Our journey will begin with the oldest traces of human presence in Portugal. The Côa Valley Archaeological Park is a real treasure for lovers of prehistory. It is here, in the Côa Valley, that extraordinary cave paintings dating to the Upper Paleolithic (22,000-10,000 BC) have been discovered. The Penascosa site, part of this complex, offers a fascinating experience for the whole family. As one visitor writes: 'We went on a night tour, which was by far the best option, as the guide uses a flashlight to really show the magnificent cave engravings from 20,000 years ago.' It's an amazing opportunity to travel back in time and see some of the oldest man-made artwork. The park also offers an interactive museum to help better understand the context of these remarkable finds.

Moving back to medieval times, we can't miss the historic center of Guimarães. This is the birthplace of Portuguese statehood, where Portugal's first king, Alfonso I the Conqueror, was born in the 12th century. Walking through the narrow streets of this charming town, you will feel like you are in a medieval fairy tale. As one tourist notes: 'A very charming town with a rich history in the background. It's worth exploring it without rushing, enjoying every moment. Guimarães is the perfect place to show children what a real medieval town looked like.

Another remarkable monument is the Alcobaça Monastery, one of the most important examples of Cistercian architecture in Europe. This impressive complex, with the longest church in Portugal (106 meters!), hides the fascinating story of the tragic love between King Peter I and Inês de Castro. Their richly decorated tombs are a true masterpiece of Gothic art. As one visitor notes: 'A monumental cathedral 106 meters long, on a Latin cross. Beautiful in its simplicity. This is a place that is sure to impress the whole family, combining architectural beauty with romantic legend.

The three sites represent different eras and aspects of Portuguese heritage. The Côa Valley Archaeological Park offers a unique experience of prehistoric art, but requires a longer trip and may be less appealing to the youngest children. Guimarães and Alcobaça Monastery, on the other hand, are more accessible and offer a richer visual experience, which may be more interesting for the whole family. However, all of these sites have one thing in common - they are testaments to Portugal's remarkable history and culture that are worth exploring in person.

Continuing our journey through Portugal's UNESCO heritage takes us back to the days when Portugal was a maritime and colonial power. The Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon is one of the finest examples of the Manueline style, a unique Portuguese architectural style that combines elements of Gothic, Renaissance and nautical motifs. As one visitor notes: 'The Hieronymite Monastery is impressive. Woooow, what a building! For architecture lovers, this building is quite a treat. This is a place where history is intertwined with legend - here is the tomb of Vasco da Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer. Children are sure to be delighted by the wealth of details and nautical motifs adorning the facade and interior of the monastery.

Moving to the heart of Portugal, we will discover the Palace of Schools in Coimbra, part of one of the oldest universities in Europe. It's a place where science and history meet in an unusual way. As one tourist writes: 'It's really worth walking up those few minutes and seeing this castle. It's very big so you can get a little tired, but the views and the walls themselves make up for it. A special attraction is the Joanina Library, a true gem of Baroque architecture that will delight adults and children alike with its opulence and splendor.

Another fascinating site is the historic center of Évora. It's a true open-air museum, where traces of different eras - from Roman ruins to Renaissance palaces - can be found at every turn. As one visitor notes: 'Evora's central square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's the perfect place for a family stroll to discover the secrets of Portuguese history.

When comparing the three sites, it's worth noting their diversity and unique character. The Hieronymite Monastery offers the most impressive visual experience and is a great place to learn about the era of great geographical discoveries. The Palace of Schools in Coimbra may be of particular interest to older children and teenagers interested in science and the history of education. Évora, on the other hand, offers the most diverse experience, combining elements of different eras and cultures.

All of these sites are relatively accessible and suitable for family visits. The Hieronymite Monastery, as one of Lisbon's main attractions, can be the most crowded, especially in high season. Coimbra and Évora, on the other hand, offer a somewhat quieter atmosphere, allowing for more leisurely sightseeing. Ticket prices vary, but discounts are usually offered for children and families.

Regardless of the destination you choose, each offers a unique glimpse into Portugal's rich history and culture, providing an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

In the final part of our tour of Portugal's UNESCO monuments, we'll discover places that combine natural beauty with human genius. We begin with the extraordinary cultural landscape that is Paisagem da Cultura da Vinha da Ilha do Pico in the Azores. This is a place where grapes have been grown since the 15th century in unusual conditions - on volcanic soil, in the shadow of the majestic Pico volcano. As one visitor describes: 'If you're in Pico, you can't miss a visit to the famous vineyards that characterize the island. (...) It's interesting to discover how the locals made its cultivation possible by building walls of dry lava stone and keeping the plants low to protect them from the saltiness of the sea.' This is a fascinating example of how humans can adapt to harsh natural conditions and create something beautiful and valuable.

We now move on to Sintra, where the remarkable Moorish Castle is located. This medieval fortress, towering over the picturesque town, offers not only a history lesson, but also breathtaking views. As one tourist writes: 'It's really worth walking the few minutes and seeing this castle. It's very big so you get a little tired, but the views and the walls themselves make up for it. This is a place that is sure to spark the imagination of children, transporting them back to the days of knights and princesses.

At the end of our trip, we will visit Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, a shrine that is not only a place of worship, but also a remarkable work of Baroque art. The famous staircase, leading up to the church at the top of the hill, is decorated with symbolic fountains and sculptures. As one visitor notes: 'A magical place, beautifully maintained, it's worth spending more time and, ideally, to actually feel the atmosphere of the place, climb up and down those phenomenal stairs.' It's not only a monument, but also a place where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.

Comparing the three sites, each offers a unique experience. The vineyards on Pico are the most remote and require a longer trip, but offer an unusual combination of nature and culture. The Moorish Castle in Sintra is more easily accessible, especially on a trip from Lisbon, and may be most appealing to children because of its 'fairy tale' nature. Bom Jesus do Monte combines religious and architectural elements and also offers an active tour (climb the stairs).

In terms of accessibility, Sintra and Braga are relatively easy to reach from Portugal's major cities, while a visit to Pico requires more planning and time. Ticket prices vary, but are generally affordable, with discounts available for children and families.

Each of these sites offers a unique perspective on Portuguese heritage, combining elements of history, culture and nature. Whichever one you choose, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of Portugal's cultural richness.