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Ovar Tourist Places to Visit in Ovar, Portugal, Europe

Ovar is a Portuguese city as well as municipality located in the Aveiro District of Baixo Vouga Sub-region. It comes under the Centro region covering an area of 147.4 sq. km and including two cities, the municipality of Ovar comprises of eight parishes such as São João, Esmoriz, Arada, Válega, São Vicente de Pereira, Ovar, Maceda and Cortegaça. Ovar is well known for its natural and manmade tourist attractions and educational institutions.

 

Geography of Ovar:

Ovar coordinates with 40°52′ N latitude and 8°38′ W longitude, is situated about 280 km north of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and 40 km south of Porto, the second-largest city of Portugal.

 

How to reach Ovar?

Ovar is served by Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport or Porto Airport, which is the second busiest airport in Portugal, operating flights from and to London, Burgas, Lyon, Paris, Madrid, Marseille, Dublin, Luxembourg, Madeira, Newark, Toronto and other major global destinations.

The Porto Airport is located around 50 km away from the centre of the Ovar city and there are frequent buses plying between these two destinations.

For local travel, sightseeing and to reach tourist destinations, visitors can use bus or rental vehicles cars or bikes in Ovar.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Ovar:

There is a museum, called the Network Museology Ovar which showcases the local culture and tradition with well preserved objects and concerts.

Including handicraft products and colorful clothes, Ovar houses all kinds of shops all around the city. The famous restaurants in and around Ovar with both traditional and international menu are listed below:

• Oxala’
• Restaurante O Moliceiro
• Restaurante Tipico da Bairrada
• Restaurante Cantinho Nobre
• Restaurante O Gafanhoto

 

Things to do in Ovar:

• Beach exploration
• Day tours
• Visiting churches

 

Tourist Attractions in Ovar:

 

Beaches in Ovar:

As like other coastal cities, Ovar is also famous for its spectacular beaches with opportunities of different summer activities. Including the Furadouro Beach, all the beaches of the Ovar municipality are great summer vacation for visitors.

 

The Mother Church of Ovar:

The Mother Church of Ovar is the main religious site as well as tourist attraction in Ovar dating from the 17^th century. This church is equally renowned for its eye-catching architecture and holiness.

 

Chapel of St. Anthony:

Constructed between 1693 and 1697, the Chapel of St. Anthony is a beautifully constructed chapel featuring two towers and interior altarpiece.

 

Other places of interest in Ovar include:

• Network Museology Ovar
• Chapel of St Lawrence
• Chapel of St. Aloysius Gonzaga
• Parish Church of Cortegaca
• Chapel of St Michael
• Parish Church of Válega
• Chapel of Our Lady of Good Success
• Chapel of Our Lady of Grace
• Parish Church of Punchbowl
• Museu de Aveiro
• Mata Nacional do Bussaco
• Forum Aveiro
• Palace of Bussaco
• Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira
• Universidade de Aveiro

 

Best time to visit Ovar:

Probably during the months between May and September are best to trip Ovar in Portugal.

 

Accommodation options in Ovar:

Ovar houses some well facilitated hotels and for better hospitality services, visitors can head towards the Porto city which is located around 40 km away from Ovar housing loads of world class hotels. Some of the fine hotels in and around Ovar include:

• Hotel Meia-Lua
• AquaHotel
• Furadouro Boutique Hotel Beach & SPA
• Maceda Surf Hostel
• Hotel Pedra Bela
• Melia Ria Hotel
• Grande Hotel de Luso
• Alegre Hotel
• Hotel das Salinas
• Hotel Aveiro Palace
• Bussaco Palace Hotel
• Curia Palace Hotel Spa & Golf Resort
• Hotel S. Pedro
• Quinta Sao Miguel de Arcos
• Quinta dos Tres Pinheiros

Tourist Places to Visit in Obidos, Portugal, Europe

Obidos is a town and the seat of the Obidos municipality in the Centro region of Portugal geographically positioned between 39°21′42.95″ N latitude and 9°9′25.71″ W longitude, around 135 km southwest of the regional capital, Coimbra and 85 km north of the national capital, Lisbon.

 

Geography of Obidos:

Obidos is situated on hilltop in the Oeste Sub region at an elevation of 43 meters.

 

History of Obidos:

It is believed that, Obidos derives its name from the Latin word oppidum which means ‘castle’. According to the archeological findings, Obidos witnessed the rule of Romans in its history. Obidos became free from the Moors in 1148, released by Afonso Henriques, the Portugal’s first king.

 

Connectivity to Obidos:

There is no public airport in Obidos, so the closest major airport to Obidos is Lisbon Portela Airport which is located around 80 km south of Obidos covering all the major European cities such as London, Dublin, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Rome, Geneva, Berlin and Istanbul.

There are taxis always ready to serve tourists at the Lisbon Airport and in addition, there are several reputed tour operators offering direct bus services from the airport to Obidos.

Buses and rental vehicles like cars or bikes are the recommended options to get around Obidos.

