What’s Portugal Identified For? 20 Issues Portugal is Well-known For

Portugal is one among my favourite international locations on the planet, a lot in order that I spent one of the best a part of a yr residing there. It’s one of the vital reasonably priced international locations to go to in Europe and experiences over 300 days of sunshine per yr, so you will have a reasonably good probability of experiencing good climate in your go to! 

With attractive seashores, world-class browsing, superb seafood and picturesque cities, Portugal is certainly probably the greatest saved secrets and techniques in Europe. 

You’ve most likely already heard of cities like Lisbon and Porto, however what’s Portugal identified for? Let’s check out all of the issues that Portugal is known for…

Port Wine

Wine lovers will love Portugal. Wine within the grocery shops is reasonable and also you’ll pay round €3 to €5 for a glass of wine in a restaurant. 

The nation is known for producing port wine, which is a candy pink wine that’s made within the Duoro Valley area of northern Portugal. 

If you wish to pattern some good port wine, head to town of Porto, the place you’ll discover quite a few wine cellars and tasting rooms. Spend a day strolling across the Vila Nova de Gaia space, visiting port wineries equivalent to Burmester, Caves Cálem, Sandeman and Taylor’s. 

Vinho Verde Inexperienced Wine

Portugal is known for its vinho verde, which interprets as “inexperienced wine”. This wine originated within the historic Minho province within the north of Portugal and is mainly a younger wine launched round three to 6 months after the grapes have been harvested. Regardless of the title, vinho verde just isn’t inexperienced in colour – it’s often a white wine however may are available pink and rosé variations. 

Vinho verde may be very reasonably priced and also you’ll discover it in most eating places and supermarkets. Count on to pay round 5 or 6 euros within the grocery store for a bottle of Casal Garcia. 

Fado Performances

Fado (which accurately means “destiny”) is a sort of Portuguese music that may be traced again to 1820’s Lisbon. Fado lyrics will be about something, however sometimes songs have melancholy tunes and lyrics, usually in regards to the sea or life’s harsh realities. It’s often carried out by a male or feminine singer, accompanied by two guitars, a few violas and generally a string bass viola. 

One of the best place to expertise fado music is within the Barrio Alto district of Lisbon, which is the place the style originates from. Well-liked faso bars embrace Tasca do Chico, Adega Machado and Casa de Fado. 

Peri Peri Rooster

Those that reside within the UK and a few components of the US will already be accustomed to Nandos, a preferred chain of eating places that serves Portuguese peri peri-style rooster. 

Peri-peri rooster is mainly rooster that’s been marinated in a peri peri sauce, which is spicy and made with crushed chili peppers. It was first made by Portuguese explorers in Portugal’s former South African territories. 

Bacalhau and Cod Fish

Portugal’s nationwide dish is bacalhau, which is dried, salted cod. It’s not technically a dish, as you’ll discover cod fish cooked in many alternative methods. Most cafes and takeaway eateries could have pastéis de bacalhau or bolinhos de bacalhau, that are mainly deep fried balls of salt cod and potatoes. 

Different fashionable dishes are bacalhau com natas (bacalhau with cream and potatoes), bacalhau à brás (bacalhau with scrambled eggs and potatoes) and bacalhau à lagareiro (bacalhau with olive oil). 

Browsing 

With hundreds of miles of shoreline, Portugal is among the world’s high browsing locations and is understood for its spectacular Atlantic waves. Cities like Ericeira, Nazaré, Peniche and Sagres are all glorious for browsing and boast some stunning, rugged surroundings. 

Praia do Norte is understood for having the largest waves on the planet, and it’s right here that German surfer Sebastian Steudtner set the world document for the largest wave ever surfed. It was 86ft excessive!  

For those who’re eager to study to surf, the nation has waves for all ability ranges from newbie to superior. There are many surf hostels and surf camps, who’ll give you classes, gear and meals. 

Algarve Seashores

Nestled on Portugal’s south coast, The Algarve is house to a few of the most stunning seashores in Europe. Lots of them function yellow-colored limestone cliffs and funky rock formations, alongside turquoise blue waters. 

