Discover the taste of Portugal
Portugal is a traveller’s dream with abundant nature, breathtaking beaches, historic cities, charming towns, world-renowned cuisine and a warm and vibrant culture at a fraction of the cost of some similar European destinations. Not many countries can offer such a wide array of fantastic experiences with such spectacular quality!
Explore Portugal by clicking on a region
Portugal at a glance
WHY GO
- Portugal has it all: interesting cities, first class cuisine, beautiful landscapes and spectacular beaches in a country about the size of Virginia! Contemporary life in Portugal fills the historic neighborhoods and villages that span the far corners of the nation. Spectacular palaces, cobblestone streets, and unique monasteries reveal the historical character of this special country. Portugal has a vast mixture of terrains which offer a variety of activities from snow-boarding and surfing to winemaking and cycling! It is an ideal travel destination due to its fantastic year-round weather – temperatures rarely dip below 60 degrees and Lisbon is considered one of the sunniest cities in Europe! As Portugal is an up-and-coming destination, it is still relatively affordable and authentic, and offers visitors ‘the elegance of Western Europe at Eastern European prices’. When you consider the incredibly warm and friendly locals and relaxed way of life, it’s no wonder why Portugal is gaining such popularity amongst travelers!
- Every traveler to Portugal must visit the vibrant city of Lisbon! Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a cosmopolitan yet charming city with an effortlessly cool, relaxed atmosphere. This colorful city is the oldest in Western Europe and easily blends its historical heritage with a chic, modern vibe. Marvelous architecture, magnificent plazas, fabulous restaurants, enchanting tiled houses and a gorgeous coastline define this beautiful city. Because it was built on seven hills that overlook the Tagus River, you’re never far away from a spectacular view. While it may be easy to get lost in the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets in the picturesque Old Quarter (Alfama), Lisbon is a very safe city that is easily navigable by foot. Enjoy a shopping spree along the sprawling avenues of the beautiful Baixa district, then take the iconic yellow Remodelado Tram 28 to explore the bohemian Chiado district before heading to the Bairro Alto for an evening of fado and vibrant nightlife. Make sure you also revel in the amazing views from St. George’s Castle, trace the country’s glorious history at the 16th century Jerónimos monastery, climb the emblematic Belém Tower, soak up the local atmosphere at Rossio Square (Pedro IV Square) and visit some of Lisbon’s many spectacular museums if you have time!
- While Lisbon is sunny and bright, Portugal’s second city, Porto, radiates with culture. With its medieval architecture, extravagant churches, contemporary buzz, fascinating history and hip atmosphere, this coastal city is a traveller’s dream. Known its eponymous fortified, Porto is so much more than just the home of Port. It feels much more traditional and authentic than its sister city of Lisbon, but has the vibrancy and edginess of a truly cosmopolitan city. Porto’s charms are best experienced in its slow pace of life – meander around the colorful streets of the Riberia district, stroll along the iconic Dom Luis I bridge, appreciate the art form of azulejos at the Sao Bento train station, take in the serenity of the Faro (Se) Cathedral, then take a relaxing cruise up the Douro River. Literary junkies won’t want to miss the beautiful Livraria Lello bookstore, which JK Rowling has said inspired the Hogwart’s Library in her Harry Potter books.
- Portugal is a perfect destination for sun worshippers. Its exquisite coastline, wonderful weather and great seaside resorts make it one of Europe’s best beach destinations. Some beaches are serene and tranquil, with white sand and calm clear blue waters, while others are intense and wild, with large rough waves crashing against spectacular black sand – there is a Portuguese beach to please every type of traveler! No matter what beach you visit, the water is always amazing and the views awe-inspiring.
- The Algarve in the south of Portugal is famous for its beautiful beaches and fantastic waves, making it one of Europe’s best surfing destinations, something not often found on the continent. But you’ll find superb stretches of sand wherever you go in the country. Even Lisbon has sublime beaches right on its doorstep: it’s a short train ride from the capital to the glitzy resorts of Estoril and Cascais. If surfing is your thing, Praia do Amado on the Costa Vincenta is Portugal’s best known surfing beach, but is also very family friendly.
