Welcome to
Portugal
Offical name: República Portuguesa
(Portuguese Republic)
Capital: Lisbon
Form of Government: Parliamentary Republic
Area: 92,090 km²
Population: 10.3 million
Other Major citiies: Porto, Fartima, Coimbra, Faro
By Angel Hernandez -Pixabay
Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe with only one border with Spain. It has been blessed with a glorious climate and stunning natural scenery.
Portugal is a vibrant country that’s full of life. Street festivals are common, be it Saints’ day, the joy of music or for passion of local culture, celebrations with food, drinks and dancing filled the busy city streets.
Lisbon and Porto are both Europe’s hippest cities, where the traditional fado music echo down medieval alleys with the latest dancing tunes.
The Portuguese are welcoming and hospitable, and the whole country has a relaxed and unhurried ambience.
Immersed yourself in a unique atmosphere full of history, unspoiled nature , churches and palaces of enchanting beauty. To help you enjoy your time to the fullest, here's what we consider to be the best of the best to visit while in Portugal.
Lisbon
Lisbon, the national capital, sits on the banks of the Tagus River, winds upward among a series of hill. It is a city by the coast dotted with hilly landscapes, famed for its alluring alleys ,cobbled stone streets lined with pastel-toned houses and rustic architecture. Take a stroll along the riverfront promenade, or wander in the verdant gardens, everywhere you venture, you are practically guaranteed to have a gorgeous view!
Antique Trams
The distinctive quaint yellow trams screech and rattle through the narrow winding streets of the city are one of Lisbon’s most iconic symbols. These antique electric vehicles are the city’s most photographed public transportation and Lisbon tram 28 is the jewel among them. The 28 tram connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ourique, and passes through the popular tourist districts of Alfama, Baixa and Chiado.
By nextvoyage- Pixabay
Belém Tower
Belém Tower
The Belém Tower, watch over the mouth of the Tagus River ,originally constructed as defensive tower of the city. Later, served as a lighthouse and customs office for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon too. Since 1983, the tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Jerónimos Monastery. It is often portrayed as a symbol of Europe's Age of Discoveries.
By Nicole Pankalla - Pixabay
Jeronimos Monastery
The monastery is one of the most prominent examples of the Portuguese Late Gothic Style, known as Manueline style of architecture, a Portuguese Gothic that developed under the reign of King Manuel I. It was classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Tower of Belém in 1983. The monastery was built to commemorate the triumphant return of Vasco da Gama from India. It is elaborately carved to show the glorious wealth that the age of exploration brought to the Portuguese empire. A Lisbon’s must-see marvel!
Vasco da Gama
Portuguese navigator who established the sea link between Portugal and India (1497-1498), thus setting a new trade route which for over a century, would grant the Portuguese supremacy in the Indian Ocean. His tomb lies just inside the entrance to Santa Maria church located inside the monastery.
Monument of the Discoveries
This stunning monument was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator (1394-1460), one of the great Portuguese Discoverers. He was a central figure in the 15th-century European maritime discoveries. He discovered the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde.
Leading the ship is Prince Henry the Navigator and behind him are 33 other great Portuguese discoverers of that era, including explorers, cartographers, artists, scientists, poets and missionaries. The courage and bravery of the Portuguese navigators crossing the world and discovered new lands was unforgettable to the world!
Try to identify the main navigators, such as Bartholomew Dias – who crossed the Cape of Torments; Vasco da Gama – who discovered the maritime route to India; Pedro Álvares Cabral – who discovered Brazil; and Magellan – the first European to cross the southern Pacific and circumnavigate the earth, which verified that the Earth was round. Come and make your own discoveries!
Compass Rose
The magnificence of the Compass Rose, a marble mosaic at the foot of the Monument that represents a compass, with the world map and the routes of the Discoveries. It’s a gift from Republic of South Africa.
25th of April Bridge
25th of April is the longest suspension bridge in Europe. It has two levels, the top level is for cars and the lower, which was added in 1999 is for trains.
