Travel, drink and eat well in Portugal.!

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Boa viagem a Portugal! Situated at the westernmost edge of Europe, where land meets sea, Portugal showcases its vast treasures. Visitors are often captivated by the country's rich heritage, pristine natural beauty, and endless coastlines. We know you're going to love immersing yourself in the history, landscapes, flavors and atmosphere of this sun-drenched, authentic and warm country.

 

A multifaceted land

Portugal's identity is deeply intertwined with its location, geography, and history. The 800 kilometers of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean once marked the edge of the known world, fostering a strong maritime culture and an adventurous spirit. This connection to the sea propelled Portugal into an era of exploration during the Age of Discoveries.

The country reflects a tapestry of influences from Celts, Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians. Long linked with Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal established itself as an independent political entity in 1143, with borders that have remained virtually unchanged since the 13th century.

Portugal's seven regions offer an abundant and diverse natural and cultural heritage. You will find perched castles, charming villages with cobbled streets, and towns that seamlessly blend the past and present. Sacred sites, dramatic mountain ranges, plains, deep valleys, expansive beaches, idyllic coves, and ancient vineyards and olive groves paint a picture of a land with endless exploration opportunities. Nearly everywhere, there are paths inviting you to explore the country on foot or by bike.

In the northern region of Minho, you can revel in the pristine beaches of the Costa Verde. Historic Viana do Castelo will enchant you with its neo-Byzantine Santa Luzia basilica, perched atop Monte de Santa Luzia, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. In Guimarães, step back in time at the medieval castle once inhabited by Portugal's first king, Afonso I, and explore the impressive Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Nearby, Braga boasts the remarkable sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. 

Porto, the country's vibrant second-largest city, sits on hills overlooking the legendary Douro River. The city's spectacular bridges, the charming old town with its colorful facades and steep streets, and the bustling upper town are all captivating. Don't miss the opulent Palácio da Bolsa, the baroque Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos, and the stunning Lello Bookshop, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Further inland, visit Vila Real and its Baroque Palácio de Mateus. The vast Peneda-Gerês National Park, with its rugged granite landscapes, is a must-see, as are the traditional villages of the Trás-os-Montes mountains and the breathtaking vineyards of the Douro Valley.

The Center region is also brimming with wonders. Inland, you'll discover pristine nature in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, ideal for incredible hikes amid mountains, glacial lakes, and hilltop villages. The region's other mountain ranges, including the Serras de Lousã, Açor, and Caramulo, as well as the Côa Valley with its ancient rock art, offer equally breathtaking experiences.

Along the coast, explore charming towns and beautiful beaches. Aveiro, often called the Portuguese Venice, features a picturesque lagoon and stunning Art Nouveau architecture. Costa Nova boasts a long sandy beach lined with dunes and brightly-colored striped houses. Figueira da Foz combines an authentic fishing port with the elegance of a Belle Époque seaside resort. Batalha is home to a superb monastery, a masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic architecture, complete with two unfinished chapels. The summer resort of Nazaré is famous for its extraordinary waves that attract the world's best surfers. The picturesque walled town of Óbidos is another must-see.

In between, the region offers a wealth of magnificent sites and cities: Viseu with its grand cathedral; Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal, renowned for its historic university; Leiria and its medieval castle; Fátima, one of the world's major religious pilgrimage sites; Tomar with its Convent of Christ, a former Templar castle; the Cistercian monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça; and the mesmerizing Mira de Aire caves.

The Lisbon region centers around the vibrant and dynamic capital city. Lisbon itself is an eclectic mix of ancient and modern, popular and trendy, and cosmopolitan. You'll be charmed by the grid-like streets of the Baixa district, the iconic trams, the distinctive black and white mosaic cobblestone sidewalks (calçada portuguesa), and the historic neighborhoods with a village-like feel (Alfama, Bairro Alto). Modern districts such as Parque das Nações offer a contemporary vibe, while the city’s cultural and nightlife scenes are equally captivating.

Don't miss the iconic landmarks along the Tagus River: the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the 25th of April Bridge. This bridge, reminiscent of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, is overshadowed by the monumental Christ the King statue, reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer. Originally named the Salazar Bridge after the dictator who ruled Portugal for nearly 40 years, it was renamed following the Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974, which marked the country's transition to democracy and decolonization.

Beyond the capital, the region offers diverse attractions: stunning beaches and seaside resorts like Ericeira and Cascais, the untamed beauty of Comporta with its mix of sea, pine forests, and rice fields (where you might even spot a celebrity), the wild cliffs of Cabo da Roca, the Serra da Arrábida Nature Park, the wine-growing Serra de Montejunto, and the enchanting town of Sintra. Sintra, often shrouded in mist, is home to the fantastical Palácio da Pena, which combines various architectural styles, including Moorish and Manueline, a unique Portuguese take on Gothic design from the 16th century.

