Portugal's Junta de Freguesia de Dornes

Bordered by the beautiful Zêzere river, Junta de Freguesia de Dornes is home to a traditional Greek-style village that is home to approximately 700 people, giving it that Portuguese small-town charm. One of the peninsula's most famous attributes is its gorgeous beach, if one is brave enough to swim in cooler water temperatures.

The town itself has a rich, historical past. About 30 minutes northeast of Tomar, Dornes was once the head of the county, a center for social and business affairs. The architecture is old and impressive, with the central church having been ordered by Queen Isabel herself. Another attraction is the Templar Tower (or "Tower of Dornes"), which was strategically placed along the river for defense purposes. Experts speculate that it may have been built to replace an even older Roman structure, which was connected to the Castelo do Almourol.

Junta de Freguesia de Dornes is the mountainous home to gorgeous flora and fauna that one would associate with the rest of Portugal; fruit trees, many species of orchids, and animals that are native to the Mediterranean area. With the rich cultural background of this city, it is sure to be an amazing cultural experience for all who go there. While you are there, don't forget to visit near by Fragas de São Simão and Casal de São Simão.