It connects the city of Lisbon to the municipality of Almada. It was inaugurated on August 6, 1966 and was named Salazar Bridge, after António de Oliveira Salazar, dictator of Portugal until 1974. After the Carnation Revolution that took place on the 25 April 1974 and Salazar’s regime was overturned, the Bridge was given the name of 25th of April.
Cristo Rei National Sanctuary
Located in Almada, on the south bank of Tagus river, Cristo Rei is a sanctuary and a religious monument representing the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This majestic 110 meter high building was inaugurated in 1959.
Alfama Quarter
The oldest district of Lisbon, this picturesque neighborhood is composed of twisting narrow streets, labyrinthine alleyways, cobbled terraces, flowered balconies and steep flights of steps. One of the most typical locations to discover the Portuguese culture.
St. George's Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)
The most visible landmark of Lisbon, this medieval Castle of São Jorge, standing tall and firm on top of the tallest hill in the city, overlooking the Portuguese capital, offers fabulous views of the city from the observation terrace. Strolling around the ramparts, castle towers and the gardens, you won’t believe you’re in the modern age!
St. Gerorge's Castle
By DEZALB - Pixabay
By lapping - Pixabay
Commercial Square (Praça do Comércio)
Down by the river, is Lisbon’s huge captivating square, with its grand 18th-century colonnades, triumphal arch,and statue of King José I. This was Lisbon´s great reception hall. Throughout centuries, many heads of state disembarked for meetings with the Portuguese kings and queens.
Cathedral Sé de Lisboa
By mrfuse-wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 2.0
Lisbon Cathedral
The oldest church in the city built by Portugal's first king on the site of an old mosque in 1150 for the city's first bishop. It is predominantly Romanesque in style.
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Cathedral Sé de Lisboa
By Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras-wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 2.0
Basilica da Estrela
Basilica da Estrela
the Baroque Basilica da Estrela (Star Basilica) with its two gleaming white spires piercing the skies, draws admiring glances from all across Lisbon. The church is one of the capital's grandest.
By Jaime Dantas - Unsplash
Aveiro
Aveiro is a bustling city often called “the Venice of Portugal” due to its picturesque setting of scenic canals connected by charming bridges and dotted with colorful moliceiro and speed boats.
Costa Nova
Costa Nova, famous seaside in Aveiro, where you can find the famous the typical fishermen houses full of colored stripes, with a promenade & dunes.
Braga
Braga is located in Northern Portugal and was founded by the Romans with the name Bracara Augusta. It is one of the oldest Portuguese cities and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world.
Braga is fame for Bom Jesus do Monte, the most impressive religious sanctuary in Portugal. Lies in a verdant park draped over the western slopes of Monte Espinho and remains one of Portugal's most compelling visitor attractions.
Bom Jesus do Monte (Good Jesus of the Mount)
Listed in 2019 as World Heritage by UNESCO, Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is not only an important tourist attraction of Braga, it is also a site of worship for pilgrims from around the world.
The construction of the Sanctuary began in 1784 to substitute an old temple that was demolished because of its poor state of conservation.
Connecting the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus at the submit is the splendid 18th-century granite Baroque staircase that rises 116 meters and has 640 steps. Along the stairways, there are series of chapels displaying the 14 Stations of the Via Sacra, the five senses section with fountains and statues of characters from the Bible and the much-photographed three virtues representing faith, hope and Christian charity.
At the submit of Bom Jesus you can admire the beautiful gardens, caves, fountains, and even relax on a rowing boat. Arguably , it offers exhilarating views of Braga.
Good to know that you can reach the submit via the hydraulically operated funicular railway too!
Raio Palace
This palace was built in 1750, with outstanding walls clad with blue azulejos, which contrast with the graceful granite carvings on the doorways and window frames.
It’s now a museum with some old medical artefacts as well as information about the building and its recent restoration.