Set course for the Alentejo, a region of large open spaces, medieval villages, unspoilt nature, and a wild coastline. This rural, somewhat undiscovered area offers a refreshing escape into nature, perfect for outdoor sports. You'll find expansive pastures, swaying cereal fields, vineyards, olive groves, and extensive cork oak forests—a protected heritage since the Middle Ages that has made Portugal the world's leading cork producer. The region's coastal and river beaches invite contemplation and feature exceptional ecosystems. Notably, Comporta stands out with its idyllic mix of sea, beach, pinewoods, and rice fields—perhaps even offering a celebrity sighting.

The Alentejo is plentiful in historical treasures, from cave paintings at Escoural and megaliths to abbeys, fortified towns, and cities influenced by a long Moorish presence. Explore the beautiful city of Évora, with its ancient temple, palaces, convents, colorful houses, and monumental cathedral. Visit Elvas, a fortified hilltop town with narrow streets lined with white houses and a splendid 7 km aqueduct. Mértola, once the capital of a 12th-century taifa (Muslim kingdom), boasts a fortified castle, while Monsaraz, a medieval village with white houses and red roofs, offers a panoramic view of the region and the Alqueva lake. Don’t miss Santarém, Castelo de Vide, and other charming locales.

In the far south, the Algarve is Portugal's most popular region, attracting the highest number of visitors. Its appeal lies in the variety of seaside resorts, picturesque coves nestled among rocks, and beaches bordered by cliffs and caves. The Benagil Cave, with its dome and natural skylight, is particularly enchanting. The Algarve offers more than just relaxation; Cabo de São Vicente provides a dramatic, windswept landscape, while the nearby town of Sagres, home to a 15th-century fortress built by Henry the Navigator, symbolizes Portuguese exploration.

Lagos, with its old fortified town, is another key location tied to the Age of Discoveries, as it was from here that Henry the Navigator’s caravels set sail. Portimão is bustling with activity, Albufeira boasts an old town charm, and the fishing ports of Olhão and Ferragudo are picture-perfect. Tavira enchants with Baroque churches and colorful houses, while Alvor's cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and beautiful beach are equally captivating. In Silves, the former capital of the Arab kingdom of Al-gharb (hence the name Algarve), you'll find white houses and a fortified castle with red ramparts.

Faro's old town, protected by its ramparts, features pretty cobbled streets and a lively atmosphere. A nearby boat trip can take you to the islands of the Ria Formosa lagoon. Inland, the Serra de Monchique, with its thermal springs, provides a picturesque setting for hiking and cycling, centered around the charming mountain village of Monchique.

Last but not least, the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores conclude our tour of Portugal's diverse regions.

Madeira, located west of Morocco, is a nature lover's paradise, perfect for coastal walks, mountain hikes, and treks along the levadas—small irrigation channels carved into the rock. Funchal, the capital, is perched on the slopes of a dramatic mountain facing the ocean. Its cobbled streets, white houses, lush gardens, and abundant vegetation are simply irresistible. Porto Santo, the other island in the archipelago, is famed as the "golden island" for its expansive sandy beach.

In the Azores, you will experience a change of scenery unlike any other. The nine islands that make up this archipelago each offer unique landscapes and experiences. These small worlds in the vast Atlantic Ocean feature majestic landscapes: wild coastlines, volcanoes, natural ocean pools, beaches, waterfalls, lagoons, terraced vineyards on hillsides or in lava fields, cliffs, and fajãs (eroded basalt platforms). The beauty and diversity of the Azores are truly magical, providing a perfect end to our exploration of Portugal.

 

A rich culture and preserved traditions

Traditions hold a special place in Portugal, serving as vital cultural heritage that fosters social cohesion and creates unforgettable moments shared across generations.

This is evident in the many vibrant festivals that honor important saints and fill the streets with colorful decorations, parades with bands, processions, singing, and dancing that continue late into the night. Craft markets and grilled sardines add to the festive atmosphere. Notable celebrations include Santo António in Lisbon and São João in Porto, where revelers gently tap each other on the head with small plastic hammers (originally leeks!), release hot-air balloons, and enjoy spectacular fireworks. Other significant festivals are São Pedro in Sintra, Festa da Pinha in Faro, Festa dos Tabuleiros in Tomar, the procession of Nossa Senhora da Agonia in Viana do Castelo, and Festa da Flor in Funchal. No matter where you are in Portugal, a lively festival is likely happening nearby!

