The rolling hills and lush forests of the north, the cobbled streets of the cities, the sun-kissed south – there’s a world to explore within Portugal. The Portuguese are keen on tradition and you’ll find their cafés and cuisine maintaining culinary customs that have been passed down through the centuries.
A valley of vitality
The Douro Valley, in the north of the country, is lush and fertile. It’s home to the port grape and the magnificent city of Porto that gives it its name. It’s a city that seems to rise steeply from the river, with the famous 19th century Dom Luis I bridge separating the main town from Vila Nova de Gaia.
It’s a city built for strolling, where you’ll see humble churches covered in traditional azulejo tiles, and charming public places such as Batalha Square. While away some time here over a coffee and the delicious custard tarts called pastel de nata. If you see one landmark, make it the Igreja de Sao Francisco – the Gothic exterior hides an incredibly lavish baroque interior.
Sultry Sintra
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the town of Sintra, west of Lisbon, has long been a place for royalty and the rich to escape the searing summer heat of the cities. Much of the architecture here derives from Romanticism and, combined with the lush green forests, makes for a place of charm, enchantment and whimsy.
It’s encapsulated in the Palacio Nacional da Pena, a riot of lemon, blue, red and Moorish elements that rises above the town.
Lisbon’s lanes
Close by is the capital itself, with its reputed seven hills. One of Europe’s most lively and interesting cities, it’s a place of warren-like streets, especially if you take the funicular up to the Bairro Alto district, an area that comes into its own at night.
Join the natives at the Mercado da Ribeira, a bustling and colorful market that also houses a new food court where dozens of outlets utilize the freshest possible produce. It’s the place to try the very best of Portuguese food, both traditional and modern.
Fall for Faro
Sun-seekers often head to the Algarve’s endless beaches, great golf courses and abundance of grilled sardines without lingering in Faro. It’s a shame – it’s a fine city that has retained its old grandeur in the face of mass tourism.
Wander the medieval areas and explore Faro Cathedral, largely built in the 13th and 14th centuries. The tower here affords a bird’s-eye view of the city. The 18th century Igreja do Carmo is a Rococo church worth seeing, especially for the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) at its rear. Finish your visit with a meal at the harbor – fresh fish from the day’s catch served as the sun goes down. Our pick-up at Faro offers the perfect gateway to the whole to the Algarve.
Car rental in Portugal is the perfect way to explore the cities, towns and beaches of this endlessly endearing country.