Portugal Travel Guide
Skirting along the southwestern edge of the Iberian Peninsula, the once-great seafaring nation of Portugal today straddles two very different worlds. For purists, this is a land of great tradition, of saints-day festivals where ox-drawn carts still lumber through flower-strewn streets, and ancient vineyards bring sleepy medieval villages to life during the annual harvest. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, something decidedly more modern is transpiring. Old city centres, long ago abandoned by the young and upwardly mobile in favour of the suburbs, are slowly being revitalised. A new wave of boutiques, art galleries and cafes are finding new homes in once crumbling old buildings, and locals are beginning to rediscover the allure of vibrant downtown areas.
Ericeira
Ericeira is a fishing village only few km from Lisbon and Sintra, located where the high cliffs of the rocky coast meet the Atlantic Ocean. A prime target for surfers, famous for its beautiful beaches Ericeira is internationally renowned as one of the best surfing spots in Europe. And it attracts tourists who come from all over the world to take advantage of the powerful Atlantic waves that can be found here.
The Sintra National Palac
Sintra in Portugal has hands down the most colorful and quirky structure I have ever seen and this Sintra National Palace is an essential day trip for anyone who makes it to the very close-by Lisbon, Portugal’s capital.
Vasco da Gama Bridge
The Vasco da Gama Bridge spans the Tagus River near Lisbon, Portugal. When it opened (and still today) it is one of the longest in Europe. With a total length of 17 km including 0.8 km for the main bridge, 12.3 km in viaducts, and 4.8 km in dedicated access roads, this magnificent structure is an immense cable-stayed bridge. It is named after Vasco da Gama – the famous maritime explorer, which in 1498 discovered the sea route to the Indies around the Cape of Good Hope.
The Rossio, Lisbon
Although the actual name of the Plaza is Praca D. Pedro IV, all the locals call it the Rossio. It is the heart of Lisbon and people are always found here doing something or the other. The plaza has recently had a facelift making it even more beautiful and presentable than before.
Alfama
Considered one of the more loved jewels in Portugal, the Alfama district is a must-see. Situated in the historic city centre, this is one of the oldest and most emblematic quarters of Lisbon. With lots of examples of Moorish and Roman architecture, the area has preserved its medieval shape and unique atmosphere. Its name Alfama has its roots in the Arabic Al-Hama, meaning springs or fountains. If you are looking for bargains, then this is the place to go to. Originally the market was named Diera da Ladra (Thief's Market) and it has been around for hundreds of years. The most sought after items here are hand painted pottery and lace, but you can also find exquisite jewelry, books, art and secondhand sailing gear. The market is open from Saturdays through Tuedays from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cascais
Cascais is a small coastal town situated 30 km west of Lisbon. This once quaint fishing village has grown in the last century to become the elegant beach town. It became a popular resort favoured by European nobility and kings in the early 20th century. Today is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Portugal.
Evora
This walled town is situated amidst vineyards, flowers and olive trees. The cathedral and the Roman temple are the main attractions here. But do not miss the ossuary chapel, which is made from thousands of human bones and skulls. Sound morbid but it is also fascinating.
Lisbon
One of Europe's most striking (and affordable) capitals, Lisbon is host to a culturally diverse people and several architectural wonders. Art nouveau buildings and several magnificent cathedrals will set the tone for your stay as you walk along the city's busy tourist areas.
Comporta
Comporta is a quiet stretch of Portuguese coast that some of the country’s oldest families as well as designers like Jacques Grange and Christian Louboutin have turned into their secret summer holiday. The whole area is dotted with thatched fishermen cottages, pine forests and rice fields and this is how sun-seeking summer residents would like to keep it.
Lagos
This town is a combination of magnificent cliffs and sandy white beaches. You can see many films and enjoy the beer that is sold in large amounts here. This Algarve town is the correct place for party lovers but you should not miss a chance to explore its beaches which can be done by renting a bike, moped or a horse.
Madeira
Visit the beautiful volcanic island of Madeira and explore the mountains and the forests. There are some excellent trails that take you through lush green forest where you can see hordes of wild flowers blooming to full glory.
Funchal
Funchal is the main town of Madeira Island, Portugal. Surrounded by the Atlantic, with hotels, port and an international airport, known for its appealing temperatures, decorative paved streets, wine and crafts, Funchal is major tourist destination. The blue ocean’s waves visible almost from anywhere on the island. Visitors to the island are usually impressed by the amazing beauty of the lush vegetation around its coastline.
