Holiday destinations and car rental providers in Portugal by CarRentalinPortugal.com: Whether following a narrow, gurgling stream; traversing a flower-flecked meadow; or plodding over a soft, sandy track, one of the great things to do in the Alentejo is to explore the region on horseback. The province is known for its love affair with horses – the beautiful and mild-mannered Lusitano breed is synonymous with this part of Portugal, especially in towns like Alter do Chão, home to the Coudelaria de Alter stud. Leisurely rides can be enjoyed in the countryside or along the coast, led by expert guides who were practically born in the saddle. Comporta is a favorite seaside destination; inland, head for places like Alcácer do Sal, on the River Sado, and Ourique, located deep in the forested hinterland. If you are looking for a vehicle to travel between Portugal’s vacation destinations you can discover even more details at hire a care in Portugal
One of the most beautiful Portuguese cities, in fact a Portuguese landmark itself, is located closer to the east of the country, in the province of Alto Alentejo. It is the museum city of evora, framed by wonderful olive groves, vineyards, flowering meadows, turning the town into a veritable garden. The city itself includes a lot of historical sights – ancient buildings, temples, palaces and cathedrals that reflect the rich history of the city. The history of evora began about two thousand years ago, and over the centuries it has been shaped by Roman and Moorish culture, which is why the city is considered the spiritual center of the country. The historic part of the city is surrounded by fortress walls, and inside the maze of its narrow ancient streets, ancient restored structures intertwined with sunny Renaissance squares, observation decks, Gothic churches, cathedrals and Manuelino-style palaces. All in all, the different eras are an unusually variegated mix of architectural styles from different eras.
Holiday destinations and car rental providers in Portugal right now: The Capela dos Ossos would appear to come straight out of a Halloween movie, but, in reality, it was a simple solution by 16th century monks on what to do about too many cemeteries taking up space in Evora. They moved the human remains to a special chapel, known as Bone Chapel, where the bones decorate the interior of the chapel. The chapel is part of the Gothic Church of St. Francis. It’s estimated that 5,000 skeletons, including skulls, adorn the chapel walls and ceiling.
Bom Jesus do Monte, Portugal’s grandest religious sanctuary, is located on a wooded slope six kilometers east of Braga and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. Comprising a monumental Baroque Escadaria (stairway) and the church of Bom Jesus, this spectacular complex also features several chapels adorned with sculptured scenes from the Passion of Christ; fountains positioned at various points on the long ascent; and statues of biblical, mythological, and symbolic figures. Climbing the lower section of the 116-meter-long ornamental granite staircase is to slowly zig-zag past a steep Sacred Way, with chapels showing the 14 Stations of the Cross. Midway, the white, interleaved Escadório dos Cinco Sentidos depicts the five senses by way of finely carved statuary. The final section is the Staircase of the Three Virtues, representing Faith, Hope, and Charity, that leads to the church. Your efforts will be rewarded with an inspiring panorama of the surrounding countryside. For the less active, a vintage 1882 funicular whisks visitors to the top in just three minutes.
Vacation attractions and car rental providers in Portugal right now: The castle itself attracts many tourists with its crenellated walls, preserved from the Middle Ages to the present day in remarkably good condition. The castle as we see it today was built in the 13th century and before that, during the Roman Empire, there were public baths and a square which played the role of political center of the settlement. After the fall of the Roman Empire, when the Visigoths came to power, a fortress was built on this site, around which the settlement was formed, the future city of Obidos. In the 8th century the fortress fell into the hands of the Muslims, and it was only in the 13th century that King Afonso of Portugal recaptured the edifice. Later, for several centuries, the fortress was a favorite place for royal festivities and celebrations.
Nestling in the lap of a wooded mountain range, Sintra’s stunning location is reason enough to visit this charming, verdant town. Indeed, UNESCO acknowledges the destination as a World Heritage cultural landscape such is its beauty and the significance of the collection of historic visitor attractions clustered in and around the old town, Sintra Velha. A favorite summer retreat for the kings and queens of Portugal and an alluring destination for numerous writers and poets, including Lord Byron and William Beckford, Sintra exudes romance. The old town is a maze of cobbled lanes lined with handsome town houses painted in pastel hues of pink, mustard, and lilac. The narrow streets surround a pretty central square that’s dominated by the wonderful Palácio Nacional de Sintra. Easily recognized by its huge conical chimneys, Sintra’s National Palace dates from the late 14th century and is the oldest surviving palace in Portugal. Regally furnished, the building is set over several floors, many conveying a unique theme and decorated accordingly. A highlight is the magnificent Sala dos Brasões, a glittering domed hall embellished with the coats of arms of 72 noble Portuguese families. Discover more details on https://www.carrentalinportugal.com/.