If you’re planning a getaway this Easter but don’t fancy doing battle with hordes of other tourists with the same idea, then you might want to look into this quiet alternative for the popular city of Porto in Portugal. Porto is known for the beautiful Ribeira district, where cobbled streets lead to waterfront cafes, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge offers breathtaking views of the Douro River.
eSIM provider Nomad has predicted the most overcrowded family getaways for Easter and found ‘dupe destinations’ that offer similar scenery and experiences. The first of these dupes is the “birthplace of Portugal,” Guimarães. The city offers a more peaceful alternative to bustling Porto – a a busy place to try and relax with its whopping 143,902 tourists per sq km.
Its delicious seafood and rich cultural heritage make it a popular Easter getaway – but if you want something with a slower pace, Guimarães is perfect.
The city offers a beautifully preserved medieval old town with a lovely castle, and its enchanting atmosphere will transport you back in time.
With fewer crowds, visitors can leisurely explore its charming squares, historic monasteries, and cozy cafes while still experiencing authentic Portuguese culture and delicious local cuisine.
One of the unmissable things in Guimarães is Paço dos Duques de Bragança – the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. This mediaeval estate was constructed in 1420 and has undergone restoration to bring it back to its former glory.
Another benefit of Guimarães is that it is a small, very compact city, and its historic center can easily be covered in just a couple of hours on foot – perfect for a day of exploring.
For further exploration, you can ride the cable car to the forested hilltop of Serra da Penha on the outskirts of the city and enjoy the incredible views in your way up.
The park boasts walking trails, boulders and caves to explore and the ride up is an adventure in itself.
