Portugal holidays

This 800-year-old village is a must-see in the New Year.

Portugal boasts numerous attractions that draw visitors from across the globe. Lisbon and Porto remain incredibly sought-after destinations, with travellers flocking to wander their charming cobbled lanes and savour exceptional cuisine.

Yet venture beyond these hotspots and you’ll discover a corner of Portugal that remains largely unexplored.

This settlement represents a true hidden treasure, though those who’ve discovered it regard it as amongst the nation’s finest spots to visit.

Indeed, Castelo Novo in Portugal received international acclaim from the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The UNWTO assesses settlements using rigorous standards, covering environmental responsibility, prospects for locals, safety measures, plus preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

And Castelo Novo in Portugal secured recognition amongst the globe’s top tourism villages, reports the Express.

This historic community, founded eight hundred years ago, contains one of the area’s most important archaeological locations. The Roman Baths of Quinta do Ervedal represent the main attraction drawing travellers to Castelo Novo.

UNWTO observed: “The oldest mention of Castelo Novo, then called Alpreada, dates back to around 1202 AD. To protect his kingdom against any potential threats, King Dinis rebuilt the village castle adopting typical Gothic features and commissioned several Medieval-style buildings.”

The settlement has also earned praise for its groundbreaking environmental initiatives, becoming Portugal’s first location to reach total carbon neutrality. Castelo Novo offers five electric vehicles to ferry visitors from nearby train stations.

One traveller who visited the village shared: “A secret kingdom. Located in the heart of the Beira Baixa Region, once the capital of Portugal, it is a picturesque stone village that looks out onto the Garduna mountains. It has a terrific visitor centre.”

Another holidaymaker noted: “The castle on top of the hill is a gem. Once at the top the view of the surrounding area is superb even on a grey day.”

Visitors can also learn about the traditional grape-treading methods used by former residents and admire the historic manor houses in the settlement.

Those touring the area can follow the Miller’s Way to see the windmills that were once a crucial part of village life.

The journey to Castelo Novo from Lisbon takes roughly three-and-a-half hours by train or two-and-a-half by car. The village is also conveniently located near Coimbra, a charming riverside city in Portugal with a medieval Old Town.

The drive is just under two hours, making Castelo Novo an easy day trip from the city.

The El Marco/La Codosera bridge is a short wooden bridge that crosses the Abrilongo River, connecting two countries in different time zones.

The El Marco/La Codosera bridge is a tiny wooden structure spanning the Abrilongo River, linking two nations in different time zones: Spain (CET) and Portugal (WET/WEST).

Those who venture across what’s been dubbed the world’s smallest international bridge will hop between countries in mere seconds whilst their watch changes by an entire hour.

The modest crossing, measuring just 3.2 metres in length, joins the Spanish village of La Codosera in the south to Portugal’s El Marco, reports the Express.

According to Fascinating Spain, the tiny crossing was constructed by local residents centuries ago.

Originally, it was nothing more than basic wooden planks to traverse the narrow waterway.

They explained: “Although with the passing of time, elements were incorporated that have given stability to the bridge (and security to the neighbours who cross it), it was not until 2008 that it was completely remodelled.

“The smallest international bridge in the world was then created, from where, in a matter of seconds, you go from one country to another.”

“The bridge currently has a footbridge and reinforcements that prevent it from being swept away if the river Abrilongo rises.

“Other details were also added to emphasise the peculiarity of this being a border bridge: on each side of the bridge, a stone was placed with the E for Spain and the P for Portugal, so that it indicates which country you are in when you cross it.”

Among other remarkable bridges worldwide is a £3.4billion crossing between two nations that charges travellers £50 to use.