Vantage World Travel

Portugal General Information

Lisbon is a vast garden abounding with flowers and tropical plants. The city’s appeal lies in the magnificent vistas from its many belvederes and in the tree-lined avenues and squares decorated with mosaic pavements. Spreading out along the right bank of the Tagus, its downtown, the Baixa, is located in the 18th century area around Rossio. East of the arcaded Praca do Comercio, are the medieval quarters of Alfama and Mouraria, crowned by the magnificent St. George’s Castle. The Alfama is a charming Moorish quarter with narrow, twisting streets that lead from the Tagus (Tejo) river to the 10 towers of St. George’s Castle. The castle affords a prime view of the city. To the west lie Bairro Alto and Madragoa, with their typical streets, and on the western extreme lies Belem, with three visual delights: the 16thcentury Tower of Belem, the point from which navigators embarked upon their voyages; the late -Gothic-style Jeronimos Monastery (masterpieces of Manueline architecture and classified in UNESCO’s International Heritage list) ; and the Monument to the Discoveries overlooking the broad Tagus.

Restaurants and cafes are a center of nightlife in Lisbon. The haunting songs of fate (fado), a Portuguese version of the blues are performed to the accompaniment of romantic guitars. The restaurants are found in the old quarters of the city. Specialties include ceramic tiles, pottery, silver, filigree jewelry, tapestries, hand-sewn carpets, embroidery and lace, glazed earthenware, copperware, linens, crystal and porcelain. Street vendors are commonplace and bargaining is expected. The Baixa district is the main shopping area in Lisbon; some stores there will produce custom-made shoes on short notice. The area where the last World’s Fair of this century (EXPO 98) was held is today called the Nations Park, and here are to be found the great Lisbon aquarium, restaurants, leisure activities as well as shows and exhibitions.

Museums: Ancient Art, Chiado (Contemporary Art), Tile, Archeology, Design, Ethnology, Coach, Costume, Theatre, Maritime, Military, City, Gulbenkian, Modern Art Center, and the Ricardo Espirito Santo Silva Foundation.
Palaces open to the public: Ajuda and Fronteira. Churches: Cathedral (with treasury); Sao Vicente de Fora; Conceicao Velha (Manueline); Sao Roque (with a sacred art museum); Madre Deus; Santa Engracia Pantheon (Baroque), and Estrela Basilica.
Shopping: downtown; Avenida de Roma, Praca de Londres, Avenida Guerra Junqueiro and shopping centers Amoreiras, Colombo and Vasco da Gama.
Nightlife: Bairro Alto and Avenida 24 de Julho, riverside discos and bars.

The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost province, offers a Moorish influence, year round sunshine, more than 150 miles of superb sandy beaches, golf courses and casinos. Albufeira, the largest resort center, has caves and grottoes along the beach. Faro, capital of the region, has maritime and historical museums.

Madeira, 90 minutes by plane from Lisbon, is a semi-tropical island paradise with fishing villages, coastal cliffs, tiny hamlets cradled in mountain dells, peaks rising more than 2,000 feet and rolling hills that look down on plains blanketed with flowers.

The Azores, nine mid-Atlantic islands 750 miles west of Lisbon, are said by some to be the Lost Continent of Atlantis. Volcanic in origin, they are rich in brilliant foliage, lush vegetation and magnificent scenery.

