The Top Reasons to Go to Portugal

Discovering Portugal

Portugal is as a well known location for summer holidays thanks to its amazing beaches, perfect for surfing and sailing. But there is much more to discover: from the urban delights of Lisbon and Porto to the rural features deep at the countrysite.


Lisbon

Portugal's capital is a perfect combinations of old-time charm and buzzing modern life. Lisbon will just mesmerize you every day: starting from the main square, Terreiro do Paço, passing by the modern shopping streets, you will reach its old historic center which its amazing tiles. Traditional „Azulejos“ are found in every corner of the city, at metro stations, church fronts, or on the walls of buildings.

Do you know that Lisbon is Europe’s oldest capital after Athens?


Porto

Porto, the city of the famous wine, the second-largest city of Portugal will surprise you with its colorful roofs, medieval churches, extravagant baroque buildings withtowers, narrow streets and cozy cafés. The Ribeira district is a Unesco World Heritage Site and there are many hidden gems. It is an amazing combination of modern life and history: don't miss the Álvaro Siza Vieira’s Museu de Arte Contemporânea and Rem Koolhaas’ Casa da Música.




Beaches


There are beaches for all tastes and for every need: the country has about 1700 km of coastline, and if we have to recommend some of them we have to mention Costa do Sol, west of Lisbon. by Estoril and Cascais where you will find an amazing nightlife and many tourists. Algarve is loved by surfers, but not only, thanks to its string of beautiful, clean, sandy beaches and amazing coves.

And if you like adventure, try Costa Verde in the North, with its cold Atlantic waters even in the summer and with its wide, sandy beaches perfect for all types of watersports.



Douro River

The Douro Valley is located in the North of Portugal, extending from the city of Porto to the eastern border of the country, and it is the best place to see the Port wine production. You will have the best view from the boat passing by the stunning valleys and vineyards and there’s no better place to sample Portugal’s most renowned drink.

Castles

There are many famous castles and castle ruins in Portugal, and is it not easy to select some of them. One of the most visited is for sure Castelo dos Mouros in Sintra:from its towers you will enjoy wonderful views. The Castle of Viana do Alentejo is a Gothic castle in the central region of Alentejo and is one of the oldest in the country.

But the must beautiful is for sure Castello de Almourol, a medieval castle by a narrow channel.


Fado

The Portuguese soul music is famous all over the world, and it is the oldest urban folk music telling the dramatic stories of destiny, love, death and despair with many tears and emotions. The fado music can be sung by men or women and accompanied by one Portuguese guitar called „viola“, and you can here it not only in the concerts halls but also in the most traditional restaurants and bars.

“Festas” in Portugal

Festivals in Portugal are amazing and have a long tradition. When you are in Lisbon in June, you have to go to Alfama: forwhole month, this quarter celebrates The Festa de Santo Antonio. The entire city becomes awash with colorful decorations, twinkling lights and food and drink stalls that will soon be working overtime to feed the thousands who will flock to enjoy the street-side festivities.

Every city in Portugal has it traditional „festas“ and festivals that are always amazing experience.

Fantastic food

Portugal is the best country to eat fresh-caught seafood and flavorful pastries. It isn't possible to avoid the grilled sardines and mackerel or the cod fish “bacalhau”. But there are also other traditional dishes to try such as Caldo Verde (traditional vegetable soup), Alheira de Mirandlea, a special sausage from veal, chicken, duck and rabbit, compacted together with bread, and Arroz de Pato, delicious rice dish with duck cooked in red whine.

There no needs to explain what is the „pastel de Belém“ and the best crispy and flaky pastry you will find in Antiga Confeitaria de Belém.


Adventure

If you have a passion for adventure and the outdoors activities, there is no better place in Europe. In Portugal you can enjoy traditional surfing and tracking, but also diving with sharks, dolphin-watching and horse riding. Also diving in Portugal is an amazing, captivating experience with a vast array of colorful fish and plants.

Hostels

Portugal is also famous for its hostels tradition. There is no other city such as Lisbon, where almost every hostel is different, thanks to the creativity and tradition of people in Portugal. There are boutique and luxury hotels, independent design city hostels and beautiful, charming and romantic pausades at the cost.

But convince yourself and check out our Portuguese hostels.

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