 

Food and Shopping in Obidos:

A traditional ‘Medieval Market’ in Obidos hosts in the month of annually at the site of Óbidos castle featuring the traditional handcrafts fair.

The famous food corners in Obidos are listed below:

• Petrarum Domus bar restaurante
• Bar Ibn Errik Rex
• Restaurante Muralhas
• Restaurante Alcaide
• A Ilustre Casa de Ramiro

 

Things to do in Obidos:

• Silver Coast Tours
• SupXscape
• Day tours

 

Places to see in Obidos:

 

The Castle of Obidos:

The Castle of Obidos is the identity of the city as it witnessed many historical wars but it is still good in condition, attracting tourists year round. It was once renovated during the rule of King Dinis I.

 

The Church of Santa Maria in Óbidos:

The Church of Santa Maria in Óbidos was specially noted as it was the site of the marriage of King Afonso V with Princess Isabella of Coimbra in the year 1441.

 

Municipal Museum of Obidos:

Situated in the old Council Chamber House, the Municipal Museum of Obidos showcases the culture and history of the region with objects and exhibitions.

 

Other places of interests in and around Obidos are as follows:

• Clock Tower
• Royal Obidos Golf Course
• Grande Mercado Medieval de Obidos
• Obidos Village
• Praia d’El Rey Golf Course
• Vila Natal
• Church of Saint Peter
• Atlantic Coast Spa
• Leiria Castle
• Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra
• The Theatre Miguel Franco
• Praia do Pedrogao
• Monasterior de Batalha
• Carlos Joalheiro Lda
• Monastery of Alcobaca
• Church of Saint Peter

 

Best time to visit Obidos:

Throughout the year is best, especially the summer months (April-October) are ideal to visit  Obidos.

 

Accommodation Options in Obidos:

As like most Portuguese cities, Obidos is rich in hospitality industry holding all sorts of accommodation centres with different tourist favor amenities of which most hotels are offered online booking facility for visitors’ convenience. Here are some nice hotels in Obidos:

• Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort
• Albergaria Josefa d’Obidos
• Casa das Senhoras Rainhas
• Casa de Sao Tiago do Castelo
• Real D’Obidos
• Casa D’Obidos
• Hotel Stayin
• Casa do Casal do Pinhao
• Casa do Relogio
• Hotel Vila d’Obidos
• Perola da Lagoa
• Quinta da Ferraria
• Guest house Argonauta
• Casal Da Eira Branca
• Rio do Prado
• Casa do Fontanario

Places to Visit in Matosinhos, Portugal, Europe

Matosinhos is a town and municipality in the region of Norte in Portugal, located around 8 km northwest of the Porto city and 320 km north of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Matosinhos belongs to the Porto District covering an area of 62.2 sq. km.

 

Geography of Matosinhos:

Matosinhos coordinates with 41°11′ N latitude and 8°42′ W longitude.

 

History of Matosinhos:

It is believed that, prior to the foundation of Portugal in the 12th century; Matosinhos existed with name Vila de Matesinum. The Fort of Leça de Palmeira is the historical landmark of Matosinhos dating back to the 17^th century.

 

How to reach Matosinhos?

Matosinhos is served by Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport or Porto Airport, located around 10 km away from the centre of Matosinhos. This is one of the main airports of Portugal operating flights from and to Geneva, Madrid, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Paris, Toronto, Burgas, Amsterdam, Caracas and other important European and American destinations.

Buses are regular between Matosinhos and the Porto Airport, and for more comfort airport travel, visitors can use taxi or pre-booked vehicle.

The town of Matosinhos also houses many travel agencies offering cars and bikes for both short and long distances.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Matosinhos:

Matosinhos is the home town of the renowned architect Siza Vieira who is specially noted for its work for She Changes, a typical sculpture in Matosinhos.

Shops are abundant and the major restaurants in Matosinhos include:

• Pasta Fresca & Pizza
• Restaurante Salta o Muro
• Restaurante Sao Valentim
• Restaurante Segunda Casa

 

Things to do in Matosinhos:

• Oporto Shore Private Tours
• Surfing
• Walking

 

Places to see in Matosinhos:

Fort of Leça de Palmeira:

Located in the Leça da Palmeira parish in Matosinhos, the Fort of Leça de Palmeira or Matosinhos Castle is a 17^th century fort, designed by the architect, Ilídio de Araújo in the Baroque style of architecture. This historical fort is allowed for public.

 

She Changes:

She Changes is a typical structure as well as an identity of Matosinhos. Artist Janet Echelman was the designer of this special sculpture, installed in the year 2005.

 

Fundação de Serralves:

Located in Porto, around 8 km away from Matosinhos, the Fundação de Serralves or Modern Art Museum is a museum devoted to contemporary art and this museum also features an Art Deco Villa and an attractive park. It is an example of the famous architect Alvaro Siza.