Embrace the profound emotions of fado, a unique and timeless musical tradition. Typically performed solo with the accompaniment of a 12-string Portuguese guitar, fado gained international fame in the 1930s and 1940s through the legendary Amália Rodrigues and continues to captivate audiences with contemporary artists like Mariza and Ana Moura, as well as the group Madredeus in the 1980s, who blended fado with folk, classical, and contemporary music. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, fado captures the complex emotion known as saudade, a deep, melancholic longing that is central to the Portuguese soul. Equally enchanting, though less known, is the cante alentejano, the polyphonic singing tradition of the Alentejo region, which is also profoundly beautiful.

Portugal also boasts a great tradition of poetry and literature that dates back to the nation's early days. This literary heritage began with the troubadours and flourished in the 16th century with Luís de Camões, whose epic poem "Os Lusíadas" glorifies the exploits of the Portuguese during the Age of Discoveries. The literary landscape of Portugal also includes Fernando Pessoa, renowned for his profound and intricate poems published under various pseudonyms, notably in "Many Are Those Who Live Within Us." Additionally, José Saramago, a prolific writer, contributed a vast array of poetry, novels, short stories, and plays.

Museum enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Portugal. In Lisbon, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation offers one of the world's largest private art collections, spanning from ancient Egypt to the 20th century. The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MATT) features impressive installations by artists like Joana Vasconcelos. The recently opened Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC/CCB) in Belém showcases works by prominent international artists, alongside the abstract landscapes of Maria Helena Vieira da Silva and the performance art of Helena Almeida.

In Porto, the Serralves Foundation houses a museum of modern art dedicated to Portuguese artists from 1960 to 1980, featuring works by Boltanski and Baselitz. The foundation's Art Deco pink mansion and expansive park offer a peaceful retreat in the city's heart. Other notable museums include the University Science Museum in Coimbra and the National Azulejo Museum in Lisbon, which celebrates the art of decorated tiles that adorn many of the country's buildings, from houses and palaces to churches.

Football fans will find excitement in Portugal's passion for the sport. Consider visiting Lisbon's Estádio da Luz, home to Benfica, or FC Porto's Estádio do Dragão. Booking a match at either stadium promises an exhilarating experience for any football fanatic.

 

Flavours to share

Portugal's cuisine is healthy, simple, and delicious, blending Atlantic and Mediterranean culinary traditions with influences from its former colonial empire and New World ingredients like cinnamon, curry, potatoes, tomatoes, and citrus fruits introduced by the Moors.

To whet your appetite or complement an aperitif with natural wine, try a variety of petiscos, the Portuguese equivalent of Spanish tapas. These small dishes include rissóis (shrimp or meat fritters served hot or cold), peixinhos da horta (fried green beans coated in batter), croquetes de carne (breaded meatballs), bolinhos de bacalhau (cod fritters), gambas ao alho (garlic prawns), caracóis (small snails in garlic sauce), pica-pau (marinated meat bites served with olives and pickles), and a selection of cheeses and charcuterie such as chouriço (smoked pork sausage flambéed in brandy) or morcela (black pudding).

Cod (bacalhau) is a cornerstone of Portuguese cuisine, with countless preparation methods—one for each day of the year. A favorite is bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, made with dried and salted cod, potatoes, onions, garlic, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and milk, all baked to perfection. Fish and seafood are prominent in Portuguese cuisine, enjoyed grilled (like sea bream), baked, or in elaborate dishes such as caldeirada (a fish stew similar to bouillabaisse), polvo à lagareiro (octopus with garlic, herbs, and potatoes), and amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams sautéed in garlic, lemon juice, and coriander).Rice dishes are also a staple in Portugal, with popular varieties including arroz de marisco (seafood and tomato rice), arroz de pato (baked duck rice), and arroz de cabidela, sometimes called arroz de sangue (chicken and blood rice).

For meat lovers, Portugal offers a delightful experience at churrascarias, restaurants specializing in grilled meats. These venues are perfect for socializing while enjoying dishes like pork fillet (lombo), pork chops (costeletas), and suckling pig roasted on a spit (leitão da Bairrada). Chicken lovers will relish frango no churrasco, succulent chicken grilled over an open fire and served halved. Additionally, Portugal boasts an array of flavorful stews. Cozido à Portuguesa is a hearty stew featuring various meats and vegetables. Feijoada à Transmontana combines beans with pork and beef in a rich stew. Caldo verde is a comforting soup made with cabbage, potatoes, and slices of sausage. Another standout is the cataplana, named after the copper pot it’s cooked in, similar to a tajine, and filled with a variety of delicious ingredients.

