Portugal Destination Guide

To travellers making their way across the vast lands of Spain, it will seem like Portugal is a lifetime away. Past the Iberian Peninsula and the craggy Pyrenees peaks is the historic and somewhat isolated country of Portugal. These distances have made Portugal a wonderful island of sorts - close and yet far from the cultures, traditions, cuisine and socio-economic heritage of Europe. A city in Portugal is known as a cidade. The major metropolitan cities in Portugal are Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Coimbra and Aveiro.

A well known Portuguese saying - 'Lisbon shows off, Braga prays, Coimbra studies, and Porto works!'

Our Portugal Destination Guide below together with our Portugal Tour Suggestions will tell you all you need to know about the best places to visit in Portugal. For tips on how to get around in Portugal, read our Portugal Transportation guide.

Things to See & Do in Portugal

Like Rome and Istanbul, Lisbon is built on seven hills. Boasting pleasant temperatures during winter and cool summers freshened by a breeze blowing in from the Atlantic, Costa de Lisboa, on the southwestern coast, offers a rich and impressively integrated diversity.

The capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History. The Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisboa. Since it largely survived the earthquake of 1755, the area still retains much of its original layout. Adjacent to the Alfama are the likewise old quarters of Castelo and Mouraria, on the western and northern slopes of the hill that is crowned by St. George's Castle.

Every year in June, the streets of all three quarters come alive with the feasts in honour of the popular saints. The Graca quarter and the churches of Sao Vicente de Fora and Santa Engracia are within walking distance of this area. Radiant skies brighten the monumental city, with its typical tile covered building facades and narrow Medieval streets, where one can hear the fado being played and sung at night.

Lisbon is also the stage for popular festivities, the place for exquisite shopping, exciting nightlife, and interesting museums, a place from where motorways branch off in different directions.

Portugal's second largest city, Porto is a very busy industrial and commercial centre. The city itself isn't very populous (about 350,000 inhabitants), but the near metropolitan area ranks some 1,800,000 inhabitants in a 50 km radius. The city was built along the hills overlooking the Douro river estuary, and its historical centre was awarded World Heritage status in 1996.

The downtown core of Porto consists of many buildings built into a cliff face that overlooks the river. Stairs cut into the stone run up and down the cliff face and offer a laborious but rewarding walking tour. Across the river from Porto proper, in the suburb of Gaia, are located the warehouses of notable companies dealing with Port Wine, such as Fonseca, Sandemans, Kopke, and others.

The Ribeira, which is also a good place to start visiting the World Heritage area; the Sao Francisco church; the Stock Exchange palace; the Modern Art museum at Serralves, the "Casa da Musica" (House of Music) concert hall; the port wine cellars; the amazing ocean front drive, known as "Foz"; and the six bridges connecting Porto to Gaia over the Douro river.

You may also like to see the City Hall (Camara Municipal) and the vast square in front of it. Stop at the multi purpose pavilion with nice gardens for a bit of a rest. It is called "Pavilhao Rosa Mota", or "Palacio de Cristal".

For shopping you could take a stroll around the Mercado do Bolhao, which has a food market and handicraft stores. Also try Santa Catarina Street, which is near Bolhao.

Porto is famous for its port wine, a fortified wine (20%) made by adding brandy to the wine before distillation is complete. The end product is strong, sweet, complex in taste and, if properly stored, will last 40 years or more.

This city holds a special place in the hearts of all the Portuguese. Rich in its history and is the oldest seat of learning in Portugal with a University founded on the 13th of August in 1290 by King Dinis. This makes it one of the oldest in the world.

Coimbra was liberated from Moor occupation in 1064 and was then developed as a town by the capable Conde de Sesmundo who was the master here for 27 years. Six of Portugal's Kings were born here and between 1139 and 1256 it was the chosen capital of the country. The name of this city during the Roman period was Aeminium, and but it later developed under the influence of the greater nearby town of Conimbriga.

This latter place is now an important archaeological site of great interest with a museum to display the findings from the diggings. At first sight the town appears more devoted to commerce than learning but the skyline above the lower part of the city suggests its real purpose.

In the city there are many churches that are also worth visiting, especially from the 12th Century. Igreja de Santa Cruz is a church that was later altered in the 16th Century to its present fine example of Manueline carved architecture work. Coimbra also boasts the largest Botanical Garden in the country which covers 20 hectares. The University buildings have over time been generally replaced and the main buildings tend to have been constructed or re-constructed in the early 18th Century.

Under an hour's drive from Porto is the religious centre of Braga, sometimes called the religious capital of Portugal. This Catholic city is home to some of the country's best known religious sites and oldest spiritual centres. The shrine of Bom Jesus is patronized by people across the country, and tourists flock here in droves.

This wet, weathered city in the north of the country is also a well developed business and commercial hub. The people of Braga are thought by many to be among the most conservative in all of Portugal. Their colourful history includes a tryst with the Roman empire - the remains of the age are significant and the ruins at Braga are said to be one of the largest in the region of the Iberian Peninsula. For history buffs and photography enthusiasts, the Museu da Imagem makes for an unusual stop. This museum at Campo das Hortas is home to over 120,000 glass negatives of photographs. Another good reason to come to Braga is the wine - it's famous and with good reason.

