If you think of Portugal, it is probably places like Lisbon, with its many hills and fado buskers in every corner, and Porto, a world capital of wine that extends over a picturesque river front, which comes up in me and unless you are at home in ‘Europe’, you probably think they are also popping for your money.
Portugal is always called the cheapest country in Western Europe, where you could Eat affordable under $ 10And find beautiful hotels with a view for less than $ 50, but 2015 was 10 years ago.
Have you recently checked Lisbon’s prices?
Guimarães Is the birthplace of Portugal
According to Budget your tripTravelers recently spent an average of $ 86 a day on meals in Lisbon, in combination with $ 148 at night in accommodation, while the average daily costs of a holiday in the Portuguese capital are $ 196.
Fortunately for the budget conscious among us who are still dreaming of it Pastel de Nata And houses covered with tiles, there is a less well -known but beautiful medieval city in Portugal, where the prices are still low, and the weather will remain pleasant until the beginning of October.
A photo-perfect city in the north of Portugal, known as the ‘birthplace of Portugal’, is Guimarães less than an hour drive by train from Porto, and Characterized by his intact medieval architectureAbsence of tourist crowds, and above all, cheaper prices:
Why visit Guimarães this fall
If you often associate Europe with old squares bordered by cozy cafes, fairy -tale chateaux and graceful churches with richly furnished interiors, you are not exactly off -mark when it comes to the historic center of Guimarães.
In its heart there is an atmospheric square called Largo da Oliveiradominated by an old olive tree (hence the name), and flanked by the medieval Nossa Senhora da Oliveira church.
If you are curious about the tree, the legend has it that An olive tree has been in this exact place for more than seven centuries. Of course the current is not that old, but whether you are a strong believer in a folk tale or not, it is not to be denied.
The square is also famous for housing the Padrão Do SaladoA Gothic monument with arches that enclose a Norman cross. It was built to commemorate the Battle of Río Salado, which took place in 1340 between a Christian king of Portugal and Islamic settlers.
Medieval miracles in abundance
There are about half a dozen other medieval squares to view, such as Saint James Square (Praça de Santiago), accessible via the arches of the impressive old town hall, and Largo da república do brasildistinguished by its flower gardens and picturesque São Gualter church.
However, if you hope to really understand the pristine charm of the city, you must go next to Santa Maria Street:
A bustling passage lcollected with medieval buildings That modern companies, such as traditional Portuguese restaurants, family businesses and even earthenware workshops, it is the beating heart of Guimarães.
Over CourosOr the tanneries, a short walk beyond the medieval core, you will find the former leather tanning district of the city: in the Middle Ages it was the most important export of Guimarães, and you can still visit some of the medieval brown tanks.
Fairytal Castles
Of course you did not go to Guimarães until you have checked his historic castles. The oldest, just called Guimarães Castledates from more than 1000 years, and it is a fort in the Heuveltop with an epic view of the 15th-century cityscape at its feet.
It distinguishes itself because it was the birthplace of King Afonso I, born in 1109, who fought for (and in it) Portugal to establish an independent state.
The second most remarkable of the medieval complexes of Guimarães is the Palace of the dukes of Bragançaa French-inspiring castle With an arcaded courtyard and almost unchanged interior with age -old furniture.
While you are busy, between the castle and the palace, you might want to visit the Romanesque São Miguel do Castelo church. You can never visit Too many 13th-century buildings in one trip.
If you are now looking for an epic point of view, even higher than Guimarães Castle, make sure you bring the local cable car to Penha Hill forward: it not only offers tourist paths and picnic areas with a view of the lush countryside, it is the home of the art deco Penha Sanctuary.
Delicious food at cheaper prices
Are you wondering why you have never heard of Guimarães so far? That is because it is a hidden gem that the Portuguese would like to keep secret (especially after foreigners had cities such as Lisbon and Porto stormant hands).
You will almost never come across tour groups or huge waiting lines to go here in churches, and as far as prices are, it still feels like Portugal before overtourism demanded its toll on the local costs of living.
Over O prato cheioA traditional Portuguese eatery where you can get regional favorites Francesinha And Portuguese style cod, a main course and a drink will reduce you on average about $ 8.25 as part of a ‘set of meal’.
Adega Dos Caquinhos Is another example of a cheap dining place of Guimarães, with daily specials (pratos do slide) ranging from $ 11–$ 17 (and these usually include a drink and dessert).
In the field of cakes and sweets, rest assured Pastel de Nata” Tigelinhas And Pudim de Ovos From as cheap as $ 1.80 – $ 2.50 in every bakery in the city. Some of our favorites, you ask? Attempt Manjar DOS teacher And Nova Camir.
When it comes to accommodation, hotel rooms start from $ 44 Booking.com For data from the mid-October, only as high as $ 152 (for 2 adults, at the 4-star Toural).
On average, budget hotels cost around $ 53, while Mid-range to luxury hotels vary from $ 105 to $ 179.
How hot is Guimarães in the fall?
Last but certainly not in the least if you still hope for some good weather in October, Guimarães can experience an occasional rainfall in the fall, as usual in a large part of Europe, but during the day highs usually settle at around 69.8 ° F.
Nocturnal lows fall to around 51.8 ° F, so you are advised to pack accordingly, given the unpredictability of the local weather.
Oh, and talking about packaging, make sure you use our ultimate pre-flight travel aids for the Reischecklijst to verify all travel supplies before you leave (and to prevent unpleasant surprises at the airport).
Subscribe to our latest messages
Enter your e -mail address to subscribe to the latest Breeknieuws from Path, directly to your inbox.
