Perched on the western edge of Europe, Lisbon is the sunniest capital on the continent, with an average of 2,799 hours of sunshine a year.
With the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, this delightfully sun-kissed city lives in a fairy tale of customs and traditions, with centenary trams and funiculars, which go up and down the typical streets, proudly displaying the happy light of the city, its monuments and its kind people.
A historic city, mixed with a modern vibe, full of amazing restaurants, nightlife, superb gardens and lots of culture.
PORTO – Is not just about good wine
This ancient metropolis is like a beautiful photo taken with the soul, which captures the picturesque streets, the old buildings and a unique aura brought by the people of Porto.
It is mandatory to visit the historic center, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Embrace lazy riverside lunch times at its new restaurants, or immerse yourself in the cultural scene, from world-renowned concerts at Casa de Música to incredible art exhibitions on Rua Miguel Bombarda.
NAZARÉ – Living the fishing village
There’s a lot to like about Nazaré. Real record mutant waves, once a year, Nazaré is a coastal resort north of Lisbon and an increasingly popular destination for surfers and tourists.
Considered by many as the most typical beach in Portugal, it enchants the visitor for its natural beauty. The mild climate, the friendly and hospitable people, the magnificent light, the traditions and fishing arts have made Nazaré the muse of painters and artists.
Cross the narrow streets, perpendicular to the sea, where life flows to the rhythm of the winds and tides and discover the essence of these people.
MAFRA – Seductive country town
Mafra is a seductive village, located in the “Saloia” Region, with its Tapada that occupies an area of 819 hectares of forest that gives us a huge diversity of animal and plant species.
Here, it is impossible to remain indifferent to the monumental Palácio de Mafra, a Baroque monument, built by D. João V in 1711, which has one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, where you can enjoy the first edition of Lusíadas by Camões. It is also interesting to know that this was the monument that inspired José Saramago to write the “Memorial do Convento”, one of his best-known works.
Nearby, in the small town of Sobreiro, it still makes sense to visit the José Franco Village-Museum.
ERICEIRA – Go on the wave and be happy
Ericeira is a small fishing village with worldwide fame for the great waves for surfing that can be felt on its beaches, although many Portuguese and foreigners enjoy the high quality of its waters.
With traces of Phoenician times, it was only in the 19th century that this village grew, with the commercial development of the port existing at that time. The departure of the Portuguese royal family into exile, which represents the end of the national monarchic regime, makes the port of Ericeira one of the most emblematic places in Portuguese history forever.
Impressive beaches stretch along the coast and its Atlantic sea offers us delicious fish and fresh seafood, enriching the offer of this magical village.
FÁTIMA – Blessed City
Visit Europe’s most important pilgrimage destination.
Discover its mystical aura and an incredible place of History, Culture and Religion.
The growing popularity is related to the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917 – “The Three Little Shepherds”.
The Capelinha das Aparições marks the spot where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared. Other sacred sites include the Basilica of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, with its golden angels, and the modern Church of the Holy Trinity. Also get to know the work/sculpture “Coração Francisco”, considered the largest steel heart in the world, 12 meters high and wide.
SINTRA – A perfect fairy tale
At the foot of the mountains, Sintra is a charming village so close to Lisbon.
The variety of fascinating historic buildings, with extravagant palaces, opulent houses and even the ruins of a castle, make Sintra a fantastic tourist destination. Long a royal retreat, its wooded grounds are dotted with pastel-hued farms and palaces. The National Palace of Sintra, in Gothic and Manueline style, is an unavoidable monument, distinguished by the two stunning identical chimneys and the elaborate tiles.
The 19th-century Pena National Palace, atop the hill, is known for its extravagant design and stunning views.
CABO DA ROCA – Where the land ends and the sea begins
If you go to Sintra, don’t miss a visit to the westernmost point of Continental Europe, Cabo da Roca. Located at latitude 38º 47´ North and longitude 9º.
It is, as Camões wrote, the place “Where the land ends and the sea begins” (in Os Lusíadas, Canto III). A stone pattern with a tombstone marks this geographical feature to all who visit this place. At Cabo da Roca, the gaze turns to the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean and there it gets lost in contemplations of a proud Portugal.
CASCAIS – Portuguese Riviera
The so-called “Costa do Sol”, or “Portuguese Riviera”, begins in Estoril and extends to Cascais.
Located a few kilometers from the mouth of the Tagus, Cascais offers an exclusive maritime atmosphere with its refined marina, its charming streets with its shops and a special cosmopolitan touch. Known for its splendid white sand beach, the fishing village of Cascais has reinvented itself and become a refined seaside resort and one of the most sophisticated destinations in the Lisbon area.
The historic center houses the medieval Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Luz and the Palácio da Cidadela, a former royal retreat. Nearby is the whitewashed church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, with glazed tiles. Casa das Histórias Paula Rego displays the paintings of the Portuguese artist in a modern building.
Cascais is also attractive to night owls with a variety of options, from cocktail lounges to cozy jazz bars and trendy clubs.
ESTORIL – Casino Spy Royal
Take a walk along the promenade to Estoril, home to one of the largest and oldest casinos in Europe. Punctuated by luxury seafront villas, a very famous beach and a lively nightlife, Estoril is the perfect place for people thirsty for culture and for the jet set from all corners of the world, which constantly arrives for festivals of cinema, jazz concerts, conferences, international sporting events etc.
ÓBIDOS – Open heart
Visiting Óbidos is like returning to the past! The medieval village of Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved in Portugal with a beautiful historic centre, surrounded by walls with classic battlements, made up of a labyrinth of cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, decorated with flowers.
There are medieval bars, chocolate fairs. There are legends of kings and queens. There is leisure and nature. Óbidos perfectly responds to various tastes, from the most romantic to the most playful.
SESIMBRA – Land of sea people
Is one of the most charismatic towns in Portugal, about 30 kilometers from Lisbon. With more than 40 kilometers of Atlantic coastline, stretching from Lagoa de Albufeira to Serra da Arrábida, Sesimbra, overlooking the bay, offers a range of “portugalities”: from Gastronomy, to museums and monuments, to stunning landscapes, Sesimbra is an urgent destination for those who want to feel life in all its pulse.
On the west coast are the extensive sandy beaches of Meco and, to the south, the imposing cliffs of Cabo Espichel.
To the west, the landscape is dominated by Porto de Abrigo, where the bustle and fishing traditions intersect with tourist activities such as diving, sailing or canoeing.
ÉVORA
Alentejo city, district capital and seat of one of the largest municipalities in the country, Évora is one of the most emblematic Portuguese cities.
Its beautiful historic center has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, in an area of about 105 hectares and about 400 buildings, which is, in itself, one of the best reasons to visit this wonderful Alentejo city.
