel wine.
- Tourist-Friendly: Despite being underrated, these cities are tourist-friendly and are well-connected by road and rail networks. They are easily accessible from major cities like Lisbon and Porto. The locals are welcoming, and most understand and speak English, especially in tourist areas.
Overview of Portugal’s Lesser-Known Cities
Cities like Coimbra, Aveiro, Evora, and Setubal, offer a taste of authentic Portuguese life, unspoiled by mass tourism. Each of these cities holds their own unique appeal and secrets waiting to be discovered. Ready to embark on this Portuguese adventure?
Coimbra: The City of Students
Brief History of Coimbra
Steeped in history, Coimbra has served as the medieval capital of Portugal and is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. The University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has shaped this city into a vibrant hub of youthful energy.
Related article: Portugal Hidden Gems
What to See in Coimbra
From the old cathedral (Sé Velha) to the baroque university buildings and the stunning Joanina Library, Coimbra is replete with architectural wonders. The city, draped over the Mondego River, offers breathtaking views, especially from the University’s clock tower.
Cultural Life in Coimbra
Experience the ‘fado de Coimbra’, a unique genre of fado music, and soak up the lively atmosphere in the student-filled bars and cafes. Coimbra, undoubtedly, is a youthful city with a heart rooted deeply in its historic past.
Aveiro: Portugal's Venice
Unveiling Aveiro
Often referred to as ‘Portugal’s Venice’, Aveiro is a coastal city with a network of canals lined with colourful moliceiro boats. Once a significant maritime port, Aveiro’s salt pans, beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and sandy beaches make it a must-visit.
Main Attractions in Aveiro
Take a scenic ride on a moliceiro, visit the Art Nouveau museum or explore Costa Nova’s striped houses. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve provides a peaceful retreat.
Related article: Why Portugal is Europe’s best kept secret
The Unique Cuisine of Aveiro
Sample local delicacies like ‘ovos moles’ – sweet egg yolk treats or the seafood rice, a reflection of Aveiro’s rich maritime traditions. Wash it down with a glass of Bairrada, a local sparkling wine.
Evora: A Living Museum
Getting to Know Evora
Evora, situated in the heart of the Alentejo region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its rich tapestry of history spans over 2000 years, with monuments harking back to Roman, Gothic, and Manueline periods.
Top Historical Sites in Evora
Key sites include the Roman Temple, reminiscent of Evora’s Roman past, and the chilling Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), where walls are lined with human skulls and bones. The picturesque town square, Praça do Giraldo, serves as a central hub filled with cafés and shops.
Local Gastronomy in Evora
Don’t miss out on tasting the Alentejo’s wines, known for their quality and diversity. Pair it with a slice of ‘queijo de Serpa’, a local cheese, or ‘ensopado de borrego’, a traditional lamb stew.
Setubal: A Seafood Paradise
Exploring Setubal
Situated south of Lisbon, Setubal boasts an alluring mix of pristine beaches, the Sado Estuary nature reserve, and a historic city centre. It’s also the gateway to the stunning Arrábida Natural Park.
What to Do in Setubal
Hop on a dolphin-watching boat tour, explore the Moorish castle, or just relax on the beautiful beaches of Troia Peninsula. The vibrant Livramento Market is a sensory delight of fresh produce and seafood.
Food and Wine in Setubal
Famed for its seafood, Setubal is the place to savour a plate of ‘choco frito’ (fried cuttlefish) – a local favourite. The region also produces a unique Moscatel wine, offering a delightful complement to the city’s seafood dishes.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Portugal
Best Travel Time: Portugal generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate, suitable for visiting almost all year round. However, the best weather can be enjoyed between April and October.
Travel Connections: The cities of Coimbra, Aveiro, Evora, and Setubal are well connected by road and rail networks from major cities like Lisbon and Porto, making them accessible for travellers.
Language: Although knowing Portuguese can enhance your travel experience, most locals in these cities understand and speak English, especially in areas popular with tourists.
Local Cuisine: Each city has unique local cuisines worth trying. Be open to trying seafood dishes, local wines, and traditional desserts. Specific dishes to try include ‘ovos moles’ in Aveiro, ‘queijo de Serpa’ and ‘ensopado de borrego’ in Evora, and ‘choco frito’ in Setubal.
Sightseeing: Each city offers unique experiences, from exploring the University of Coimbra, taking a boat ride in Aveiro’s canals, visiting the Chapel of Bones in Evora, to joining a dolphin-watching boat tour in Setubal.
Respect Local Customs: Cities like Coimbra have a rich student culture, including unique traditions like the ‘fado de Coimbra’. Respect these local customs for a more immersive experience.
Visit Local Markets: Places like Setubal’s Livramento Market offer fresh produce and a chance to mingle with locals. Such places can provide a more authentic insight into local life.
Explore Natural Attractions: Besides city attractions, the areas surrounding the cities have natural wonders worth exploring, like São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve near Aveiro and the Arrábida Natural Park near Setubal.
Recommended Tours
Our Personally Recommended Tour
Final Thoughts
Portugal’s underrated cities are brimming with unique experiences, cultural richness, and gastronomical delights. They each add a distinct chapter to your Portuguese travel story, making it a captivating read from start to end. So, are you ready for your next adventure?
Thank you for reading. Adeus!
Related articles: Best time to visit Portugal , Why Portugal is Europe’s Best Kept Secret , Europe
Recommended websites: Visit Portugal Official Website
Author
Nick Harvey
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best time to visit these Portuguese cities?
Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it suitable to visit almost all year round. However, the months from April to October offer the best weather.
Are these cities easily accessible?
Yes, these cities are well connected by road and rail network from major cities like Lisbon and Porto.
Do I need to know Portuguese to travel around these cities?
While knowledge of Portuguese is beneficial, most people in these cities understand and speak English, especially in tourist areas.
What is the local cuisine like in these cities?
Portuguese cuisine is diverse and heavily influenced by the sea. Expect a lot of seafood dishes, local wines, and traditional desserts.
Are these cities tourist-friendly?
Absolutely! These cities, though underrated, are welcoming and have plenty of sights and experiences to offer the discerning traveller.
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