Explore Portugal

Portugal emerged as a country in 1143, after a 15 year rebellion by Dom AfonsoHenriques (Afonso I). AfonsoHenriques defeated his mother Countess Teresa of Portugal, regent of the County (Condado) of Portugal and loyal to the Kingdom of Leon, at the battle of Sao Mamede (Batalha de Sao Mamede) near the town of Guimaraes, in June of 1128.  Countess Teresa was imprisoned and exiled by her son, and died in 1130. Guimaraes is therefore known as the birthplace city of Portugal.

Quick Facts

  • Capital: Lisbon
  • Language: Portuguese
  • Currency: Euro

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Lisbon
Main attractions

  • Lisbon Cathedral 
  • Rossio Square
  • Lisbon Zoo 
  • Monastery of St Jerome 
  • Avenida da Liberdade
  • Bairro Alto - ‘upper district’
  • Baixa (Lower Town)
  • Church of São Vicente of Fora
  • Estrela Basilica
  • Jardim Da Estrela 
  • Jardim Da Estrela is one of the prettiest parks in Lisbon.
  • Mafra National Palace
  • Palacio Foz 
  • The Palacio Foz is an ornate palace built in the 18th century that today houses the Lisbon tourism office and frequently holds local events

Recommended excursions

  • Sintra and Cascais
  • Sintra Royal Palaces day trip from Lisbon: Queluz Palace, Pena Palace and Pena Park
  • Fátima and the Sanctuary Basilica half day tour from Lisbon
  • Berlenga Grande Island - Visit the postcard-perfect island of Berlenga Grande on this small-group day trip from Lisbon Travel to the charming fishing village of Peniche, where you’ll board a boat for Berlenga Grande, an idyllic island in the Berlengas Nature Reserve
  • Private tour: Évora and Almendres Cromlech day trip from Lisbon  - a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit cathedrals and churches
  • Évora day tour from Lisbon 
  • Évora, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a museum sightseeing city with a vast historical and cultural wealth
  • Porto Full day trip - Private tour from Lisbon 
  • In this full day private tour you will discover Porto, a World Heritage site well-known for its history and wines 

The Algarve

Main attractions

  • Faro - it is the administrative center of the Algarve region
  • Portimão  -  As the Algarve’s most populous city and commercial center, the maritime town of Portimão makes a lively hub from which to explore the beaches, fishing villages and mountains of Western Algarve
  • Tavira
  • Olhão  -  The Algarve’s biggest fishing port is a lively place to be in the morning, when a busy fish market takes over the seafront

Recommended excursions

  • Mt Fóia - Looming 902 meters over the colorful spa town of Caldas de Monchique below, Mt Fóia is the Algarve’s highest peak and makes a scenic day trip from nearby Portimão
  • Caves and Dolphin Watching cruise from Albufeira 
  • Algarve Coastline tour from Portimao  - The best way to discover the Algarve
  • Silves and Caldas de Monchique day trip from the Algarve

PORTO
Main attractions

  • Ribeira District
  • Porto Se Cathedral
  • Torre & Igreja dos Clerigos  - the bell tower adjoining the Clerigos Church
  • Avenida dos Aliados
  • Liberdade Square
  • Matosinhos Beach

Recommended excursions

  • Douro Valley and Wine Tasting
  • Guimarães and Braga
  • Fatima and Coimbra day trip from Porto
  • Aveiro tour from Porto Including Moliceiro cruise  - the pretty coastal town of Aveiro
  • Is Portugal’s answer to Venice 
  • Wine tour of the Vinho Verde Region from Porto

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Explore Portugal