Republic Square (Praça da República)
The Republic Square was plotted in the 1800s, long and grand and walled by many beautiful buildings, fountains and radiating streets.
Cascais
The Lisbon coastline has a great deal to offer. Endless stretches of pristine beachfront abound in the peninsulas around the Tagus Estuary and the Atlantic Coast. Famous resort towns along the coastline are Cascais and Estoril.
Cascais is the finest resort town of the Lisbon coastline, and is a highly recommended day trip from Lisbon. The former fishing village gained fame as a resort for Portugal's royal family in the late 19th century. Nowadays, it is a popular vacation spot for the Portuguese as well as for international tourists, all of them drawn by its fine beaches. Within Cascais are grand mansions, fascinating museums and attractive parks and a posh ambience on these streets, in its boutiques, restaurants and cafes.The squares and sidewalks are paved with amazing mosaics in various patterns.
Santa Marta Lighthouse and Museum
Rising from the Fort of Santa Marta, the blue and white lighthouse has been guiding ships in and out of the mouth of Tagus Estuary since 1868. Until 1981 it was manned continuously by lighthouse keepers, however these days the light is automated. The beacon still functions and a fog horn still blasts when visibility is low. Next to it , its a museum displaying the site's history as well as the development of the optical devices used in Portugal's lighthouses.
Seixas Palace
Symbol of the city of Cascais, this manor was built in the site of the fortress of Foz, that once existed here to protect the city from enemy attacks. The castle is not open for public, but you can visit the garden for the photo opportunities.
Museum Condes de Castro Guimarães
In 1910, the Count Manuel de Castro Guimarães aquires the house and after his dead in 1927, he donated his Palace to the state of Cascais. His desire was to built an art museum and a public library. The museum opened on July 12, 1931.
This museum enriched with paintings, Indo-Portuguese furniture, jewellery, prehistoric archaeology from local caves, oriental porcelain and a neo-Gothic organ.
Citadel of Cascais
The Citadel of Cascais is built between the 15th and 17th centuries to defend the Cascais coastline and River Tagus estuary and to protect against attacks on the capital, Lisbon.
Capo di Roco, Cascais
The most westerly point of mainland Europe.
Boca do Inferno
The Boca do Inferno, means the "Mouth of Hell", is a unique sea-arch and cliff formation. The seawater crash against the cliff, eventually carved an arch into the massive coastal rocks, and they end up in an awesome banging sound during windy days, filling the air with dense vapour all around, making it a popular tourist attraction near Cascais.
Coimbra
Coimbra , is the former capital of Portugal in the medieval age for more than 100 years.
Known as the “student city” , it is home to one of the greatest and oldest Universities in Europe, founded in 1290. A splendid institution surrounding an open courtyard , it has interesting and spectacular medieval architecture. The library, Biblioteca Joanina, apart from its stunning Baroque architecture, has a collection of 300,000 old books and manuscripts .The university was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Old Cathedral (The Sé Velha)
The Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha) is said to be the finest example of Romanesque architecture to be found in Portugal. It is the only Portuguese Romanesque cathedral from the time of the Reconquest, which survives relatively intact to this day.
It was built as a statement of the new nation's triumph over the Moors at the Battle of Ourique in the beginning of the 12th century . In 1185, despite the building yet to finished, the second Portuguese king, D. Sancho I, was crowned there.
Church of Santa Cruz
The Church of Santa Cruz is rich in both architecture and history. Founded in 1131 by the canons of St Augustine, the current building dates back to the 16th century and is a rich example of early Manueline styling.
At the begining of formation Portuguese Royal Family, Coimbra was the capital city and the Royal Family’s official seat of residence. Hence, the first two kings of Portugal, Afonso Henrique and his successor Sancho I were buried here. This makes the church another of Portugal's National Pantheons.
St. Sebastian Aqueduct
This aqueduct construction was ordered by King D. Sebastião in 1570, to supply water to the city’s Alta area, taking advantage of the existing route of the Roman aqueduct that existed before.
