Portuguese religion has been a prominent aspect of the culture throughout the country’s history. Christianity and Catholicism have played a large role in the governance of the country, and the church still holds certain privileges today. Check out Part 1 of our Brief History of Portugal series! Establishment of Christianity Since the founding of the […]
Over the course of its years, the Portuguese Empire created countless colonies across the globe. These colonies allowed the Portuguese to trade goods, spread Catholicism, and control native populations. Though the Portuguese Empire has since disappeared, its effects remain. Creating an Empire The widespread, international Portuguese Empire began in the 15th century, but the country […]
The Home of Port Wine Only after the British discovered port wine at the end of the 17th century did the fame of its fine quality start spreading all over the world. The Douro Valley region produces the grapes that give rise to the only authentic “Porto”. In the middle 1750s, the Portuguese authorities started […]
Guimarães is a city in northern Portugal that is considered to be the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. It was the capital of the County of Portugal in the 12th century and the home of the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques. The historic center of Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for […]
If you’re lucky to be in Lisbon for New Year’s Eve, you’re in for a treat. The city comes alive with fireworks, parties and merriness. What to do and where to go on New Year can feel a little overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve put together some suggestions on seeing in 2017 in the Portuguese capital, depending […]
Read Part 1 and Part 2 of our Brief History of Portugal series! Kingdom of Portugal and the Age of Discovery 1139: Afonso Henriques founded the Kingdom of Portugal, with himself as its king. 1143: Afonso Henriques declared Portugal a vassal state of Pope Innocent II. As a result, Portugal received the church’s support in […]
From food to festivals, Portuguese culture is full of many intertwined elements that create an exciting and vibrant atmosphere. Art, religion, literature, and even soccer are all important aspects of life for the people of Portugal. Food: Portugal has a rich food culture. Across the country, you can find a wide variety of local cuisines. […]
Scenic countryside, beautiful beaches, historical destinations, golf courses, culture, and nightlife make the Algarve an ideal destination for any vacation. Its variety of attractions within a small region makes for an experience that appeals to all ages and walks of life. The Region Algarve is a region stretching across the southern coast of Portugal. As […]
Portuguese explorers were responsible for some of the most incredible voyages in European history. Portuguese sailors discovered and colonized large parts of the world, years before the rest of Europe embarked on its Age of Exploration. Learn more about the Portuguese Empire, or check out our timeline of Portuguese history. When visiting Lisbon, you’ll likely […]
When visiting any country, it’s helpful to understand a few key words in the native language. For your next trip to Portugal, we’ve put together some basics about how to learn Portuguese, and a few key phrases to get you started. About Portuguese Portuguese is not Spanish! Though the two languages may look similar, this […]
Lisbon is a big city, with lots of ways to get around. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, you’ll need to figure out the best way to see this spectacular city. Find out what kind of Lisbon sightseeing tour is right for you! Want our advice on what to do in Lisbon? […]
Portugal is a stunning country that will wow you during any month of the year. However, if you have a specific reason for visiting, you may want to research the best times to visit Portugal. Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you. So whether you want to miss the crowds, get the best […]
If you’re not thinking of taking a Benagil Cave tour, you should be. Benagil Cave is often listed as one of the most stunning caves in the world. The stone that forms the cave is yellowing, with streaks of rusty orange. The ocean waves lap gently through the cave entrance and onto the shores of […]
Imagine waking up and looking out your window to see beautiful buildings along cobblestone streets. The coffee is hot, and the Pasteis de Belem are sweet. You spend your day taking in stunning views from the historic castles and monasteries, sipping wine, and enjoying your ideal Lisbon vacation. Lisbon is one of the hottest cities […]
