Portugal is known as the “Cidade Invicta” (unvanquished city) full of rich history, beautiful architecture, amazing food, and spectacular golden beaches. It frequently tops Europe’s most favourite destinations for travel to, so we thought we might explore some of the highlights of this magical destination…
Portugal has all the charm of quaint villages which happily nestle amongst the river banks. The scenery throughout Portugual is outstanding to say the least, whether your taking in the stunning views along the coast from the hidden beaches in Parque Natural da Arrabida to the windswept cliffs dotting the southwest shores.
The old-fashioned traditions of village life have meant that Portugal produces absolutely delicious, yet very affordable seafood, especially cataplana (seafood stew), and whatever is the fresh catch of the day, which are grilled up to perfection. Combine this with freshly baked bread, olives, cheese, red wine or crisp vinho verde, chargrilled fish, smoked meats – and you’ll soon realise that the Portuguese have perfected the art of cooking simple, delicious meals.
The legacy of Portugal’s former wealth and power can be seen in its historic cities – yet the capital, Lisbon, superbly sited on the Tejo river estuary, is as popular today for its lively clubbing scene as for its grand Manueline monuments and medieval alleyways. Porto meanwhile, the country’s second city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the best place to sample some of the many varieties of Portugal’s other notable contribution to the world, port wine.
The Portuguese have embraced contemporary life without ever quite getting rid of the more appealing aspects of previous centuries. Fully wired town centres have wi-fi hotspots and cell-phone shops by the score, but they also have a butcher, a baker and (quite literally) a candle-stick maker. Children will be both seen and heard at any time of the day or night, as the family remains at the centre of most things.
The south-facing coast of the Algarve is the country’s tourist epicentre and justifiably so – it is here that you’ll find the archetypal picturesque Portuguese cove beaches, fringed by rock stacks and gentle cliffs. It certainly doesn’t take much to escape the high-rise resorts and golf courses, where the townspeople are gracious and kind while the landscape is pristine. The waters are between crystal blue and turquoise with sandy white beaches. If you are looking for a place to go on vacation, you have found the right spot.
All in all, Portugal is full of surprises that you will never tire of when you explore this small but endless fascinating country. Its rustic scenery and year-round sunshine, is the perfect allure that makes the country so appealing to visitors. Prepare to be charmed.
To find out more about this amazing country and the best places to visit, contact the team at Malvern Travel & Cruise today.
