Guimaraēs Portugal for Outdoor Enthusiasts – Exploring the Natural Beauty of the City
Nestled in the heart of Portugal lies a city that boasts a rich historical and cultural background. However, what truly sets it apart from other cities is its breathtaking natural beauty. Guimaraes is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its lush green parks, scenic trails, and stunning mountain views. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the hidden gems of Guimaraes’ parks, the beautiful hiking trails, and outdoor activities in the natural reserves. You’ll also get to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the best vegan-friendly restaurants in the area. So pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and let’s explore the natural beauty of Guimaraes together.
LOGISTICS: HOW TO GET TO guimaraēs
It’s easiest to get to Guimaraēs by vehicle. The drive to Guimaraēs from Lisbon is approximately 3.5 hours. Our favorite car rental aggregator is DISCOVER CARS. Click HERE to get the best rates on car rentals. DISCOVER CARS LINK
If you prefer public transportation: From Lisbon, take the train from Santa Apolonia to Braga and then another train to Guimaraēs or bus from Oriente Station to Guimaraēs.
Discover the hidden gems of Guimaraēs’ parks
One of the hidden gems of Guimaraes’ parks is the stunning Penha Mountain. The mountain is a must-visit for every outdoor enthusiast who is looking to experience the breathtaking views that the city has to offer. Penha Mountain is a popular hiking destination, with its scenic trails leading you through a dense forest with flowing waterfalls and a diverse range of plant and animal life. As you hike up the mountain, you’ll get to enjoy picturesque views of the city below and the surrounding greenery.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with an even more stunning view of the city, where you can see as far as the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day. There’s a cable car that takes visitors up to the summit of the mountain, where you can find a church, a restaurant, and a park. The church is a popular pilgrimage site for locals and tourists alike, with its stunning architecture and rich history. The park is an excellent place to relax and enjoy a picnic with loved ones while taking in the views.
Penha Mountain is also home to a wide range of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and paragliding. It’s an adventure lover’s paradise. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, Penha Mountain has something for everyone. It’s a perfect place to spend a day or two exploring the natural beauty of Guimaraēs.
Explore the beautiful hiking trails in Guimaraēs
For those who prefer to explore the beauty of Guimaraēs on foot, hiking is the perfect activity. With a range of trails available, there’s something for hikers of all levels, whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging trek. The trails will take you through stunning landscapes and provide breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside.
As mentioned above, one of the most popular hiking destinations in Guimaraēs is Penha Mountain. As you hike up the mountain, you’ll be surrounded by lush forests and panoramic views of the city below. At the top, you’ll find a sanctuary and chapel, as well as a cable car that provides a scenic journey back down to the city.
But the hiking opportunities in Guimaraēs don’t end at Penha Mountain. There are many other trails to explore, from the easy and accessible Monte da Penha route to the more challenging trails around the Serra da Freita and Alvão Nature Park.
Once you’ve completed your hike, the natural reserves offer a variety of activities to enjoy, from birdwatching to kayaking. So whether you’re an avid adventurer or just looking for a peaceful stroll through nature, hiking in Guimaraēs is an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy outdoor activities in the natural reserves
The natural beauty of Guimaraēs is not limited to its mountains and valleys. The city is surrounded by natural reserves that offer a myriad of outdoor activities for enthusiasts to enjoy. The Serra da Freita and Alvão Natural Parks are perfect for those seeking a challenge, while Monte da Penha provides an easier route for those looking for a leisurely stroll.
The natural reserves are also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can rent a kayak and explore the river that runs through the parks. The natural reserves are truly a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts.
After a day of hiking and exploring, make sure to take the time to visit Guimaraēs’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city’s rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-see destination for any traveler.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
After spending time in the natural reserves of Guimaraēs, it’s worth taking a break to explore the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites are not only visually stunning and rich in history, but they also offer a glimpse into the culture of the local people. The Castle of Guimaraēs is a prime example of this, as it dates back to the 10th century and stands as a symbol of Portugal’s birthplace.
The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza is another attraction that showcases the unique architecture and cultural influence of the region.
And definitely don’t miss seeing the beautiful, vibrant gardens around the city, especially the one in front of the Igrega da Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.
Once you’ve taken in the wonders of these historic sites, it’s time to refuel with some delicious food. Luckily, Guimaraēs is home to some of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in the area.
Discover the best vegan-friendly restaurants
After a day spent exploring the natural beauty of Guimaraēs, one might work up quite the appetite. Luckily, the city is home to many delicious vegan-friendly restaurants.
One such spot is called Green Bistrot. Situated in the heart of the city, it offers a variety of plant-based options and has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. From flavorful curries to homemade veggie burgers, Green Bistrot has something for everyone.
Another great option is DaTerra. This cozy cafe offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Their soups and salads are particularly popular, but be sure to save room for one of their homemade desserts.
For a more upscale dining experience, check out Gomasio. This romantic restaurant is known for their creative plant-based dishes and offers a sophisticated atmosphere to enjoy a special night out.
Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or just looking for some delicious meat-free options, Guimaraēs has plenty of options to satisfy any appetite.
Where to stay in guimaraēs
- Dom José by Guestify – fantastic location, super affordable price and walking distance from downtown sights
- Casa da Couros – spacious 1-bedroom apartment in fantastic location
- Hotel Toural – most amazing location in the Toural square with gorgeous views
- GuimaGold – you can’t go wrong with this lovely apartment in the center
Where to eat in guimaraēs
- Green Bistrot – delicious food in a great location with affordable daily lunch menu
- Gomasio – healthy, nutritious and 100% vegan cafe a little hidden in the center
- DaTerra – you can never go wrong with the tasty DaTerra buffet
- Donna Veggie – another scrumptious vegan choice in Guimaraēs
Fun paid experiences
- From Porto: Guimaraēs and Braga Full-Day Tour – fantastic choice if you are staying in Porto
- Another great tour from Porto to Guimaraēs and Braga – this tour includes lunch, which could likely be modified to vegan.
- Private day trip from Porto – explore all Guimaraes has to offer with this private tour
when to to go guimaraēs
The weather is best in Guimaraēs in late Spring, Summer, and Fall. I would avoid the winter as it can be very cold, windy, and rainy. My favorite time to travel in Europe is September and October as the weather is usually the best and there are fewer crowds.
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OUR MUST-HAVE ITEMS:
- Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing! They are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful for all the hills in Portugal! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking in Portugal.
- Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
- North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – I seriously wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
- Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack that we can easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
- If you want to feel like a local, then get this backpack. It’s all the rage in Europe!
OUR FAVORITE PORTUGAL SERVICES:
- DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Portugal, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
- iTalki – if you want to learn some Portuguese before traveling to Portugal or while you’re here, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
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Guimaraēs is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of Portugal. From the hidden gems in the city’s parks to the stunning views from Penha Mountain, there’s an abundance of breathtaking scenery to discover. The hiking trails and nature reserves offer endless opportunities for adventure, while the UNESCO World Heritage Sites provide a glimpse into the rich historical and cultural background of the city. And for those who enjoy vegan cuisine, there are several restaurants to choose from. So, if you’re looking for a place to unwind and connect with nature, pack your bags and head to Guimaraēs. Have you been to Guimaraēs? If so, I’d love to hear what your favorite thing to do there is!
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