3 Destinations you must visit in 2021
We can´t wait to travel again, and we know you feel the same. Although we are still facing great challenges, we believe that travelling will take a turn this year. Very soon we will be delighted again with hearing an unfamiliar language and making a list of all the experiences we want to live in the new places we want to visit.
So, it is time to start planning your dream holidays. We hope this list will serve as something to look forward to, a reward for making it through these defying times.
Here are the 3 destinations in Portugal you must visit in 2021.
Alentejo
Alentejo in the south of Portugal, between Lisbon and the Algarve, is one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal and it is a perfect destination for your next holiday.
Alentejo has magnificent beaches, endless plains, a unique cuisine. As you can see, many surprises to see, and live and savour.
This unique region produces some of the most awarded wines in the world, so one of the first activities that come to our mind is to visit a wine cellar and enjoy a marvelous meal paired with the excellent wines of the region. And in some of these Herdades (wine estates), you will find some of the most exclusive and luxurious hotels, surrounded by ancient holm oaks, olive groves, and impressive vineyards.
And travelling through the Alentejo, you will find there are a lot of dams and lakes, the Alqueva lake being the most famous one. These lakes are incredibly irresistible for those who look for tranquility, but they are also perfect to explore the emotions of water sports like water ski, canoeing, SUP…
On the wild coast, you will find beaches of wild and unexplored beauty. The Alentejo coast is considered by many the last wild coast in Europe and perhaps one of the most beautiful in the world. From the Peninsula of Tróia all the way to the Algarve, you will find practically untouched coastline, rocky cliffs, imposing lighthouses, small islands, natural reserves, and parks
You can just lay in the sand and relax, or explore the many outdoor activities, like trekking, explore the countryside on a mountain bike, go fishing, or birdwatching.
And don´t forget to visit this region’s ancient villages, where you will be marveled at the Arab heritage, so revealed in the narrow streets and cobbled alleys of low, whitewashed houses, and imposing castles.
Come and enjoy the nature and the culture of the Alentejo.
Douro Valley
Devoted wine lovers must pay a visit to Douro Valley, a must-visit wine destination, according to Forbes magazine. The rural appeal and rugged beauty of this region in the North of Portugal, are reason enough to visit it in 2021. The beautiful landscape is defined by its famous River Douro and at the banks that line the river you will find cascading vineyards and traditional family owned Quintas (wine estates) and luxury wine hotels.
There is so much you can experience in the beautiful Douro region. Walk through the vineyards ending with a superb wine tasting, while enjoying the magnificent view of the landscape, or just relax and enjoy a traditional picnic, discovering the unique flavours of this region’s delicious gastronomy, paired with the best Douro wines. The more daring may choose to explore this region with a 4WD vehicle, driven by an experienced pilot, travelling through trails seldom explored and with privileged views over the vineyards and the fantastic viewpoints.
You can travel in time and participate in the Harvest, an ancient ritual where side by side with the local workers you will learn about this traditional wine-making tradition. You will take part in the whole process, from picking the grapes to treading them with your bare feet.
And at the end of the day, enjoy an exclusive sunset cruise along the Douro River, relax at the sound of the calm waters, and discover the unique light of this unique region.
Come and absorb the true feeling of the Douro Valley.
Minho Region
In the beautiful Minho region, in the North of Portugal, you will discover peaceful beaches, beautiful mountains, ancient and medieval villages with their historic manor houses, and delicious food and wine.
You can choose to discover this region travelling through the Vinho Verde Route. It offers you more than the pleasure of tasting unique, elegant, and fragrant young wines. It is a journey through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Guimarães, ancient cities with a roman heritage like Braga, old medieval villages like Ponte de Lima or Caminha, and a landscape blessed with unspoiled beaches, mountains, valleys, and rivers. And a gastronomy of exquisite flavours perfectly paired with the Vinho Verde (wine).
Enjoy the sun, relax in one of the sea or river beaches that this region has to offer. Experience surfing or windsurfing, the beaches of Moledo and Cabedelo, offer excellent conditions for the practice of these sports.
In this region, you will find Geres National Park – Portugal´s only national park. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers. There are many paths that you can choose from to explore this wild mountain landscape. All of them will lead you through magnificent mountain scenarios and rural communities. It can feel as though you are stepping back in time. You might sometimes manage to find a Roebuck (the Park´s symbol), or the Garranos, small wild horses that run in the mountains. Or you may come across a sheperd, with his trustful friend, the Castro Laboreiro dog, a Portuguese sheep dog native to this region.
Discover the rich history and culture of the Minho region.
This is a list to start from, but there are so many amazing places to discover in Portugal. Tell us what your dream tour for 2021 looks like and our team will prepare a totally customized tour to meet your preferences.