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Évora - The city in the heart of the Alentejo (around 134 km from Lisbon) was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1986.

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Évora - Évora is considered a 'museum-city' thanks to its Roman ruins. In the 16th century Évora was the residence of the Portuguese kings.

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Évora - The Church of São Francisco (Igreja de São Francisco), known for the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), is a must-see. Decorated in human bones and skulls, it looks like the set of an 'Indiana Jones' film.

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Évora - Interestingly, the Chapel of Bones was built in the 17th century by a Franciscan monk to encourage his brothers to contemplate life, and transmit the idea of life being transitory.

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Monsanto - This historic town is one of those places with a lot to see, but is still untouched by mass tourism. Monsanto is located around 275 km from Lisbon, around 288 km from Porto, and just 20 km from the Spanish border!

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Monsanto - The castle of Monsanto was a medieval stone castle, built for military purposes.

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Monsanto - In the surrounding areas visitors can see the chapels. The chapel of Santa Maria do Castelo is estimated to have been built in the 17th century.

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Monsanto - While the chapel of São Miguel do Castelo was used by the Knights Templar. The architecture style is dated to the 12th century.

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Monsanto - This place is unique as its built in between and under huge rocks. The Portuguese dictator António de Oliveira Salazar called it the most Portuguese town in the country in 1938.

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Óbidos - This town's main attraction is the medieval Castle of Óbidos (Castelo de Óbidos), built in the 13th century. It was chosen in 2007 as one of Portugal's Seven Wonders thanks to its historical and  architectural significance.

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Óbidos - Located around 80 km from Lisbon, this walled town is beautiful, and makes for a great day trip.

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Óbidos - Interestingly, the castle is now used as a hotel. If you're looking for a panoramic view of the city, you can scale the city walls. The view is truly stunning.

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Óbidos - Another tip is to walk the streets of the city, check out the handicrafts, and of course, try some Ginja de Óbidos, a local cherry liqueur common throughout Portugal.

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Peniche - Baleal Island (Praia do Baleal) is a peninsula separated from the continent by a tombolo. Further up the coast is the islet of Pombas and the island of Fora.

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Peniche - This beach town is a neighbor of Óbidos, and one of the most westerly parts of continental Europe.

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Peniche - The Berlengas archipelago is a nature reserve where you can find rare species of flowers, birds, and fish.

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Peniche - The Berlengas are surrounded by clear blue waters and old structures, such as the Duke of Bragança Lighthouse and the Fort of São João Baptista das Berlengas, as well as restaurants and campsites.

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Sortelha - This picture-perfect town is 304 km from Lisbon. The castle was built in 1228, after which the city walls were built to protect the town, and they are still standing today.

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Sortelha - The wall was built to complicate any enemy attacks on the town, especially the castle.

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Sortelha - Located near Serra da Opa, the historic town sits on the top of a hill, and maintains its authentic medieval charm with its rustic granite houses.

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Sortelha - Other sights worth seeing are, of course the city walls, the square and its pillory (as in the photo), the medieval tombs, the Head of the Old Woman, (Cabeça da Velha) a rock formation which looks like an old lady, the Church (Igreja da Misericórdia) and the chapels of São Sebastião and Santiago.

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Vila Velha de Ródão - This town is known for the Portas de Ródão (the Gates of Ródão), a gelogical formation chosen in 2005 as a National Monument. This location's natural beauty catches the eye at one of the high points on the Tagus river.

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Vila Velha de Ródão - The Portas were created through tectonic movement as well as erosion caused by the river, which opened a space 45 meters wide.

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Piódão - Perched on a hillside in Serra do Açor, around 300 km from Lisbon. It is one of 12 'Historic Villages of Portugal,' which have been restored and are protected due to their historic importance.

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Piódão - The houses are made of traditional shale, with wooden window frames painted blue. At night and from a distance, the design of the houses make it look like a Christmas village.

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Porto Covo - A beach that hasn't been taken over by tourists or locals is rare in Portugal. Sitting 173 k from Lisbon, the village of Porto Covo, on the coast of the Alentejo is a mix of beauty and tranquility.

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Porto Covo - Pessegueiro Island is worth a visit. During summer time there are organized trips to the island which is home to an old Roman wall and port.

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Porto Covo - Search out Samoqueira beach, which has a small sandy area, surrounded by rocks, giving it an intimate feel.

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Sagres - Around 325 km from Lisbon, you will find this lovely little town of the Algarve.

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Sagres - Classified as a National Monument, the Fortress of Sagres dates back to the 15th century.

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Sagres - The rugged nature of Sagres draws more visitors every year who go in search of natural and authentic sights.

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Sagres - It was destroyed by invaders on the Portuguese coast in the 16th century and later rebuilt between the 16th and 18th centuries.

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Azenhas do Mar - 40 km from Lisbon, this gorgeous village is built into the cliff, with its white houses standing out from the natural terrain.

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Azenhas do Mar - Within the District of Sintra, this town also has a natural ocean pool at the bottom.

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