In the mood for something sweet? Indulge in the classic pastel de nata, a small custard tart with a flaky pastry crust, or arroz doce, a creamy rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon. Other delectable treats include pão de ló, a spongy cake made from eggs, sugar, and flour; pudim de ovos, a large caramel-topped flan; bola de Berlim, a doughnut filled with custard; and toucinho do céu, an almond cake. Or simply choose any tempting dessert displayed in a pastelaria window.

To complement these delights, enjoy a small local beer, a galão (coffee with milk), a carioca de limão (lemon peel infusion), or a freshly squeezed orange juice to complete your meal.

To sample all these mouth-watering dishes, consider dining at a tasca, a local bistro or neighborhood eatery known for its friendly atmosphere, regular patrons, and excellent value for money. Many of these establishments have been serving delicious meals for generations. Alternatively, explore the creations of the new wave of chefs who craft inventive cuisine that highlights the best of seasonal Portuguese produce.

 

An authentic wine country

Viticulture and wine production in Portugal have a history spanning thousands of years. Vines were cultivated along the banks of the Tagus and in the Upper Douro as early as the Phoenician era. Successive waves of Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans further developed this viticultural heritage, establishing wine farms, vinification vats, and transport jars.

The establishment of Cistercian abbeys during the Middle Ages helped to organize and structure Portuguese vineyards. By this time, Portugal had already forged significant ties with England, notably through the marriage of João I to Philippa of Lancaster, granddaughter of King Edward III. This connection was further strengthened during the Hundred Years' War between France and England, when Port wines began to replace Bordeaux wines on English tables and were subsequently exported to all British colonies. To address the decline in wine quality due to its burgeoning success, the Marquis of Pombal, Portugal's esteemed prime minister (notably recognized for his effective response to the 1755 earthquake that devastated Lisbon), took significant steps to regulate the port wine trade. He demarcated the production area, classified the vines, and established production standards, becoming a visionary precursor to the modern Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) concept.

Portugal boasts a bountiful ampelographic heritage with nearly 250 different grape varieties, about one-third of which are endemic, contributing to the unique flavors of Portuguese wines. The main white varieties include Alvarinho, Arinto, Maria Gomes, Encruzado, Antão Vaz, Verdelho branco, Bual, Azal branco, Avesso, and Malvasia Fina. For reds, prominent varieties are Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Baga, Castelão, Trincadeira, Tinta Roriz, and Tinto Cão.

As the fourth-largest vineyard in Europe, Portugal's wine regions are divided into 14 wine-growing areas spread across the country, with a higher concentration in the north and center. Many of these vineyards are small, family-run farms producing diverse wines characteristic of their regions. In the north, for instance, non-intensive vine growing methods are prevalent, with vines trained on trellises over paths and walkways to protect them from the sun, or on high trellises using trees as supports—a traditional technique making a comeback.

Among the best-known Portuguese wines internationally are Vinho Verde, Porto, and Madeira. White Vinho Verde, from the damp granite soils of the north, is lively, fresh, slightly lemony, and mildly sparkling. Porto, a fortified wine, achieves its sweetness and rich aromatic palette by adding grape brandy during fermentation. Madeira, also fortified, undergoes a heating process during aging, imparting delightful notes of nuts and spices while maintaining fresh acidity.

We encourage you to explore the variety of Portugal's wines, including lesser-known gems. Visiting natural winemakers during your stay can offer an insightful experience into the local terroir, revealing the full potential of Portuguese soils and indigenous grape varieties. You can find many of these dedicated vintners on Raisin, where their work exemplifies a deep connection to the land and a commitment to quality winemaking.

 

In pursuit of happiness

In Portugal, there's a pervasive sense of welcome and a love for life's simple pleasures that is profoundly comforting. Here, people embrace a leisurely pace of life, often taking things calmly and enjoying each moment. Whether it's dining out with friends, chatting on café terraces (drinking coffee at a café is customary at any time of day), participating in local festivals, strolling through the streets, or browsing the market, the Portuguese embody a quiet happiness in their daily lives.

This appreciation for life's simple joys is intertwined with a fundamental concept in Portuguese culture: saudade. This deep emotional state, difficult to translate into other languages, is a complex mix of melancholy and hope, joy and sorrow, a poignant sense of longing and nostalgia. Saudade captures a romantic sentiment, a blend of contentment and yearning, as described by Amália Rodrigues as a "bitter and sweet thorn." It reflects the emotions of a people who have often seen their loved ones depart, sometimes without the certainty of their return.

This mindset represents a pragmatic, yet hopeful, way of being in the world—acknowledging reality without losing faith in the future.

So, relax, let go of time, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Portugal. Allow yourself to be swept away by the peaceful atmosphere and marvel at the beauty around you. You'll return home enchanted by your Portuguese experience.