Things to do
Lisbon: Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, costal capital city. From imposing Sao Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-coloured buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. The city’s compact, cobblestoned heart is easily explored on foot or via its old-fashioned trains and funiculars. The Moorish Alfama district has narrow, winding streets and taverns with fado singers. Chiado and its cades, shopping and seafood restaurants adjoins Bairro Alto, known for its nightlife. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum complex, set amid serene gardens, displays noted art collections.
Porto: Known for its stately bridges and port wine production, Porto is a coastal city in the northwest of Portugal. In the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district, narrow cobbled streets wind past merchants houses and cades. A visit to the Sao Francisco Church is a must, with its lavish baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings. Clerigos Tower is the iconic baroque bell tower of Clerigos Church. An old tram follows the river to beachside bars in affluent Foz.
Azores: The Azores, an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, are characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures and hedge rows of blue hydrangeas. Sao Miguel, the largest, has lake filled calderas and the Gorreana Tea Plantation, while Pico is home to the 2351m Mt. Pico and vineyards sheltered by boulders.
Madeira: Yet another archipelago comprising of 4 islands off the northwest coast of Africa. It is known for its namesake wine and warm, subtropical climate. The main island of Madeira is volcanic green and rugged, with high cliffs, pebbly beaches and settlements on deltas of the Faja River. Capital Funchal has botanic gardens and is known for its harbor and large New Year’s Fireworks show.
Sintra: This resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, near the capital, Lisbon. A long-time royal sanctuary, its forest terrain is studded with pastel-coloured villas and palaces. The Moorish-and Manueline-style Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tilework. The hilltop 19th century Pena National Palace is known for a whimsical design and sweeping views.