Explore Porto & Portugal with Cooltour Oporto

Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery are two of Lisbon’s most iconic Manueline monuments, commissioned during the reign of King Manuel I and inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Located on the banks of the Tagus in Belém, they were built as part of the same story during Portugal’s Age of Discoveries: the Jerónimos Monastery was established beside the shore at Restelo, while Belém Tower was constructed in the river to defend the entrance to Lisbon and protect the monastery. 

The Monastery of Batalha, officially the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, is one of Central Portugal’s greatest architectural landmarks and a monument closely linked to the country’s history. Built following King João I’s victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, it became a symbol of the victory and of the new Avis dynasty. Constructed over several generations, the monastery showcases remarkable Gothic architecture, from its soaring church and Founder's Chapel to the richly decorated Manueline Royal Cloister and the striking Unfinished Chapels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, Batalha beautifully reflects the close connection between Portuguese history, architecture and royal ambition. 

The Monastery of Alcobaça, in Central Portugal, is one of the country’s most important medieval monuments. Founded in the 12th century and closely linked to the early Portuguese monarchy, it became a major Cistercian centre. Its vast church, medieval cloister and well-preserved monastic spaces reflect the order’s ideals of prayer, work, discipline and simplicity. 

Aveiro is a lagoon city in central Portugal, known for its colourful moliceiro boats, Art Nouveau architecture, and canals connected to the Ria de Aveiro. Close to Ílhavo and Costa Nova, the city’s identity and landscape are deeply shaped by its relationship with the water and the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

The tragic love story of Pedro I of Portugal and Inês de Castro is one of the most enduring tales in Portuguese history, combining forbidden love, royal duty, political intrigue, murder and revenge. Their relationship, spanning nearly seven centuries of history and legend, has been immortalized by the extraordinary tombs created for them, while the enduring fascination of their story lies in the mystery of where historical fact ends and legend begins. 

Coimbra is one of Portugal’s most historic cities, combining centuries of academic tradition, medieval heritage and Portuguese culture along the Mondego River. Once the capital of the emerging Portuguese kingdom, the city played an important role in the country’s history and remains known for its ancient churches, narrow streets, traditional Fado and lively student atmosphere. At its heart is the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s oldest universities, which continues to shape the city’s cultural and academic identity. 

The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290 by King Dinis, is Portugal’s oldest university and one of Europe’s oldest. For centuries, its students, professors, traditions, and historic buildings have shaped Coimbra’s identity, making it a major historic university centre. Today, it remains an important cultural landmark, with its historic buildings forming part of the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. 

The Francesinha is one of Porto’s most iconic dishes, celebrated for its rich combination of meats, melted cheese, and signature beer-based sauce. While it is beloved across the city, opinions differ widely on where to find the best version, as each restaurant offers its own take on the recipe, varying in flavor, spice, and preparation methods. This guide highlights some of Porto’s most highly regarded places to enjoy a Francesinha, from traditional establishments and local favorites to venues offering vegetarian options. 

From traditional taverns in the Minho countryside to contemporary restaurants overlooking the canals of Aveiro, codfish remains one of the country's most beloved ingredients. In fact, many Portuguese people will happily drive several hours just to enjoy a favourite bacalhau dish at a particular restaurant.

The story of the Pastel de Nata is far richer than the familiar tale of monks using leftover egg yolks at Lisbon's Jerónimos Monastery: its history stretches across three centuries, influenced by a royal recipe book, political upheaval that nearly caused the recipe to disappear, and the enduring legacy of a family bakery that still closely guards its original version. Today, this iconic Portuguese custard tart has become one of the country's most celebrated culinary symbols, enjoyed in bakeries around the world and inspiring home bakers to recreate the traditional dessert.