Tejo Valley - The imposing Tagus river (Tejo) flows alongside Lisboa from east to west gracing the landscape with a broad blue estuary and creating, before and around the city, a wide, green and fertile plain: the leziria. The whole green river valley is home of deeply rooted cultural traditions. Near the capital lies the town of Sintra renowned for its marvelous vegetation and landscape. And crowning it is famous Palacio da Pena. Its fabulous romantic architecture keeps ‘vivid the atmosphere of a truly royal residence. On the Atlantic coast, stretching to the north and west of Lisbon, the landscape swiftly changes from high, sweeping cliffs to beaches of white sand, flanked by lagoons. Here, at Cabo da Roca, is Europe’s westernmost point. This is a region of enchanting coastal villages or towns such as Peniche and Nazare, where the brightly colored fishing boats still ply their trade. Further inland, at Alcobaca, Tomar and Batalha, are to be found the ancient monasteries and convents of the religious orders. They stand as witnesses to Portugal’s rich historical and cultural traditions along with the ancient castles that loom above Leiria, Tomar, Obidos or Santarem. Lisboa, the capital of Portugal since 1255, was conquered from the Moors by Portugal’s first king in 1147. Lisbon, dazzlingly stretching along the banks of the Tagus, is an enchanting capital. Around the fortress where the city originally started, there are quarters drenched with medieval charm and lined with picturesque houses whose facades are decked with ornate ceramic tiles. At dusk and into the night, the sound of traditional Fado folk songs escapes form many a restaurant or home. But the capital also provides ample opportunity for shopping. Batalha Portuguese Gothic masterpiece with Santa Maria da Vitoria Monastery (14th – 16th C.), a national landmark. Cascais and Estoril Renowned worldwide as an important tourism spot (casino, golf course and racing track) and stylish summer resort Fatima One of the most important Marian centers of pilgrimage in the catholic world built where it is said that Our Lady appeared to the three shepherds.

Leiria Eith its striking medieval royal castle hanging atop the graceful old town. Obidos Completely enclosed by lofty medieval walls, with whitewashed houses brightened by bougainvilleas offers a great posada located in the converted massively-towered castle Queluz Summer palace of the kings of Portugal in the 18th century, it boasts beautiful gardens and houses an important collection of arts. Within the property stands the Pousada D. Maria. Santarem Castle of Roman origin overlooking Portas do Sol (Sun Gates) and opening on to a panoramic view of the Tagus river. Sesimbra Picturesque small fishing town, with a medieval castle atop a hill. Setubal The castle includes a pousada, overlooking Setual. Sintra Famous for its National Palace with its beautiful painted rooms and huge pair of conical chimneys. HANDICRAFTS Wicker baskets and other objects , Copper utensils, Embroideries and lace, Pottery, artistic and popular ceramics (Caldas da Rainha) - Local Gastronomy Fish soups and stews, Fish and seafood, Barbecued sardines and mackerel, Eels (stew and marinade), Azeitao and cottage cheeses, Sweets: queijadas (cheese tarts) from Sintra and pasteis de Belem (custard tarts) from Lisbon. Wines: Arruda, Carcavelos, Colares, Palmela, Bucelas, Moscatel (Setubal) - Festivities Popular Saints’ Celebrations - Lisbon, June ; Estoril Handicrafts Fair - July and August ; Festas do Colete Encarnado - Vila Franca de Xira, July ; Tabuleiros Festival - Tomar, July ; Carnival - Ovar, Torres Vedras ; Santiago Fair - Setubal, July and August ; Sea Festival - Sesimbra, September ; National Gastronomy and Handicrafts Festival - Santarem, October, November ; Horse Fair - Golega, November

North Portugal - The Douro river is the longest in northern Portugal. It winds its sinuous way past mountains and cliffs until it reaches the Atlantic near the city of Porto. Between Mesao Frio and Pinhao lies the stretch where the valley sides are lined with terraced vineyards that produce the famous Port wine. Signs of prehistoric men are seen in the ancient cave paintings in Vila Nova de Foz Coa. Elsewhere, medieval castles and convents or Romanesque little churches dot the landscape. History, too, is evoked by the manor houses, such as the Baroque mansion at Mateus, near Vila Real, or in the great 17th century sanctuaries, such as Nossa Senhora dos Remedios in Lamego. The region is a perfect place for mountain trekking, canoeing, resting or simply enjoying the beautiful beaches, summer resorts and enchanting villages. Porto is without doubt the main city in northern Portugal. It has an international airport and all the charms of a riverside community. Three towns that set the tone for this charming area of Portugal are Viana do Castelo, lying upon the estuary of the Lima river; Braga, rich in ecclesiastical history; and the medieval Guimaraes. The local traditions show strong Celtic influence, and reveal how Christian rituals were grafted onto a much older pagan heritage. Porto The North’s most important city lent its name to the famous wine and to Portugal. One must stroll around its typical quarters (especially the area on the waterside, the zona ribeirinha) and its bustling downtown.
Barcelos Medieval walled town with a dungeon of the same epoch. Braga Founded by the Celts in 300 B.C. and a Roman administrative center in 27 B.C., Bracara Augusta, as the Romans named it, combines the religious importance with today’s commercial and industrial prosperity.

