Traveling to Portugal is a unique and unforgettable experience. The European country, known for its rich history and culture, offers tourists a variety of options for places to visit and activities to do. From the most popular cities to the least visited, #portugal is a destination that should be on any traveller's bucket list.
Portugal is one of the most charming and welcoming countries in Europe, with a rich history and culture that dates back thousands of years. If you're looking for a travel destination that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, delicious cuisine and friendly people, Portugal is the perfect place for you.
Places to visit in Portugal (trust me…)
Portugal is a small country, but with many tourist attractions. Here are some of the places you can't miss:
Lisbon: Portugal's capital is a vibrant city with a laid-back atmosphere and many tourist attractions, including São Jorge Castle, Jeronimos Monastery and the famous Alfama district.
Porto: the city of Porto is famous for its port wine and its historic architecture, including the Clérigos Tower and the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Sintra: This picturesque town is known for its palaces and castles, including the Pena National Palace and Moorish Castle.
Algarve: The Algarve region is famous for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, as well as a lively nightlife.
Azores: This volcanic archipelago is a nature lover's paradise, with stunning scenery, hiking trails and whale watching.
Another important point to be highlighted is that Portugal has several seasons of the year favorable for visitation. In summer, the beaches are the highlight, but it is also possible to enjoy the popular festivals that take place in several cities in the country.
In autumn and spring, the landscapes are even more incredible with the fallen leaves and flowers in bloom. And in winter, the snow in the mountains and the fireplaces lit in the hotels provide a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
But why visit Portugal, since there is a historical controversy between Brazil and Portugal? The answer is simple: put differences aside and value the historical importance that Portugal has for Brazilians.
The history between Brazil and Portugal is complex and often controversial, but that shouldn't stop Brazilians from visiting Portugal. (I am talking about these conversations that I read on the internet, mainly from “experts” — the quotation marks are emphasized, that Brazil is only poor because of Portuguese colonization… I do not agree, but that is a discussion for another text…) In fact, history of Portugal is an integral part of Brazil's history, and many of the country's most important places are linked to Brazil's history.
For example, the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon was built with money from Brazil's spice trade, while the National Palace of Queluz was the residence of the Portuguese royal family before they fled to Brazil during the Napoleonic invasions.
In addition, Portugal is a warm and friendly country with a rich and vibrant culture that is well worth exploring. When visiting Portugal, you will have the opportunity to try delicious food, meet interesting people and discover incredible places that you never imagined.
After all, it was Portugal that colonized Brazil and left a cultural and historical legacy that is still present in our country. Visiting Portugal is an opportunity to learn more about our roots and better understand our own history.
In addition, #portugal is a country that welcomes Brazilian tourists very well. The language is the same, the cuisine is delicious and the friendliness of the Portuguese is contagious. It is possible to feel at home in Portugal, but at the same time experience a different and enriching culture.
When I traveled there, I saw these places, and I recommend them...
Portugal is a country rich in history and culture, with many monuments that are true works of art and attract tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the main monuments in Portugal:
Torre de Belém: located in Lisbon, the Torre de Belém is one of the most iconic monuments in Portugal. Built in the 16th century, the tower was originally used as an outpost to protect the city from invaders.
Jerónimos Monastery, I already mentioned it, but I will emphasize: also in Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most important examples of Manueline architecture in Portugal. Built in the 16th century, the monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the tombs of Vasco da Gama (the navigator, not the team, lol…) and Luís de Camões.
Palácio Nacional da Pena: located in Sintra, the Palácio Nacional da Pena is one of the most exotic monuments in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, the palace is a blend of architectural styles including Gothic, Manueline and Moorish.
Alcobaça Monastery: founded in the 12th century, the Alcobaça Monastery is one of the most important Cistercian monuments in Portugal. The monastery is known for its Gothic architecture and the tombs of Pedro and Inês de Castro.
Convento de Cristo: located in Tomar, the Convent of Christ is one of the most impressive monuments in Portugal. Built in the 12th century, the convent was the seat of the Knights Templar and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Castelo de Guimarães: considered the birthplace of the Portuguese nation, the Castle of Guimarães is one of the most important monuments in Portugal. Built in the 10th century, the castle is an example of medieval military architecture.
Mafra National Palace: built in the 18th century, the Mafra National Palace is one of the most impressive monuments in Portugal. The palace is known for its Baroque architecture and its library, which houses more than 40,000 books, (imagine how I stayed there, as I am addicted to reading…).
(of these, I didn't put the pictures on purpose, so as not to spoil the experience…)
So, if you are planning a trip to Europe, be sure to include Portugal in your itinerary. Discover the historic cities, idyllic beaches and rich culture of this enchanting country.
And remember: leave differences aside and value the historical importance that Portugal has for Brazil.
You won't regret it!
And enjoy that you've come this far and, as I mentioned Camões, see the text I wrote about his main work:
And about Fernando Pessoa: