Portugal – 1st European country with the “Safe Travels” badge
Portugal – The 1st country in europe to get the “Safe Travels” badge recognizing our commitment with providing safety to all.
This stamp granted by the WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Coroununcil) will allow travellers to recognise governments and businesses which have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
OPORTO GUIDES is pleased to hold the “Safe Travels” stamp.
Guimarães Castle – cradle of Portugal!
Guimarães Castle 
3D view of the keep
The foundation of Portugal is closely linked to Guimarães and its castle. Its construction, however, precedes the creation of the kingdom. It was built in the middle of the 10th century by Countess Mumadona Dias, with the aim of protecting the monastery of Santa Maria against the Norman and Muslim invasions, very frequent at that time.
In the 11th century, Count D. Henrique and Countess Teresa de León settled in Guimarães, remodeling and expanding the fortification. D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born here. Later (XIII century), already in the reign of D. Afonso III and D. Dinis, new and important improvements were made to the castle, adding the 8 towers and the keep.
One of the most emblematic episodes associated with the castle is the siege by Afonso VII of León and Castile, in 1127, to whom Afonso Henriques refused to vassal. In large numbers, the Castilians had the victory as inevitable.But Afonso Henriques did not surrender. Secretly, Egas Moniz, the servant of Afonso Henriques, decided to appeal to Afonso VII to put an end to the siege. On word of honor, he promises his master’s vassalage. The king of Castile accepted and left the place. Upon hearing of it, Afonso Henriques rejected the conditions his servant had proposed. Unable to honour his word, Egas Moniz voluntarily gave himself to the king of Castile, offering his life and that of his family in return for the unfulfilled word.
Chaves Castle – Stories of bravery and courage!
Located in a border area, Chaves Castle was the scene of many decisive battles. It was built in the 9th century, even before the foundation of Portugal, during the Christian reconquest, and rebuilt during the reigns of King Afonso III and King Dinis. This king concluded the keep that dominates the beautiful city of Chaves until today.
During the reign of D. Afonso Henriques the castle was conquered and integrated in Portugal. It was taken over by the Castilians about 80 years later. It was necessary another 10 years for Portugal to recover it.
One of the most remarkable moments of this medieval fortification was the takeover of the castle by King João I. Following the dynastic crisis of 1383-85, the Flaviense alcalde, who had sworn loyalty to the king of Castile, refused to surrender to the king of Portugal. After several months of siege and combat forces and supplies were already scarce. The alcalde Martim Gonçalves de Ataíde finally accepted the surrender. However, he only did so after being allowed to go to Zamora to beg the King of Castile to relieve him of the commitment of honour he had undertaken. And as a guarantee he left his own son in the hands of King João I.
Lanhoso Castle – waiting for you for over 1000 years!
Built on top of an impressive cliff, Lanhoso Castle is one of the most legendary national castles. From the top of this granite monolith, the view over the surrounding mountains and valleys is fantastic!
Built even before the foundation of Portugal, it was the refuge of Countess Teresa, mother of Dom Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, during the conflict with his sister Queen Urraca in 1120. Until the end of the 13th century it was one of the most important castles in the kingdom. During the 13th century its walls witnessed to a love drama involving its alcalde, Dom Rodrigo Gonçalves de Palmeira, his wife and a monk from the convent of Santa Maria do Bouro. Being away for a few days in combat, the alcalde was informed of his wife’s betrayal with a monk! Furious, he immediately returned to the castle, arriving during the night. That same night he confirmed with his own eyes the treason. Obsessed by jealousy, he locked the castle and “caught fire from all four angles, burning his wife, the monk, the servants, the beasts, everything, criminals and innocents”*.
Come with us to know this and other castles in Portugal!
*In Golden Demon of Camilo Castelo Branco
Group from Rio de Janeiro visits Portugal (October 19)!
Look at the photos !!
Vilar Formoso 
Braga 
Porto 
Cruise at Douro river 
Guimarães
Historical village of Almeida 
Aveiro
Follow their example! Come with us and discover Portugal! We tailor it for you! Contact us!
Sistelo Walkways Tour
See the photos of the Oportoguides walk to the Sistelo walkways, on our facebook or instagram!
Part of Ecovia do Vez (classified by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve), the Sistelo walkways follow the Vez river for around 10 kilometres , until it reaches Portuguese Tibet! Yes, Sistelo is known as Portuguese Tibet due to its green terraced landscape, considered a national monument as a cultural landscape. These terraces are made by man to increase the agricultural surface in a very steep region.
Throughout the trail we can enjoy the contact with nature, namely the waters Vez river, its waterfalls and natural pools. A fantastic landscape!
Come with us and discover Sistelo walkways! We tailor it for you! Contact us!
Café Imperial – fast food with glamour
The American magazine Business Insider elected Mc Donald’s in Liberdade square, in Porto, as the most beautiful in the world. In fact, this American catering chain is installed in the building of the old Imperial café, one of the city’s historic cafés.
Open since 27 May 1936, its entrance is still guarded by giant bronze eagle by Portuguese sculptor Henrique Moreira . Inside you notice the hallmarks of the Art Deco style. The centerpiece of Mc Donald’s Imperial are the magnificent stained-glass windows, by Portuguese Ricardo Leone, depicting scenes linked to consumption (left side) and the cultivation and transformation of coffee (right side). The 4 grandiose crystal chandeliers give a luxurious ambiance to this space, something uncommon in fast food establishments.
Even if you are not a fan of this type of food, it is worth visiting this space that once belonged to one of the city’s historic cafés.
Global Peace Index (GPI)2019 – It’s wonderful and safe to visit Portugal
According to the 2019 GPI, Portugal is the 3rd safest country in the world. Portugal rises 2 positions in relation to 2018, being only exceeded by Iceland and New Zealand. The Institute for Economy and Peace has developed this index which is based on 23 indicators measuring the absence of violence or fear of violence. These indicators are grouped into three thematic domains: the level of societal safety and security; the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict; and the degree of militarisation.
Click here to access the 2019 GPI report! Plan your visit to Portugal peacefully! Contact us!
Northern Portugal hosts UEFA Nations League Finals
Between 5 and 9 of June the finals of the UEFA Nations League will take place in Portugal, in the cities of Porto and Guimarães. The inaugural edition of this event, brings together in northern Portugal the teams of England, Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland.
Two of Portugal’s most beautiful cities, both with their historic centre classified as world heritage, will host the semi-final and final matches of this competition. The final will take place in the modern and functional “Dragão” stadium, in the city of Porto. Designed by the architect Manuel Salgado, inaugurated in 2003, the Dragon has a capacity for about 51000 people.
The “Dom Afonso Henriques” stadium, located in the heart of Guimarães, with a capacity for around 30000 people, will host two games (semi- final and third position match).
If you like football, you have one more reason to visit the north of Portugal!