Among the many greatest seashores to go to within the Algarve are Praia de Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, Praia da Marinha and Praia de São Rafael.  You possibly can simply spend per week right here simply seaside hopping, exploring all of the completely different coves and lounging round on the sand. It’s additionally value reserving a kayak tour to go to a few of the stunning caves and grottos alongside the shoreline. 

Trams

Lisbon is known for its historic trams, which carry passengers up and down town’s steep hills. These trams date again to the early 1900s and are nonetheless in use immediately.

Tram No. 28 is essentially the most well-known one, which passes by means of fashionable neighborhoods equivalent to Alfama, Baixa, Estrela and Graca. This rickety yellow tram is closely photographed and trundles by means of Lisbon’s streets between Martim Moniz and Campo Ourique. Be sure you maintain on tight because the tram makes some tight turns!

Galão Espresso

Love your caffeine repair within the morning? Be sure you attempt galão Espresso, which is made with espresso espresso and foamed milk. It’s often served in a glass mug with a tall spoon and some packets of sugar on the facet. Galão is the Portuguese model of a latte or cafe au lait, and is often consumed within the morning at breakfast time. 

Pastéis de Nata

Whilst you’re in Portugal you will need to attempt pastéis de Nata, that are Portuguese egg custard tarts. These scrumptious pastries have been invented earlier than the 18th century by Catholic monks on the Hieronymites Monastery in Lisbon and are actually well-known all through the world. 

For those who determine to go to Lisbon be sure you pay a go to to Pastéis de Belém, a well-known bakery that’s been making Pastéis de nata since 1837. These flaky pastries are made by hand utilizing conventional strategies and are identified for being one of the best custard tarts within the metropolis. They’re extremely moreish and greatest eaten with a espresso within the afternoon! 

Azulejo Tiles

Throughout Portugal you’ll see ceramic Azulejo tiles, which have been produced from the 14th century onwards. The tiles adorn many buildings and historic locations, and are predominantly blue and white in colour, though you’ll see some yellow and inexperienced among the many designs.

Lisbon is house to The Nationwide Museum of the Azulejo, which was based in 1965 to protect this well-known Portuguese artwork type. The phrase “azulejo” has roots in Arabic and means ‘small polished stone’. 

Golf

Portugal is great {for golfing} as a consequence of its year-round sunshine and excellent taking part in situations. The very first golf course fashioned in Portugal was Oporto Niblicks Membership (now often known as Oporto Golf Membership) and immediately the nation has over 70 golf programs, that are largely clustered across the Algarve and Lisbon areas. 

With top-rated golf programs equivalent to Monte Rei, Quinta do Lago and Victoria, it’s an exceedingly fashionable vacation spot for golf tourism. 

Christiano Ronaldo

Even if you happen to’re not an enormous soccer fan you’ll most likely have heard of Christiano Ronaldo, one of the vital well-known soccer gamers on the planet. Ronaldo was born in Funchal, which is situated on the Portugues island of Madeira. 

Immediately Ronaldo owns many properties, together with an condo in Lisbon and a seven-story house in Madeira. He additionally reportedly bought Portugal’s costliest house; a mansion situated within the Cascais area of Quinta da Marinha. 

Cork

Boasting round 30% of the world’s cork forests (1.6 million acres), Portugal is the most important producer of cork earlier than Spain. So subsequent time you open that bottle of wine or champagne, bear in mind it’s fairly attainable the cork got here from Portugal! 

If you wish to deliver again souvenirs in your family and friends, take into account cork presents, equivalent to coasters, luggage, sneakers, bracelets and purses. 

Well-known Explorers

Portugal is understood for being one of many international locations on the forefront of the Age of Discovery, when navigators got down to uncover the New World. 

This era of exploration came about between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, with many expeditions being launched from Portuguese shores. Prince Henry the Navigator financed quite a few expeditions to discover the western coast of Africa, and by the point he died, Portugal had fashioned colonies on the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores.