The ruined Santa Clara-a-Velha Church
Founded in 1314 by Queen Isabel (Elizabeth of Aragon), the Gothic Convento de Santa Clara was also the resting place for Queen Isabel. Because it was built close to the banks of the River Mondego, the convent suffered from frequent flooding. In 1677, the monastery was abandoned. A new convent (Santa Clara-a-Nova) was built on higher ground and the remains of the St. Isabel were moved to the new convent along with the original tomb.
After the convent was moved, the old building was left to the constant floodwaters and became half buried in silt for centuries. It was till 1995, the ruins were excavated and restoration lasted until 2008. There is a museum with archaeological finds and displays explaining the architectural and historical significance of the monument.
Estoril
Casino Estoril is perfect for those who want to try their luck. Beautiful decoration, good location, plenty of opportunities (slot machines and roulette tables) - all this attracts hundreds of fortune hunters.
Estoril Casino
By Sonse - wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.0
Évora
Évora is the capital of the Alentejo region,one of the country's oldest and most enchanting cities,
regarded for its well-preserved Old Town, still partially enclosed by medieval walls, which shelters many historic structures dating from various historical periods, including the old Roman walls and temple and the 13th century Gothic Cathedral of Evora. Not far outside the city is Europe’s largest complex of prehistoric megaliths that are also worth a look. Due to its well-preserved old town centre, UNESCO has declare Evora a World Heritage site in 1986.
Roman Temple
Temple of Diana
This Corinthian Roman Temple was built in the 1st century and was dedicated to to Diana, the ancient Roman goddess of the moon. One of Évora’s most famous historical attractions with its 14 columns still stand proud over a granite base , as a testament to Roman grandeur.
Évora Cathedral
The Évora Cathedral is located on the highest point in Évora, offering a prime view from the rooftop terrace. The front of the cathedral is made of pink granite which resemble a fortress. The cathedral was changed and fortified throughout the years, so has a jumble of architecture. The interior contains a 15th century statue of the pregnant Virgin Mary known as The Lady of Mothers. There was probably a mosque here before.
Évora’s Walls
The old city of Évora is completely surrounded by the well preserved 14th century medieval walls, but the origins of these walls go back to the 3rd century. You can spot Moorish traces from the early middle ages too.
Giraldo Square
Évora’s main square, the city's bustling hub, a favorite meeting place where locals mingle with tourists. In the beginning of the square is the Church of Santo Antão with charming striking facade, graceful arcades, host of cafes and shops flanked the square.
Aqueduct Agua de Prata
A 16th-century aqueduct, channelling water to the city for almost 20 kilometres. It is a testament to Roman-inspired construction. Over the years, shops, warehouses, and other commercial premises have been built within its arches. The view makes great photo opportunities.
Megaliths Sites
This Neolithic site, known as Cromlech of Almendres, is a mysterious site made up of 95 granite stones, forming two huge circles, dating back 8,000 years. This mysterious piece of Neolithic site is probably served as an ancient religious site and as an astronomical tool for marking keys days in the calendar. While smaller than Stonehenge, the Cromlech of Almendres about 2000 years older.
Fátima
Experience life as a religious pilgrim when you visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of Christianity’s most important sites, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Fatima’s Sanctuary welcomes millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
Fatima’s fame is due to the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary (also known as Our Lady of Fatima) that appeared to three shepherd children of Fatima between May and October of 1917, and the three children witnessed several apparitions.
Monsaraz
The graceful medieval village of Monsaraz, may not be as popular as other cities, but don’t let that fool you. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. Perching high above the plains between Portugal and Spain border, it offer endless array of stunning view .
Walking through the streets of Monsaraz is like going back in time, for it is a truly unique place where one can find the gentle pace of life.
The town is encircled with ancient walls, whitewashed limestone houses and buildings and has the same historic core of pretty cobblestone streets. the highlights are the mediaeval castle, the former court building, both from the 14th century and the parish church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa dating from the 16th century.