St George's Castle
The castle was used to defeat the invading Moor armies. It offers a fantastic view of Santuario do Cristo Rei, which is a 34-meter replica of the Christ the Redeemer statue located in Rio de Janeiro. The castle cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755 and today, there are just the ruins to see.
Paula Rego Museum
Paula Rego Museum, is located just outside the Portuguese capital by the beaches of Cascais. The museum includes paintings and drawings by Portugal’s most acclaimed living artist. The museum is named after Paula Rego, who was born in Lisbon but has been living between Cascais and London since the 1970s. In the British capital she married artist Victor Willing and was appointed the first associate artist of England’s National Gallery. She’s also considered one of the best living painters in Britain, and her works can be seen in several museums around the world, from the British Museum in London to the MoMA in New York.
Mozambique
Mozambique is a Portuguese colony and home to over 1, 500 miles of undeveloped Indian Ocean beachfront. Some of the finest diving and deep sea marlin fishing in the world and a unique Afro-Iberian-Brazilian culture with one of the most relaxing tourism destination.
Oporto
Oporto is a beautiful city in Portugal, just on 314km north of Lisabon and 304km south of La Coruna Spain. This city gave its name not only to port wine, but also to Portugal and its language. Oporto’s most interesting neighborhood is Ribeira. The narrow streets and balconied houses evoke Lisbon’s Alfama, though the quarter has its own distinctive character. Ribeira preserves the timeless quality of many of the old buildings and cobbled streets lining the riverbank.
Rossio Railway Station
The Rossio Railway Station is a stunning structure set between Rossio Square and Restauradores Square in Lisbon, Portugal. The railway station was designed by the architect José LuÃs Monteiro. They integrated eight doors match the nine palatial windows and incredibly decorated clock tower located on the top of the facade.
Comercio Square
The Praça do Comércio (Portuguese pronunciation: [?p?as? du ku?m??siu]; English: Commerce Square) is located in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. Situated near the Tagus river, the square is still commonly known as Terreiro do Paço ([t???ej?u du ?pasu]; English: Palace Square), because it was the location of the Paços da Ribeira (Royal Ribeira Palace) until it was destroyed by the great 1755 Lisbon Earthquake. After the earthquake, the square was completely remodelled as part of the rebuilding of the Pombaline Downtown, ordered by the Marquis of Pombal.
Monastery of Jeronimus
The first place we stopped was the Monastery of Jeronimus, one of the must-see sights of Lisbon, known for it’s ornate and detailed carved stonework. The large church is free to enter and on both sides of the entrance you’ll find the tombs of the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, and the writer Luís Vaz de Camões who chronicled his voyages. The carved columns soar up to the vaulted ceiling and there are many fine paintings, side chapels and stained glass windows to admire. You’ll have to pay to enter the double story cloister with the same intricate stonework, a pleasant and shady place to linger on a hot day, with a fountain playing in the central courtyard
Pasteis de Belem
Just along the road from the monastery is the most famous pastry shop in Lisbon, known as Pasteis de Belem after the small and delicious custard tarts, known elsewhere as Pasteis de Nata. The Monasteries were known for making these pastries from the egg yolks left over from the egg whites they used to starch their laundry. The story goes that the monastery sold the recipe to this pastry shop which they now keep as a closely guarded secret, known only to a few of their chefs. The shop is very popular and there are always queues for the Pasteis de Belem tarts, although you can also go inside and eat them sitting down with a cup of coffee as we did.
Monument to the Discoveries
We completed our walk around Belem with a look at the Monument to the Discoveries, erected in 1960 to comemmorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator. The statues of famous explorers and notable figures from Portuguese history, stand behind Henry the Navigator gazing out to the River Tagus and to the sea as if on the prow of a ship. Behind them, you’ll find a map of the world laid into the stone paving, showing the different places in the Indies visited by these adventurers many of whom set off from this very spot.
Convent and Church of Carmo
This 14th century church was destroyed by an earthquake in the mid 17th century but left as a memorial to the death toll and destruction wrought that day. You can visit the ruins between 10am to 5pm which now house a small archaeological museum.
Cabo de Roca
If you venture further west from Sintra you’ll reach Cabo de Roca, one of Europe’s most westerly points.
Marques de Pombal square
Baixa - the heart of the city, mainly constructed after the 1755 earthquake. Re-built by Marques de Pombal, it is considered the “downtown” part of Lisbon. It features the famous squares of Lisbon – Praça do Comércio, Praça dos Restauradores, and Praça de D. Pedro IV (or Rossio) and includes the Elevador de Santa Justa, a Gothic elevator which connects to the Chiado.