Monsanto

Known for:

Granite boulders, medieval streets

Time needed:

1 day

From Lisbon:

3 hours by car

From Porto:

3 hours by car

Must do:

climb up to Monsanto Castle

Fun fact(s):

Monsanto was named “the most Portuguese village in Portugal” in 1938

Visit nearby:

Castelo Novo

About

One of the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal, Monsanto is probably one of Portugal's most unique destinations. Massive granite boulders are woven into everyday life, forming buildings’ walls, roofs, and even entire houses.

The village’s medieval castle and dramatic landscape were featured in the HBO series House of the Dragon.