- Portugal has a vast and fascinating history. It has had the same borders since the 11th century as it is one of the oldest countries in Europe. Romans, Celts, Moors, Visigoths and Christians have all left their mark on this Iberian country. History buffs and architecture aficionados will love exploring the castles, palaces and royal retreats of the town of Sintra (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which can be done as a day trip from Lisbon. The most fantastical of these is the gloriously decadent, colorful and eclectically styled Pena National Palace. Its 19th-century Romantic architecture is a Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance mash-up. For those interested in ancient history, you could visit the spectacular Roman Ruins of Troia or the ruins of Sao Cucufate Roman Villa (Villa Aulica) which dates back to the first century AD.
- Portugal has a rich cultural heritage, from its fabulous food and wine to its heartbreaking fado music. Portuguese cuisine is simple, fresh, and full of flavors that have been perfected over generations. From grilled sardines to a hearty seafood stew (cataplana de Marisco), no where on Earth is seafood more adored and masterfully prepared than Portugal. Depending on the region, you will find distinct typical dishes, however cod fish (bacalhau) will be a staple no matter where you are – there are over 1,000 bacalhau recipes in the Portuguese culinary repertoire! The Portuguese don’t just eat seafood however – enjoy a tasty, bright green bowl of caldo verde (cabbage soup), a hearty bifana (traditional pork sandwich), a savory Chouriço (pork sausage) or a spicy chicken piri piri. The Portuguese also love their desserts – while in Lisbon, a visit to Pasteis de Belém is a must to indulge in freshly baked pastel de natas (custard tarts), one of the country’s national dishes. Besides its gastronomy, at the core of Portuguese culture is the musical tradition known as fado – literally meaning ‘fate’. This melancholic and beautiful music can be heard at fado houses throughout the country. Lisbon fado is the most well known variety and the city’s Bairro Alta district is home to some of the best fado houses in the country.
WHEN TO GO
- Due to its mild year-round climate, any time of year is a good time to visit Portugal. April to May and September to October are the best times to go due to the warm weather, lesser crowds and more budget-friendly prices.
- Summer can get very hot, particularly in central Portugal. It is also the most crowded time of year to visit, especially the coastal areas when Portuguese and Europeans also flock to the beach.
- Summer time in Portugal may be busier but it also is the time for festivals of all sort, from religious street festivals to music festivals, covering everything from classic to rock music if you’re interested.
- Harvest season in the Douro wine region is early fall so September – October is the best time to visit for wine.
WHAT TO KNOW
- Currency: Euro
- No visa needed
- Language: Portuguese
- Portuguese is the official language and many people in Lisbon and Porto know at least some English if they are not fluent. It is best to learn some typical phrases in Portuguese (like hello/goodbye, thank you, please, do you speak english?) and download a translator app like Google Translate to be on the safe side.
- Portugal is a compact country, and everything can be reached in no more than half a day by car, so private driver-guides are typical. More adventurous travelers can also rent a car which will allow you to explore smaller villages and towns, and get a more authentic feel of Portuguese life.
- Cars drive on the right side of the road (same as US) and we would suggest obtaining an international driver’s license if renting a car.
- Portugal is a very safe country, typically listed amongst the top 10-15 safest countries in the world.
- The Portuguese are very polite and snapping your fingers or shouting at wait staff is considered very rude.
- Be neatly and modestly dressed and presentable when in public, especially in urban areas. Portugal is a conservative and reserved nation so try not to be crude or obnoxious in public.
- Be aware that if you need to beckon someone, pointing or using your index finger is regarded as vulgar. The palm of your hand should face downwards, and you should make short sweeping motions towards yourself.
- Food is quite inexpensive – typically 2 – 3 Euro for a glass of good Portuguese wine and dinner at a nice restaurant rarely costs more than 50 Euro per person.
- Portugal is a very family friendly country – family is central to the Portuguese way of life. The Portuguese adore kids and even higher-end restaurants are typically more than happy to accommodate those with small children.
- Many shops are closed on Sundays and museums are closed on Mondays.
GALLERY