 

Other places of interests in and around Matosinhos are as follows:

• Surfing Life Club
• Praia de Matosinhos
• Parque da Cidade do Porto
• Ponte D. Luis I
• Rail Station Sao Bento
• Sao Francisco Church
• Church of Santa Clara
• Estadio do Dragao
• Clerigos Tower
• Casa da Musica
• Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
• Porto Cathedral
• Igreja do Carmo
• Rua Santa Catarina
• Funicular dos Guindais
• Capela das Almas

 

Best time to visit Matosinhos:

Matosinhos can be visited throughout the year, especially the summer months are most pleasant.

 

Accommodation Options in Matosinhos:

Matosinhos is a colorful town housing numerous renowned hotels serving guests with lot of love and care with tourist favor facilities and services like laundry facilities, restaurant, Jacuzzi, parking, coffee shop and AC. The reputed hotels in Matosinhos are as follows:

• Hotel Amadeos
• Residencial Senhor de Matosinhos
• Hotel Porto Mar
• Tryp Porto Expo
• Estalagem Via Norte
• Hotel Porto Mar
• Portofino Motel
• Hotel Del Rei Residential
• Do Ribeirinho
• Pensao Central
• Leao de Ouro
• Residencial Porto Leixoes
• Into the Blue Hostel
• Oporto Excentric Design Hostel
• Joao Diogo Surf Camp

Lisbon Tourist Places to Visit in Lisbon, Portugal, Europe

Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal located at the mouth of the River Tagus on the western coast of the country. It is one of the leading cities of Europe in the fields of finance, tourism, media, education and entertainment and it also holds the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.

 

Geography of Lisbon:

Lisbon sprawls over an area of 84.94 sq. km and coordinates with 38°42′49.75″ N latitude and 9°8′21.79″ W longitude. Lisbon Experiences a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate with an average annual day temperature of 21.5 °C and night temperature of 13.5 °C.

 

History of Lisbon:

Lisbon has a strong historical background as it is the Western Europe’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the globe. Including the Romans and the Moors, Lisbon witnessed the rule of many famous empires in its long and glorious history.

 

Travelling to Lisbon:

Lisbon Portela Airport is the main gateway to Portugal and Lisbon, covering all the important global destinations including Moscow, Madrid, Paris, Rome, London, Amsterdam and Dublin and is located 6 km away from the heart of the Lisbon city.

 

Travelling within Lisbon:

To reach the city centre from the airport, metro, taxis and buses are options. Metro costs €1.90 and taxi costs around €10.00 for airport travel.

All the above options are also useful to move within the city and sightseeing.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Lisbon:

Lisbon is rich in culture, honored as the European Capital of Culture in 1994. The historical buildings of the Lisbon city feature the architecture styles of Gothic, Manueline, Romanesque and Baroque.

Some reputed shopping centres in Lisbon include:

• Armazéns do Chiado
• Centro Comercial Colombo
• Centro Comercial Amoreiras

List of the mid range restaurants in Lisbon include:

• Farol de Santa Luzia
• Pois Cafe
• Malmequer Bemmequer
• A Tasquinha

 

What to do in Lisbon?

• Different Portugal Private Day Tours
• Festival celebrations
• Lisbon Bike Tour
• Around Lisbon Day Tours

 

What to see in Lisbon?

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga:

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is a national art museum holding a great collection of historical artworks including paintings and artifacts from the 14th to19th century. Monday is Holiday.

 

Jerónimos Monastery;

The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the identities of Lisbon dating from early 17^th century. It is generally open for visitors from 10AM-6PM. Most tourists visiting this historical wonder use guided tourists and it is recommended option.

 

Lisbon Zoo:

Situated at Praça Marechal Humberto Delgado, the Lisbon Zoo was established in 1884 by Dr. Van Der Laan. This zoo houses around 300 animal species including sea lions. The entrance fee is €15.

 

Other attractive places to see in Lisbon include:

• Gloria Funicular
• Lavra Funicular
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Ponte 25 de Abril
• Aqueduto das Aguas Livres
• Museu do Teatro Romano
• Belem Tower
• Museu da Água
• Coach Museum
• Statue to Afonso de Albuquerque
• The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
• Museu da Electricidade
• Museu Colecção Berardo
• Museu da Marinha
• Pavilhão do Conhecimento
• Ajuda Botanical Gardens

 

When to visit Lisbon?

Lisbon features a warm summer and cool winter and the best time to visit inviting Lisbon is from March to September.

 

Where to stay in Lisbon?

In Lisbon, a nice double room is gettable between €45 and €60 with all the basic and modern facilities including AC, swimming pool, doctor on call services, complimentary breakfast, business center, spa and sauna. The prominent hotels in Lisbon include:

• EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel
• Bairro Alto Hotel
• Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade
• Olissippo Saldanha
• Inspira Santa Marta Hotel
• Corinthia Hotel Lisbon
• Marques De Pombal Hotel
• SANA Lisboa Hotel
• Neya Lisboa Hotel
• Memmo Alfama Hotel
• Casa De Sao Mamede
• LX Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Principe Lisboa
• HF Fenix Garden
• Hotel Olissippo Oriente