Braganca Majestic city, with medieval castle and walls. Its Domus Municipalis is a unique example of civic Romanesque architecture in Portugal. Chaves Crossing the Tamega river, the Roman Bridge is one of the most characteristic images of the city. Guimaraes Portugal’s birthplace, with medieval castle and walls, houses a magnificently well preserved historic center.

Viana do Castelo Spread along the north bank of the Lima estuary (where one can take trips on typical boats), this town is famous for its handicrafts and colorful regional costumes. Vila Nova de Foz Coa This is the center for visits to the Coa Archaeological Park, and bed of where a set of cave paintings were discovered on the banks the river Coa, and which date from the upper Paleolithic period. Ponte de Lima Beautiful small town with a Roman bridge and medieval towers. The region is renowned for its large number of manor houses. Local Gastronomy Caldo verde (green cabbage and spicy sausage soup), Bacalhau (cod fish cooked in many different ways), Feiloada a transmontana (bean stew), Trouts, Rabanadas, papos-de-arro, barrigas-de-freiras (sweetmeats). Wines: vinhos verdes, Port wine, wines of the Douro region - Handicrafts Embroideries, linen, textiles and tapestry, Jewelry and filigree, Popular ceramics and pottery, Works in wood, leather, copper, tin, wrought-iron, wicker and osier - Festivities Holy Week Festivities - Braga ; St. John’s Festivities - Porto, June ; St. Torquatus Pilgrimage - Guimardes, July ; Senhora da Agonia Festivities - Viana do Castelo, August ; Festivities of Senhora do Amparo and Sao Tiago Fair ; Mirandela, July-August ; Senhora dos Remedios Festivities - Lamego, September

Beiras - This region offer the contrast of the extensive beaches and fishing villages lying along the coast, with an interior landscape dominated by mountains. It runs south of Douro river and north of Tagus river. Nature has blessed this region with ancient forests (like the Bucaco woodlands) and healing waters that gave rise to spa towns, such as Curia and Luso. In the heart of this hinterland rises the Serra da Estrela (Estrela Mountain Range), the highest in continental Portugal. Along its ridges are historic towns and villages, many of them are guarded by castles built by the early kings of Portugal for the kingdom’s defense. In the bigger towns, such as Coimbra, Aveiro, Viseu, Guarda or Castelo Branco, museum collections reveal treasures of unexpected quality. As for traditional arts and crafts, this region is rich in glass-working and ceramic skills, linen weaving, and copper and iron smithing. Dao is both the name of the river and the “appelation” for a wine-growing region that produces excellent vintages. There is no better way to get to know the inhabitants of this region and their lifestyle, as well as the landscape itself, than to follow the “wine route,” stopping off at vineyards and cellars for a well-earned “degustation”.

Aveiro Famous for its lagoon, this town is crisscrossed by canals where colorfully painted moliceiro boats sail. Belmonte The town is situated at the top of a hill over which towers a fine castle, In one of its mighty walls is a particularly fine Manueline window showing the flowery Gothic style characteristic of the period of King Manuel 1st.

Bucaco Majestic forest, where stands the royal palace of Bucaco, of Neomanueline architecture, built in the 19th century, and currently an hotel de charme. Castello Branco Around the 13th century castle lies a medieval quarter, with its Manueline portals. In the old Episcopal Palace, is the Francisco Tavares Proenca Junior Museum. Coimbra One of Europe’s oldest university towns, it has kept its secular academic traditions, as seen in the black-caped students, in the soulful tones of the “fado de Coimbra” (traditional song sung to the sound of guitars by the students) and in the Queima das Fitas, a boisterous celebration of the students’ graduating year (Burning of the Ribbons), Conimbriga is situated 16 km south of Coimbra. It was a point on the Roman road that came from Sellium (Fornar) and made its way to Aeminium (Coimbra). It is still surrounded by the original walls, and visitors can see colored mosaics, as well as figurative and patterned illustrations in an excellent state of conservation. Figueira da Foz Summer resort on the mouth of the Mondego river (long, sandy beaches and water sports facilities). Guarda The walls, the towers, the old Jewish quarter and the houses of Dom Joao I and Barbadao call to mind the days of the town’s medieval splendor. Viseu With fortifications of the probable campings left by the imperial legions from Rome, the town keeps remains of the Gothic walls and the ancient doors of the 15th – 16th centuries. Historic villages These ancient population centers, dating back before the establishment of the Portuguese nation, are characteristic of Beiras region, in central Portugal. Here military architecture prevails, the entire settlement being surrounded by strong walls.

