Exploring Portugal
In recent years, Portugal has seen soaring popularity as a holiday destination thanks to its dramatic scenery, beautiful beaches, food and culture. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to explore in Portugal and why it’s such a great place to visit.
An Introduction to Portugal
Portugal is situated on the South West coast of Europe and shares a border with Spain. The country attracts visitors from across the globe and if you are looking to embark on a European tour then Portugal is a country not to be missed.
Portugal has a population of around 10 million people and Portuguese is the main language spoken, with English, Spanish and French also popular. The weather varies from region to region but on the whole, the climate is mild and Portugal gets around 3,000 hours of sunshine each year (compared to the UK’s 1,387 hours of sun in 2021!)
Portugal has a rich and varied cuisine, with a particular emphasis on seafood, and its world-famous Port and Madeira wine.
Places to Visit in Portugal
When it comes to places to explore on your trip to Portugal, visitors are spoilt for choice. Here are just some of the areas that are worth visiting on your travels.
Lisbon
Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and a must-see destination. The city has had a wide range of influences throughout history and the result is stunning. Overlooked by its seven iconic hills, Lisbon features cobbled streets and grand squares and there’s no shortage of things to see and do. From art galleries and castles to delicious places to eat and drink and of course, Lisbon’s famous nightlife.
Porto
Portugal’s second city, Porto, is a wonderfully romantic place to visit. Set alongside the Duoro River, it has one of the oldest city centres in Europe with narrow streets and medieval architecture. Porto is well-known for its mouth-watering cuisine, and being home to the world’s best port, which you can taste at one of the many wineries and vineyards.
Sintra
Like something from a fairytale, Sintra is a historic town set on a hillside and the area has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Against a backdrop of hillside forests, Sintra has everything from Gothic palaces and medieval monasteries to stunning gardens. Tourists visiting in July and August can also enjoy the Sintra Festival, celebrating classical music and dance.
Algarve
If you love hot weather and beautiful beaches, the Algarve is the perfect place to visit when exploring Portugal. Portugal’s most southern region is a picture-perfect destination dotted with colourful fishing villages and sandy coves with golden sands and crystal clear waters. The Algarve is an incredibly popular region for holidaymakers but it’s still possible to get away from the crowds and explore quieter towns and villages such as Sagres, Alte, Salema and Monchique.
