Experience
Portugal

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : BRAGA

Rome and Tibet come together in Portugal

The city has retained its historical heritage, nicknamed Portuguese Rome due to its many churches. See it in the cathedral, the oldest in the country. It’s also a very green setting with the nearby Peneda-Gerês National Park and its golden eagles.

SISTELO, THE LITTLE PORTUGUESE TIBET

Don’t be fooled by its cascading terraced landscape; photos of Sistelo are not of an Asian landscape. You’re well and truly in the middle of the Portuguese countryside!

This small village with less than 300 inhabitants is one of the country’s most beautiful spots. In 2017, it was the first Portuguese landscape to be classed as a National Monument. Previously, that classification had been reserved for buildings only. Nestled at the Peneda-Gerês National Park entrance, this location has earned its nickname ‘Little Portuguese Tibet’.

Its remarkable terraced land where corn and other grains are grown has been shaped by people over the centuries to make the hostile ground cultivable. You can watch local cows graze in this picture-perfect snapshot of nature.

The village of Sistelo is also worth a visit for its traditional granite houses, communal outdoor laundry, and 19th-century castle, where the Viscount of Sistelo once lived. Not forgetting the old raised granaries used to store grain and dry the corn. All this makes Sistelo the perfect spot for taking photos of a land untouched by time, far from the hustle and bustle of the cities. It’s also the ideal starting point for stretching your legs on a walk in this undulating region full of things to discover.

Must-sees in Braga

A waterfall in the Peneda Gerès natural park

The terraces of the small Portuguese Tibet around Sistelo

THE PENEDA-GERÊS NATIONAL PARK

Portugal’s only national park is 72,000 hectares, perfect for walks in the forest, seeing wild horses, deer and golden eagles and swimming in the natural waterfalls and pools. It is also home to several picturesque villages.

GUIMARÃES CASTLE

Lived in by the first king of Portugal, Afonso I, this medieval castle impresses. See majestic carved walls and seven square towers, including the 28-metre keep you can climb to enjoy the views. This historical gem is one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

The staircase of the Five Senses leading to the Sanctuary of the Good Jesus of Mont

THE SANCTUARY OF BOM JESUS DO MONTE

The highlight of this monument is its Stairway of the Five Senses, which includes three staircases with six hundred steps in total, interspersed with delicately carved fountains and statues. It is symbolic of the ascent to heaven. For those not keen on the climb, you can take the funicular. At the top, there’s a church and uninterrupted views of the surrounding area.

BRAGA CATHEDRAL

Braga is home to Portugal’s oldest cathedral. Its construction dates back to 1070, but it’s undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, resulting in its fascinating mix of architectural styles. Inside, you will find the tombs of Henry of Burgundy and Teresa of Léon, the parents of King Afonso I.

PRAIA FLUVIAL DE ADAÚFE

To take a dip after a walk, head to Praia Fluvial de Adaúfe. This riverside beach is a stone’s throw from Braga and is ideal for relaxing between visits. You can canoe, paddleboard and play volleyball there, or just have a picnic with some local delicacies in the sun.