Local Gastronomy Fish and seafood, Roast suckling pig and lamb stew, Sausages and smoked meats, Cheeses: Serra da Estrela, Alcains, Castelo Branco Sweets: custard, hard and sweet biscuits and pancakes egg sweets and sponge cake - Wines: Dao, Lafoes, rose, and Bairrada sparkling wines. HANDICRAFTS Vista Alegre porcelain, Hand-painted ceramics from Coimbra, Glass and crystal from Alcobaca, Linen, wool and cotton, Embroidered silk bedspreads from Castelo Branco, Ceramics and black pottery, Lace (bilros), Copper and wrought-iron works – Festivities:
Queima das Fitas (Burning of the Ribbons) - Coimbra, May ; Rainha Santa Festivities - Coimbra, July ; Celebrations of the Bugaco Battle - Buqaco, September ; Festivity of the Crosses - Monsanto, May ; Sao Mateus Fair - Viseu, September

Alentejo - The region is an incredible melting pot of successive cultures: dolmens and cromlechs, Roman and Arab vestiges mingling with the most recent signs of Christianity, of which the numerous medieval castles that stand out in the vast plain are but one example. To the northeast are the beautiful villages and towns which make up the so-called Rota dos Castelos (Castle Route): Nisa, Castelo de Vide, Marvao, Portalegre and Alter do Chao. Further south, the landscape becomes warmer and flatter; around Evora (one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal), are Monsaraz, Vila Vicosa, Estremoz, and Arraiolos (renowned for its hand made tapestries, based on traditional drawings from the 17th and 18th centuries). Driving on to the south, the vast plains become less inhabited and sunnier, the only shade being provide by olive trees and oak trees, and the only amenity being provided by refreshing dams. A trip to Alvito, Beja (where one can stay in historic pousadas), Serpa and Mertola will be worth your time. The coastline to the west offers the visitor magnificent Atlantic beaches. As the region with the highest thermal amplitude (going down to 5’C or up to 33’C), Alentejo is a dispersely populated region with quite open horizons, where the rhythm of life follows the idle sound of regional songs.
Beja Ancient Roman town, it was a Muslim cultural center later on. Castelo de Vide Thermal spa, with medieval castle and Jewish quarter (15th century synagogue).

Elvas Fortress town, with Roman-Arab castle and Amoreiras Aqueduct (15th –17th centuries). Estremoz Town crowned by a 13th century castle, with a citadel (currently a pousada) and Santa Isabel Chapel (18th century). Evora Museum town of Roman origins, with the historic center boasting a Roman temple, located close to the Cathedral. Marvao To the south of Castelo de Vide is the town of Marvao, notable for its impressive castle (13th – 14th centuries) and the wonderful views this affords. Santiago do Cacem This is a village lying to the south of Setubal, Its majestic castle of Arab origin was completely rebuilt by the Christians in the 12th century. Monsaraz Beautiful medieval village, with castle, walls and fortifications. Portalegre Amongst the towers and walls of the medieval castle stand the Pacos do Concelho and Hospital da Misericordia. Troia Set on a peninsula overlooking the south bank of river Sado, Troia has a number of important Roman remains, especially of an important industrial complex used for salting fish, an activity in this region in Roman times. Vila Vicosa The Duke’s palace belongs to the House of Braganqa, the last Portuguese dynasty.

