The Highlights of Portugal
Joe DunningPortugal is one of two countries, bordering the Iberian Peninsula although close in proximity; they are different in many ways especially in language and culture. Portugal is a small country but large in architectural and cultural heritage. The laid-back spirit of its people is catching.
A typical Portugese village
Portugal has many major highlights worth visiting. A short holiday does not afford sufficient time to see all Portugal has to offer. The mainland of Portugal extends along the Atlantic coastline for 832km. Many visitors head to the province of Algarve in the southern part of Portugal where the climate is always pleasant and the beaches and golf courses are superior.
Portugal’s mainland frontier has remained unchanged for over seven centuries a result of its geography. Portugal has two archipelagos, Madeira and the Azores on the Atlantic. Portugal administers Macao once a colony located on the southern coast of China. Portugal however allows Macao the privilege of self-governing their internal affairs.
What a lovely place to live!
Portugal’s interior highlights include the small towns, villages and abbeys surrounded by beautiful scenery waiting to welcome visitors. Lush green hills, valleys and plateaus form a breath-taking panoramic view throughout Portugal. The Atlantic coastline adds to the natural beauty of the coastal cities and towns. The overall landscape of this attractive little country, which rests on the Iberian Peninsula opposite Spain, is in itself a major highlight.
The capital city of Portugal is Lisbon situated on the estuary of the Tagus. It is among the favorite tourists spots in Portugal. Lisbon was at one time the centre of Europe’s oldest overseas empire. Among the highlights of Lisbon are the two Manueline jewels, the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, home of the tomb of the explorer Vasco da Gama.
Some of the highlights of Lisbon are the Convento da Madre de Deus formerly the Convent of St. Clare founded in 1509 by Queen Leonor who lived there as a widow. Built in Manueline style and renovated several times the building sustained severe damage in the 1755 earthquake. Most of the original design is preserved and Queen Leonor rests beneath the floor in one of the two cloisters. A tombstone marks her burial place.
That’s a nice convent
Other highlights of Lisbon are the Bull Ring and the Pombal Statue located on the grand Avenida da Liberdade. The Old Quarter now named Alfama is on the southeast side of the hill near Castello de Sao Jorge. Strolling along the cobbled alleys of Alfama, you come to the quarter of the seamen. It is a unique part of Lisbon with a few houses built by the West Goths.
The Old Quarter retains its shape as arranged by the Arabs. Its name Alfama evolved from Al-Hama a nearby thermal spring. Moors, Christians and Jews lived peacefully in the old quarter from the 16th-18th century. From here, you can take a short excursion boat to Sintra for dinner and Fado-style music before returning to your hotel in Lisbon.
The Sala Calouste Gulbenkian Museum houses works of Gulbenkian. His Greek torso of Apollo and the Danaide by Rodin are among the most popular pieces. The Museum of Ancient Art built in 1690 as a palace for Count Alvor sits across from the Alcântara harbor. Some call it the “house of green windows” due to its green window shutters. It houses a small chapel, which served the St. Albert Carmelite Monastery.
Shssh!
More highlights in Lisbon are the vineyards and olive groves found in the Serra do Aire hills of the city. Beyond the ancient gates of the city is the wall of Obidos built to form a protective perimetre around the city. The Dominican Bathalha Monastery built in the 14th century is a symbol of Portugal’s independence from Castile. Join pilgrims visiting the national shrine in Fatima and visit the valley of the Douro River. Visit the Vila de Gaia vineyards the source of the House of Sandeman Port Wine.
The accommodations in Portugal are among its special highlights and many tourists prefer the wonderful four and five-star Pousadas as their favorite places to stay. Unlike many places, Portugal chose to hold on to their stately old buildings, which were once commercial buildings, castles and monasteries turning them into beautiful hotels. These historical old buildings have a long and interesting past. In addition, the strategic location of these monuments from the past offer fabulous panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, beaches, olive tree groves and flourishing grape vineyards.
Where they produce the best port
The laid- back attitude of the locals is one of its most valuable highlights. Tourists on holiday enjoy being around people who know how to relax and enjoy life. The country of Portugal has a vibrantly rich cultural heritage. Folk and music festivals rich in local traditions are among the favorite highlights shared by the Portuguese people.
Tourists visiting the towns and cities of Portugal enjoy strolling through the markets and stopping in the restaurants where abundant, fresh cooked food highlights their day. Delightfully, delectable traditional foods are a source of pride among the locals. Another of Portugal highlights is the manner in which the architectural styles and artistic heritage of the people retains their connection to other civilizations from around the world.
Portugal has many wonderful highlights in fact far too many to visit while taking a short holiday. However, some of the more popular highlights are Cascais a popular seaside resort. Palmela is a small hill town where Volkswagen and Ford run a joint factory building stretch limos. Portinho da Arrabida is a little fishing village south of Serra da Arrabida offering the best scuba diving in Portugal.
Great scuba diving
Tróia is a neat little holiday village near the industrial city of Setúbal. It is a small resort town perfect for water lovers who enjoy boating, swimming and spending hours on the beach. A favorite site among natives is Oporto simply called Porto or the Harbor by the locals. Porto is a lively industrial, commercial, university town and Portugal’s largest town. It has British connections and locals say they earn money in Porto and spend it in Lisbon.