Churches and Cathedrals of Braga

Antigo Paco Episcopal - Braga is the seat of the bishops of Portugal and there is no better icon of the history of this religious centre than the Antigo Paco Episcopal. This palace of the Archbishop dates back to the 14^th century and holds behind its magnificent façade the books and clerical records of the church. A large part of the interiors were destroyed in a raging fire in the 18^th century and they've never quite been restored it to their original splendour.

Torre de Menagem - The fortifications in the city square date back to the 14^th century - sadly, these are but a small portion of what once stood in Braga. What remains is impressive, but offers a mere glimpse of the original grandeur. The cathedral (believed to have been built in the 12^th century) that rises up out of the square is built upon the grounds of what was once a much older church (one that was destroyed in the 6^th century). This cathedral is now a treasure chest of some of Portugal's best known religious works of art - statues, clothes and priceless relics. Within the church, you must seek out the Cross. This is the same relic that was displayed and used by Saint Francis Xavier for the first mass in Brazil.

Palacio dos Biscainhos - Built in the 16^th century, this ornate palace was once the home of an aristocrat - complete with elaborate manicured gardens et al. Inside the palace is a museum which displays period furniture from the region as well as some other ethnographic artefacts.

Palacio do Raio - In a street near the Santa Cruz Church (a Baroque style church from the 17^th century) is the unusual and intricately decorated Palacio do Raio. Finding it won't be hard - its façade is richly decorated with blue tiles and it stands out against the more modest facades of the surrounding buildings.

Igreja de Bom Jesus de Monte - This baroque style building was erected in 1776 and is arguably the biggest draw for tourists to Braga. Located on a lovely forested part of Braga, this site is built upon a hill which can be reached by steps or the funicular railway that dates back to 1882. The Igreja de Bom Jesus de Monte has a grand staircase which symbolizes the 14 Stations of the Cross and leads up to the church itself. Along the way, you'll see figurines, fountains and chapels - each more beautiful than the next and each symbolizing one phase of the final journey of Christ.

The city of Aveiro dates back to the 10th century when it was known by its first Latin name of Aviarium, literally, "a gathering place or preserve of birds". The Moors invaded and then held it until the 14th century, after which it became popular with Portuguese royalty. In the winter of 1575 a terrible storm closed the entrance to its port, ending a thriving trade in metals and tiles. The same storm also created a reef barrier at the Atlantic Ocean.

Aveiro is known in Portugal for its traditional sweets, the ovos-moles and the trouxas de ovos, both made from eggs. It is sometimes called "The Portuguese Venice", because of its canals and boats that remind one of the Italian city of Venice, as the city faced similar problems when it tried to conquer the water.

The city is famous for its salt production and seaweed harvest, which is used as fertiliser in the area. The city is also famous for the Convento de Jesus (now known as the City Museum), built in the 15th century, which contains the tomb of the daughter of Alfonso V, St. Joana, who died in 1490. The presence of this royal personage, beatified in 1673, proved to be of great benefit when she bequeathed her valuable estate to the convent. In the 17th and 18th centuries the convent housed a school of embroidery, which produced many of the masterpieces kept in the museum. Aveiro had played host to three games of the 2004 European Football Championship.

Only a short ride by tram, bus or train from the centre of Lisbon, Belem is an interesting area to spend the day. Famed as the place Vasco da Gama and his fellow Portuguese adventurers set sail for India and the Americas, Belém is the spiritual home of Portugal's 'Age of Discovery'. Jeronimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, commemorate the period of Portugal's overseas expansion and Empire building.

The small fishing town of Cascais has had a tumultuous past, with invasions and occupations by the Spanish and the French, and this has left an indelible mark on the culture and traditions of this wonderful town.

As you stroll along its unusual wave-like pavements (etched in black and white) and tuck into the mouth wateringly good seafood served fresh in its charming restaurants and buzzing seaside cafes, it's easy for you to understand why the blue waters of the sea have always been central to the lives of people in Cascais.

For a spot of nightlife head over to the Rua Frederico Arouca or the more boisterous Largo Luis de Camoes. Enjoy a day of shopping at the Wednesday market on the Rua do Mercado and then take in a bullfight on a balmy summer evening at Praca de Touros Avenida Pedro Alvares Cabral. Though Cascais isn't quite as exclusive as Estoril, it does have some great beaches along the strip connecting it to Estoril.

Estoril and Cascais, along with nearby Sintra make up Portugal's so-called 'Golden Triangle', are within easy reach of the capital Lisbon by metro from Cais do Sodre station both Estoril and Cascais. Known as a haunt of international spies in World War II, Estoril is now a palm-fringed, pastel playground of the rich and well connected, drawn by a winning combination of Europe's largest casino, a range of first-class hotels and some superb golf courses.

