What are some smaller towns in Portugal that are worth visiting?

Bom dia, amigos! Detective Pux reporting for duty. Today, we're talking about smaller towns in Portugal that are worth visiting. And let me tell you, Portugal is full of hidden gems. So grab a pastel de nata and let's get started.

First up, we have Obidos. This charming town is located about an hour north of Lisbon, and it's surrounded by medieval walls. The town is full of cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and colorful flowers. And if you're a fan of literature, you'll love the fact that Obidos hosts an annual literary festival.

Next on our list is Sintra. This town is located about 30 minutes west of Lisbon, and it's famous for its fairytale castles and palaces. The most famous is the Pena Palace, which is perched on a hill overlooking the town. But there are plenty of other sights to see in Sintra, including the Moorish Castle and the Quinta da Regaleira estate.

Moving on to Coimbra. This town is located about halfway between Porto and Lisbon, and it's home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. The town is full of historic buildings and narrow streets, and there are several museums and libraries to explore. Plus, if you're a fan of fado music, you'll love the fact that Coimbra is known as the birthplace of the genre.

Now, let's talk about Aveiro. This town is located about an hour south of Porto, and it's famous for its canals and colorful boats called moliceiros. The town is also known for its beautiful art nouveau buildings and its delicious seafood.

Last but not least, we have Évora. This town is located in the Alentejo region, and it's full of history and culture. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's full of Roman ruins and medieval architecture. Plus, if you're a fan of wine, you'll love the fact that Évora is located in the heart of Portugal's wine country.

But wait, I'm not done yet. I have a bonus recommendation for you: Tomar. This town is located about an hour north of Lisbon, and it's famous for its Templar history. The town is home to the Convent of Christ, which was once a Templar stronghold. The convent is full of stunning architecture and art, and there's even a secret initiation room hidden within its walls.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Detective Pux, these are all great suggestions, but how am I supposed to choose which one to visit?" Well, my dear reader, I have a solution for you. Close your eyes, spin a globe (or use Google Maps, I suppose), and point to a random spot in Portugal. Voila! That's your next vacation destination. Trust me, it's a foolproof method.

In all seriousness, though, I hope I've given you some inspiration for your next trip to Portugal. And who knows, maybe you'll even solve a mystery or two while you're there. After all, anything is possible when Detective Pux is on the case!