Now that is a strange thing to say about this country; after all, the whole thing is Portuguese. But when you see Monsanto for yourself you will probably realise why it has earned this name.

A village is not the first thing you would think of seeing when you go to Portugal. You will probably be focusing your thoughts on beaches and other desirable locations. But if all you think about is the coastal parts of the country, you will miss out on a lot of discoveries that are waiting to be made elsewhere. Monsanto is one such discovery.

This village dates back to ancient times and thus has a fascinating story to tell. Part of this story can be told via the buildings and streets you will find there, all of which are quite stunning and look very similar to the way they did centuries ago. It is this feature of the village – the fact that it almost seems to be stuck in time – that makes it a must see on anyone’s Portuguese itinerary.

The village itself is inland, over on the eastern side of the country almost exactly opposite the location where Figueira de Foz can be found on the western coastline. This is undoubtedly a location that really requires a hire car to reach it, since it is not on the map as far as the tourist routes are concerned. This should make it even more appealing to those of you who love to visit places that are off the beaten path in some way.

It benefits from being perched high on a cliff as well, so you can expect some sensational views and scenery no matter what direction you happen to look in. You will no doubt spot the castle that is a key sight in the village, although you might think the walk to get to it is somewhat daunting. Don’t be put off though – it is well worth the effort and there are some amazing photos and views to be had once you finally reach the top. They will confirm Monsanto’s true title as the most Portuguese part of the country.