Local Gastronomy - Carne de porco a alentejana (pork with clams and coriander) and migas, Coriander bread soup, Rabbit and hare, Soups (fish, tomato, gaspacho), Kid and lamb stews, Egg sweets, Cheeses: Nisa, Serpa and Evora, Red and white wines: Borba, Redondo, Vidigueira, Cuba and Alvito. - Handicraft - Arrajolos rugs, Portalegre tapestries, Nisa embroideries, Wrought-iron works, Hand-painted furniture, Leather goods, Glazed and painted pottery and earthenware. - Festivities - St.John’s Fair - Evora, July ; Museu Alberto - Monsaraz, July ; Classic music festival - Evora, July ; Semana do Guadiana - Alandroal, May ; Wine festival - Borba, November ; Ovibeja - Agriculture fair and festivals, Beja - March

Algarve - Situated on the extreme South of Portugal, this part of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese king Dom Afonso III, in 1292. Traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. In the northern part of Algarve, the ranges of Espinhaco de Cao, Monchique and Caldeirao shelter the coast from strong winds. This brightly colored region, with its fig trees, orange groves and almond trees in blossom, is also the most verdant and fertile. The southern coastline consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, broken up by extraordinary rugged cliffs and fantastic grottoes. Visitors are attracted here by idyllic temperatures (average temperature in winter of WC and 24′C in summer, rarely going below 12′C during winter and reaching as high as 28′C or 30′C in July and August), which are ideal for playing golf and other sports.

Faro The capital of the district, with a medieval wall and a large number of monuments. Lagos Enclosed within 15th century walls, with its Manueline window, are the magnificent churches of Sao Sebastiao (Renaissance portals and 17th -18th C tiles), Santa Maria or Misericordia (16th –19th C), Santo Antanio (Baroque) and the very old Sao Joao Chapel (8th – 9th C). Portimao Nearby visit Praia da Rocha with its Santa Catarina de Ribamar Fortress, and the Roman ruins of Abicada. Sagres It was here that five centuries ago Prince Henry set up a school of navigation, which played a crucial role in the Portuguese Discoveries.

Silves Stones of different times and cultures overlap in this town: the castle and walls are of Arab origin; the Gothic Cathedral (having undergone several restoration works) was built on the site of an ancient mosque; the 12th century bridge was built where formerly stood a Roman bridge. Tavira With its inviting long beaches, typical roofs and chimneys, this picturesque town offers a beautiful view over the Gilao river and its Roman bridge. In the suburbs, in the village of Luz there is a Renaissance church, which has been a pilgrimage place for many centuries.

Regional Gastronomy - Fish soups, Fish and seafood, Tuna fish cooked in onions, Sweets: fig, almond and egg sweets - Handicrafts - Wicker and osier objects, Straw hats and baskets, Copper and tin objects, Wooden objects, Ceramics from Porches - Festivities - LouIe Carnival, Procession of Nossa Senhora da Pledade or Mae Soberana - LouIe, May ; Senhora do Carmo Festivities and Fair - Faro, July ; Senhora dos Martires Festivities and Fair - Castro Marim, August ; Algarve Folk Music and Dance Festival - different locations, September ; Santa Ina Fair - Faro, October ; October Fair - Monchique

Açores - Situated 1460 km from the European coast and 3750 km from North America, the archipelago of the Acores was discovered during the first half of the 15th century by Portuguese navigators. Consisting of nine islands, it is divided into three groups: the eastern (Sao Miguel and Santa Maria), the central (Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial), and the western (Corvo and Flores). The enchanting archipelago offers the visitor sapphire blue and emerald green lakes, fertile prairies, volcanic cones and craters, colorful hydrangeas and azaleas, 15th century churches and majestic manor houses. This legendary land enjoys year-round mild temperatures (between 14’C and 22′C-57′F and 71′F) and is a peaceful shelter with a population of 250,000 inhabitants, for whom the words “stress” and “pollution” are not part of their vocabulary.

Santa Maria Island Offers excellent water sports facilities. Sao Miguel Island The largest of all. In Ponta Delgada, the capital, the famous 18th century portals open up to a number of monuments that are worth visiting, most of them built between the 16th and the 18th century. Terceira Island The historic center of its capital, Angra do Heroismo, has been classified in UNESCO’s International Heritage list. Graciosa Island In Santa Cruz da Graciosa you will find ancient streets and manor-houses, and beautiful churches. Faial Island In Horta, a famous yacht harbor, look at the beautiful tiles and gilded carvings in the 17th and 18th century churches of Sao Salvador, Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Sao Francisco. Pico Island Owes its name to the 2351 m high volcanic cone.

