The Portuguese Colonial Empire was one of the longest-lived empires in European History. Starting in the beginning of the “Age of Discovery”, with the conquest of Ceuta in 1415, it lasted until 1999, with the transfer of Macau to China.
The Start of the Colonial Empire
The country built a vast empire, having territory all over the world, from South America to Oceania. It started with the exploration of the Portuguese coast and subsequent conquest of cities in the Moroccan coast, with the desire to continue the Reconquista in the North of Africa.
The Portuguese sailors then started to explore the open sea, discovering the Atlantic islands of the Canaries, Madeira, Azores and Cape Verde, using new technology for navigation and cartography. Then, the coast of Africa was explored, where they set trading ports, and in 1488, they finally rounded the Cape of Good Hope, in South Africa. This opened the path to, in 1498, the adventure of Vasco da Gama to reach India by a maritime route, getting access and then dominating the trade of spices from India to Europe.
In 1500, they reached South America and started the colonization of Brazil, which would then become their largest colony and now the Portuguese-speaking country with the largest population.
Slavery
With the empire they created, the Portuguese also created an evil that would linger in this world and to which the consequences we still see today: the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Moved by the profit motive and the lack of indigenous Americans to do the hard work, the country started a practice called the ‘Triangular Trade’. They would take some products made in Europe and sold them in Africa to buy enslaved people, that they would transport to Brazil to work on plantations and mines, and these products were then sent back to Europe to sell.
In 1526, they did the first transatlantic slave voyage, from the Coast of Africa to Brazil. This set the example for other European powers to do the same on their colonies, soon becoming a generalized thing.
Estimates suggest that about 12 million to 12.8 million Africans were transported in this way to the Americas, in 400 years, with around 2 million losing their lives during the trip and many more being killed after they arrived.
This practice, besides the horrors it created back in those days, had effects that we still see now, almost 500 years later. Slavery started to be seen as a racial division, since most of the slaves were African people. When the years started to pass, justifications started to arise (such as eugenics and even religious ways of justifying it), which was the basis for racism as we know it today.
Even though they abolished slavery in all of the empire in 1869, they maintained the practice of “indigenous contract laborers”, who were in all except name slaves, until the end of the dictatorship.
The Portuguese Colonial Empire was the starter of this all and this is a legacy that no country would want for themselves…
Trade
They continued to explore and look for trade around the world, from Africa, passing through Arabia, and reaching Japan, where they built the city of Nagasaki. Several outposts were made along the way, many of them having developed into colonies, such as Goa, Daman, Diu and East Timor.
This made the Portuguese economy grow a lot, with the overseas commercial network and colonial trade accounting for about 1/5 of the Portuguese national income.
Decline
The Empire started to decline, however, when the Dutch, English, and French got in the colonial and trading game. They started to surround or conquer the scattered Portuguese trading posts and territories, diminishing their power. It is usually said that the Portuguese were great at finding things, but awful at keeping them.
On the Battle of Alcácer-Quibir, in 1578, when Portugal, under King Sebastian, tried to conquer another North African city, they lost their king. The country became a part of a dynastic union with Spain that lasted until 1640, when it finally gained its independence again.
This started the thought known in Portugal as “Sebastianism”, the belief that King Sebastian would one day return, in a foggy day, and bring Portugal back to its former glory. It is still used today to represent the nostalgia the Portuguese people have over they “had” and the belief that today they are “nothing”.
After that, the country never became the great power it once was. It lost several colonies (including its largest one, Brazil) and trade routes, it saw its capital being destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 and it was occupied during the Napoleonic Wars.
From then on, Portugal was a minor power in Europe, having just some colonies in Africa and Asia and never becoming an economic powerhouse.
But it… Survived?
The British Ultimatum, in 1890, when the British threatened Portugal with war over their ambitions regarding the territories between Angola and Mozambique, and the Monarchy ceding to the pressure was one of the biggest reasons for the overthrowing of the King and the creation of the First Republic in 1910.
After this regime went down, the Estado Novo gave a huge importance to the colonies, renaming them to “overseas province”, as a way to soften, but retaining the regime of quasi-slavery of forced indigenous labor while spreading the ideology of “Pluricontinentalism” and “Lusotropicalism”.
These were, first, the belief that Portugal was a transcontinental country, a single unitary nation, not a colonial empire, and second, that the colonization made by the Portuguese was better than the other European nations, since they came from a warmer climate and were themselves a miscegenation of several peoples, which made them more humane, friendly and adaptable to other cultures.
All of this made the regime wage a brutal Colonial War against the colonial peoples who were trying to get their independence.
This lead to the end of Estado Novo and the 25th April Revolution, which has as one of their main points of action to decolonize. This led to a hasty decolonization of Portuguese Africa, making many of the countries enter a civil war and to the 1975 invasion of East Timor by Indonesia, to which the subsequent Portuguese governments were vehemently opposed to.
The rapid decolonization lead to a huge refugee crisis of nearly all of the Portuguese settlers, and many other people from the former colonies, to Portugal. These were known as the “retornados” (the returnees) and they numbered over 500,000 people.
Only Macau remained part of the country (with Goa, Daman and Diu already being taken over by India before the Revolution) due to an agreement with China to slowly transfer the city to their rule, which happened in 1999.
Today, the only “overseas provinces” that remained were the Azores and Madeira, due to their overwhelmingly Portuguese populations, regardless having been some independence groups in the regions during the Revolutionary period. However, the government changed their name to “autonomous regions” and gave them a set of special powers and institutions.
Portugal has had a dark past, with their colonial empire and all the atrocities it gave rise to. Today, the country is trying to move forward, but there is a long road ahead…
How does the Portuguese political system work? It’s pretty different from most other European countries, actually!
The Portuguese system has shifted a lot in the last century, passing from a monarchy, to a bicameral Republic and then to an authoritarian regime, until the Carnation Revolution, when it achieved its current form.
Roughly speaking, it’s a semi-presidential republic, divided in 3 branches: the Legislative, made up by the Parliament; Executive, which is the Government; and Judicial, the Courts. It also has the President of the Republic, serving almost as a mediator, and the Autonomous Regions of Madeira and Azores, which have their own set of powers.
The Idea
The Third Portuguese Republic, created on the 25th April 1974, was based on the idea of destroying the authoritarianism and corporatism that existed in the prior regime and imposing a democracy.
After the revolution, there was a period of instability where different forces fought for the power to draw the new regime, known as PREC. But after the 25th November 1975, the current pluralist and democratic regime was consolidated.
The Branches of Government
The Constitution took inspiration from various other Constitutions, like the previous Portuguese Constitutions, the Eastern Communist countries constitutions(on the economic, social and cultural rights), the 1947 Italian Constitution (on regional autonomy issues), the 1958 French Constitution (regarding the outlines of the figure of the President) and the 1949 German Constitution (as for the fundamental rights).
Taking this in mind, the Constitutional Assembly, following the democratic traditions of other countries, divided the State power in three branches: one to make the laws, one to enforce them, and one to judge them.