Today, Monsaraz is a museum village which you must add to your list.
Monsaraz Castle
Monsaraz Castle is a unique touristic spot . It is one of the most splendid places to look at the wonderful Alqueva Dam, the largest artificial lake in Europe and one of the greatest Portuguese constructions of the century.
Obidos
Pearched on the hilltop, is encircled by an old fortified wall. A labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, busy squares, inviting cafes, quaint shops and whitewashed houses spruced with colourful flowers make up the city’s attractions.
Porto
Porto, a coastal city sitting on the Duoro River, with soaring highs and a rugged appearance, made for spectacular vistas. The city is very proud of its famed Port wine which is still stored in the vast cellars that lined along the banks of the mighty Douro River. It is known for its stately bridges along the Duoro River. The city boasts an extensive history, great for history buffs and a buzzing nightlife. There is a lot to see and do in Porto and the city will appeal to a wide range of different visitors. In 1996, UNESCO recognised Porto's historic centre as a World Heritage Site.
Cais da Ribeira
Cais da Ribeira is one of the most popular neighborhoods, lined with café, restaurants and picturesque piazza where tourists and locals mingle. You’ll have spectacular views, including sunsets over Porto’s iconic bridge, Luís I Bridge. A little chaotic but its great fun to explore.
Azulejo Art
Azulejo tiles are unique to Portugal in the way they are used to decorate buildings, streets, and homes, and this is especially noticeable in Porto.
Chapel of the Souls (Capela das Almas)
Chapel of the Souls (Capela das Almas), is a building from the 18th century that is known by its Azulejo tile covered façade. These panels represent episodes from the lives of S. Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. To create this magnificent piece of work, 16.000 tiles were needed.
Carmo and Carmelitas Churches (Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas )
The Carmo and Carmelitas churches look like the biggest church in the city. In fact, they are two churches in Porto that stand almost side by side, separated by one of the world’s narrowest houses. The house was built in between to prevent any contact between the nuns of Igreja dos Carmelitas and the monks of Igreja do Carmo.
The Igreja do Carmo has an outstanding azulejo-covered exterior with the azulejos added in 1912. The tiles They depict scenes of the founding of the Carmelite Order and Mount Carmel.
Avenida dos Aliados
Avenida dos Aliados is the heart of Porto. A grandiose boulevard surrounded by many beautiful ornate buildings of different architectural styles. In the beginning of the avenue, stands the neoclassical City Hall. In front of the City Hall is the General Humberto Delgado Square (Praça do General Humberto Delgado), a huge tree-lined square flanked by busy roads to either side. Other notable buildings include the the "O Comércio do Porto" newspaper offices and probably the most impressive of all, the "A Nacional" insurance company building. At the other end of the avenue is Liberdade Square (Praça da Liberdade), a square adorned with a statue of King Pedro IV on a horse.
Lello Bookstore (Livraria Lello)
One of the most stunning bookshops and frequently rated among the top bookstores in the world.
The interior is lined with wooden handcrafted panels, an exquisite wooden and red velvet staircase connecting the two floors and a marvelous stained-glass skylight at the top that illuminates the shop.
Lello Bookstore is so magnificent that inspired J.K. Rowling , the author of Harry Potter, when writing Harry Potter’s Hogwarts library.
You cannot miss a visit to this delightful bookshop, where you’ll feel that you’ve just walked into a fairy-tale setting instead of a library.
Port Wine
Port wine is a fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley. Typically a sweet red wine, often served as a dessert wine.
Sintra
A glorious town near Lisbon, nestled among the verdant hills of the Serra de Sintra. These cooling pine-covered hills are sprinkled with colorful villas, elegant baroque churches, the ruins of a Moors castle and whimsical Pena’s Palace, remains one of the major attractions in Portugal. The variety of fascinating historic buildings and beautiful natural scenery have earned a place in the UNESCO World Heritage List, that could easily provide the setting for a fairy-tale like atmosphere throughout the entire city.
