Portugal is...

History

History

This is the country with the oldest borders in Europe. Surprisingly, it managed to survive during the nine centuries of battles, wars, earthquakes, revolutions, as well as during the process of the creation and destruction of the richest colonial empire.

The vast number of events weren't able to break the spirit of the Portuguese people. They proudly participated in the battles and bravely endured huge losses. They gave us the unique world of geography and the great navigators who discovered new lands. Even though the country is trying to recover from the crisis now, the Portuguese people remember their history.

As long as this memory is in their souls, the Portuguese nation will thrive, and praise bright and unique Lisbon. They will support the fertile valley of the Douro river, the spacious fields of Alentejo, the endless sandy beaches of the Algarve and the highest mountain in Portugal called Pico.

Art and Architecture

Art and Architecture

While being one of the greatest historical monuments in the world, Portugal offers a huge number of palaces, churches and entire areas, which were added to the list of the World Heritage by UNESCO.

Like in the case with the country and the nation, the Portuguese art managed to absorb and highlight the brightest moments from its history. The unique Portuguese style called Manueline is a mixture of Gothic style and Oriental luxury, intertwining ropes, and exotic fruits, seashells and sails, twisted columns and lace arches.

Portuguese tiles called azulejo have become widespread and popular all around the country. People use them not only to decorate facades of houses but also for churches, railway stations, and even palaces. Take a look at cobbled streets and white houses with bright edging. Even the most fastidious connoisseur of art will find something pleasant for their eyes and inspiration.

The Ocean and Beaches

The Ocean and Beaches

The coastline of Portugal stretches for 1,800 kilometers offering more than 450 beaches for every taste: from snow-white sandy beaches to beaches with golden sands; from beaches with pebbles to astonishing coastal lines with volcanic stones.

You are the one to decide and everything depends on what you want: you can soak up in the light of the sun and get a bronze tan or conquer the Atlantic ocean on the surfing board. You need to understand that Portugal is the best place in Europe for such an active holiday.

You can catch astonishing waves all year round. And what could be better than go to a cafe near the ocean after a busy day? You can order wine and fried sardines and watch the waves. You can think about something important or simply forget about everything.

Landscapes and Sceneries

Landscapes and Sceneries

Portugal is not only about the beaches. Portugal offers mountains, craters of dormant volcanoes, islands with a subtropical climate, fern forests and unique plants brought from all over the world. It offers astonishing river valleys, vineyards, sunny plains, ski resorts, and picturesque bays.

Portugal has repeatedly made travelers fall in love with its unique nature. You won't be able to remain indifferent to its beauty. We are sure that you will take gigabytes of beautiful landscapes and sceneries from here.

Aroma

Aroma

Each region has its own unique smell. However, a hint of eucalyptus covers the entire territory of the country. The scent of herbs and flowers, vanilla and cinnamon.

The smell of fresh and tasty food from restaurants: fried sardines, fresh pastries, and seafood. Roasted chestnuts and an amazing scent of the citruses. Portugal offers a unique fusion of sea breeze, freedom, and strong coffee scents.

Taste

Taste

You will face the taste of freshly baked 'pasteis de nata', and a myriad of dishes made by Portuguese confectioners. You won't be able to choose only one thing. All of them are worth trying and tasting.

Taste of fish: boiled, fried, baked on coals and many other different options, which are always incredibly tasty and special. A variety of seafood dishes. The conversation about Portuguese cuisine can take a long time. So, I will tell you only one thing. Just try the local variety of crab or sapateira as it is called by the Portuguese people. It is simply divine.

The real meat lovers will find a myriad of dishes: from a roasted pig with a golden crust to milk lamb and juicy beef steak. Cheese gourmets will appreciate the delicate taste of fresh sheep cheese or enjoy a richer taste of aged varieties.

Wine: white, red, famous Porto and even green wine, which can be found only in Portugal. We have to mention local coffee. You need to taste the infinitely delicious Portuguese coffee. The aroma of fresh coffee is in the air since the morning. It disappears only when the last cafe is closed.

Soul

Soul

It's worth noting that Fado is the real soul of Portugal. It's a very special type of music that breaks the heart and causes tears in the eyes. This music is about the endless longing and sadness. This music is about things from the past, which can't be brought back to the present times.

It is about the sailors who didn't return from the voyage, about the tragic love, about the years passing by. The spiritual music of Fado is like a cry, but if you listen to the intonation of the performer and the music, you will surely understand the entire story and the depth of sadness.

No wonder Fado is the soul. As long as the Portuguese people remember their history, their soul lives and sings about the thing called...

Saudade

Saudade

This word is not translated into any language of the world, it is much more than longing and nostalgia.

It's a passion for life. It is an awareness of the passage of time and the fact that you can't always control your destiny. It is about the insatiable romance and images. This is what you dream about and are afraid to say out loud

It is the process of finding inner peace when you watch the sunset. This is the understanding of happiness and the ability to see it in simplicity and small joys. It is a life of passion on the edge of reality and desire.

Saudade is all about Portugal with its history, geography, traditions, and culture.

Time

Time

Time can't be bought with money, but Portugal is worth any time spent. In Portugal, everything can be solved and discussed during a leisurely lunch or dinner. Here, the ordinary meal is elevated to the rank of a social ritual.

It's worth noting that Portugal feels confident and mature enough to relax and unwind. This country is like a wise old man who has lived a long and fulfilling life and took a moment to appreciate the sights and views, good cheese and bread, delicious fish and wine...

We recommend spending a few days in Alentejo or in a small town near the ocean. By doing so, you will feel that the time starts moving slower, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the moment. Time is the treasure of Portugal.

Romance

Romance

Local parks, palaces, castles, fountains, and sunsets look like the scenery for an old movie. Take a look at old trams and narrow cobbled streets.

Take a ride along the old railway located on the banks of the Douro. Take a chance to witness the train that moves at the speed of 30 km/h and takes you towards the magnificent scenery. It will pass the steep slopes, move along old stations covered with tiles.

You will see romance everywhere in Portugal. Even the air is special here.

Iuliia Smaglii

About Us

DiscoverPortugal is a online travel guide to Portugal. We collected the most interesting and useful information.

Portugal is the country that discovered the world, and now it is time to discover Portugal with DiscoverPortugal.
info@discoverportugal.ru

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