This made each of the branches balance out the rest of the others.
The Legislative Branch
Portugal is a constitutional unitarian semi-presidential republic, with a parliamentary emphasis. This means the President has some very important powers, but not all of them, since most of the decisions are made in the Parliament.
The Assembly of the Republic, the name of the Portuguese Parliament, is made up of 230 deputies, elected for 4 years in 22 election circles. Each of these election circles represents the 18 districts of Continental Portugal, the two Autonomous Regions, one circle for the Portuguese citizens living in the rest of Europe and another for the Portuguese citizens living outside of Europe.
The Assembly is responsible for supporting (or overthrowing) the government, approving its programs and the State Budget, and discuss and approve law projects.
The Executive Branch
The Executive Branch is the Government itself. It is headed by the Prime-Minister, which is the Head of Government (but not the Head of State).
The people don’t vote directly for the Prime-Minister, they just vote for the deputies in their electoral circles. So the task of appointing a Prime-Minister is a task that falls on the jurisdiction of the President, who should take in consideration the new distribution of the Parliament.
The President invites someone, usually the leader of the party with the most seats or the party who can make a coalition with others to have its leader approved, since that person has to be approved by the Parliament to officially become the Prime-Minister.
The rest of the Government is then chosen by this person, creating the Ministries and the State Secretariats.
The Government can present law projects to discuss in the Parliament, as well as pass laws by decree in the Council of Ministers. However, these are subordinate to the laws passed in the Legislature.
The Judicial Branch
The Courts are the representatives of Justice in the name of the People. They defend the laws and rights of the citizens by judging the ones accused of breaking any type of law.
They are divided in: The Constitutional Court (that has the authority to interpret the Constitution and oversee its fulfillment), The Supreme Court of Justice and lower judicial courts, The Supreme Administrative Court and lower administrative and tax courts, and the Court of Accounts.
President of the Republic
The President is the Head of State and Head of the Armed Forces, and it’s directly elected by the citizens for a mandate of 5 years. This position assures the national independence and the unity of the State and has the function of overseeing the activity of the Government, nominate (and dismiss) the Prime-Minister and members of Government, dissolve the Parliament, enact or veto its laws or the laws made by decree and also ask the Constitutional Court for an opinion regarding the Constitutionality of a law.
It is, therefore, a position with a lot of power but, at the same time, with not that much power to create or enforce something.
Autonomous Regions
These are the Azores and Madeira, the Portuguese islands. They have political and administrative autonomy and have their own Governmental Bodies, the Regional Legislative Assemblies and the Regional Governments.
The Assemblies are directly elected by the citizens of each Autonomous Region and through a system of proportional representation, for a mandate of 4 years.
The Government has a President of the Regional Government and Regional Secretaries (something like the Ministers), as well as sometimes vice-presidents and sub-secretaries.
As for the President, it’s represented there by the Representative of the Republic, who is nominated by the Head of State and has representative and supervisory functions.
Final Thoughts
So this is how the Portuguese Republic organizes itself politically. From a centuries old monarchy, to an unstable Republic and a dictatorship, the Portuguese have finally found a working, democratic and pluralist regime that can represent their interests better than ever in their history.
Wine has been produced in the Iberian Peninsula for a myriad of centuries, grapevine having been originally cultivated four thousand years ago by the Tartessians. Afterwards, several other peoples, such as the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Greeks and the Romans, contributed to the improvement of wine production in the same region, introducing both new castes and new techniques.
During the 6th and the 7th centuries, the presence of Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula – namely the Kingdom of the Suebi or the Kingdom of the Visigoths – and the consumption of wine went hand in hand, because of the celebration of religious ceremonies. However, after the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, tolerance towards wine production and consumption experienced a gradual decrease.
The High Middle Ages marked the birth of the Kingdom of Portugal, which coincided with an increase in wine production and exportation. Portuguese wines reached Northern Europe and, during the Era dos Descobrimentos (Age of Discovery), they ended up reaching the entire globe. On September 10, 1756, the Douro Wine Region came into being; in the 19th century, a phylloxera epidemic spread across the European continent, profoundly affecting Portuguese wine production; and the 20th century witnessed the delimitation of a handful of other Portuguese wine regions: Madeira, Setúbal, Dão, among others.
There are, in total, fourteen Delimited Wine Regions (Regiões Demarcadas) in Portugal, including one in each archipelago. These are:
These regions include several geographical areas whose products are certified by the European Union as DOP (PDO: Protected Designation of Origin). In turn, products registered as DOP may include not only sparkling wines, white wines, red wines, rosé wines or fortified wines, but also aguardente (literally “burning water”, a high ABV beverage which can be obtained by the distillation of wine or bagasse) and vinegar (white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, rosé wine vinegar).
Besides, the above-mentioned list includes a couple of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture (Azores) and the Alto Douro Wine Region (Douro). In fact, the Douro Wine Region is the oldest delimited wine region in the world, having been established by the Real Companhia Velha (Royal Old Company), which was created by the Marquis of Pombal in the mid-18th century.
Portuguese wine regions are distributed throughout the whole country, and, therefore, the wine grapes cultivated in each region vary greatly according to climate and soil. For instance, while, on the one hand, Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro and Beira Interior, respectively located in Northern and Center Portugal, are rather mountainous and prone to ice-cold winters; Estremadura and Algarve, on the other hand, are less hilly and more temperate. Still, both red and white wine grape castes are cultivated from North to South, as well as in Madeira and Azores.
When it comes to red wine grapes, a few castes are worth being mentioned: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet and Negra Mole. The first one, Touriga Nacional, is popularly known as the “Queen of Portugal”, being a native caste cultivated from Minho to Algarve. Along with Touriga Franca and among others, it is commonly used in the production of Port Wine, the world-famous fortified wine from the Douro Wine Region. In turn, Alicante Bouschet is widely cultivated in Alentejo, while the Negra Mole caste is native to Algarve.
White wine grapes, on the other hand, include castes such as: Alvarinho, Terrantez/Folgasão, Loureiro and Moscatel. The Alvarinho caste is native to Monção and Melgaço, municipalities located in the Vinhos Verdes Wine Region, and celebrated as Portugal’s finest white wine grape caste. Also, the Loureiro caste is commonly cultivated in the same wine region. In turn, the Torrantez caste, being originally from the Dão Wine Region (where it is known as Folgasão), was later introduced in both Azores and Madeira. In the Madeira archipelago, particularly, it is used in the production of another widely appreciated fortified wine: the Madeira Wine. And, finally, the Moscatel caste, particularly cultivated in the Península de Setúbal (Setúbal Peninsula) Wine Region and used in the production of Setúbal Moscatel, yet another popular Portuguese fortified wine.
As may be inferred, fortified wines (vinhos generosos or fortificados) can be obtained from both red and white wine grapes, and its production involves the following procedure: while the alcoholic fermentation is underway, winemakers add wine aguardente, both interrupting the process and, therefore, leaving more non-fermented sugar available. Because of this, fortified wines present a higher concentration of alcohol and a higher sweetness. Besides Port Wine, Madeira Wine and Setúbal Moscatel Wine, there is yet another famous Portuguese fortified wine: Carcavelos Wine, produced in the Lisbon Wine Region.