Pena Palace
One of Europe’s finest palaces, with a vividly painted exterior and restored to it original appearance in 1910.
Built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II, the palace was meant to be a summer home for the Portuguese Royals. It is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. The Pena Palace has a exotic taste of the Romanticism with mixture of eclectic styles includes the Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance.
Castle of the Moors
Built by the Moors between 8th and 9th centuries, and enlarged after the Reconquista. The castle stands on the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains above the town of Sintra, and on a clear day, it offers a wonderful view out to the Atlantic and over Sintra.
The Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)
The Sintra national palace is unique amongst the royal mediaeval palaces in Portugal and the town’s most distinctive building. The two large conical chimneys of the kitchen, each measuring 33 metres high, now adopted as the symbol of Sintra.
Here you can also find a brief history of the development of the decorative tile (azulejo) in Portugal, with examples ranging from the Spanish-Moorish tiles brought by the king Dom Manuel to the typical blue-and-white tiles of the 18th century.
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is an extremely beautiful and mysterious palace, rising out from the lush green forest. The palace was built in the early 20th century by the millionaire António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro from Brazil (1848-1920) who wanted to create a place that reflected his interests and Ideologies. With the help of the Italian architect Luigi Manini, the estate was transformed. The palace was built in a Romantic revivalist style, in an imitation of Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architectural, combining mystical elements from various ages, and merging them into the beautiful forest of Sintra.
Quinta da Regaleira is one of the most astonishing monuments of Sintra's Cultural Landscape, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.
Algarve
Algarve region is situated on the most southern part of Portugal, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the east. This glittering part of Portugal, blessed with superb coastline, it’s one of the most visited regions of Portugal, especially during the summer months.
For sea lovers, stretches of golden sandy and crystalline beaches won’t disappoint you! There’s no shortage of high quality beaches that stretches as far as the eye can see. The ocean, in every shade of blue, generally
calm and warm, invites you for long swim and to indulge in water sports. Its palmy beaches are dotted with umbrellas and holiday resorts such as Albufeira, Lagos, Portimão, Silves, Tavira and Faro.
Silves preserves traces of its Arab past and Lagos from the time of the Discoveries. More cosmopolitan Portimão and Albufeira are bustling towns by night and day. Tavira is a showcase for traditional architecture and Faro, the gateway to the region.
The Algarve is a land of contrast, and there's plenty of things to do. Besides these lively coastal resorts, it offers some of Portugal's best golf courses, and a vast plantations of citrus and almond groves .
Portugal accounts for about 50% of the worlds cork production and the best cork in the world is from Algarve.
Albufeira
Albufeira, set on golden cliffs above the wide sandy bay, was once a quiet fishing village. Blessed with some of the best stretches of beautiful unspoiled beaches, spectacular golden rock formation lapped by warm, shallow water and it’s central location, makes it one of the favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. During summer, the beach is a great place to soak up some sun or cool off in the Atlantic, and in the evening, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and party till dawn. It’s a paradise for the young party crowd! During winter, the beaches are also stunning for strolls along the promenade or enjoying a coffee over-looking the sea and the winter sunshine. The old town center is a maze of steep, narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and fishermen's cottages that lead down to fabulous beach.
Benagil
Benagil, is a small fishing village on the southern coast of the Algarve fame for its incredible sea cave
Cape St. Vincent
Cape St. Vincent, located in the village of Sagres, is Europe’s most southwestern point.
Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse
By Dr.G.Schmitz - wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 3.0
Faro
Faro the capital city of the Algarve, welcomes visitors with vistas of beautiful stretches of dramatic coastline, picture perfect beaches, plenty of sunshines and great seafood. Enclosed by sturdy defensive walls, Faro's Cidade Velha sits on Roman and Moorish foundations. You will not miss the Arco da Vila gate, a main entry gate into Faro's Old Town. The town was badly damaged by the great earthquake of 1755, and what you see today dates mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries. Faro is the gateway to your Algarve's vacation!
