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Évora
Portugal
Perched on the Atlantic on the far edge of Europe, Portugal preserves a salty, traditional culture. Gnarled fishermen still mend their nets, and rustically clad women sell fish and produce in markets. But along with the old, you'll also find the modern, especially in the culturally rich capital of Lisbon and the second city of Porto. If your idea of good travel includes friendly locals (who generally speak English), a rich culture, affordable prices, a thriving urban scene, seaside resort towns, exotic architecture, windswept castles, and fresh seafood with chilled wine on a beach at sunset…you've chosen the right destination.
Places
At a Glance
▲▲▲ Lisbon Lively, hilly port and capital, with fascinating neighborhoods, historic trolleys, grand squares, fine art, foodie delights, and a soundtrack of soulful fado.
▲▲▲ Algarve Portugal's sunny southern coast, strung with the simple fishing village of Salema, the historic "end of the road" of Cape Sagres, the beach-party town of Lagos, and friendly Tavira.
▲▲ Sintra Formerly aristocratic retreat just outside Lisbon, known for its striking setting, fairy-tale castles, and beautiful gardens.
▲▲ Évora Whitewashed college town with big Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese history encircled by its medieval wall, set amid the rustic Alentejo heartland.
▲▲ Nazaré Traditional fishing village turned small-town Atlantic resort, and good jumping-off point for day trips within central Portugal.
▲▲ Coimbra Portugal's Oxford, home to an Arab-flavored old town and bustling with students from its prestigious university.
▲▲ Porto Gritty but up-and-coming second city with scenic riverfront, steep and picturesque neighborhoods, lively shopping streets, and port-wine tastings.
▲ Douro Valley Pretty, terraced valley and birthplace of port wine, lined with ample vineyard-set quintas offering wine tastings and accommodations.
▲ Óbidos Photogenic walled town long known as Portugal's "wedding city."
Fátima Pilgrimage destination famous for 1917 Virgin Mary sightings.
Alcobaça Pleasant town that's home to Portugal's largest church (and saddest romance).
Batalha Site of the Monastery of Santa Maria, widely considered Portugal's finest architectural achievement.
Tomar Charming workaday town under a castle filled with Knights Templar mystique.
Plan
Photos
Watch
- A Lisbon Food Tour (clip)
- Beer ’n’ Barnacles in Nazaré, Portugal (clip)
- Lisbon (episode)
- Lisbon and the Algarve (episode)
- Lisbon’s Old World Neighborhoods (clip)
- Portugal’s Heartland (episode)
- Tasting Port Wine in Portugal’s Douro Valley (clip)
- The Age of Discovery in Lisbon (clip)
- The Royal Getaway of Sintra (clip)
- Travel Talks: Portugal
Read
- A Trip to the Bullfight: Two Bulls Are Plenty
- Europe’s Great Walled Towns
- John Paul II Sights: Visiting the World of a Modern-Day Saint
- My Favorite Beach Hideaways
- Tranquil Tomar: A Break from Portugal’s Tourist Tumult
- Witnessing the Power of Faith in Fátima, Portugal
- Journeys to the Ends of Europe
- Slowing Down in Sleepy Salema
- The Algarve, Portugal’s Sunny South Coast
- Exploring Colorful Coimbra
- Putting the Port in Portugal
- Savoring the Scenery — and Port — of Portugal’s Douro Valley
- Peeling Back Layers of History in Évora
- Portugal’s Rural Alentejo: Authentic and Proud
- Evolving Lisbon
- Fado: The Lisbon Blues
- Finding Foodie Bliss in Lisbon
- Lisbon’s Gold Still Shines
- Portugal: One Foot in the Past and One in the Future
- Seaside Traditions in Portugal’s Nazaré
- Portugal’s Aristocratic Getaways
- Porto: Portugal’s Salty ‘Second City’
Portugal
Algarve
Coimbra
Douro Valley
Évora
Lisbon
Nazaré
Óbidos
Porto
Listen
- A Taste of Portugal (18:02)
- Ceramic Arts of Portugal (11:16)
- Fado: Singing the Portuguese Blues (19:00)
- Lisbon City Guide (18:31)
- Lisbon's Colorful Neighborhoods (18:33)
- Perfect Week in Portugal (19:12)
- Porto and the Douro Valley (10:03)
- Portugal Beyond Lisbon (17:05)
- Portugal's Algarve (18:19)
- Portugal's Algarve Coast (12:01)
- Portugal's Radical Drug Policy (21:26)
- Running a Hostel in Europe (21:18)
- Touring Portugal (27:57)
Portugal Audio Tours
- Lisbon City Walk
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