Although most folks envision red roofs and yellow streetcars—which, admittedly, are both an integral part of the country—Portugal has so much more to offer, especially if you branch out from Lisbon. Whether you enjoy history, art, wine, or food, there is something for you every step of the way. It’s a country that combines the ancient with the modern, which is only natural as deep roots continue to influence the area today. It’s a place full of the unexpected, which will delight you as you experience the beauty of Portugal.
Here are 5 things you will discover while exploring Portugal:
Street Art in Lisbon, Portugal
Every city has lovely street art.
One thing that most surprises folks about Portugal is the abundance of street art. Lisbon and other cities are peppered with beautiful pieces, from simple tagging to elaborately meaningful works of art. Originally started as an outward expression of Portugal’s revolution in the 1970s, artists still paint colorful, expressive pieces. If you’re on the fence about these pieces—I was at first!—taking a walking street art tour can open your mind and reveal the historical nature. Of course, some works are more detailed than others, but they all add so much to Portugal’s cityscapes.
The wine region has a deep history.
Of course, folks expect California and Italy to have an abundance of wine, but Portugal has a beautiful region of its own. Along the Douro River is an area where the Romans initially produced wine in the 2nd century. Drinking port wine in this region makes you feel like you are a part of the area’s longstanding history. Plus, the river and rolling hills offer gorgeous views as you sip. Many wineries offer tours to see how wine is made, from harvesting fruit to putting labels on the bottles.
Additionally, the northern part of Portugal produces green wine, which isn’t green in color. Instead, the name comes from the mixture of six white grapes, which creates an earthy, herbaceous flavor, hence the name “green.” So you can sound like a pro and order vinho verde while in the country.
Early Moorish influence is evident in the tiles.
From Lisbon to Porto and beyond, buildings are covered in gorgeous tile. Although the primary colors are blue and white, you will often see yellow, green, and red appear. The Moors originally introduced these tiles during their long history in the Iberian peninsula, but the Portuguese loved the beauty and how the tiles protected their buildings’ facades. The influence has endured through the centuries, and Portugal adopted this style of the exterior as their own. Some shops, such as ones in Sintra, sell original tiles, which come at a price due to their historic nature. However, you can purchase new tiles to pay homage to the beauty of Portugal.
Another tip is to look below your feet for tile. Although it’s not as colorful as the ones on the buildings, the patterns underfoot are equally as lovely. From large designs throughout central squares to smaller pieces denoting street numbers, the black and white tiles add so much to the quintessential feel of Portugal’s streets.
Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon, Portugal.
The unassuming egg tart may fast become a favorite.
Bakeries abound throughout Portugal, and if you frequent them, you’ll undoubtedly come across the pastéis de nata, which is a custard egg tart. It’s delightfully sweet with a top reminiscent of creme-brulee in a pastry crust. They’re relatively small at the size of a short muffin, so don’t feel guilty having two! Plus, because they are a Portuguese staple, they’re one of the most inexpensive treats to pick up at the local bakery.
You can visit a fairytale city.
If history, beauty, and royalty fascinate you, you simply must visit Sintra, which is full of gorgeous buildings that once housed the elite. The colorful Palácio da Pena sits on top of a hill overlooking the valley. Although the inside is beautiful, the outside is what everyone raves about seeing. It’s quite the juxtaposition that the Castle of the Moors is almost right next door. Although this Moorish castle is so old that it only consists of rock walls, the views from the borders are unmatched.
Then there is the Quinta da Regaleira, where you can wander the gardens and even go underground via the initiation wells. Finally, in the middle of the town is the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, although it may not prove as interesting as some of the other palaces in town. However, Sintra itself is a treat with its quaint nature and wandering central area filled with shops and cafes that make you feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal
No matter your reasoning for heading to Portugal, the country—and Traverse Journeys’ itinerary—offer the perfect mix of activities. Experience the rich history while eating and sipping along the way. Whether you gain an appreciation for street art like I did or buy your favorite port wine to take home (like I also did!), the country is waiting for you to experience its sights and flavors.
More travel tips for you:
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