Enjoy every moment of travel experience in Lisbon!

Beauty, modernity and diversity of experiences to enjoy in Lisbon!

The best moments since arrival at the airport or cruise terminal, passing by heritage sites in Belém and most picturesque places of old Europe.

Magical Porto panoramic views

Aerial view of one Europe's most charismatic cities and the Douro Valley .
Oporto is one of the last undiscovered European metropolises.
It is an ancient port steeped in history and tradition. It is a highly atmospheric place that has become known for its monuments by renowned architects (Gustave Eiffel's Dona Maria Bridge, Nicolau Nasoni's Clerigos Tower, Rem Koolhaas' Casa da Musica, or Siza Vieira's Serralves Museum), but just when you think you don't know much about this city, think again. 
This is the city that originated and named Port Wine.
In 2014, Porto was elected The Best European Destination .

Sense of travel

Travelling is about getting new unforgettable experience, seeing beautiful and different places, learning something new.

Discovering something that inspires and surprises! Makes us think, and also have a great time and recharge the batteries.

Wandering around famous Alentejo region of Portugal, a historical and cultural heritage of old Europe is definitely one of such experiences. We love exploring its medieval castles and enjoy top hills view across valleys and villages.

Feeling adventurous? You are most welcome to join!

Unusual travel destinations

Most interesting and unusual travel destinations.. We appreciate new impressions and new emotions they give us so much in fact!

And sometimes the most unforgettable trips happen to areas already 'famous' as a destination, but only if you look at your trip planning from a very different point of view.

Ask me how to make it happen and get the best of it! )

Surprising discoveries

Fascinating places. This is what we like to discover when travelling around such special places as Porto city. Sometimes you walk around interesting but famous sites and don't realise that behind some wall there is another world 
Indeed. The most interesting are the hidden gems not too many people get to see. But we do as we follow our specially planned routs! 

Old city of Porto has gone through so many historical changes, so much happened in between these stunning hills around river Douro curves
Old legends still live here 
And we like to listen to them! 

Come join our journeys. 
And be surprised!

Feeling very happy

Making your way around exotic wonders of Portugal with MENU Portugal is always a great experience. 

We personally love making sure our guests are happy and feel they get to know best hidden gems of this country, so rich culture and natural marvels.

Showing dear guests around Quinta da Regaleira personally, what a pleasure

In Sintra, Portugal royal village

Greatest places. To be visited and admired. Portugal.

COIMBRA UNIVERSITY is recognised as a WORLD HERITAGE by UNESCO

The University of Coimbra has now been recognized as World Heritage site at the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee, which is happening now in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The great University joins the historic centers of Angra do Heroismo (Azores) ofPortugal, city of Porto, Évora and Guimarães, the grand monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça, the Convent of Christ (Tomar), the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, the ancient engravings of Foz Coa, the region of Alto Douro Wine Region, the landscape of vineyard culture of the Pico Island (Azores), the fortifications of Elvas and Madeira laurel.

Portugal is a truly unique place!

Medieval beauty

Impressive history. Grand Heritage.
Breathetaking beauty of this authentic fortress inspires.

Castle of Sortelha is a symbol of the long history of this borderland village of medieval foundation. It is only14 kilometers from the Sabugal area
It stands on a very top of a rocky hill and is surrounded by beautiful valleys. Great panoramas are visible from its ruined walls.

The Castle was constructed mainly for defensive purposes in 1228 by King Sancho IIand played a significant role in contries history. He chose the location with a great care, making sure that Sortelha Castle performed as a one of the strongest and best fortified strategic points in his kingdom

He started to be built at 760 m on a high plateau. Later on its structure ware reinforced and re-modified by King Dinis and King Fernando.

Sortelha Castle was an important defensive fortress and now an amazing attraction point due to its splendid location. It allowed a perfect view of the entire region which in itself is one step ahead of the action potential enemy.

Its donjon rises high and is visible from a long distance. Inside its territory there are charming houses, calling us back to medieval times

Portugal. Fascinating trails.

Portugal - Best Hotels in the World!

'Hot list' of Conde Naste Traveller highlighted the Best New Hotels in the world

Fascinating hotel (Pousada) in historic Citadel of Cascais, Hotel do Carmo in Lisbon, Carmo Boutique Hotel in Ponte de Lima, Fazenda Nova in Tavira, Villa Extramuros in Evora (in Serra de Aires) are among 62 Best Hotels in the World 2013

These six units in Portugal were distinguished in the category of Best New Hotels under $300 in assessment that involved more than a thousand hotels worldwide.

