The 5 hidden gems of the South-West European delight may well be seen in the next Hollywood blockbuster as Portugal looks to become the European hub for film.
If you're planning a holiday soon, Portugal might be the perfect place for you
With a number of scenic opportunities, the country is rapidly becoming the hotspot for filmmakers who wish to use the landscape to create moments that will be immortalised on the silver screen. Its beauty, creative culture and openness provide the perfect backdrop for films from a range of genres.
Portugal has already been used by film productions including The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018), The Promise (2016) and A Family Vacation (2019).
The Livraria Bertrand – The world’s oldest bookshop
Recognised by the Guinness World Book of Records, Livraria Bertrand first opened its doors in 1732 in Rua Direita do Loreto, Lisbon. As the country surged in popularity with French booksellers in the eighteenth century, the bookshops founder Pedro Faure set up shop in what would go on to become part of the cultural itinerary of the city, with famous literary figures visiting the store over the decades.
Although the Livraria Bertrand was devastated by the 1755 earthquake which saw the owners forced to relocate, they were not deterred from their dream of owning a bookshop and after briefly moving out of the city, they returned 18 years later to Rua Garrett where it has been standing tall since 1773.
Ancient university city of Coimbra
Once the country’s capital in the Middle Ages, Coimbra is home to Europe’s second oldest university and has some of the most beautiful architecture that is often missed by the 12.7 million foreign tourists who visit the country every year.
Filled with gothic buildings and two stunning cathedrals, this hidden city has withstood the tests of time by mixing old with new as cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and other shops lead to Comercio Square - which complements the glorious history. Not too far away is the Santa Cruz Monastery, which contains the tombs of first two kings of Portugal and has been around since 1131, making this piece of history stick in your mind forever.
Fantasticable – The largest zip line in Europe
globalErrorHandler(8, Trying to get property of non-object, /brick1/ephemeral0/ff-famv4/app/views/ff/article/main/items/media.phtml, 6)One for the adrenaline junkies, the Fantasticable zip line is the largest of its kind in Europe. Located in the Ribeira de Pena, in the district of Vila Real (Northeast Portugal). The breath-taking scenery is really something to admire as you escape from the more cosmopolitan city of Villa Real.
Standing at over 490 feet (150 metres) and gaining speeds of up to 80mph, you will soar like an Eagle through the zipline taking in the beauty that surrounds you. Despite the speed you will reach new heights and witness places that not many have seen before, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Praia de Benagil – The Eye
In the countries southernmost region, the Algarve is by no means a hidden gem with tourists flocking to experience its gold courses and sun-soaked beaches.
However, if you wonder just a bit further along the Lagoa beach, you will come across one of the most mind-blowing caves known in English as ‘The Eye’.
Through the two magical arches, you can take in surroundings that make you feel like you are on a postcard! The sea outside the cave glistens like a crystal as you find yourself the peace and tranquillity synonymous with Portugal.
Troia Peninsula
Located in the municipality of Grandola in the Setúbal District, the Troia Peninsula is home to some of the most luxurious and prestigious places in Portugal.
Not only does it have some of the best golf courses and restaurants serving the finest local cuisine on offer, Troia Peninsula also allow you to get up close and personal with dolphins that live just off the coast.
The boats depart from the marina and the aquatic tours offer incredible opportunities to see these animals in action.
So, when it comes to Portugal, why not go off the beaten path and come back with experiences and memories that nobody else can match? As they say, travel is the only thing you can buy that will make you richer, and it is Portugal that will certainly leave you feeling that way.
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