In 1497 Vasco de Gama and his males sailed across the Cape of Good Hope in Africa and made it throughout the Indian Ocean to Calcutta. The success of this voyage opened up the primary route between Europe and India, paving the best way for a brand new period of world commerce. 

Pena Palace

Perched on a hill within the Sintra mountains close to Lisbon, Pena Palace seems to be like one thing out of a fairytale. This stunning palace is inbuilt a romanticist model, with a whimsical exterior and plush forests surrounding it. A notable function is the clock tower, which was designed in an identical model to the Torre de Belem in Lisbon. 

Not surprisingly, Pena Palace is a devoted World Heritage Web site and its terraces supply stunning views over the Sintra Valley. Entry to the Pena Palace is restricted to 400 folks per session in 30-minute time slots, and it’s strongly suggested to purchase tickets no less than a day earlier than your journey. 

The Azores

The Azores is an archipelago of 9 islands situated in the course of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Found in 1427 by Portuguese explorers, the archipelago was colonized and claimed as a Portuguese territory. 

The islands showcase nature at its best, with vineyards, seashores, geysers and beautiful lakes carved out by volcanoes. To get to the Azores you’ll must fly there by air; TAP has a number of flights per day from Lisbon to the Azores, whereas Ryanair presents direct flights from London Stansted. For those who’re coming from america, Azores Airways presents direct flights from Boston.

Lisbon

Portugal’s capital metropolis is among the many most well-known cities in Europe, identified for its hilly panorama, historic yellow trams and exquisite “miradouros” (viewpoints). From these viewpoints guests can soak in panoramic views of the Tagus River and town’s terracotta rooftops. 

Well-liked sights to go to right here embrace Praca do Comercio, Santa Simply Carry, Jeronimos Monastery Belem Tower, Time Out Market Lisboa and São Jorge Citadel in Alfama. Only a practice trip away you will have some nice sandy seashores, equivalent to Praia de Carcavelos, Praia do Tamariz and Praia da Poça. 

Intend to spend round 3 days in Lisbon if you need sufficient time to discover a lot of the main issues to do. 

Porto

Portugal’s second most well-known metropolis is Porto, which is roughly a 3 hour drive north of Lisbon. This stunning metropolis is barely extra relaxed than the capital, with a lot of port wineries the place you’ll be able to style some candy pink wines. 

On the coronary heart of Porto lies the Douro River, which stretches some 897 kilometers (557 miles) into Spain and northern Portugal. The river is spanned by six spectacular bridges, that are greatest seen by taking an hour-long boat cruise alongside the water. 

Well-liked day journeys from Porto embrace the Douro Valley, the place port wine is made, and Aveiro, which is named the Venice of Portugal as a consequence of its many canals.

Sagres, The Finish of the World

Sitting at Portugal’s most south westerly level, Sagres is commonly often known as “The Finish of the World”. It’s from this spot that many Portuguese explorers launched their ships and set off to find the brand new world in the course of the Age of Discovery. 

Earlier than the fifteenth century, the Romans referred to as it “Promontorium Sacrum” and believed the solar sank right here. Many individuals believed that if you happen to sailed out into the horizon, you’d simply drop off the face of the earth right into a black gap. 

This sleepy city is a couple of 30-minute drive from Lagos and is understood for its dramatic cliffs and scenic coastal path. Cabo Sao Vincente (Cape St. Vincent) is the principle attraction right here – a viewpoint with 75m-high cliffs and a strong lighthouse that may be seen by sailors from round 60km away. 

A Remaining Phrase…

Whether or not you’re planning a metropolis break or a seaside trip, Portugal is at all times a superb alternative that gained’t break the financial institution. It’s less expensive to go to than international locations like France and Germany, and the surroundings is sort of merely breathtaking. Try my Portugal journey information for loads of recommendations on issues to do and how one can get round. 

Have any extra recommendations for this record of issues Portugal is understood for? Depart a remark beneath!