Portugal
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General Travel Guide: The Soul of the Atlantic
Portugal is a land of explorers that invites you to be discovered. A country that looks at the Atlantic with a mix of nostalgia and modernity, where history resonates in the cobblestone streets of its cities and nature dazzles in its golden coast and its green valleys. From the decadent charm of Lisbon and the vibrant riverside of Porto, to the dreamy landscapes of Sintra and the serenity of the beaches of the Algarve, Portugal is a feast for the senses. Get ready to fall in love with its unique light, its honest and tasty gastronomy, the melancholic sounds of fado and, above all, the warm welcome of its people. This is a country to be savored slowly, like a good port wine.
Capital
Lisbon
Population
10.270.865
Langue
Portugués
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
17
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Portugal
Expériences uniques
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.
Flavors of the Sea and the Earth
Portuguese gastronomy is honest, abundant and delicious, based on the quality of its fresh products, especially fish and seafood from the Atlantic. Olive oil, garlic and cilantro are pillars of a cuisine with marked flavors and traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Each region has its culinary pride, but the passion for good food is a national trait.
Portuguese gastronomy is honest, abundant and delicious, based on the quality of its fresh products, especially fish and seafood from the Atlantic. Olive oil, garlic and cilantro are pillars of a cuisine with marked flavors and traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Each region has its culinary pride, but the passion for good food is a national trait.
The Passion for Bacalhau (Cod)
It is said that there are more than 365 recipes for cooking cod, one for each day of the year. This fish, cured in salt, is the national ingredient par excellence and is prepared in countless ways: grilled, baked, in fritters, in stews... It is the heart of many Portuguese tables.
The Coffee and Cake Ritual
'Pastelarias' (pastry shops) and cafes are institutions in Portugal. They are the place for a quick breakfast, a mid-morning break with a 'bica' (espresso) or a delicious mid-afternoon sweet. The variety of cakes and sweets is amazing.
Plats Iconiques
Bacalhau à Brás
One of the most popular and delicious cod recipes. It consists of crumbled cod sautéed with onion, very thin straw potatoes, scrambled egg and black olives. A comforting dish full of flavor.
Assadas Sardinhas
The aroma of grilled sardines is the smell of summer in Portugal, especially during the Saint Anthony festivities in Lisbon. They are roasted whole on a charcoal grill, served on a slice of bread and eaten with your hands.
Green Broth
A rustic and comforting soup from northern Portugal. It is made with a base of mashed potato, Galician cabbage cut into very fine julienne strips and slices of chorizo, all drizzled with a splash of olive oil.
Francesinha
Porto's answer to the croque-monsieur, but taken to the extreme. It is a filling sandwich filled with various meats (ham, sausage, steak), covered with melted cheese and bathed in a tasty and slightly spicy tomato and beer sauce. It is usually served with fries.
Seafood Cataplana
Typical of the Algarve, it takes its name from the shell-shaped copper container where it is steamed. It is a delicious and aromatic stew of different fish and seafood with tomatoes, peppers and herbs.
Lagareiro Powder
A tender and tasty octopus dish. The octopus is cooked and then grilled or baked, sprinkled generously with olive oil and garlic, and served with pounded roast potatoes ('a murro').
Boissons typiques
Vinho do Porto (Port Wine)
The most famous fortified wine in the world, produced exclusively in the Douro Valley. Ideal as an aperitif (white or rosé) or as a dessert wine (Ruby or Tawny). Trying a Vintage from a good vintage is a unique experience.
Vinho Verde (Green Wine)
It is not green in color, but 'young'. It is a light, fresh and slightly sparkling wine from the Minho region in the north. Perfect to accompany fish, seafood or to drink on a hot afternoon.
Ginjinha
A sweet liquor made from cherries (ginjas) macerated in brandy. It is very popular in Lisbon, Óbidos and Alcobaça, where it is served in small glasses, often with or without the fruit ('com ou sem elas').
Coffee (Bica or Cimbalino)
Coffee is an essential part of Portuguese life. A black coffee is called 'bica' in Lisbon and 'cimbalino' in Porto. It is strong, short and intense, and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Desserts traditionnels
Pastel de Nata (or Pastel de Belém)
The jewel in the crown of Portuguese pastries. A small crispy puff pastry tart filled with a cream made from egg yolk, milk and sugar, often burnt on the surface. Addictives.
Berlin Balls
A type of fried donut or donut, without a hole, often sold on beaches during the summer. It can be filled with pastry cream ('creme') or without filling ('sem creme').
Sericaia
A typical dessert from the Alentejo region. It is a soft and creamy pudding made from eggs, milk and cinnamon, which cracks when baked. It is traditionally served with a large Elvas plum in syrup.
Ovos Moles de Aveiro
Typical sweets from the city of Aveiro. They consist of a sweet cream of egg yolk and sugar wrapped in a thin wafer with marine shapes, such as shells or fish. They were the first Portuguese sweet to obtain European protection.
Que voir par thème
Portugal's wealth lies in its incredible diversity, ranging from historic cities to wild coastlines and deeply rooted culture.
Historical Cities with Charisma
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.
Coasts, Beaches and Waves
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.
Wine Routes: Douro and Alentejo
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.
Medieval and Charming Towns
The essence of Portugal is also found in its towns. Óbidos is a storybook town perfectly preserved within its walls. Marvão and Monsaraz are eagle's nests in the Alentejo with stunning views. In the north, historic granite villages like Piódão seem frozen in time.
Exuberant Nature: Azores and Madeira
The Portuguese archipelagos in the middle of the Atlantic are natural paradises. The Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands with crater lakes, hot springs and lush vegetation, ideal for hiking and whale watching. Madeira, the 'pearl of the Atlantic', is famous for its gardens, impressive cliffs and 'levadas' (irrigation canals) which have been converted into unique hiking routes.
Heritage of Discoveries
The Age of Discovery left an indelible mark. In the Belém neighborhood of Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower are the greatest exponents of the Manueline style, a rich and ornate variant of Gothic that celebrates Portugal's maritime exploits.
Conseils de voyage
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.
Tips ('Gorjetas')
Tipping is not mandatory and the service is usually not included in the bill. In restaurants, if the service has been good, it is customary to leave between 5% and 10%. In cafes, rounding up the bill or leaving a few coins is enough.
This guide is just the beginning of your journey through Portugal. Each region, from green Minho in the north to sunny Alentejo and the volcanic islands, offers a world to discover. We encourage you to get lost in its streets, to talk to its people and to let yourself be carried away by the calm rhythm of Portuguese life. Have a nice trip!
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