
Portugal offers a nice mix of sea, sun and a lot of history, in a way that feels both relaxed and alive at the same time. You will find cozy towns with narrow alleys, the occasional dramatic cliff jutting out into the Atlantic and long sandy beaches. The Portuguese are known for being welcoming. And the food? Yes, of course it plays a big role. There is a lot of fish and shellfish, and sometimes new interesting flavors appear. Some want to go to Lisbon to feel the pulse of the big city and maybe the occasional pastéis de nata. Others are attracted by the sunny coast of the Algarve or the mountainous landscape of Madeira. And then we have the Azores, which is a bit of a different world with its volcanoes and hot springs. Our goal is for you to be able to enjoy your trip to Portugal, without any hassle.
Capital
★ Lisbon
Language
★ Portuguese
Residents
★ Approximately 10.7 million
Currency
★ Euro (€)
Madeira is a fairly varied island, with dramatic cliffs that almost plunge straight into the sea and quiet green valleys where you can smell the earth and flowers. Something that is a bit special about Madeira are the levadas, old irrigation canals that wind their way through the terrain. Nowadays, they are actually used as nice hiking trails. Many people go to Madeira for that peace and quiet, and to have an active holiday with nice hikes. If you like discovering new landscapes and maybe just taking it a little slow sometimes, then Madeira is right for you.
You can find Porto in northern Portugal and the city is quite famous for its port wine, but also for its center, which feels so charming. The city winds along the Douro River. It's easy to just wander around, maybe have a coffee at a small café and watch the boats glide by. If you cross the river to the other side, you'll come straight into the famous wine cellars. This is where the port wine is stored. Unlike the capital Lisbon, Porto has a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, it's not quite the same pace, maybe a bit calmer. But the feeling, or soul, is still there just as much. So if you want a city to explore, and at the same time get a dose of culture (and maybe a glass of wine or two), then Porto is actually a really good choice.
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, as most people probably know, and around 550,000 people live here. The entire city is built on seven hills, which gives fantastic views here and there. You can often see the mighty Tagus River winding through the city. In neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto, you can almost lose yourself among narrow alleys, small squares and old buildings that have seen many years pass. Those classic yellow trams are visible everywhere and have become something of a symbol of Lisbon. There are lots of museums to choose from, and for those who like food or shopping, the selection is really large.
Algarve, at the bottom of southern Portugal, is often praised for its sunny weather. People come here for the sea, the rather special cliffs and of course all the beaches. The coastline is anything but boring: one moment wide, expansive sandy beaches, the next small, hidden coves with blue-green water. Faro is often the first stop for many who come to the Algarve. There you will find a city center with older buildings and narrow streets, and there are plenty of places to eat too. If you drive a little further west you will come to Lagos. It is perhaps best known for its steep cliffs and some of the Algarve's finest beaches, such as Praia da Marinha and Ponta da Piedade.
The Azores are an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that hides one of Europe's most untouched natural areas. Here you will encounter green landscapes, volcanoes, waterfalls and hot springs. The nature feels both dramatic and peaceful at the same time. The Azores consist of several islands with their own experiences, where each place offers something unique to see. There are great opportunities for hiking and cool nature experiences. The Azores are perfect for those who want to travel a little outside the most classic tourist destinations.
Portugal is known for many things, including its food culture, wine and beautiful coastal region. Everyday life revolves around food and many recipes are made from simple, fresh ingredients. Seafood is a key component, along with classics such as grilled sardines and bacalhau, which are served in many restaurants. Port wine, azulejos (traditional tiles) are also central to Portugal. Portugal is a real football country, and it is no wonder since one of the world's most famous footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo, comes from here.
If you are going to travel to Portugal, it can be a good idea to bring light clothes, as it often gets quite warm. A pair of comfortable shoes is also almost a must, especially if you feel like walking around and discovering small streets or maybe going on a hike. English is fine in the tourist areas, it is spoken a little everywhere and people are often helpful. If you happen to travel in the middle of summer when everyone else seems to have had the same idea, it can be smart to book certain excursions or activities in advance. So, with a little bit of care with your packing and maybe a few small plans, the trip to Portugal usually goes quite smoothly.
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