Last, but not least, rosé wines deserve an honorable allusion. Contrary to common belief, rosé (literally: slightly pink) wines are not obtained from pink wine grapes, nor are rosé wines the product of a mix between red and white wine grapes. In fact, rosé wines result from the brief maceration of red wine grapes whose alcoholic fermentation process does not come to completion. Red wine grapes are subject to a vinification process common to white wines, therefore acquiring the lightness of the latter while maintaining the fruity aroma so often found in red wines.
There isn’t a single Portuguese wine region in which rosé wine is not produced, although the best and most celebrated Portuguese rosé wine is, undoubtedly, Mateus Rosé. Invented in 1942 in the Vinhos Verdes Wine Region, it has conquered aficionados in the entire planet, bringing the name of Portugal everywhere. Its traditional bottle was inspired by water bottles used by soldiers during the First World War and its production involves the use of red wine grape castes such as Touriga Franca and Baga.
With so much variety and quality available, it’s fairly easy to see why Portuguese wine is among the best in the world!
Having a hard time figuring out where to go in Portugal? Lisbon should be your first visit. A must-see, Lisbon, Portugal is one of the oldest cities in western Europe. The birthplace of Amália Rodrigues, the iconic Fado singer, Lisbon is rich in culture, history, and striking views.
Walking the calçada Portuguesa (or cobblestone streets) in between the buildings, you will be greeted by sweet old women, hanging their clothes up to dry by their windows.
The streets of Bairro Alto, a trendy neighborhood known for its beer-drinking scene and street art are filled with laughter and the smell of grilled sardines. It is truly a comforting and inviting experience. Lisbon makes anyone feel at home. Moreover, Lisbon was born among seven hills like Rome, as the legend goes. The seven hills were São Roque, São Jorge, São Vicente, Santo André, Santa Catarina, Chagas and Sant’Ana, making up important locations in the city today.
To truly understand the importance of Lisbon and what makes it one of the major cities in Europe, we need to go over a bit of its history. We don’t need to go very far back in time to understand its political significance. Not many know this outside of Portugal, but for over 40 years, the Portuguese lived under a fascist dictatorship.
To understand a Portuguese person, one must learn about this period in time. On the 25 of April 1974 the “Carnation Revolution”, a peaceful military coup, overthrew the fascist dictatorship of António Salazar in Lisbon, Portugal.
For many generations in Portuguese families, this day signifies the end of decades of oppression, torture by PIDE (Salazar’s police), and the beginning of the end of Portuguese colonization. It’s a day of freedom, “Liberdade”. This is what Lisbon signifies to many!
Every year on this day, people take to the streets to sing “Grândola, Vila Morena”, the song that triggered the revolution and was played on the radio, letting everyone know that the coup was starting. You will see people handing out free carnations to everyone, the flower that military forces placed at the end of their guns on that day.
Over the following decades, Lisbon was transformed into what we see today, one of the most dynamic European cities. A capital filled with immigration, economic growth, and quality public transportation, Lisbon is now one of the most sought-after European destinations.
Today, the Portuguese capital gets around 4.5 million tourists per year, as well as thousands of remote workers and digital nomads. For every local, there are around 9 tourists. To avoid the tourist traps and experience the capital like a local, this Lisbon travel guide offers essential Lisbon travel tips for your trip to Lisbon.
All year, regardless of the season, Lisbon, Portugal has a variety of activities for tourists to do. From wine tastings to museums and even free activities, we have selected the best things to do in the capital. Whatever your activity of choice, Lisbon has many affordable things to do where you can explore the city like a local. Most Lisbon travel guides will send you to the “tourist traps” and overpriced sightseeing options. Picked out by a local – we offer you the best travel tips in Lisbon that are worth it. Ready to explore Lisbon?
What are some traditional Portuguese things to do in Lisbon, Portugal?
Fado Houses
You cannot visit Lisbon for the first time and not go to a “Casa de Fado”. At these fado houses, you can listen to live music performances of fado classics by Amália Rodrigues and others. “Casas de Fado” are not always cheap. But keep in mind that they are a once in a lifetime experience. You pay for your meal, and entertainment is covered. Usually, meals start at €30. The best place to go to enjoy fado is in the Alfama district, a neighborhood known as the home of fado, as well as for its steep hills. There are many great options including Fado in Chiado, Clube de Fado and Parreirinha de Alfama. You can always also ask the locals where to go.
Portugal is also known for its high-quality wines. You can find wine bars all throughout the city, perfect for an afternoon tasting. Paired with some cheese and “chouriço” – nothing screams Lisbon like some good wine. For a premium experience, Lisbon Winery has 2-hour wine tastings, accompanied by a selection of wine and food such as cheeses, traditional jams, and bread for €85 a person. For a more affordable option, visit the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room in Terreiro do Paço. This is a large modern tasting room with shared tables and wine starting at €1.
What are some famous tourist attractions and monuments in Lisbon, Portugal?
As the second-oldest European capital city, it is no surprise that Lisbon is filled with tourist attractions and monuments. They are easily explored by foot as public transportation is not always necessary. We have selected our top attractions that you cannot miss the next time you visit Lisbon.
Open every day of the week, Castelo de São Jorge is located in Santa Maria Maior and open to visitors. The medieval castle overlooks the historical center of Lisbon. The castle’s construction has an interesting history. First, a small fortress was built by the Visigoths during the fifth century. It was made larger by the Moors in the eleventh century, who invaded the Iberian peninsula. During the reign of Afonso I of Portugal in the twelfth century, it was altered and made into an official Royal Palace. It was then completely restored in 1938 by the dictatorship of Salazar as part of a commemoration of Portuguese patriotism and independence.
A ticket to visit costs between €5 and €10. You can also pay a little extra to skip the line.
2. Santa Justa Lift
Known as “Elevador de Santa Justa” or “Elevador do Carmo”, the Santa Justa Lift is a piece of outstanding architecture is a 45m tall elevator in the city center of Lisbon. The Santa Just Lift was completed in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, an architecture student of the man who built the Eiffel Tower. The lift is quite similar to the design of the Eiffel Tower. The lift was built as public transportation to connect the lower streets of Baixa to the higher Carmo Square for the locals. Its purpose was functional, but now it has turned into one of the most popular tourist attractions. From the top of the lift, you can enjoy a view of the Baixa Pombalina.
It costs€5.15 (return) to ride the elevator and enjoy the view.
The Palácio da Ajuda was constructed for the royal family after the 1755 earthquake and tsunami that destroyed much of Lisbon. Throughout its construction, there were many architectural issues and political turmoil, including Napoleon’s invasion of the palace in 1807. It was finally ready in the 19th century and became the royal family’s permanent residence during the reign of King Luis I (1861 – 1881). Queen Maria Pia, the King’s wife lived in the castle even after his death, until the republican revolution in 1910 when the royal family went into exile.