Sao Jorge Island Velas, with its fishing port, is the main town with admirable manor houses. Flores Island Visit Santa Cruz, with its manors and churches and take trips to Ribeira Grande Waterfall, to the Gruta dos Enxareus (by boat) and to Lagoas (seven lakes surrounded by flowers). Corvo Island The smallest of all and a peaceful sanctuary.

Regional Gastronomy - Cozido clas furnas (stew made in the hot springs), Rumpsteaks, Octopus stewed in wine, Barnacles and limpets, Cheeses, Vinho de cheiro, verdelho (wine) and liqueurs - Handicrafts - Wicker baskets and furniture, Miniatures in fig tree pith, Embroideries and lace, Blankets and bedspreads, Artificial flowers made with fish scales, Blue and white ceramics - Festivities - Holy Ghost Festivities - Every sunday between April and June ; Senhor Santo Cristo Festivities - Ponta Delgada, May ; Sanjoaninas Festivities - Angra do Heroismo, June
Bullfighting with ropes - Terceira, from May to October; Sea Week -Horta, August.

Madeira - Between the verdant hills and the blue ocean, Madeira lies 1000 km southwest of Lisbon and 800 km from the coast of Africa, offering the delights of a subtropical climate. An archipelago of volcanic origin, discovered in 1419 by Portuguese navigators, it consists of the island of Madeira (the largest and more populated, with its capital in Funchal), the island of Porto Santo, and two groups of uninhabited islands: the Desertas and the Selvagens (bird sanctuaries). On their own, the meandering roads in Madeira (stage for a highly competitive rally) are a sight to see, as one wanders amongst trees, belvederes and waterfalls. Approached by ship, Madeira offers an unforgettable sight: the mountains dropping straight onto the valleys, the dense vegetation growing on mountain terraces, split by steep cliffs and dotted with white houses. The island’s exceptional climate (between 16′C and 25′C - 61′F and 76oF) and legendary natural beauty have made this a chosen destination. The beautiful assortment of flowers and tropical fruits, mild temperature of the ocean water and natural pools, a wealthy cultural heritage, luxurious hotels and Funchal’s cosmopolitan life (bars, discotheques and casino) are but a few of the available charms found here. “Madeira” is also a synonym for the renowned hearty wine, which has been spreading its name and the taste of its home island worldwide.

Funchal The island’s capital, with manors and gardens that descend into the ocean, evokes a natural Nativity scene. Camara de Lobos the fishing port, with its colorful boats, is one of the sights which Winston Churchill had from his terrace when he dedicated himself to painting back in the 1950’s. Machico Seaside historic town. Terreiro da Luta Next to the Monte Church, this belvedere, which overlooks Funchal, is also the departure point to an unforgettable experience: a “toboggan” ride in a wheel-less vehicle, expertly driven by two men down the steep slope to the capital. Porto Moniz On the coast and famous for its natural pools in volcanic reefs. If you continue on to Sao Vicente, you will be dazzled by the beauty of the road along the ocean, driving along abysses, tunnels and waterfalls. Curral das Freiras Situated in the crater of an extinct volcano, this village, in the island’s deepest valley, has kept its Santa Clara Convent (16th century), where nuns used to hide from the pirates who regularly pillaged Madeira. Ilha de Porto Santo With its 9 km of white sandy beaches, the centre of this paradise-like island is Vila Baleeira. Santana Picturesque village where you will find enchanting cottages with pointed thatched roofs.

Regional Gastronomy - Sword-fish and seafood, Espetadas (meat on laurel spits), Tuna fish steaks, Fried corn, Honey cake, Madeira wines: verdelho, malmsey, and others, Liqueurs Handicrafts - Embroideries and tapestries, Wicker and broom works (baskets and furniture), Red-rimmed leather boots - Festivities - Flower Festival - Funchal, April ; Sao Pedro Festivities - Ribeira Brava, June ; Music Festival - Funchal, June ; Nossa Senhora do Monte Festivities - Terrelro da Luta, August ; Sao Sivestre Festivities - Funchal, 31st December.

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