Explora la cultura de Portugal: Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Portugal a través de sus museos y monumentos.
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Lisbon, the capital of the seven hills, seduces with its historic neighborhoods, its light and its bohemian atmosphere. Porto, on the banks of the Douro, enchants with its World Heritage historic center and its vibrant life. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, while Évora, in the Alentejo, is an open-air museum with its Roman temple and walls.
Located in the southwestern corner of Europe, Portugal is a country of captivating contrasts, from the green hills of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve. It is known for its glorious past of discovery, its unique Manueline architecture, its delicious gastronomy and a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Portugal
Located in the southwestern corner of Europe, Portugal is a country of captivating contrasts, from the green hills of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve. It is known for its glorious past of discovery, its unique Manueline architecture, its delicious gastronomy and a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Festivals & Events
Lisbon, the capital of the seven hills, seduces with its historic neighborhoods, its light and its bohemian atmosphere. Porto, on the banks of the Douro, enchants with its World Heritage historic center and its vibrant life. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, while Évora, in the Alentejo, is an open-air museum with its Roman temple and walls.
With more than 800 km of coastline, Portugal is a paradise for sea lovers. The Algarve, to the south, is famous for its golden coves and calm waters. The coast west of Lisbon, near Cascais, and further north at Peniche and Nazaré, is a surfer's paradise, with some of the biggest waves in the world. The Vicentine Coast offers wilder and more virgin landscapes.
Portugal is a first-rate wine destination. The Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards plunging towards the river, is one of the most spectacular wine-growing landscapes in the world and the birthplace of Port wine. The Alentejo region is known for its plains and robust red wines, with numerous 'herdades' (farms) offering tastings and wine tourism.
Listen to Fado in Alfama or Mouraria (Lisbon)
To understand the Portuguese soul ('saudade'), you have to experience fado. In Lisbon's historic neighborhoods, small fado houses offer intimate nights where a lone voice, accompanied by the Portuguese guitar, sings stories of love, loss and destiny. It is a deeply emotional and authentic experience.
Get lost in the Palaces of Sintra
A short drive from Lisbon, Sintra is a magical place of forested hills dotted with extravagant palaces. The colorful and romantic Pena Palace is the jewel in the crown, but the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its initiation well and the ancient Castelo dos Mouros offer a fascinating day of exploration.
Take a Boat Route through the Algarve
The Algarve coast is famous for its rock formations, sea caves and hidden beaches. Taking a boat from Lagos or Portimão to explore places like the Benagil Grotto, a stunning cave with a beach inside, and Ponta da Piedade with its golden arches and pillars, is an unforgettable experience.
Visit a Port Wine Cellar
Crossing the Don Luis I Bridge in Porto towards Vila Nova de Gaia is entering the world of Port wine. Numerous historic wineries offer guided tours that explain the process of making this fortified wine, culminating in a tasting of its different varieties (Ruby, Tawny, White and Vintage).
Eating Pasteis de Belém in its Place of Origin
Although pasteis de nata are found all over Portugal, trying the original at the 'Pasteis de Belém' pastry shop in Lisbon is a ritual. Served hot, with their flaky, crispy pastry and soft cream, sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar, they are a heavenly delight.
Travel on Tram 28 in Lisbon
It is not just a means of transportation, but a tourist attraction in itself. This historic yellow tram creaks and winds through the narrow streets of Lisbon's most picturesque neighborhoods, such as Graça, Alfama and Baixa, offering a charming way to see the city.
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Public transport
The train network (Comboios de Portugal) effectively connects major cities such as Lisbon, Porto and Faro. To reach smaller towns and explore regions such as the Algarve, the bus network (such as Rede Expressos) is extensive and affordable. In Lisbon and Porto, reloadable transport cards are the cheapest option.
Highway Tolls
Many Portuguese highways have electronic tolls ('portagens'). If you travel by rental car, ask the company for the electronic device (such as Via Verde) to pay automatically. Otherwise, payment may be difficult for tourists on some highways.
Language
The official language is Portuguese. Although in tourist areas and among young people English is quite common, learning some basic phrases such as 'Bom dia' (Good morning), 'Obrigado/a' (Thank you) and 'Por favor' (Please) will be greatly appreciated.
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