Since then, it has been classified as a national monument.
You can visit the palace and enjoy the neoclassicist construction, as well as the actual rooms where the King and Queen slept for only €5.
4. Lisbon Cathedral (or Sé)
Often simply called Sé, this cathedral located in Baixa was built in 1147 and is the oldest church in the present-day capital. It has been altered throughout time, particularly after the 1755 earthquake by Marquês de Pombal. The main chapel was rebuilt in neoclassical and Rococo architectural styles. Also known as the Brave, King Afonso IV, who died in 1357 is buried in the cathedral. The cathedral is free to visit!
5. Jeronimos Monastery
“Mosteiro dos Jerónimos” is a former monastery in Belem constructed in Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the construction of Jeronimos monastery began in 1501 to celebrate Vasco da Gama’s return from sea. Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer and the first man in Europe to reach India by sea. However, it was only finished in the seventeenth century. Vasco da Gama’s tomb resides inside the monastery. In 1833, the monastery was secularised and was given to a charity called Real Casa Pia de Lisboa. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO, this monument is a must-see.
You can visit the church inside for free, but the monastery’s two-story cloister costs €10 to visit or you can pay to skip the line.
Photo by Maria Orlova (Pexels)
Also, make sure to stop by “Pastéis de Belem”, a 2-minute walk away, where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented, known as the “Pastel de Nata”. The recipe from this place is a secret. You´ll have to wait in line, but it is so worth it.
Photo by Nick Fewings (Unsplash)
6. Belem Tower
The 30m Belem Tower was built in the 1500s in Manuelino style, like the Jerónimos monastery. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The tower was built to defend the city as it is located near the Tagus River. Belem Tower also served as a place for the embarkation of Portuguese explorers and so is often seen as a symbol of Europe’s Age of Discoveries.
You can go up to the roof terrace and enjoy a stunning view of the river and Belem, as well as get a guided tour of the inside of the tower. Children under 12 years do not pay and adults pay €6.
Photo by Tania Mousinhon (Unsplash)
7. Monument of the Discoveries
A 10-minute walk from Belem Tower, you can see the “Padrão dos Descobrimentos” which stands 52m tall. This monument was made in 1939, during the dictatorship, and represented the glorification of Portuguese exploration and colonialism during this period. However, at this time, it was built with perishable materials for the Portuguese World Exhibition. An official one was erected in 1960 to honor the 500-year death of Henry the Navigator. Many have criticized the romanticization of this monument as a symbol of colonialism and have asked to have it taken down.
What makes Lisbon one of the best cities in Portugal is that you are very close to stunning hidden gems that are perfect for a day trip. It would be a waste to not take advantage of its location. We have selected the two best places for a day trip: Sintra and Cascais.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sintra is a town known for its forested terrain, astonishing palaces that once belonged to royal families, and the delicious “Travesseiro de Sintra”.
The public transportation to Sintra is quick and affordable, making it the perfect place for a day trip. The train from Oriente station costs €2 and takes you to Sintra in less than 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car as it is only a 30-minute drive and this can be convenient if you want to discover beaches.
Visit Pena Palace or “Palácio Nacional da Pena”. The exterior of this palace is painted in multiple colors and is in a romanticist style. You can also wander around the castle and see the beautiful green area that surrounds it. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale. Tickets cost around €15.
Photo by Julia Solonina (Unsplash)
Then, walk for 10 minutes towards the Castle of the Moors. This medieval castle that sits on a hilltop was built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries. From the castle, you get the loveliest panoramic view of the whole of Sintra.
After that, go to the historical center to find a place for lunch. We suggest Romaria de Baco (under €25 with a glass of wine), a 10-minute walk from the castle.
Hungry for dessert? Grab a “travesseiro”, a Sintra staple at Piriquita., only two minutes walking distance.
If you are not too tired after lunch, take a 10-minute walk from there to “Quinta da Regaleira”.
The “Quinta” was designed in the early 1900s and has overgrown gardens, caves, and buildings with romantic architecture.
If you drove to Sintra from Lisbon and want to also see some white sand beaches, they are a 20-minute drive from the center. Transportation is not great to the beaches, this would take over an hour. Try out the beaches that the locals go to, not the tourists. For example, “Praia da Adraga” and “Praia do Magoito”.
Located on the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais is one of the richest municipalities in the whole of Portugal. Offering a relaxing day trip away from the chaos of the capital, the port city is known as one of the most pleasant places in the country with the best food, hotels, and beaches.
You can take a 40-minute train from Cais do Sodre to Cascais (around €2). You can also drive for 30 minutes, but the train is the best option as you get an incredible view of the coastline.
Firstly, take the train but instead of getting out at the Cascais station, get out around 5 minutes earlier in the Estoril station. This is a great place to start.
Estoril is part of the municipality of Cascais and is known for being an international luxury destination. It is also home to the largest casino in Portugal, but avoid it during the day – pretty depressing.
Instead, walk to the iconic bakery “Garrett”, a few minutes away, for breakfast. Try some baked goods like a “bola de berlim” or a “mil folhas” with an espresso – a “healthy” Portuguese breakfast.
Take a short walk through the casino gardens and then get back on the train. Ride it for 5 more minutes until you reach Cascais station.
A short walk away is “Praia da Rainha”, a secluded beach with a wonderful view, perfect for a family photograph.
Then, walk for a minute toward “Frederico Arouca” street. This is essentially the high street with the major stores, as well as smaller vendors selling Portuguese souvenirs.
From there, walk toward the City Hall of Cascais in “Praça 5 de Outubro”. This beautiful building with traditional Portuguese architecture stands in the middle of the commerce square, featuring authentic cobblestone streets. The city hall square overlooks a small beach called “Praia da Baía de Cascais” and a fishermen’s wharf. Fun fact: the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa lives near here and is often spotted at this beach tanning.
After this, go up through “Avenida D. Carlos I” toward the Citadel of Cascais. These are a set of fortifications built between the 15th fifteenth and seventeenth century to defend the Cascais coastline and protect Lisbon, Portugal.
Ready for lunch? Cascais has many options. For vegetarians, House of Wonders is great and under €15. If you want to try the traditional Portuguese meat dish called “bitoque”, “Solar do Bitoque” near the city hall is a classic at around €10 per meal. Another great option is to walk to Yellow Street or “Rua Amarela” at Rua Afonso Sanches. This quaint street has been painted yellow and features a range of restaurants with outdoor terraces. Our favorite here is “Taberna Clandestina”, a restaurant that offers a Portuguese twist on tapas. A meal will cost you between €15 and €20 here.
After lunch, ice cream at “Santini” is a must – even if it’s winter. “Santini” is the most famous ice cream shop in Portugal and is over 70 years old. They are known for using the freshest ingredients. Tip for the vegans: all their fruit-flavored ice cream is plant-based and dairy-free.
