Why Travel to Portugal?
When someone thinks of European travel, Italy, France or Spain may come to mind. Portugal may not be at the top of many people’s lists, but it should be! The benefit is that it is very easy to travel from north to south or vice versa. The other benefit is that it is very affordable. The history and culture of the Portuguese people are inspiring. Once you learn more about this amazing country, you will soon be adding to your next adventure. Another advantage if you are traveling from the U.S, it is the western-most country to visit. It is easy to grab a plane from a major city to Lisbon.
In recent years, many are moving to this affordable and adventurous country. On Youtube, you will find many ex-patriots who have chosen to move here. For instance, Janz Anton-Iago left his desk job in London for Lisbon, sight unseen. It turned out to be the best decision of his life. Janz has a series of videos that will inspire you. Click here to view Janz’s incredible videos from all over Portugal and beyond. Other vloggers that will provide guidance and inspiration include Frederico Alves and 8 Miles From Home.
Belem Tower ~ Lisbon
Culture and Language~
It is hard to focus on one particular piece of culture as there is so much pride and history in this country that is everywhere you turn. From the beautiful handcrafted tiles, exquisite linens, and incredible winemaking to the traditional foods and heartwarming music (called Fado). It is easy to include these important traditions to appreciate the people and culture. We highly recommend viewing Fado music in a venue to get a full appreciation of their connection to this type of music. And don’t forget the tapas (called Petiscos). Check out the information in Lisbon to find out more about the music and food. Portuguese is the language of Portugal.
Hand Painted Tiles
Getting There and Getting Around~
When traveling from the United States, the most affordable option is to fly in and out of Lisbon. If you are flying from another city like London or Paris (as part of your trip or becuase you found a cheaper flight to these destinations), there are many low cost airlines that can take you into Porto, Lisbon or Faro. On our last trip, we looked at taking a train from Madrid, but unlike Italy or Germany, the train system does not connect easily to another country. That can present a problem if you are wanting to expand your trip to another country. Renting a car can break the bank as they add exhorbinant fees for one way acorss boundaries. One option is to fly into Spain (maybe Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville), as that can be as low as $30 for a one way trip.
It is effortless to rent a car in Portugal. We suggest Sixt as they have many options. Sixt also has a mobile hotspot for up to five devices with calling, even included for about $10/day. Portugal has a great highway system that is very easy to navigate. You can get you from Lisbon to Algarve in the south in less than 3 hours or up to Porto and the Douro Valley in about the same amount of time.
In Algarve, we suggest a boat trip or kayaking among the caves. It is a terrific experience. Another suggestion is to hire a driver or take the train to visit the sites near Lisbon and Sintra, including the Castelo dos Mouros, Belem, and Pena Palace. In Lisbon, there are funiculars (which are trolly cars on rails) The town is hilly so it is a great experience to catch one while there. These trolley cars of Lisbon were the world’s very first street funicular. If you head to Lisbon, check them out! When planning your itinerary, be sure to check out smaller villages and towns along the way. It is truly easy to add places like Obidos, Peniche, Nazare, or Monsaraz for the most authentic experience.
Trolley Car ~ Lisbon
Cost Saving Tips~
There are many ways to avoid crowds and get a local experience without a huge investment. In Porto and Lisbon, the Fado bars offer local, authentic performers while dining. Do keep in mind that some establishments may be tourist traps. Ask the locals and check reviews to choose the best experience. In many towns, there are local markets with affordable food options. In Lisbon, check out Time Out, a common area where many restaurants host stalls. It is a great way to try out local restaurants. There are so many affordable sites to see throughout Portugal. Places like Belem Tower, Santa Justa Elevator, Pena Palace, Castles in Obidos, and Monseraz are super affordable to visit. They share so much history and culture. These palaces, castles, monasteries, and monuments bring this country to life. The country is filled with a scenic coast. The rock formations and beaches are open to the public and an affordable way to experience them. With a little research, you can find amazing hiking paths and lookouts. You can find affordable boat trips on Airbnb Experiences for another great vantage point of the coast.
Carmo Church Ruins ~ Center of Lisbon
Food and Drink~
The Portuguese have so many traditional foods and desserts. With so much coastline it is easy to believe that there are many fish dishes including cod, octopus, and sardines. Bacalhau is dried, salted codfish, which might not sound all that appealing. But, it’s practically the national dish of Portugal. The cod is dried and salted as fishermen have done for hundreds of years. The fish is de-salted and used in hundreds of traditional dishes. Bifanas are traditional Portuguese pork sandwiches, so popular that you’ll find them everywhere in the country. Another type of sandwich includes marinated pork and crunchy white bread with a special sauce.
You will find in about every bakery throughout Portugal, the Pastel de Nata. this is an iconic dessert that resembles a custard tart. You also might see something called Conventual Desserts which are made with egg yolks, sugar, almonds, and cinnamon. The many convents made these bakery items and sold them to make money for the parish. The wine is some of the best we have tasted. It is grown in many areas of Portugal including the Douro Region and Alejante whose climate resembles California. In the north, there is a tradition of Port wine, named for the Port region where for hundreds of years winemakers added brandy to their wine to preserve it and export to England. The process kept the wine. The grapes that grow in the Douro Valley are used mainly for port wine, taken down the river to Port, and sold throughout the world. The wineries offer wonderful accommodations and share in wine tasting.
Pastais de Belem (or de Nata)
Our Favorite Places~
There are so many amazing castles and estates to visit while in Portugal. Porto and Lisbon have amazing squares with historic monuments. Near Lisbon and Sintra, take a look at the Castelo dos Mouros, Palacio de Belem, and Pena Palace. Even if you do not visit inside, these sites are amazing! Another suggestion is to visit one of the many gorgeous wineries. Many of the wineries are near Porto in the Duoro Valley. lookup Portuguese wineries on Tripadvisor, to get a list of locations that are nearby, or check out our website Altered by Adventure for some links to helpful articles on wine tourism in Portugal. Algarve has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are so many beaches, each with its own personality. The coastline is filled with amazing cliffs and rock formations. It is a great way to hike and experience the beautiful view! Cabo Da Roca should be on your bucket list as it is an amazing rock formation that is one of the best places to see the sunset. It is actually the farthest point west in Europe.
*Be sure to check out our Ultimate Itinerary in Portugal and visit our site for more inspiration to plan your unforgetable trip.
Cabo de Roca (farthest point west in Europe)