Uncover Portugal’s Rich Heritage And Stunning Scenery

By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

Portugal offers travelers a rich tapestry of experiences—vibrant cities, picturesque coast of Algarve, stunning medieval castles, mouthwatering culinary experiences, and of course, delicious port wine. Allen Batista Travel, Inc. offers savvy travelers an insider’s view on a Portugal sightseeing tour—Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, Fátima, Coimbra, Porto, Nazaré, and Óbidos.

Lisbon: The Heartbeat Of Portugal

Lisbon, the capital city, intertwines ancient history with vibrant modern culture. The old district, Alfama and Bairro Alto, is known for its narrow streets, Fado singing heard from bars and old houses. The Monastery in the Belém neighborhood has the lure of the magnificent architecture to explore on your own. Nearby the Belém Tower and the Commerce Square, visitors can get a breathtaking view of the Tagus River.

Lisbon’s culinary delights are endless. Taste the Pastéis de Belém, a delicious pastry made from custard and a crispy dough that is garnished with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Visit exotic markets such as the Mercado da Ribeira, and taste local food products, especially seafood, and traditional food.

Sintra: A Fairytale Escape

Sintra offers visitors fairytale palaces, gardens, and landscapes. The vibrant Pena Palace exudes the spirit of romanticism with a different architectural style. The palace of Quinta da Regaleira is surrounded by mystic gardens, secret tunnels, and the Initiation Well. This site is a must-visit for people who are interested in history and especially in mysterious stories and secret societies.

Cascais And Estoril: Coastal Elegance

By heading west along the coast, Cascais and Estoril enchant visitors with their sandy beaches and resort atmosphere. Once a small fishing village, Cascais is now a beautiful beach town filled with fashionable shops, cafés, and art galleries. The Historical Center of Cascais is ideal for walks around the town.

Estoril is known around the world for its casino and gardens. The Estoril Coastline has always been a popular destination for tourists.

Fátima: A Spiritual Journey

Fátima is of great importance as a place of pilgrimage—millions of individuals travel to this destination every year. Legend has it, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherds at the Museum of Fátima. People can pray at the Little Chapel of the Apparitions, as well as the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, a huge modern structure to house big, jam-packed crowds.

Coimbra: The Academic Soul

Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Founded in 1290, Coimbra is also considered the oldest university in Portugal and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Joanina Library with Baroque decorations and a vast number of manuscripts.

The city has a youthful vibe that can be experienced in the various cafés, musical performances, and festivals held in the city. A leisurely walk through Coimbra University is a virtual history lesson in the evolution of the learning process and education in Portugal.

Porto: The Inviting Northern Metropolis

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is known for its wine—the Porto wine and the city’s district of Ribeira. Numerous rabelo boats are anchored along the waterfront of Porto—the traditional boats have been used to transport wine barrels from the vineyards of the Douro Valley region. Tourists enjoy a Douro River cruise, soaking in Porto’s stunning architecture and bridges, including the well-known Dom Luís I Bridge.

The Vila Nova de Gaia is home to the numerous Port Wine Cellar. Wine lovers can take the guided tour and learn more about the production of Port Wine. Food lovers can indulge themselves with Francesinha, a typical Porto dish of meat and cheese sandwich enriched with tomato and beer sauce.

Nazaré: Surfing The Giants

Nazaré, a former small fishing village, is famous for its giant waves, attracting surfers and spectators from all over the world. Praia do Norte has a wave size that may rise to 98 feet, allowing avid surfers to experience the force of nature at its best.

By crossing the sea, visitors can visit Os Nazaré, a colorful fishing village with its cobbled roads and fishing boats, plus the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré that is located on a cliff with a backdrop view of the sea.

Óbidos: A Medieval Enclave

Óbidos, a beautiful medieval town, allows visitors to step back in time to the Middle Ages. The Óbidos Castle, converted into a splendid pousada (historic hotel), is surrounded by narrow streets and traditional houses painted in white. In Óbidos, the Ginjinha is a popular cherry liqueur served with an edible chocolate cup, which is a symbol of love, adding to the town’s reputation as a lovers’ paradise.

Throughout the year, Óbidos hosts many festivals, including the Óbidos Medieval Market, where the knights’ compete against each other, followed by a medieval feast. The Obidos Christmas Village usually turns the town into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, thus adding to its mystique.

​Allen Batista Travel, Inc. can help individuals experience a Portugal adventure of a lifetime. Contact us today.