If you’re still energized and the weather is good, exploring Guincho beach is next. A 10-minute ride from the center of Cascais, Guincho is the of the best beaches in Portugal. Not only is it perfect for swimming and tanning in the summer, but it is also beautiful to walk through in the colder months. Have a drink at “Bar do Guincho”, at the end of the day, a bar on the beach that has been around since the 80s.
Traveling with kids can be stressful. But don’t worry, Lisbon is a very child-friendly capital and your trip to Lisbon can be stress-free if you plan accordingly. There are many activities for kids in Lisbon, the kind that parents can also enjoy. One of the top favorites is the“Hippo” tour, an amphibious sightseeing guided tour of Lisbon (around 30€ per person). The tour bus covers top attractions and then transforms into a boat and sails the Tagus River.
The Oceanário de Lisboa in Parque das Nações, the city ‘s aquarium, is one of the largest in Europe. With over 8,000 sea creatures and incredibly cute otters, this is the perfect activity for the whole family. Kids under 3 years old get in for free and for kids up to 12 years old tickets cost €10.
Another great option is the Lisbon Zoo in Quinta das Laranjeiras, Sete Rios. Inaugurated in 1884, this zoo has a variety of different species from the animal kingdom. From snakes and tigers to dolphins, there’s an animal for every kid. Kids up to 2 years old do not pay and kids up to 12 pay €14,50.
Lisbon on a Budget: What are some free things to do in Lisbon, Portugal?
It’s true, at least in Lisbon: the very best things in life are free. As one of the greenest capitals in Europe, Lisbon has a lot to offer such as large parks and street art that will blow your mind.
A great thing to do in Lisbon for free is to discover the wide variety of parks and green spaces. Bring some wine with you and have a picnic at some of the most beautiful parks, many integrated within the center of the city. Some great options are Jardim da Estrela, Parque Eduardo VII, and the Gulbenkian Gardens, a popular botanical garden.
Photo by JR Harris (Unsplash)
Lisbon is known for its “miradouros”, city lookout points where you get incredible panoramic views of the capital and discover the main sights for free. Known as observation decks in English, the “miradouros” are always filled with people drinking beer and playing music. They are the perfect spot to take photographs and watch the sunset (or an early morning sunrise after a night out) and engage in some old-fashioned people watching. The best lookout spots are Miradouro de Santa Luzia in the Alfama district, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro de Santa Catarina. Oftentimes these places will have a small kiosk selling drinks and coffee, but you are free to purchase your own in a supermarket to enjoy.
Lisbon’s nightlife is one of the best in all of Europe. From bars filling the cobblestone streets and surrounded by street art to larger clubs, the city has a lot to offer. Best avoid the touristy places and experience the best bars and clubs like a local.
In Lisbon, and all of Portugal really, you don’t just go out to a club. You start off at a bar until around at least 1 am and then you head out to your favorite club for some dancing. If you decide to go to the club earlier, chances are it will be mostly empty. Clubs usually close at 7 am. Also, be prepared to smell like an ashtray the morning after. Although smoking cigarettes inside indoor public spaces is forbidden, this is not enforced.
Be aware that Lisbon clubs can oftentimes overcharge tourists. If the bouncer says that you need to spend a minimum of over €100, don´t go in as they are trying to rip you off. Entrance fees to clubs in Lisbon never go over €15. Lisbon clubs also have a huge problem with racism, as they often deny entrance to people of color, such as allegedly Urban Beach.
If you’re overwhelmed by the endless nightlife options, we have selected our favorite bars and clubs to go partying in Lisbon.
Located in Bairro alto, Park bar is one of the trendiest rooftop bars in Lisbon. Everyone knows it. Prepare to be confused when you arrive at the address. You’ll only see a huge parking garage filled with cars and street art. Take the elevator in the parking garage and take it to the top floor. You’ll be surprised to see one of the best views of Lisbon and a terrace filled with greenery and wooden tables, as well as live music. Expect crowds, but the wait for a drink is worth it.
2. Pensão Amor, Cais do Sodre
This unique bar located in the city’s old red-light district known as Pink Street was once a brothel house. The name of the bar translates to “Love Inn” and is decorated with burlesque and peep show memorabilia. There are mirrors and paintings of naked people covering the inside of the dim-lit bar, as well as in the bathrooms.
3. O Palheta, Cais do Sodre
Under three years old, this bar in Cais is always filled with young people having a drink before going out clubbing. Located close to Pink Street, you can expect good music, cool vinyl records, and cheap drinks. The inside of the bar is quite small, as well as cozy and well decorated. Most people stand outside the bar anyway, socializing and having a drink: the “Lisboeta” way.
Photo by Dario Gomes (Unsplash)
If you’re looking to bar hop, just head on to the main streets of Bairro alto and you´ll see hundreds of people drinking outside cheap bars. If you stick to beer, any of these are good options.
Clubbing in Lisbon: What are the best clubs in Lisbon, Portugal?
1. Lux Fragil, Santa Apolónia
The best club in Lisbon is Lux Fragil, which opened in 1991. This is also the most exclusive club in Lisbon and is renowned all over Europe. The club has a view of the Tagus river and the rooftop terrace is open in the summer. Major DJs from all over Europe play in Lux every week and the club mostly plays techno, especially downstairs.
The best time to go to Lux is between 2 and 5 am when the doors close. It’s usually open until 8 am.
The dress code for Lux is not formal so no need to wear heels and a dress – you’ll be the only one. However, you should try to dress nice, even if you´re wearing sneakers. Men wearing shorts will probably not be allowed in. Even then, you might still be denied entrance at the door.
2. Lust in Rio, Santos
Lust in Rio is known for its “Swag On” night every Wednesday where hip-hop is played. In the summer, this club is completely outdoors and overlooks the river. The club offers a VIP section that often is filled with football players and celebrities. You can get a private table with bottle service for around €250 for 8-10 people, as well as order some shisha. Lust in Rio is open until 5 am.
3. Trumps, Principe Real
Trumps is the most iconic gay club in all of Lisbon, located in Principe Real. Open since the 1980s, it is a part of Lisbon’s LGBT history. The club is mostly full on Saturday nights and plays house and dance music, as well as pop. They also have drag queen nights. The club is also very popular with straight women. The club also hosts contemporary art exhibitions showcasing queer art during the day.
Lisbon is culinary heaven. Lisbon’s cuisine is renowned all over Europe. You can get a meal that fits your budget everywhere in the city, as restaurants are more affordable than in other European capitals. From traditional food like seafood and steak to vegan and Michelin star restaurants, Lisbon is perfect for everyone’s taste. The options are endless. To help you, we have chosen some of our favorite restaurants for your trip to Lisbon. We also recommend booking a food tour or tasting if you are looking for a unique experience.
Portuguese Food: Places to eat traditional food in Lisbon, Portugal?
