As the end of summer approaches, many people are considering a last-minute trip to enjoy the last days of vacation. To do this, you don’t have to look far, since the Iberian Peninsula It has a large number of little-explored destinations where you can plan a last-minute getaway easily and economically.
In recent years, the peninsula has established itself as one of the favorite destinations for tourists from all over the world. A destination that stands out for its countless natural places, ribs And cities of high quality and tourist appeal, which leaves no traveler indifferent.
Spain and Portugal prove to be excellent options when it comes to researching and planning a last-minute getaway, especially as the end of the summer season approaches. The number of options that the peninsula offers can even make the a bit complicated task.
When choosing a destination, it is difficult to organize a trip without falling into the best-known options such as Madrid, Barcelona or Lisbon. However, it is possible to investigate more about each territory, to be able to enjoy the remote and lesser-known places.
So here are some of the most recommended destinations to visit if you are planning a getaway in September, before the end of summer.
Monsaraz, Portugal
Defined as one of the oldest cities in Portugal, Monsaraz It is distinguished by its stone buildings on top of a rock and by the fact that it is governed by a huge medieval castle. From there it is possible to see the river Guadiana and the border with Spain, which made it a highly coveted space and source of conflict for decades between different populations and armies.
After the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, King Sancho II thanked the famous Order of the Templars by donating this enclave to them, where it is still possible to see the remains and traces of these knights around the castle walls.
Upon entering the city, it is possible to appreciate its white facades and cobbled streets, all surrounded by an imposing wall rebuilt during the War of Succession and the War of Restoration. It Monsaraz Castle guards the whole city, from where it is possible to appreciate the Alqueva Reservoirthe largest artificial lake in Europe and home to thousands of natural species.
The Hurdes, Spain
Located in the province of Cáceres, the beginnings of the community of The Hurdes They date back to prehistoric times. Its lands still preserve some of the oldest myths of the entire peninsula and were also the basis on which the famous Lope de Vega wrote his work. The Batuecas of the Duke of Alba.
Among all the viewpoints that characterize the Hurdes region, perhaps the most striking are the famous terracessteps dug into the surrounding mountain lands with which the natives solved the problem of cultivation on mountainous and infertile lands.
In 1932, filmmaker Luis Buñuel brought the region to the big screen in his film land without breadin which he describes space as a space delayed in time, even going so far as to modify the recording to give an even worse image, thus creating the Black Legend of Las Hurdes.
However, the enclave has developed without losing the traditions that distinguish this destination among others in the region. Its complex history, its unique gastronomy or the famous Meander the Melero These are some of the wonders to discover when visiting the region.
Estrela Mountains, Portugal
He Serra de Estrela Natural Park It is a perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy nature. Located on the highest mountain in all of mainland Portugal, the space offers unique alternatives in constant connection with nature.
The park has over 375 kilometers of trails where you can walk, cycle and enjoy the local flora and fauna. In addition, it is possible to visit the city of Beira Linharesa 12th century medieval enclave surrounded by an imposing castle.
Among the activities to do in the park, the highlights are the paragliding flight over the historic village or the ascent of a Roundthe highest point of the Serra da Estrela. However, the park also offers quieter activities that you can enjoy without too much physical effort.
In the region you can taste some of the most remarkable gastronomic delights of Portugal, among which the Serra Cheese -Sierra cheese in Spanish-, a specialty of the city of Celorico de Beira.
