History & Geography – Portugal Travel Blog

Adventure & Fun

The Advantages of Vacationing in Portugal

January 28, 2026 · By Maria Pacheco

Yes. Yes you should. The tremendous breadth of activities, sights, landscapes and experiences means Portugal truly has something for everyone. So if you fall into one of these ten categories of travelers, book your trip today!

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History & Geography

Portugal's Barcelos Rooster

August 6, 2025 · By Joaquim DeCarvalho

The Barcelos Rooster, or Galo de Barcelos, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Portugal. The brightly painted rooster appears on ceramics, textiles, signs and souvenirs throughout the country, but its story begins in the northern town of Barcelos, in Portugal’s Minho region. Behind the familiar image is a medieval legend about a pilgrim, […]

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History & Geography

Religion in Portugal: Catholicism, Fátima and Religious History

November 23, 2024 · By Joaquim DeCarvalho

A Brief History of Portugal — 4-Part Series Part 1: The Portuguese Empire Part 2: Religion in Portugal Part 3: Timeline of Portuguese History Part 4: Portuguese Explorers Religion has shaped Portuguese culture, politics, architecture, festivals and ideas about national identity for many centuries. Roman Catholicism remains the country’s largest religious tradition, but the history […]

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History & Geography

The Portuguese Empire: Rise, Expansion and Legacy

November 18, 2024 · By Joaquim DeCarvalho

A Brief History of Portugal — 4-Part Series Part 1: The Portuguese Empire Part 2: Religion in Portugal Part 3: Timeline of Portuguese History Part 4: Portuguese Explorers For several centuries, Portugal built a maritime empire that connected Atlantic islands, the coasts of Africa, Brazil, the Indian Ocean and parts of Asia. It was never […]

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Places & Exploring

Belem Tower: Frequently Asked Questions

January 19, 2023 · By Maria Pacheco

Belem Tower, also called Torre de Belem, is one of the most recognizable historical sites in Lisbon. Portuguese explorers sailed past the this fortress on their way in and out of the city. Today, the site attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. If you’re planning on becoming one of those visitors, there are a few […]

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History & Geography

Lourdes Pilgrimage Guide: Our Lady of Lourdes, Grotto & Baths

November 9, 2022 · By Maria Pacheco

Lourdes, in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, is one of the world’s best-known Catholic pilgrimage destinations. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes developed around the Grotto of Massabielle, where 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous reported a series of Marian apparitions in 1858. Today the sanctuary welcomes more than three million pilgrims and visitors in a […]

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Music & Arts

Fado: History, Meaning & Portugal’s Soulful Music

March 5, 2022 · By Joaquim DeCarvalho

Portuguese music, culture and travel guide Fado is one of Portugal’s most recognizable cultural expressions: a tradition built around voice, poetry and the distinctive sound of the Portuguese guitar. It is especially associated with Lisbon, where it developed in popular urban settings during the 19th century, and with Coimbra, whose university culture shaped a related […]

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History & Geography

Timeline of Portuguese History: From Ancient Portugal to Today

November 25, 2021 · By Joaquim DeCarvalho

A Brief History of Portugal — 4-Part Series Part 1: The Portuguese Empire Part 2: Religion in Portugal Part 3: Timeline of Portuguese History Part 4: Portuguese Explorers Portugal is one of Europe’s oldest states, but its history began long before the Kingdom of Portugal appeared in the 12th century. The territory was shaped by […]

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History & Geography

Portuguese Explorers: 8 Navigators Who Changed Maritime History

March 3, 2020 · By Joaquim DeCarvalho

A Brief History of Portugal — 4-Part Series Part 1: The Portuguese Empire Part 2: Religion in Portugal Part 3: Timeline of Portuguese History Part 4: Portuguese Explorers Portuguese navigators helped reshape the map of the world during the 15th and 16th centuries. Their voyages connected Atlantic islands, the west coast of Africa, the Indian […]

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