Before we get into listing our favorites, keep the following list of dishes and desserts to try with you when you visit Portuguese restaurants. You can call it your “comida tuga” (Portuguese food) bucket list:
“Bifana” (pork sandwich)
“Sardinhas” (grilled sardines)
“Frango de churrasco piri-piri” (piri-piri chicken)
“Bacalhau” (codfish)
“Polvo à la lagareiro” (octopus)
“Bitoque” (thin steak)
“Secretos de porco preto” (Iberico pig)
“Caldo verde” (green soup)
“Cozido à portuguesa) (meat stew)
“Pastel de nata” (custard tart)
“Baba de camelo” (camel drool or condensed milk mousse)
“Arroz doce” (rice pudding)
“Bolo de bolacha” (portuguese biscuit cake)
Now that you know what to order, here are our 3 favorite traditional Portuguese restaurants in Lisbon.
1. Zé dos Cornos, Rossio
It doesn’t get more authentic than the “tasca” (Portuguese tavern) Zé dos Cornos. So authentic that they only take cash. For a Portuguese person, this place is like arriving at your Avó’s (grandma´s) house for dinner. Everything off the menu hits the spot, but try their codfish with potatoes or their rabbit. You can have a large full meal here with wine for under €15.
2. 1 de Maio, Bairro Alto
Also an authentic “tasca”, 1 de Maio. This hidden restaurant offers delicious fresh seafood that you can see from the window and a variety of meats like lamb. This is a great place to try a “bitoque”, a traditional Portuguese steak with fries, rice, and salad. The seabass is also amazing. They offer lunch menus with bread and olives, the main course, glass of wine, dessert, and coffee all for €9.
3. Alfaia, Bairro Alto
Open since 1880, Alfaia is one of Lisbon’s oldest restaurants. It serves traditional local cuisine the old-fashioned way. Try the “cozido à Portuguesa”, a classic Portuguese stew with beef, pork, blood sausage, and vegetables, or their “pataniscas” (codfish cake). They also have a unique wine cellar with an irresistible wide selection of wines.
This place is not considered a “tasca”, it is a bit fancier than that. However, it’s still quite affordable at around €15-€20 for a meal with wine.
Lisbon Vegan Food: Places to eat vegan food in Lisbon, Portugal?
In recent years, Lisbon has seen a boom in new vegan restaurants. If you’re plant-based, don’t worry, the capital is pretty vegan-friendly (if you avoid “tascas”). Here are our three favorite vegan restaurants in Lisbon.
1. Ao 26 Vegan Food Project, Chiado
Ao 26 is the best vegan restaurant in Lisbon or even all of Portugal, located in downtown Lisbon. If you are vegan and upset that you won’t be trying traditional food, this restaurant will save you. Ao 26, founded by Catarina Gonçalves offers traditional Portuguese food that is 100% plant-based. The food here still offers an authentic taste. This restaurant has accomplished what many thought impossible for Portuguese cuisine. Try their selection of Portuguese starters that include octopus, codfish, and cheeses. For the main, their mustard sauce steak is delicious (all plant-based). You can also ask for the “chef’s suggestion”, a new plate that they make every day. People spend on average €40 for two people here.
2. Vegan Junkies, Pena
Known for having Lisbon’s best vegan burgers, this place is trendy and affordable. Their motto: “enjoy the taste of junk food without any cruelty”. They also serve barbecue wings, nachos, and all kinds of greasy stuff. Try the mac and cheese, as well as the “Notorious Big Poppa” burger. You won’t spend more than €25 for two people here. The owners also own the amazing “Plant Base”, a vegan pizza place that opened in 2021.
3. The Green Affair, Saldanha or Chiado
This vegan place is fancy – perfect for a date. Open since 2018, the Green Affair serves Portuguese and international dishes. We recommend the boneless “lagareiro”, their plant-based take on the traditional octopus dish. The restaurant offers lunch menus for less than €11 including a starter, main, and drink. For dinner, you’ll pay around €30 for two people.
Luxury Dining in Lisbon: What are the best Michelin star restaurants in Lisbon, Portugal?
People usually associate fine dining with Paris and London, but Lisbon has a thriving food scene with incredible chefs. If you are looking to have a once in a lifetime experience, Lisbon has nine Michelin-star restaurants. We have chosen our two favorite Michelin star restaurants if you are willing to splurge and easily spend a few hundred euros.
1. Belcanto, Chiado
José Avillez´s restaurant, Belcanto, is known worldwide for its outstanding dishes. The restaurant has two Michelin stars and is considered the best restaurant in Lisbon, as well as number 42 on the list of the world’s 50 best restaurants. You can select one of the tasting menus or choose your favorites off the menu. For the full experience the “menu evolução” offers you innovative dishes that explore different tastes, textures, and sensations for €195 per person.
2. Alma, Chiado
Henrique Sá Pessoa´s, Alma also has two Michelin stars. The menu includes Portuguese dishes with influences from his worldwide travels. Alma offers a refined taste, perfect technique, and an excellent final product. Once again, you can opt for à la carte or get the full experience through a tasting menu. The menus start at €145 per person and do not include drinks. The wine tasting menu costs €80 per person.
Getting around Lisbon: How does transportation work in Lisbon, Portugal?
You have arrived at Lisbon airport, and now what? Luckily, public transport in Lisbon is cheap and accessible. The best way to discover the city is by far by foot, but you can access a wide range of public transport services such as trams, metros, buses, and trains.
You can purchase a 24-hour unlimited public transport ticket for metros, buses, and trams for €6.40. This ticket is charged to a reusable “Viva Viagem” card which you can purchase at metro stations for €0.50. The 24-hour travel ticket is perfect for tourists as it includes main sightseeing points such as Elevador da Glória and the Santa Justa Lift.
The train is great for day trips if you want to visit Cascais or Sintra (under €2). The train stations Oriente and Cais do Sodre are best for this. The €6.40 24-hour ticket does not include train rides. For this, you need to buy a more expensive 24-hour ticket of €10.55 that includes the train lines in Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Azambuja, and Sado. In station Oriente, you can also get a train to further away cities like Porto, for a weekend trip.
The metro (€1.50 single fare) is the fastest way to travel around Lisbon and many of the stations are decorated with traditional Portuguese “azulejo”. There are four metro lines and 55 metro stations. The metro is open from 6:30 am to 1:00 am. During rush hour, it can get quite busy so beware of pickpocketing and stay safe.
The trams (€1.50 single fare) are a perfect way to see the city and they can access areas of the city where there are no metros. While there are newer modern trams, there are still many iconic yellow metros in the center of the city which provide a great experience. The number 28 tram is a tourist favorite as it covers the popular districts of Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. A lot nicer than taking a tourist bus!
Photo by Julian Dik (Unsplash)
You can also take the bus (€1.50 single fare), if necessary. The bus covers 172 routes and runs from 5 am to 1 am. Don’t forget, in Portugal, you wave for the bus so it doesn’t drive past you. Buy and top-up your “Viva Viagem” card beforehand as it is more expensive to buy it with a driver. Taking the bus is good if you need to, but by far the best modes of transportation are the metro and tram.