The gorgeous, sunny Algarve beaches (praias) are what draw many tourists to Portugal. But with the coastline stretching almost 100 miles, it can be impossible to choose just where to go on your next vacation. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the Algarve! Whether you prefer to […]
Lisbon is full of beauty and history. But it’s also full of tourists. If you want to check out some of the more offbeat Lisbon highlights and see where the locals hang out, you’ll want to check out our guide on 10 of the most exciting and unusual things to do in Lisbon. Fado Music […]
Northern Portugal is beautiful, and you’ll want to make sure to get the best experience during your trip there. Check out our guide on the best week long road trip through Northern Portugal, and learn how to make the most of your time. Day 1 – Porto To kick your trip off right, you should […]
Beautiful beaches, delicious wine and seafood, stunning countrysides, and rich history. If Portugal isn’t the first place that pops into your mind when thinking of these features, it should be! Portugal is known for a wide variety of different reasons. It’s the birthplace of both Christiano Ronaldo and Port wine, home of the Algarve’s sunny beaches […]
The Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage, also known as the famous Portuguese Way, is a well know and much talked about walk that started more than 1000 years ago. Known in English as the Way of Saint James among other names, is a network of pilgrims’ ways or pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where […]
Reuben and I visited Lisbon three years ago on a whim, having been told tales of colourful tiles, good wine and an infinitely vibrant cultural scene. We stayed in a slightly eccentric apartment in Santos, an area that turns from pastel de nata and café in the morning, to reggae parties, fueled by beers and […]
When we talk about the Algarve’s long coastline, we think of scuba diving because it is just perfect for the activity. There is an amazing and calm sea, allowing divers all round the year to ensure that their activity will not be interrupted unnecessarily. Along with it, underwater attractions, stunning cliffs, breathtaking underground caved, soothing […]
If you scroll through your friends’ Instagram feeds, you might notice that some of them travel a lot. And we’re not speaking about Instagram influencers, we’re speaking of people with full-time jobs and lives that resemble ours. Hopping from Europe to Africa might seem a little more demanding than a 10-weeks’ vacation and a limited […]
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal is a beautiful and romantic city. Life here is full of vibrant colours, sounds, tastes, and art which makes it such a happy place to be. The balmy Mediterranean weather, picturesque streets, beautiful buildings which tell tales of a bygone era, winding lanes and steep gradients, lip-smacking Portuguese food, and […]
Introduction People often forget about food, when discussing their visit to another country. They talk about things such as the culture, the landmarks, and famous tourist attractions, but hardly ever mention the . That is a shame because often times the unique culture of a country is best shown in what they eat, what their […]
Over recent years, the world of online gambling and all of its markets have been pulling in revenue for countries across the globe, but despite the capital potential, not every country is quite as open to the industry. From regulation and government control, to a flat out ban in some cases, keeping up with the […]
We love Porto with it’s romantic steep cobbled streets lined with curiosity shops, bars and cafes, an enchanting Portuguese city where the aroma of Port wine mixes with seagulls and the sea. ‘Discoveries’ is a fresh new concept which we plan to bring to cities in Europe, beginning with beautiful Porto. Porto has the perfect […]
Little Blond is the name I go by now, since I arrived for the first time in my life in Portugal. Well, that is not totally true, I visited the Lisbon region about twenty years ago. But as much as I like this gorgeous city, which has changed enormous since I was there before, last […]
Relocating anywhere is always an exciting experience, however where better than historically-mature, sunny Portugal? It’s hard to know what to expect before relocating to a completely new country, however there are ways to prepare yourself beforehand by making careful considerations. While most people understand that an EHIC renewal will allow you to receive free or […]
