Sortelha Historic Center

One of the famous Portuguese 'aldeias históricas' (historical villages) with an impressive rock castle from the 13th century, nice streets and alleys, and well preserved defensive walls that you can walk on ...with amazing views.

We walked up from the more modern part of town through the Rota dos Casteleiros, which made the approach much more interesting.

Without doubt one of the most beautiful historic medieval villages in Portugal.

You can't miss this one. The rebuilt work and time being put in this village is commendable and the results are at sight.

As soon you enter the village gate, apart from the cars that should not be allowed from the gate on you are carried to another time, another era.

The walls, the towers, the little houses, gardens and streets - just beautiful.

I believe in a few years this will be the world reference in terms of medieval villages.

What a beautiful walled town. Sooooo awesome.

We had so much fun here. We were driving to Porto and decided to make a detour. We have visited many forts in France, Spain and Portugal. This was probably one of our favourites because it was not "touristy" nor overly commercialized. Just a nice hour of exploring and walking the walls.

Visiting Sortelha is like travelling to the past. The silence, the views - helped by a creative imagination, obviously - make you feel like you know what it was like to live in the middle age...
Definitely - if you can - climb the walls on every side and get amazed by the views and the peace that comes with them.
There's also a medieval event but unfortunately we missed.
As a plus, do as I did (but don't get caught...) and lay down on the dismantled haystack... 😅 👌 👌 👌

This is a lovely place to visit, ahistoric town, a fantastic castle and many walks around it and through the beautiful natural area that surrounds it.

Real special little medieval town on top of hill. Walls still surround. A step back in time

Stunning walled village surmounted by imposing castle keep, with expansive views over the landscape below.

What a lovely place. It's not just the castle it's also the friendly people from the village that make Sortelha such a great visit.

Wonderful historical village. A journey back to the middle ages

What a beautiful place !
Worth to spend a night, in a cold and foggy day.
Try to book a place with fireplace, or go to the small café/restaurant there.

One of the most preserved and beautiful historical villages in Portugal

Beautiful...both the old town and the view.

Very nice old town.

Forgetting the rainy weather, the village is in pristine condition with good supporting services and facilities. A do not miss when on a radius of 50 km

A complete mediaeval town. You would not expect to find this site from the signage. It's a small road through the town. There's two bars, a couple of restaurants and a tourist office. No shops that add to the charm

I’ve always wanted to visit and we did so this time. A great find

If you love historic and medieval locations, you're in for a treat!

Fabulous historical spot fully accessible!!! One can walk in drive in or ride!!! Very good restaurant on premise! Absolutely worth the trip!!!!

Gorgeous, nice place, difficult access by car through tight roads but otherwise fine. Sadly there's way too much bnb's there and almost no locals.