You can also buy a 24, 48, or 72-hour Lisboa Card for exploring Lisbon which offers unlimited free public transport, access to many museums and gives discounts on some other tourist attractions, walking tours, entertainment, food, and shopping.
Lisbon Guide: Final Thoughts
From the astonishing views to the nightlife, street art, and food, Lisbon has made a mark as a top capital to travel to in Europe. It is no surprise that around 4.5 million tourists travel to Lisbon each year. The capital has something for everyone’s taste: from activities to do with kids, to historical monuments and clubs to dance the night away. Hopefully, this extensive Lisbon travel guide has taught you everything you need to know if you are visiting Lisbon. From day trips to exploring central Lisbon, you are ready for your next trip to Lisbon. Pack your bags and safe travels, you will be at Lisbon Portela Airport in no time! Take a look at our ultimate city guides to Porto, Albufeira, and more.
Finally, if you’re in need of travel insurance for your trip to Lisbon, we recommend SafetyWing as an option. The minimum coverage time is for five days. Simply choose the length of time that you wish to be covered or pay for a month of coverage for a set price.
Entry Requirements can vary greatly during the Covid-19 pandemic. We do our best to update these as new information is released, but please confirm travel eligibility with Government issued information here.
Entry Requirements for Travelers to Portugal
Passport Required
Return Ticket Required
Visa Required
EU
See below
No
No
USA
Yes
Yes
No
Canada
Yes
Yes
No
Australia
Yes
Yes
No
UK
Yes
Yes
No
Depending on your country of origin, you may need a passport, visa or simply your national ID card to enter Portugal.
Traveling with a Passport
EU citizens within the Schengen area are able to enter the country simply by exhibiting their ID card – which is mandatory when flying, for example, but may not always be asked for when entering via land. Passports are of course valid as well, while no visa or return ticket is required.
International travelers (outside EU) must provide a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, as well as proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay. A return ticket is recommended but not compulsory.
Traveling with a Visa
European citizens do not need a visa to enter Portugal, however should their stay be longer than 90 days they will need to apply for a residence permit.
Citizens of non-EU countries mentioned in the table above do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in any 180 day window if they are traveling with the purpose of visiting friends or family, for business reasons, or to attend cultural and sports events. If the purpose of travel is different, it is recommended to check with the respective embassies or consulates in order to obtain correct information.
Nationals of countries not mentioned above may be able to visit Portugal and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days. More detailed entry requirements can be checked here when planning your trip.
Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As the Coronavirus pandemic evolves, so do entry requirements for Portugal. The local government has implemented a series of public health measures to protect citizens and visitors alike.
Entering Portugal
A digital certificate with full vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test is no longer required to enter Portugal! You can travel to Portugal without a test or proof of vaccination.
Covid-19 Rules in Portugal
Most COVID-19 restrictions in Portugal have been lifted. For mainland Portugal and the Azores, you ONLY need to wear a mask in public transport, taxis as well as when visiting nursing homes and health facilities. You do not need to wear a mask in restaurants, bars, shopping malls, etc.
In Madeira, the mask rules are slightly different. The use of a mask is mandatory for people over the age of 6 in the following scenarios:
Health facilities and services, including pharmacies;
In public transport, taxis and similar passenger transport;
Platforms and covered access areas to public transport, including airports and maritime terminals;
In confirmed cases of COVID-19, in all circumstances, whenever the person is out of the location of isolation, until the 10th day after the onset of symptoms or a positive test result.
According to an update by DGS on July 7 to norm 004/2020, here are the full Covid-19 isolation updates:
People with asymptomatic infection or mild illness: 5 days
People with asymptomatic infection or mild illness, hospitalize or in an elderly residence: 7 days
People with moderate illness: 10 days
People with serious illness: 20 days or 10 days with a negative rapid antigen test
People with serious immunosuppression: case by case basis decided by medical professionals
It is also no longer necessary to quarantine after being in contact with someone with COVID. You do not need to provide an EU Covid Digital Certificate when entering a restaurant, club, or bar, meaning you no longer need a vaccine or test to enter these locations.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we advise you to always check with your embassy or consulate for advice on your trip. You will also find useful information here. SEF (Portuguese entity for borders control) also has up-to-date information we recommend checking before traveling, as well as this official European website.
When it comes to the weather, Portugal can brag about it. One of the warmest countries in Europe with mild temperatures all year round in most of its territory, the country is said to have over 300 days of sunshine a year. No wonder it is often picked as a winter sun destination, on top of attracting visitors from all over the world during all four seasons.
The country is relatively small, yet it experiences some variations in climate. Mainland Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures of 10-12°C in the north, mostly mountainous, and 16-18 °C in the southern lowlands. Insular Portugal, that is Madeira and Azores, on the other hand, tend to be wetter and hotter due to their geographical location. You can read more information about the average temperatures in Portugal.
Portugal has four distinct seasons, each of them reflected in the changing of the scenery and typical produce and experiences available to the visitor.
Inverno (winter) is the coldest season of the year: slightly milder in the northwest, with high levels of rainfall; longer and dry in the northeastern regions, where the snow isn’t shy to appear in the colder months (think about Castelo Branco, Guarda, Bragança and Vila Real districts). Winter in the central region is usually wet and humid, while the south experiences milder climates that make for a nice break from the hot summer months (favourite spots are the Algarve, Alentejo and the isles).
Visiting in Primavera (spring) offers a different experience: the first half of it is usually rainy all over the country (people say “Abril, águas mil” – a thousand waters in April), essential to let the nature wake up and grow lush before the hot summer makes its appearance. Then the sun comes out and warms up the lands, making spring one of the best seasons to visit Portugal. Not too hot, not too cold, and less crowded than summer, when the locals usually book their holidays as well.
Verão (summer) is by far the hottest time of the year in Portugal, with extreme temperatures recorded in the centre and south and sadly increased chances of wildfires, a frequent occurrence in the central and southern areas. The weather varies between arid and muggy, very little rain is expected to fall (except in the north) and sunscreen is a must in order to avoid nasty heatstrokes and sunburns.
Outono (autumn) weather gets less predictable: it will surprise you with its colours, the return of little showers and the appearance of big coats and winter gear (yes, you read it right) among the locals. The Portuguese secretly like it when the chilly weather makes a comeback, as it gives them a chance to show off their hats and scarves after a long summer. The coastal areas, breezy all year round, experience colder winds at this time.
Weather in Madeira
The archipelago of Madeira experiences unpredictable weather. Each region has its own peculiarities, depending on variations in humidity, sun exposure and the gulf currents. Temperatures are mild to warm all year round, nevertheless areas around the Madeira Natural Park experience frequent precipitations – intense rain and even snow in the winter.
Weather in Azores
The nine islands of the Azores feature an oceanic, mild-warm subtropical climate thanks to its mid-Atlantic ocean location. The western part is generally rainier than the east, while the whole archipelago experiences high humidity levels. In late summer and autumn the Azores may also be affected by the passage of tropical cyclones or storms.