For those hopeless romantics out there, nothing compares to watching the sunrise on a quiet beach. Those moments in the early morning that are shared only by you and your companions are the memories that make trips worth having. It can be difficult to express the peace and serenity of the moment if you haven’t […]
It was back then during the Lisbon’s new renaissance, tourism in Portugal increased with leaps and bounds. People started visiting the country and exploring the picturesque landscapes and eye-catching places over there. And the scenario didn’t change at all till now because the popularity of the country is growing day by day as flocks of […]
From stunning architecture of cathedrals, castles and boulevards to exquisite restaurants, from the thieves market to top tier hotel service, from beautiful parks and stone paved roads for a walk to modern ports with bars and even hundreds of years old recurring festivals, Portugal is truly a country that has everything to offer for anyone […]
Porto is at the height of fashion as a travel destination right now. Its signature cobbled streets are lined with a new Portuguese breed of modern artisan cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. The city is buzzing with tech start-ups, digital nomads and co-working spaces and is attracting a lot of international investment. All this makes […]
Once again, travel experts are ranking Portugal as one of the best places to visit in the world – not to mention, one the countries with the most unique and delicious cuisine. Check out our picks for the must-try foods in the year’s must-visit spots around Portugal: Francesinha in Porto National Geographic Traveller says Porto […]
Located in central Portugal, the Serra da Estrela National Park is a hiking enthusiast’s dream. While most come to Portugal to relax along the beautiful coastline or explore the cities, adventurous hikers break away from the tourist crowds and head to the park to walk the remote trails. Roughly translating to ‘Mountains of Stars’, the […]
Hello everyone! My name is Tarek, and I’m from Bruxelles. My passion for video editing takes me all over the world, exploring new sights and sounds for me to create my videos. I started building hyperlapse videos after one of my trips abroad; it perfectly captured a unique perspective of culture, in a way that […]
Travelling in general can be a strenuous mission for even the most athletic of people, but for those with reduced mobility, it can be even more so. However, with the world becoming increasingly more accessible through the likes of improved public transport, the abundance of mobility scooters for sale and so much more, it is […]
As exciting as moving to a new country you can call home is, becoming an international student can also be a little daunting. Before you even begin your assignment writing, it is paramount that you take time to research your accommodation options, get clued up on the culture of the country you are moving to […]
Many know Aveiro as a Portuguese coastal city permeated by a saltwater lagoon, its picturesque moliceiro boats, and the famed traditional sweets called ovos moles. Yet, very few people are familiar with the odd but surely entertaining São Gonçalinho festivities. This one-of-a-kind annual celebration that starts every January 10th, is natural to one of the […]
Aveiro is a Portuguese coastal city located between Lisbon and Porto. In the last couple of years, the city has been attracting visitors and the attention of international media that insist on calling it “the Venice of Portugal”— a comparison that we strongly disagree with, and a premise that might leave many tourists disappointed. That’s […]
Booking a family holiday can be tricky, if you’ve got a wide age range to cater for it can be hard to find a holiday to please everyone. There’s also the matter of budget, creating your ideal holiday can be expensive but luckily there are plenty of affordable options for family holidays in Europe. There […]
If you want to book a trip to Portugal, then you have to do some research to find out if you need a visa to spend time in this country. The type of visa you will need depends on the purpose of your travel. The occasion is the one that will decide the type of […]
Unfortunately for some of us, cheaper holidays are a must. There isn’t always the option to pick the first all-inclusive holiday that appears in our search, and it can sometimes take a little DIY to bring the price down to something that our bank accounts can comfortably stretch to. To help you out, we’ve pulled […]
