Explore Portugal

Explore Portugal

Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve\’s beaches are a major destination and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s–1800s, when Portugal had a powerful maritime empire. Lisbon is Purtugal capital. Portugal is famous for its typical seafood dishes, popular beach destinations, and 16th to 19th century architecture, from when this country was a powerful maritime empire. It\’s also known for its soccer legends, fado music, historical cities, and port wine. Portugal is one of the best outdoor destinations in Europe. Perfect for hiking and for a quick dip during summertime, the waterfalls and natural pools are absolutely gorgeous. Of course, some other places are well known in terms of nature such as Douro Valley and the Algarve.

Lisbon– Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril. Lisbon is probably best known for its colonialist history, ornate architecture and tradition of Fado music. But some of its best features are in the everyday – spectacular hilltop vistas in Alfama or at St. George\’s Castle, pleasant year-round weather and friendly locals.

Porto– Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. In the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district, narrow cobbled streets wind past merchants’ houses and cafes. The palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors. World-famous for its port wine, Porto is Portugal\’s second largest city and is the commercial and industrial centre for the zone north of the Mondego River. The historic centre of Porto was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.

Coimbra– Coimbra, a riverfront city in central Portugal and the country’s former capital, is home to a preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra. Built on the grounds of a former palace, the university is famed for its baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, and its 18th-century bell tower. In the city’s old town lies the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral Sé Velha. On the banks of the river Mondego, Coimbra is famousfor its University, the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, which over time has shaped its image to become \”the city of students\”.

Guimaraes– Guimarães is a city in northern Portugal. It’s known for well-preserved medieval buildings like the hilltop, 10th-century Guimarães Castle, with its sweeping city views. The restored Dukes of Bragança Palace, built in the style of a French chateau, has a museum showcasing furniture, tapestries and weapons. Guimaraes is one of the country\’s most important historical cities. Its historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the largest tourist centers in the region. The city is often referred to as the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality” or “the cradle city”

Lagos– Lagos is a town in southern Portugal\’s Algarve region. It’s known for its walled old town, cliffs and Atlantic beaches. Steep wooden steps lead to the sandy cove of Praia do Camilo. The nearby cliffs of Ponta de Piedade offer sweeping headland views and a lighthouse. Lagos is one of the most visited cities in the Algarve and Portugal, due to its variety of tourist-friendly beaches, rock formations (Ponta da Piedade), bars, restaurants and hotels, renowned for its vibrant summer nightlife and parties.

Aveiro– Aveiro is a city on the west coast of Portugal set along a lagoon called Ria de Aveiro. It\’s distinguished by its canals navigated by colorful boats (barcos moliceiros), traditionally used to harvest seaweed. Aveiro is a popular tourist destination, famed for its canals, Nouveau architecture and colourfully painted Moliceiros boats. The city lies on the edge of the Ria de Aveiro, an expansive saltwater lagoon that was historically farmed for its seaweed, salt and bountiful fish.

Sintra– Sintra is a resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, near the capital, Lisbon. A longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. The Moorish- and Manueline-style Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tilework. The hilltop 19th-century Pena National Palace is known for a whimsical design and sweeping views. The historic center of the Vila de Sintra is famous for its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, historic estates and villas, gardens, and royal palaces and castles, which resulted in the classification of the town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.