Tips for visiting in winter
December and January are the coldest and possibly wettest months of the year. Most houses in Portugal aren’t well heated: you’ll thank us for advising you to pack warm clothes (a woolly jumper, scarf and hat will do) that, if you stay at an Algarvean guesthouse, you may make good use of indoors more than when you’re out and about! Also beware of the snow and icy roads in the north: cities like Porto, Braga and Viseu may experience disruptions in traffic.
Tips for visiting in spring
Take advantage of the low season to explore the most popular resorts in the country, otherwise packed with tourists and locals alike. Not only you will enjoy quiet beaches, hiking trails and places of interest, but you’ll have a chance to witness mesmerising blossoming trees: almond trees are so pretty with their white-to-pink flowers, and their almonds essential to producing several kinds of traditional Portuguese sweets; how not to mention then the ginja trees (a kind of cherry) with their unmistakable red fruits used to make ginginha, a typical Portuguese liqueur.
Tips for visiting in summer
It is best to pack clothing made of linen and cotton ideally, preferably light in colour: it will help you stay cool in the morning and afternoon sunshine, along with a cap or hat. The further up north you go, the chillier in the evenings: a light cardigan is the best option to take with you in case the temperatures drop. Summer also marks the start of the harvest season (it kicks off in September), with fun events like the vindima (wine harvest).
Tips for visiting in autumn
Like spring, autumn is a pleasant season for a trip to Portugal; still sunny in the south, from the centro up to the north the rainy season will start. Waterproof gear is recommended in order to stay dry and enjoy sightseeing. When it gets colder, towards the end of the season, roasted chestnuts (castanhas) are sold by street food vendors. Especially on November 11th on Dia de São Martinho (St Martin’s day), chestnuts and a glass of wine are a must-try to feel like a real Portuguese.
From a mythological point of view, the Lusitanians, which inhabited the Iberian Peninsula hundreds of years before the Kingdom of Portugal was ever born, were originally introduced to beer by Lysias, son of Bacchus. In fact, this Iberian people not only drank it, but also engaged in its production. And, even though Portugal is not a brewing nation as celebrated as Germany, Belgium or the Czech Republic, it must nonetheless be noted that, pretty much like their ancestors, Portuguese men and women do enjoy a nice, cold beer, especially in torrid summer afternoons.
The year of 1834 witnessed the birth of Portugal’s oldest brewery – Fábrica de Cerveja da Trindade – and, two years later, its respective beerhouse – Cervejaria Trindade – also came into existence, built in the canteen of the old Convento da Santíssima Trindade dos Frades Trinos da Redenção dos Cativos (Convent of the Holy Trinity of the Trine Friars of the Redemption of the Captives), which had been originally founded in 1294.
As of now, two brands of beer stand out in the Portuguese market: Sagres and Super Bock. The first one, currently belonging to the Heineken International group, was originally created as a means of representing the Sociedade Central de Cervejas (Central Beer Society) in The Portuguese World Exhibition of 1940, which marked the 800th anniversary of the foundation of Portugal and the 300th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence from Spain. The second one was firstly invented in 1927 by CUFP, restructured and renamed Unicer in 1977, a company whose headquarters are located in Leça do Balio, Matosinhos, District of Porto. Both brands account for 90% of total beer consumption in Portugal, which is around 50 liters – or 13 gallons – per person every year. Besides, Super Bock is the Portuguese beer brand more commonly consumed both nationally and abroad. Other popular beer brands from Portugal include, for instance, Coral and Cristal.
Finally, in the 21st century, and especially during the last decade, craft beer or microbrew has made its way into the hearts of Portuguese people. National microbrewers operate from North to South, producing many types of beer, the most common being stout, ale and lager, and contributing largely to the popularity of craft beer among young adults.
Some of the most renowned craft brewers of Portugal include names such as: Dois Corvos (Two Crows), Oitava Colina (Eighth Hill), Musa (Muse), Lupum, Nortada (North Wind) and Sovina (Miser).
Portugal may not be the leading beer producer in the world – but its beer sure belongs among the best!
It’s definitely a hard question to answer. Portugal always had a great relationship with sport, especially considering its population. Portuguese people have a great sense of pride, in all achievements, in all sports, celebrating each victory as their own, even when the sport is just the “poor relative” in Portuguese society and not the consecrated football that moves entire families to stadiums.
Portugal is considered an exporter of talents and technical knowledge in various sports, with internationally recognized protagonists in this global market we live in, from great names of Portuguese sport history such as Joaquim Agostinho (Cycling), Carlos Lopes and Rosa Mota (Athletics) and Ticha Penicheiro (Women’s Basketball), but also athletes who currently continue to represent Portugal in their sports from canoeing, in which Fernando Pimenta won 3 world champion titles and five European gold medals, to futsal, where Ricardinho has been consecrated as the Best Player in the World for five years in a row, through judo where Jorge Fonseca was world champion in 2019 and Telma Monteiro is five-time European champion.
Moving on to sports on wheels, Portugal maintains its high standards and once again we have names in the top of internationally recognized athletes. Miguel Oliveira became the first Portuguese motorcyclist to compete in the main category, MotoGP, in 2019 and in 2020 against all expectations, in a final that went down in MotoGP history as one of the best final races ever, Miguel surpassed two opponents in the Red Bull Ring’s final corner towards the 2020 Styrian GP Victory.
Speaking in historical terms, at a certain point in the history of sport in Portugal, hockey was one of the most followed sport, supplanting cycling, however currently futsal and handball appear at the top of the list, but to answer my initial question, none of these will ever have the prestige of football.
Football goes far beyond the sport itself, is culturally rooted in Portuguese society and brings together several generations, whether in stadiums or in front of televisions almost every day, whatever the game in question.
For this factor, it helps a lot to have, possibly, the best player of all time, a sporting and social icon, that moves millions all over the world, whatever the field you walk on or the shirt you wear.
Before Cristiano Ronaldo, other players had great protagonism in the history of Portuguese football, such as Mario Coluna and Eusébio (Black Panther), that are both featured as 20th century’s greatest footballers, according to the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, especially for their talent, but none not so much for their marketing ability.
Every day we see how influential football is, both economically and socially, occupying the most prominent television spaces and keeping the media complete with information that every Portuguese wants to see.
Football is a mass show. It’s not just played within the four lines of a field. Football is a spectacle in the neighborhood, street and school, work colleagues and university tournaments, played and vibrated on television and radio, among friends or neighbors, in restaurants, cafes and at work. There is no separation of race, color or religion. Football goes far beyond 90 minutes. Football goes beyond social levels, education or any other type of difference that may exist between people.
As the lyrics of the song “É uma partida de futebol” (It’s a match of football), by the band Skank, say, which is, without any doubt, a mirror of Portuguese football:
“Bola na trave não altera o placar (Ball on the crossbar doesn’t change the score)
Bola na área sem ninguém para cabecear (Ball in the area with no one to head)
Bola na rede para fazer o golo (Ball in the net to score)
Quem não sonhou em ser um jogador de futebol?” (Who never dreamed of being a football player?)
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