Travel Destination: Portugal
About Portugal
Good to know that the old world charm is still intact. The medieval castles and quaint but lovely villages are well kept. A beautiful European country on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal has conquered the world and yet preserved its soul. It has a vibe that can inspire nostalgia, sense of wonder and admiration. Walking through its paths will take you to places old and new, picturesque no less. It has coastlines to the west and south and its closest neighbour is the once mighty Spain. Azores and Madeira are its archipelagos.
In Portugal, you can dream about the wildest, simplest, modern, historic or typical vacation and it can come true. The most magical areas are Lisboa (Greater Lisbon), Algarve, Azores and Madeira, Greater Porto and Porto e Norte, Alentejo and Centro. These destinations have their respective airports and accessible. In bigger cities, public transport is abundant, by sea, by land, by boat, by bus, by bicycle, by tram and so on.
Greater Lisbon is a subregion of Portugal. Its most popular and largest city is Lisbon, the country’s capital. It is a living museum, with all the architecture you want to see: from the most modern to Baroque to Romanesque to Manueline to Gothic to traditional. Museums abound, the most important of which is the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, founded in 1884 and houses extensive collections from the Middle Ages to early 19th century. There is a Cristo Rei in Almada much like the Corcovado monument in Rio de Janeiro. Lisbon is a very cosmopolitan city with various festivals notably the Lisbon Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Arte Lisboa and Jazz Festival. Churches, towers, squares and castles are all over. Drop by the Belem Tower and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a Gothic style UNESCO World Heritage Site and see the city’s rich heritage.
Another tourist magnet is the Algarve. Located in the southernmost part of the mainland, the sun, sea and sand are its main attractions. Throw in a lovely Mediterranean climate, low costs and safety for the tourists and you come up with a favourite holiday spot. Visit the beaches of Arrifana, Barriga, Barril, Dona Ana and bay of Lagos. The spa town Caldas de Monchique is another reason to go.
Madeira is a year-round resort, do-it-all destination. It is visited by tourists and cruisers from Europe to Caribbean and has great facilities even for family vacationers. It is a beautiful island with golden beaches and scenic views. Take a walk along the Porto Santo trail and revel on its windmills, waterfalls and golf courses. Porto Santo has a nine-kilometre beach perfect for myriad water activities and recreation.
Azores is another stunning island to explore. Its capital cities are Horta, Angra and Ponta Delgada. Go whale-watching off the island of Faial, learn about the whaling industry at Scrimshaw Museum, get the best view from Vulcão dos Capelinhos or frolic at Porto Pim beach.
Old traditions and modern twists are reflected even in Portuguese cuisine which is basically Mediterranean characterised by flavourful, filling and rich taste. Portuguese are fond of spices they gathered from various parts of the world such chilli peppers (piri piri), black pepper, saffron, vanilla and cinnamon. Seafood is very much a part of the menu, whether fried, stewed, boiled or grilled. Bacalhau (codfish) dishes are common and popular too. Olive oil, garlic, coriander and parsley are basic ingredients. The Portuguese has the oldest wine region in the world, in Douro and its most popular wine is the Port Wine. You can also try Vinho Verde or Vinho da Bairrada.
The countryside, the beaches, the architecture and the best wines, can you even ask for more? Portugal gleams and how.