Many people overlook winter breaks in favour of the sun, sea and sand that a summer holiday brings. However, what they are missing is not just cheaper prices and less tourists in destinations that usually become overrun with tourists but also a number of unique opportunities to explore. Before you head off anywhere, don’t forget […]
The moment the topic of Europe comes up, from a travelling perspective, the first few countries that generally spring to mind are Spain, France, Greece and Italy. The mental image could be of the scores of tourists aiming to either support or take down the leaning tower of Pisa for the perfect photograph, the pristine […]
Portugal is a beautiful and scenic place that is so rich culturally that the best moments in Portugal will be those where you spend time closest to their culture. Be it sipping their savory wine or their authentic cuisine, Portugal will always provide a different experience to your senses. And the marvelous architecture speaks for […]
Your definitive guide for finding the best waves on the coast of Portugal! It’s not every day that a surfer gets to travel the world, and it’s not every day that you’ll get to experience the awesomeness that the waves of Portugal have to offer. So if you’re that one lucky guy or girl who […]
One of the world’s most beautiful provinces is Algarve. Located at the South of Portugal, its coastline extends over 200 km. The Algarve is well-known to be blessed with some of Europe’s most tidiest and picturesque sandy beaches. The Algarve is a genuinely fascinating region, and it’s not only famous for its beaches. There are […]
Compared to London or New York, Porto is good value. That said, it’s always possible to blow your budget at tourist traps wherever you travel when you don’t know what you’re doing. Follow these budget-friendly tips and you’ll come home without breaking the bank. Where To Stay Before you arrive in Porto, be sure to […]
Portugal is as fascinating as it is diverse. Towering mountains, a beautiful rocky coastline, deep gorges and valleys and ancient cities. The perfect way to discover the country is the flexibility of a self-drive. Starting in Porto in the north, spend two weeks weaving your way down to Faro in the southern Algarve. Porto – […]
When you think about moving to Portugal, you may need to consider the paperwork involved with such a big move or the applications that must be applied for to gain residency. You may also need to think about hiring a moving company or an overseas shipper to move your car as well as many other […]
For a country not known for castles, it’s certainly got its fair share. Dotting the picturesque hilltops, overlooking the countries rivers and plains, there are many fine examples of Middle Age fortifications. Here are nine of our favorites: São Jorge Castle Without a doubt, São Jorge Castle is the most visited castle in Portugal. It’s […]
Don’t Visit Lisbon Without Trying These Dishes! Portuguese food is about simplicity. Fresh, seasonal ingredients served with the minimum of fuss. Take the seafood as an example. After bringing in the day’s catch, it’s often steamed or grilled and doused in a little olive oil and garlic. That’s it. Here’s 7 dishes you can’t leave […]
Lisbon Chronicles Built in the seventeenth century as a hunting lodge for the first Marquis de Fronteira, D. João de Mascarenhas, a hero of the Portuguese War of Restoration, this beautiful palace is located on the edge of Parque Florestal de Monsanto, in Largo de São Domingos de Benfica. The Palace was enlarged in the […]
Clemens Wirth recently went on a trip to Portugal with his girlfriend. He decided to bring along his camera and drone to take some pictures. The result is Limbo: A Tiny Portugal Coast Story. Enjoy! Limbo from Clemens Wirth.
24 Hours in Braga Although often overlooked in favour of Porto and Lisbon, Braga has much to offer as a tourist destination in its own right. As well as being the epicentre of religious life in Portugal, with the oldest diocese in the country, it’s also one of the most ancient cities in the whole […]
Portugal has an excellent history when it comes to food. For some of the best places to eat, check out Luke Charny’s article “The Best Places to Eat in Lisbon” for Yettio Travel Magazine.
Lisbon’s trams are one of the most popular ways to tour the city. However, the complicated routes can confuse even the savviest tourist. Check out Luke Charnay’s article How to Ride Tram 28 in Lisbon for Yettio Travel Magazine to get the tips and tricks on how to ride Lisbon’s most popular tram.