Carmo Church and Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)
Faro's city center is landmarked by the 18th-century Carmo Church. The striking, twin-towered façade of this Baroque beauty is much-photographed . Behind the church, there's a ghoulish attraction, the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones).
Lagos
Lagos is one of the most visited cities in the Algarve, due to its lavishing beaches, exhilarating coastal scenery, rocky formations, tourist-friendly amenities and renowned for its vibrant summer nightlife. Yet, Lagos is also a historic centre of the Portuguese Age of Discovery during the mid-15th century. Henry the Navigator, whose expeditions departed from the harbour in Lagos. Lagos was the center of the European slave trade, one somber event in history that happened as a result of the Age of Discovery.
Explore the wonderful historic center, lose yourself through the beautiful streets, with pavement in lovely patterns and sights that transport you to the Age of Discovery when explorers set sail from the port. Around each corner there is something new to see.
St. Anthony's Church (Igreja de Santo António)
The external of the church may not be impressive but the interior is stunning! The dazzling frescos of the ceiling vaults and the ornate golden chamber are a standout , and has made the delights of visitors for many years.
Slave Market Museum (Mercado de Escravos)
In 1444 a famous slave market was built in Lagos. Slaves from the Portuguese colonies in Africa were brought to the market and then scattered throughout Europe. Now it’s a museum dedicated to Portugal and African slavery. A reminder that the Age of Discovery had a human cost.
Castle of Lagos
The Castle of Lagos, also known as the Castelo dos Governadores was built in Roman times and was renovated and enlarged during the 16th century, providing the town with its main defence .
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Ponta da Piedade
Ponta da Piedade, an idyllic setting of red and yellow shaded limestone formations that meet the shimmering turquoise waters of the Atlantic below. An amazing creation by Mother Nature over thousands of years! The best way to appreciate the beauty of Ponta de Piedade is from the sea. There are numerous boat trip available that will take you around the grottoes and sea arches. Prepare yourself to be overwhelmed by the beauty of this place!
Marinha Beach
Marinha Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The beautiful golden rock formation amid impossibly blue water is simply jaw-dropping.
Marinha Beach
By Luis Ascenso Photography - wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.0
Silves
Silves is another scenic town with a rich history built on the banks of the River Arade. The city used to be the regional capital during the Moorish occupation. Many ancient landmarks still stand today. The city landscape is dominated by the town's majestic castle - the grandest monument to Islamic rule in the region.
Built by the Moors in the 11th century on Roman foundations, the castle's dramatic profile is enhanced by its copper-red walls, sections of which extend into the town below. Another fine example of Islamic presence is the Sé (cathedral), built between 1242 and 1577 on the site of Xelb's Grand Mosque.
Adding to the charm of this medieval old town, is an old fishing port, lined with a small market and some excellent restaurants.
Tavira
Tavira is a gem and it’s one of the prettiest towns in the region. Sited on both sides of the broad River Gilão, this is a destination celebrated for its historical legacy, a past shaped by the Romans and later by the Moors, whose settlement by the river was topped by a castle, still visible today.
The other attractions are the old town with a collection of elegant, hipped roof architecture buildings and a bewildering assortment of churches, chapels, and convents. The Roman Bridge, which is not built by the Roman. It was built in the 12th century when Tavira belonged to al-Andalus (the Islamic Domain of Iberia).
Cuisine
The cuisine is exquisite and, in particular, Algarve region is renowned for its seafood. Restaurants on the Algarve serve fish and seafood caught no more than a few hours before. Don't forget to try the famous Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken and the Pastel de Nata (custard tarts), with a cup of Portuguese café in one of the centuries-old confeitarias .
In Portugal, you’ll find everything from natural treasures and historical monuments to rich folk culture and entertainments in the busy city streets.
500 years ago, Portuguese explorers opened up the sea route from Europe to the world ; now it’s time for you to discover this land of many wonders.
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