The 'hot list' of 2013 of Conde Naste Traveller, which is one of the most reputable publications in the sector, assessed all areas, from architecture and design to quality of service and rooms.

The result distinguished both larger or smaller historical units, as amazing Pousada of Cascais of Pestana Group and other, as boutique hotel in Ponte de Lima or small Pousada in Tavira that has only ten rooms. Various details and originality are highlighted in every hotel, as pool area in Corbusier style 'villa' Extramural or enviable view of Lisbon from the best room in the Hotel do Carmo.

Travel and discover the best!

Travellers delight. Beauty of history. Lisbon, Portugal

Absolutely unforgettable.. One of most imposing. That is why Lisbon is that famous and is considered as one of best 5 European destinations.

Because of its World Heritage status sites.

This cathedras is something special. Although it's almost impossible to distinguish something among this variety of unique sites here.. But still

Towering above the cityscape from a side of famous romantic Alfama area hill, this ancient and one of most important cathedrals has got thousands of stories to tell

It witnessed so much during centuries and centuries of great wars, great developments, great reins, catastrophs, parades and life stories.

Grand Sé de Lisboa

When you enter it you found yourself in another époque. Another reality. Very strong feeling.

And besides this - it is a fascinatingly beautiful monuments, still transmitting its lights to us, as almost 900 years ago

Discover! Explore one of the most romantic, mysterious, beautiful cities. Lisbon. Portugal.

Most beautiful things. Water views. Aveiro city. Portugal

Mirror of this water and bright beautiful sky. Fantastic start of a day. 

Aveiro, Portugal - a unique place, where traditional historucal architecture combines with a unique natural landscape, reason to call this charming town on a coastline 'Portuguese Venice' 

And its gastronomy!
Freeshest seafood! Typical famous sweets! Oh. Delicatessens. 

Come over! Discover. Enjoy 

Cultural Heritage of Old Europe - discover in Portugal! Barocco style masterpieces.

Portugal developed unprecedented versions of Baroque style in the world of art – in the fields of azulejo tiles and carved gilded wood. Azulejo tiles – an extremely rich iconographic culture that runs alongside the tradition of great canvas painting – focused primarily on religious themes: the history of the lives of the Saints and cy cles dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Life of Christ. The main profane themes focused on mythology and fables, in particular the fables of La Fontaine, explored in azulejo tiles such as those in the Church of S. Vicente de Fora, and also linked to programmes imposed by commissioners in the domestic space of their gardens and palaces.

Ornamentation and compositional formats, introduction of “gallant scenes”, “hunting scenes”, more or less stereotypical landscapes, sometimes exotic, originated autonomous motifs with countless variations such as the so-called “invitation figures” (figures de convite) - life-sized representations of people adopting gestures of etiquette, as they receive visitors, located at room entrances or staircase landings. This deceptive naturalism and apparent ingenuity, established azulejo work as one of the most characteristic Portuguese styles.

The reign of D. João V was marked by implementation of a utopia in the world of art, whose initial seeds had been sown in 17th century politics. This was the only explanation behind major ventures such as the Royal Convent of Mafra, one of the largest palatial and monastic buildings in Europe. The characteristic elements of Portuguese Baroque - carved gilded wood and ornamentation of churches with azulejo tiles – directly descended from this desire to create a “golden age”. It also derived from a very real access to gold, imported from Brazil.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, carved gilded wood transformed church interiors, which often had unique layouts, thus conferring them with luminosity and spatial energy. A classic example is the Library of the University of Coimbra, whose interior was transformed through the use of carved gilded wood. A wide array of altar-pieces were installed in all styles of Portuguese churches throughout the 17th century. Derived from mannerist altars and altar-pieces - stable, firm and of classic taste - the Portuguese style altar-piece ended up by replacing slower, heavier and expensive models, executed in stone by Italian Baroque sculptors.

However, the  Portuguese style should not be viewed as a poorer or imitative version of its predecessors. On the contrary, it included original motifs and was based on unique compositions. The splendour of the gilding, the greater or lesser depths of the hand carved ornamental motifs, constitute the backdrop for the key architectural elements: the arches and door-jambs – thick, repeated, staggered in depth; tribunes constituted by several steps, raising up to great height in a curious play of different scales and monumental display; the throne, upon which the statue of the patron saint was placed; