Diverse paradise in the Atlantic Ocean. Discover magical cities in Portugal

Portugal is an ideal European destination! There you will find beautiful historical sights, gorgeous nature, delicious food, nice people, sunny weather and beautiful beaches. Where to go in Portugal? It’s up to you, but wie recommend Faro, Porto and Lisbon.

Was should you do, see and experience in Faro?

The capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region is one of the best examples of a resort there. Although many people don’t take the time to stay in Faro at least for a while, this is a big mistake. It has a beautiful harbour, well-kept parks and squares, and an attractive old town surrounded by medieval walls.

The historical center consists of architecturally interesting buildings. There are also remains of the city walls from Roman times and an 18th-century church. The main piece of the famous Cidade Velha is the so-called Sé, built in 1251 but destroyed by an earthquake in the 18th century. It is actually a cathedral, the remains of which are a tower. Climb to the top and enjoy a nice view of the surroundings. There is also a museum there. One of the biggest attractions is the 17th-century Teatro Lethes, which still organise dance or music performances. The wided system of lagoons and islands stretching 60 kilometers along the Algarve coast north of Faro is called the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. It is characterized by extensive swamps, streams, dune islands and numerous birds. When the weather is nice, there are beautiful beaches available. The most popular beach is Praia de Faro, which can be reached by regular bus. If we had to recommend just one place for dinner, it would be on the roof of Hotel Faro with a beautiful view of the port and especially the city park.

Was should you do, see and experience in Porto?

Above the Douro River, on the Portuguese hills, rises the coastal city of Porto. Medieval architecture, unique beaches and of course world famous wine. The historic center of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The streets are full of cafes and bars. Porto simply has its unique atmosphere.

Porto is also called the city of the six bridges. Discover them on an evening walk at sunset or from the deck of the ship. The river coast, where you can find restaurants with local flavor dishes, creates a good atmosphere. Locals also call Porto as an invincible city. It was the only city that withstood the attacks of Napoleon’s army. The Douro Valley is the country’s oldest wine region. The wine terraces are not only the place where the high-quality grapes come from, but also offer a beautiful scenery. Find a cozy bar and taste great wine in this authentic surrounding. We still have something important to tell you. Porto is one of the most romantic places in the world. Drink a sip of fine wine, stroll through the streets of the old town and the seafront, listen to the melancholy rhythm of Porto, known as Fado, and enjoy this beautiful town.

Was should you do, see and experience in Lisbon?

The capital of Portugal is located at the southwestern “end” of Europe and boasts of the nickname the San Francisco of Europe. Lisbon has a unique vibe and it is certainly not one of the places where you will get bored.

Despite the location of both cities, Lisbon and San Francisco have common characteristics. Among the most famous features are bridges, which have become the symbols of the cities. In Lisbon it is the Ponte 25 de Abril (25th April Bridge) and in San Francisco the well-known Golden Gate Bridge that everyone of you surely knows. The Lisbon Bridge may be shorter, but the Ponte Vasco da Gama (Vasco da Gama Bridge) is the longest bridge in Europe.

But Lisbon is not a city full of skyscrapers or high-rise buildings. It’s a cozy city that offers fun, relaxation, culture and excellent food. Traditional tiles are typical for Lisbon, with which almost all buildings are decorated. The tiles are called azulejo and this souvenir can be bought at local markets. Narrow, steep streets, in which funiculars operate, are also typical for this city. We recommend you to also experience the ride on magical old trams. Lisbon is not a big city and you can also explore it on foot.

As for sightseeing, visit the Castelo de Sao Jorge. It is the highest historical sight in Lisbon. From there you can enjoy the beautiful view of the city that you will fondly remember. Don’t leave Lisbon without visiting the Torre de Belém (Belém Tower). It’s a place that sailors saw as the first thing when they left Portugal and also the first place they saw when they came back. What is interesting is that this place was once an island, but now it is surrounded by the sea only at high tide. Am I in Brazil or in Portugal? You will ask yourself this question when you see the imposing statue of Christ. It has been here since 1966 and was inspired by the already mentioned Brazilian statue.

If you are already in Lisbon, take a trip to Cabo da Roca (rock cape). The Cape is the westernmost point of the mainland of the European continent. It is located on the Atlantic coast west of Lisbon at an height of 140 meters above sea level. Bairo Alto is Lisbon’s hipster district. During the day you can admire the local art in the form of street art, in the evening you can go to one of the bars. This area is very popular with students and tourists and thanks to that it is also very lively. Fancy a snack? Pastel de Nata are sweet tarts – a Portuguese specialty. You can find them on every corner in Lisbon. Or more precisely – to smell! This crispy puff pastry tart is filled with creamy egg custard. You can enjoy the best in Belém, where there is a patisserie that has been making the best Pastel de Nata since 1837.