Travel to Portugal

Historic Centre of Évora

This museum-city, whose roots go back to Roman times, reached its golden age in the 15th century, when it became the residence of the Portuguese kings. Its unique quality stems from the whitewashed houses decorated with azulejos and wrought-iron balconies dating from the 16th to the 18th century. Its monuments had a profound influence on Portuguese architecture in Brazil.

Convent of Christ in Tomar

It was designed as a monument symbolizing the Reconquest, the Convent of the Knights Templar of Tomar (transferred in 1344 to the Knights of the Order of Christ) came to symbolize just the opposite during the Manueline period – the opening up of Portugal to other civilizations. An exquisite architectural masterpiece that it's definetly worht seen.

Some more of Sintra

In the 19th century Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees. Other fine dwellings, built along the same lines in the surrounding serra, created a unique combination of parks and gardens which influenced the development of landscape architecture throughout Europe.

Pasteis de Belem

Pasteis de Belem are a small cream tart found throughout Portugal's pastry shops or cafés, believed it was created before the 18th century by Catholic Sisters at the Jerónimos Monastery. Casa Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon was the first place outside the convent selling this creamy dessert, and since 1837, locals have come here to get them warm out of the oven and sprinkle with the cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

The only museum in Lisbon to approach the status of the Gulbenkian is the Ancient Art Museum. In a 17th-century palace, it has a beautifully displayed collection of Portuguese art -- mainly from the 15th through 19th century -- that superbly complements the Gulbenkian's general collection. Indeed, Gulbenkian himself donated several pieces to this museum, which opened in 1883. It's very cheap as well so it's a must for every traveler!

Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém

The Monastery and the Tower of Belem are actually two separate sites, within walking distance of each other. The Monastery is huge, split into the meticulous decorated church where Vasco de Gama's tomb is located, as well as the Cloisters with its peaceful atmosphere. The Torre de Belem is on the waterfront and a famous landmark. Both of them certanly deserves your visit.

Ericeira

Ericeira is a fishing and seaside resort town, located on the west coast of Portugal. The Ribeira d'Ilhas beach routinely hosts a round of the World Surf Championship and is considered one of the best beaches in Europe for the practice of this sport, it is a popular destination for holidays and amateur surfers for its over 40 beaches with good surf in the area.

Mafra

Mafra is a city located in the Lisbon region, with interesting touristic activities and a great surfing spot nearby. This town is well know for its Baroque style, with buildings like the Royal Palace, who inspired Portuguese Nobel Prize laureate José Saramago to write his novel Baltasar and Blimunda. You might also want to visit the wildlife and game reserve Tapada Nacional de Mafra.

Funchal

Funchal is the capital of the island of Madeira, and this city owes its name to the funcho (fennel) found on the island. Besides the beautiful restaurants, delicious food and famous wine, make some time to visit Sé Catedral, the cathedral. It is the central point of the city, and was commissioned by Portuguese explorer Gil Eanes, built between 1493 and 1517, with the ceiling made from local wood.

Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is one of northern Portugal's best resorts. Located on the northern bank of the Lima estuary the town has a long sea-faring tradition. Explorers, traders and fishermen set sail from its port for South America, Africa and Newfoundland. The heart of Viana do Castelo is the elegant Praça da República - this lovely square of Renaissance buildings includes the Chafariz fountain at its center and the striking Misericórdia almshouse dates from 1589. The old town hall, Câmara Municipal, is another fine Renaissance building in the square.