Beyond Lisbon: Five Great Tourist Destinations in Portugal

It is no secret that Portugal makes a great holiday destination.  Its spectacular beaches, rich culinary scene, unique culture and nightlife draw crowds of tourists each year. However, while many tend to stay in the capital city, we encourage you to venture off the beaten path.  Here are five fascinating places worth visiting:

Sintra

Now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra has been a popular summer resort for many years. Centuries ago, it was the preferred holiday destination among Portugal’s nobility.  To this day, many summer palaces and castles remain.  Among them are the majestic Moorish Castle from the 8^th century and the world-famous Palacio Nacional da Pena, commissioned by Ferdinand of Saxe Coburg-Gotha in 1840.  Recommended hotels in Sintra include the Penha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort and the Tivoli Sintra.

The Palacio Nacional da Pena in Sintra

Coimbra

The beautifully preserved town of Coimbra dates back to the 12^th century.  Among its most famous attractions is the local university.  Founded by King Dinis in 1290, it remains the oldest school in all of Portugal.  The Baroque-style Biblioteca Joanina, the Museu Machado de Castro (the country’s most famous sculpture museum) and the ancient Roman ruins of Conimbriga are also enchanting.  Spend your days touring old cathedrals and botanical gardens, and your nights dancing to traditional Fado music.  Looking to stay the night?  There are plenty of great hotels in Coimbra!

Lagos

One of Portugal’s most popular resorts, Lagos is best known for its beautiful beaches. They include the impressive Meia Praia and the more peaceful Praia do Pinhão.  Inland, you will find unique tourist attractions like the municipal museum and fantastic restaurants.  To best experience Lagos, rent a bicycle or moped to take around the narrow streets.  You can also sightsee by horseback or enjoy a leisurely boat trip from the main harbor.  It is close to hotels in Lagos like the Marina Club Suite Hotel and the Giramar.

Madeira

The volcanic island of Madeira just may be one of the best-kept secrets in Europe.  Its semi-tropical foliage and dramatic seaside cliffs set a romantic scene ideal for a holiday.  Discover the unique culture that fuses Portuguese and British traditions, and the landscape commonly referred to as a “floating island.”  Amid lush gardens of orchids and bougainvillea along the Gulf Stream, you will find an amazing array of hotels on Madeira.  Most hotels, including the Hotel Porto Santa Maria and The Cliff Bay, are located in the island’s capital of Funchal.

The Island of Madeira

Porto

Perhaps best known for the fortified wine it produces, Porto has so much more to offer.  The ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its hilly scenery offers beautiful views of the River Douro.  Take a walk on the black-and-white mosaic pavement of the Avenida dos Aliados and do not miss the restored Roman temple of the Cedofeita Church or the Clerigos Church.  The latter is the tallest building in Portugal!  From centuries-old landmarks to renowned vineyards, Porto has something for everyone.  And, of course, there is no shortage of Porto hotels.

Take A Bite of Bacalhau in Portugal

Salty.

Fishy.

Traditional.

Those are the best three words to describe a traditional Portugese dish called Bacalhau, which is translated as “dried and salted codfish.”

There are many other words people may use to describe this dish, mainly because it has been said there are over 1,000 recipes in Portugal alone! This is usually the case among most Portuguese dishes, which consists largely of seafood.

This traditional dish became common because of its popularity among the Catholic population. Because devout Roman Catholics generally avoid eating meat on Fridays and during Lent, fish is often times a typical substitute.

Typically the fish come from Iceland or Newfoundland, and are salted heavily. This is because of the ancient ways of preserving the fish, as well as adding flavor to it. If you are planning a trip to Portugal, you will more than likely find many restaurants serving bacalhau, and the possibilities are virtually endless on how it may be served. Whether served with potatoes and wine, or fried and served as appetizers with beer, you’ll appreciate taking part in a 500-year-old tradition in Portugal.