-
Museu Antoniano
Housed in a former chapel built in the 17th century (which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake), this is now a museum devoted to St Anthony – think paintings, books, coins and icons all relating to the saint. Ask at the Museu Municipal for entry.
-
Estufas
Tucked away in a pocket of Parque Eduardo VII, this trio of glasshouses nurtures tree ferns and camellias in the estufa fría (cool greenhouse), coffee and mango trees in the estufa quente (hot greenhouse) and cacti in the estufa doce (sweet greenhouse).
-
Adega Cooperativa de Borba
This adega is one of the region’s largest, producing the famous Borba full-bodied red and white maduro (mature) and rosé wines. Ring ahead to arrange a visit and tasting. You can buy wine at the Adega’s large shop, 100m further up the road from the coop.
-
Pico do Arieiro
You can drive to the top of Pico do Arieiro, Madeiras third highest mountain. At the top youll find a cafe, a Portuguese Air Force radar station and stupendous views. Try to get up here for the sunrise, though youll not enjoy the spectacle alone.
-
Igreja do São João Novo
Set up a narrow maze of stone stairs, this medieval church with magnificent views was built in 1539 on land that was originally part of Porto’s old Jewish quarter. It’s a nice place to stop, take a breath and listen to sad fado tunes riding the wind.
-
Museu José Regio
This small museum is in poet José Regio’s former house, and shows his magpie-like collection of popular religious art, with around 400 Christ figures. There are lots of rustic ceramics from Coimbra, which 18th-century migrant workers used to swap for clothes.
-
Fonte da Vila
In a pretty square just below and east of the judiaria is the worn-smooth 16th-century marble Fonte da Vila, with a washing area. This, along with several other fountains in the village, spouts the delicious mineral water for which Castelo de Vide is known.
-
Estoril Casino
The temple-like casino has everything from roulette to poker, blackjack and the ubiquitous slot machines. Its cavernous main restaurant, Preto e Prata , stages a sparkly floor show nightly, and theres a first-rate Chinese restaurant on the ground floor.
-
Jardim Panorâmico
Up a set of steps from the seafront, the terraced Jardim Panorâmico is a sun-catching spot ideal for a lazy afternoon with a book. Its also a superb halt with children as there are go-karts, a bouncy castle and crazy golf, as well as a couple of cafes nearby.
-
Quinta da Boa Vista
Founded by a former Honorary British Consul Cecil Garton, this garden is the best place to experience Madeiras exquisite orchids. The orchid houses are a riot of Cattleyas , Cymbidiums and Paphiopedilums but the rest of the place could do with a tidy round.
-
Museu do Pão
This museum, set in a huge complex with mill wheels, restaurant and rustic buildings, has all the information you’ll ever need on local bread production. The highlight is the traditional-style shop. It’s 1km northeast of the centre on the road to Sabugueiro.
-
Museu Alberto Sampaio
Built around the serene Romanesque cloister of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, this museum has an excellent collection of ecclesiastical art and religious finery. Highlights include the tunic reputedly worn by João I at the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385).
-
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Lisbon spreads out before you at Graça’s highest of the high, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Come for the relaxed vibe and the best views of the castle on the hill opposite. It’s a short walk west (along Rua da Senhora do Monte) of the tram 28 stop on Rua da Graça.
-
Caminho da Água
Portuguese muralist Rigo designed this splash-happy boardwalk. Watch blue mosaic volcanoes erupt spontaneously or relax on one of the wave-shaped benches. Forget taking a dip, though, as signs warn that bathing is forbidden. Well, there’s always the Tejo…
-
Baleal
About 5km to the northeast of Peniche is this scenic island-village, connected to the mainland village of Casais do Baleal by a causeway. The fantastic sweep of sandy beach here offers some fine surfing. Surf schools dot the sands, as do several bar-restaurants.
-
Arco da Porta Nova
West of the old centre on Rua Dom Diogo de Sousa, this diminutive but elegant 18th-century ‘arch of the new gate’ once served as the city’s main entrance. It displays the ostentatious coat of arms of the archbishop who commissioned it, Dom José de Bragança.
-
Torre da Tavira
The Torre da Tavira, which was formerly the town’s water tower (100m), now houses a camera obscura. A simple but ingenious object, the camera obscura reveals a 360-degree panoramic view of Tavira, its monuments and local events, in real time – all while you are stationary.
-
Praça do Bocage
All streets in the pedestrianised old town seem to lead to this mosaic-cobbled square, presided over by the arcaded pink-and-white town hall. It’s a sunny spot for a wander amid the palms and fountains, or for coffee and people-watching on one of the pavement terraces.
-
Jardim Municipal
Verdant old park in the city centre, created on the site of the Convent of San Francisco, with tens of exotic labelled trees, twittering birds, basalt pebble paths, a cafe, toilet and a stage where many events are held throughout the year, including part of the carnival.
-
Headland
While in Peniche, make sure you do the circuit of the whole headland, either in the car or by walking the six kilometres. At Cabo Carvoeiro, the very tip, theres a lighthouse and spectacular views of a rock stack and the Berlenga islands, as well as an excellent restaurant.
Total
723 -travel
FirstPage PreviousPage NextPage LastPage CurrentPage:
18/37 20-travel/Page GoTo Page:
