Portugal is a beautiful country, with each region offering something different to experience. Read on for our Portugal Travel Guide to see the top three cities you need to visit…
Portugal is one of the most beautiful European cities to visit, packed with history, culture and a thriving foodie scene. This little country is bordered by hills and dotted with ancient fortifications and stunning beaches. If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, then you’ll want to make time to visit as much of the country as possible. Since Portugal is so small, you’ll be able to do so without committing to hours of travel. Keep reading our Portugal Travel Guide to find the top three cities in Portugal you need to visit…
Lisbon
First on our Portugal Travel Guide is Lisbon. The capital city, Lisbon, packs an enormous amount of history and culture into a small space. There are two sites of special historical interest: The Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem. The former comprises a unique church and cloister, while the latter is a riverside fort built to repel invaders from the city.If you want to experience the historical part of the city, you’ll want to pay a visit to Alfama. It’s here that many of the city’s most famous buildings are to be found. Historically, this place was where the poor and the downtrodden lived, but over time it’s become much trendier, thanks in large part to the tourist influx. Set aside time to get lost in the warren of alleys, and to sample the independent shops and cafés that line the district. For foodies head to the Time Out Market and make time to sip cocktails in Lisbon’s top rooftop bars.
Porto
To the north is the other major city in Portugal, Porto. From the narrow cobbled streets of the Ribeira to the scenic Douro river, there’s plenty for travellers to explore. Of course, Porto is home to that most famous form of fortified wine: Port. It’s still made here, resting in cellars just beside the river until it’s just right. If you want to find out about how the stuff is made, then you’ll get your chance thanks to the tours and tasting sessions.
Faro
The final destination in our Portugal Travel Guide is Faro. The south coast of Portugal is where you’ll find this ancient city. The city centre is encircled by ancient walls, within which is a cathedral, a palace, and many beautiful cobbled backstreets and restaurants. South of the city is a series of sandbars, glorious beaches and saltwater lagoons, beyond which lies the Atlantic. It’s best enjoyed during summer, of course, but it’s worth a visit even when the weather isn’t favourable! Travel to this part of the country by plane, which makes it a great place to begin (or end) your tour of Portugal. Book your Faro airport transfer in advance to cut down on the cost of a cab!
This Portugal Travel Guide showcases three amazing cities to visit on your trip, but there are still many others to explore! Which would you recommend?