Who says you can’t combine “luxury” and “package tour” in the same sentence? Meet Portugal.com’s Exclusive Expeditions. This category of first-class tour packages delivers effortless booking, world-class accommodations and an intimate group size. The result? A high-touch, maximum-luxury, authentically Portuguese journey through the country’s most captivating regions with the following attributes: Intimate Group – […]
Around July, four close friends shared an unforgettable experience in Lagos, Portugal. Celebrating friendship (and a birthday), this group had the adventure of a lifetime immersed in the natural beauty of Portugal. Check out Becky Love’s Portugal Adventure and her blog Live for Love (and a little cake) for the full story: Oh My Lagos
There has never been a better time to visit the “Hawaii of Europe.” The Azores remain just as unique and alluring as ever, but getting there has become much more affordable. The 2015 deregulation of air travel increased competition and dramatically decreased airfares to São Miguel. So book your trip, pack your bags, and add […]
Ask a city of 500,000 people about Lisbon’s best “local” sights and you’ll surely get 500,000 different answers. But the vast number of unique and charming attractions are a big part of the Portuguese capital’s appeal. You can see the major sights, such as the Sao George Castle, the Torre de Belem and the Jeronimos […]
Here’s the problem with Portugal: There’s just too much to do! There are so many compelling attractions that it can be difficult to decide what to do with just a week in Portugal. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. After arranging hundreds of vacations to Portugal, we know what makes travelers happy. We’ve […]
There’s a Party for Every Taste in Portugal High culture or low, or something in between, there’s something for everyone all year long in Portugal. Pagan rites, Holy Week happenings, foodie fests, big rock shows and more—the Portuguese love their parties, many of which you’ll find nowhere else in the world. Beyond the big events, […]
Experts say Portugal is one of the top 10 countries to visit this year – and we agree! If you do too and you’re planning a trip to one of Europe’s most affordable, safe and historic nations, consider our insider picks for Portugal’s hottest destinations of 2016: 1. Cascais If you’ve ever wondered where James […]
Considering a trip to Europe? Visit Portugal! With so many world-class offerings for travelers of all types, Portugal is increasingly playing a starring role on the European travel stage. It’s time to discover the possibilities: Consider these reasons why Portugal should be on your go-to vacation list this year: 1) Safety First […]
During WWII, intrigue and espionage filled Portugal’s capital city. Both Allied and Axis agents roamed freely through the city’s atmospheric cobblestone streets. Because Portugal stayed neutral during the war, the port city was packed not only with spies, but also exiled European royalty, wealthy Jews, escaped POWs, black marketers, and refugees. Everyone was watching and […]
Porto (or Oporto, as it is know to the British) is the second largest city in Portugal and is the capital of its Northern region. Traveling in Porto is an exciting opportunity to take in the rich history and culture of the magnificent city. This industrial and commercial center is constantly buzzing. It was built […]
This great little hotels was a pleasant surprise. Located in its namesake Avenida Duque de Loule, it is at a brief walking distance from bustling and buzzing Plaza Marques de Pombal. It’s also about a mile from Restauradores and Rossio (Pedro IV Square) or the baixa as it is know in Lisboa. It has good access […]
This UNESCO World Heritage City has a rich history and unique cultural roots that date from Roman times. During the 1400s it was the residence of the King of Portugal, and the city thus benefited from the royal court’s influence. Evora’s character was cemented during the 17th and 18th centuries. The preservation of its history […]
Portugal has consistently been ranked as one of the best and lowest cost destinations in Europe. Located at the western most coast of the Iberian peninsula, Portugal is the entry point for an all encompassing European vacation, or one the most wonderful vacation experiences if only visiting the country. A holiday in Portugal will undoubtedly make […]
On March 29, 2015, thousands of people made their way toward John Paul II Airport in Ponta Delgada, the capital city of Sâo Miguel, the biggest and most populous island in the Azores. More than anything, the scene looked like the filming of a Hollywood movie in which the populace was witnessing the advent of air transportation. […]
While the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto get the most recognition, the center of Portugal is equally spectacular in its beauty and history. A visit to Portugal is not complete without a trip to the Beiras. The Beiras regions of Portugal (Beira Alta and Beria Baixa) lie between the Douro river in the North and the […]
Portugal’s spectacular Alentejo is home to beautiful farmland, medieval castles, and remnants of Roman and Arab architecture. Located north of the Algarve, the climate is mainly warm and dry. In fact, the region is one of the warmest in Portugal, making it an ideal climate for Portugal’s breadbasket. The Alentejo covers approximately one-third of the […]
Piodao (Piodão) is located smack in the middle of Portugal, a few kilometers from the Serra da Estrela natural park. This stunning village of beautiful cottages is situated in the scenic hillsides, and the views will take your breath away. Getting There Unfortunately, this secluded spot is not very easy to access. You will definitely […]
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