Europe’s best hidden gem has been revealed and this incredibly beautiful city is also one of Portugal’s best places to move to.
Tomar, a Portuguese city located between Porto and Lisbon, took the crown as the continent’s best hidden gem in a new study by HomeToGo.
The research used the holiday home company’s internal search data to find some of the least searched-for destinations in Europe.
Despite its location between two of Portugal’s leading destinations, many Brits have never heard of beautiful Tomar.
But they might want to get it on their radar.
The historic city is also one of the best places to move to in Portugal, according to a property expert.
‘Tomar is a charming city known for its rich history and stunning architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ, a former Templar stronghold,’ said Paul Stubbs, team leader for PPProperty.
‘The city offers picturesque streets, beautiful gardens, and vibrant festivals that capture the essence of Portuguese culture.’
Tomar, a Portuguese city located between Porto and Lisbon, took the crown as the continent’s best hidden gem in a new study by HomeToGo
Every four years, Tomar celebrates the unique Festa dos Tabuleiros – the Festival of the Trays
The UNESCO Convent of Christ is the city’s top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor with an impressive rating of 4.8 out of five stars.
Visitors can explore the complex’s monasteries, wander its cloisters and discover the history of the Knights Templar.
And unlike other popular historic attractions in Portugal, the convent is usually fairly uncrowded.
Next on the list is Tomar Castle. Built in 1160 as a Templar stronghold, the Castle is one of Tomar’s most impressive attractions. Both the city’s Castle and the Convent can be visited together on one trip.
Every four years, Tomar celebrates the unique Festa dos Tabuleiros – the Festival of the Trays.
Girls carry tabuleiros (stacks of bread and flowers, topped with a crown) on their heads and parade through the city. The last celebration took place in 2023 with the next planned for July 2027.
Tourists can also explore the Synagogue of Tomar, a medieval Jewish temple that was built in the mid 15th century. Visit Portugal describes it as ‘the only one of its kind from this period to have been fully preserved in Portugal’.
And this hidden city even has its own special dessert.
The UNESCO Convent of Christ is the city’s top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor with an impressive rating of 4.8 out of five stars
Visitors can explore the complex’s monasteries, wander its cloisters and discover the history of the Knights Templar
Fatias de Tomar were originally created by the nuns of the Convent of Christ and are made from soaking bread slices in a sugary syrup.
The bread is then baked in a special ‘chimney’ style spot and while there’s nothing pious about the sweet treat, it is rumoured to be every friar’s favourite dessert.
How to get to Tomar
Tomar is just over an hour from Lisbon by train so British tourists can best reach the city by flying to the Portuguese capital.
Porto is slightly further away with a train between the two cities taking around two hours and 20 minutes.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .