There are plenty of things to do in Sao Joao das Craveiras Portugal for every kind of traveler. Couples can enjoy romantic walks or a tour of the Hat Museum, while families will love the playground and local festivals.
A trip to the nearby Serra da Freita natural park is a must for nature lovers. This mountainous park has hiking trails and breathtaking panoramic views.
1. Visit the Hat Museum
Located in an ancient hat factory, this museum is dedicated to the history of the region’s hat-making industry. You’ll find exhibits that showcase traditional styles, as well as modern ones.
The nearby town of Santa Maria da Feira holds one of Europe’s largest medieval festivals every August. This event features jousting tournaments, costumed actors, and reenactments of historical events.
For nature lovers, visit the Parque Urbano do Rio Ul, an urban park that is home to a variety of wildlife species and walking trails. It’s also home to the biggest bird zoo in Portugal, where you can see birds of prey, rainforest species, and waterfowl.
Other popular day trips from Sao Joao das Craveiras include Aveiro, a charming city with colorful houses and canals; Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers stunning architecture; and Viseu, a picturesque medieval town.
2. Visit the Oliva Creative Factory
Nobles, merchants, and men of faith left their mark in S
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The city is well-connected with the rest of Portugal. There are several transport options to get around, including buses, taxis, and rental cars. The city center is a good place to stay because it has many accommodation options. The outskirts of the city are also popular with visitors because they offer quieter accommodations.
3. Take a Tour of the Municipal Market
Located just outside of Montijo, the Municipal Market is one of the most popular attractions in the area. This large marketplace features a variety of local produce, meats, cheeses, and wines that you can sample and purchase.
There are also a number of restaurants that serve traditional Portuguese cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include chanfana, which is a stew made with goat meat and red wine; leitao, which is roasted suckling pig; and baconau a ze do pipo, which is boiled codfish served with potatoes, kale, onion, garlic, and mayonnaise.
The best time to visit Sao Joao das Craveiras is between April and October, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it’s always a good idea to check updated government information about travel safety in any destination before planning your trip.
4. Visit a Cork Factory
Located in the heart of town, this factory is an interesting attraction for both locals and tourists alike. On a guided tour, you can learn how household international brands rely on Heliotextil for their cork materials. You can also see how the raw materials are shaped into bottles and other items before they are shipped to stores worldwide.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other, or want to experience the city’s rich industrial heritage, Sao Joao das Craveiras is an excellent destination for all types of travelers. The best time to visit is during the summer, when the city comes alive with festivals and events. However, spring and autumn are also wonderful seasons to visit with fewer crowds.
5. Visit a Shoes Factory
The city has a public transportation system, with buses that run frequently throughout the day. Taxis are also available. For those looking for more independence, car rental is also an option.
Once a hat capital, Sao Joao grew in another industry as well: footwear. Its factories are now open for visitors to explore as part of a new concept of industrial tourism, which allows tourists to learn more about how these products are made.
A visit to one of these shoe factories is a good opportunity to try out the local cuisine, too. Sample dishes such as chanfana (a slow-cooked stew made with goat meat), baconalhau a ze do pipo (boiled codfish served with mashed potatoes, onions, garlic, eggs, and mayonnaise), or leitao (roasted suckling pig).