Nazaré has begun its transition from a traditional fishing port to a busy Atlantic seaside resort. The sweeping yet treacherous sandy beach is packed with holiday-makers in brightly coloured rented tents. The local women still carry heavy loads on their heads and the town's fishermen walk around in their very traditional woollen shirts and hats. The main promenade Avenida da Republica is lined with some excellent seafood restaurants and bars.

The striking provinces of Estemadura and Ribatejo, which surround and stretch north of Lisbon, contain many of Portugal's main tourist attractions. Easily reached by road (and in most cases by train) from Lisbon, the towns of Obidos, Nazaré, Batalha, Fa¡tima and Tomar are all well-worth a visit during any stay or tour in Portugal.

Set in magnificent countryside well-known for some fine white wines, Obidos is a historical and picturesque walled village. The thirteenth century castle was converted into a palace in the sixteenth and now houses a popular and deluxe Pousada. Enjoy the gorgeous yet simple white-washed houses with painted blue and yellow borders and bright bougainvillea. The main church, Igreja de Santa Maria, has a fine painted ceiling and seventeenth century azulejos, which are traditional Portuguese hand painted tiles.

The city of Fatima has about 10,000 inhabitants, and is located in the district of Santarém in central Portugal, 187 km south of Porto and 123 km north of Lisbon. Fatima is a parish (freguesia) in the municipality of Ourém. Fatima's claim to fame is the shrine called the Sanctuary of Fatima, built to commemorate the events of 1917 when three peasant children claimed to have seen the "Virgin of the Rosary", Our Lady of Fatima. Fa¡tima now attracts hosts of believers from far and wide, particularly on the pilgrimage days, and the shrine has been developed on a correspondingly large scale. The large torch-light processions in the evening are particularly impressive.

For many centuries this was the summer residence of Portugal's kings and aristocrats. It is a good trip to make from Lisbon or Cascais. Sintra's beautiful surroundings of forested hills are the perfect setting for the town's many elegant palaces, castles and museums. There are three distinct parts to the town: Estefania (around the station), Sintra-Vila (the old town) and Sao Pedro de Sintra (for shopping).

Tomar was the spiritual home of the Order of the Knights Templar. The Convento de Cristo, founded in 1162, was the religious and military headquarters of the Order as it fought to drive the Moors from the Iberian peninsula. This mysterious place was redolent of the occult. The Knights Templar came from all over Europe and even attended mass on horseback in the hexagonal chapel! The monastery (open Tues-Sun with a small entrance fee) is within easy reach of the centre of Tomar.

The focal point of Viana do Castelo is the elegant Praca da Republica, a lovely square of Renaissance buildings including the Chafariz fountain at its centre and the striking Misericordia almshouse dates from 1589. The old town hall, Camara Municipal, is another fine Renaissance building in the square. The nearby Igreja Matriz is the town's parish church and dates from the 15th century. The Meseu Municipal (City Museum) is located in an 18th century palace and houses a collection of ceramics, azulejos and paintings.

Viana do Castelo is also famous for its annual Romaria Festival held in August which features processions, fireworks and the streets decorated with sawdust. Other smaller festivals and music events take place throughout the year.

Vilamoura is Europe's best golf and leisure resort with five world class golf courses, an International marina, and countless high class sporting activities available the year round. Albufeira has grown rapidly over the past 15 years and now comprises several towns in one. New development is focussed either side of Albufeira Old Town - Praia d'Ouro and St Eulalia on the East and St Raphael and Gale on the West side.

With its inviting long sandy beaches, typical roofs and chimneys, Tavira and Cabanas are gradually becoming popular tourism destinations thanks to the construction of new hotels and some excellent golf courses.

Tavira is a picturesque fishing town offering beautiful views over the Gilao River and has many beautiful medieval houses and more than 30 churches, some dating from the 13th Century. The town has undergone a major makeover over recent years and yet still maintains its traditional charm. Cabanas is a small fishing village.

One of the Algarve's most historic cities, with many areas enclosed within 15th century walls with magnificent churches some dating from the 8th Century, Lagos has developed into an attractive, cosmopolitan city with an International marina, shops, traditional Portuguese restaurants, theme bars and cafes. Meia Praia is the largest beach in Lagos and offers several excellent beach fronted developments. On the South side, Ponte de Piedade is the Algarve's most photographed area with crystal clear waters, hidden sandy coves and caves. Praia da Mos to the West has experienced significant development over recent years.

The town of Praia da Luz has always been a favourite summer beach resort for the Portuguese. This has also resulted in major investments in tourism infrastructure and improvements in the quality and number of restaurants, bars and cafes. The small fishing village of Burgau on the edge of the National Park, complete with its white-washed cottages and sandy beach, now offers a great destination idea.

Chaves is a provincial town in the north of Portugal, in the district of Vila Real and the historical region called Tras-os-Montes. The Roman Aqua Flaviae, it is still known for its hot springs and baths. The town has a history dating back to pre-Roman times. With a substantial stone bridge over the Rio Tamega built in the reign of Trajan (98-117), it became an important staging point on the road between Asturica Augusta (Astorga, near Leon) and Bracara Augusta (Braga).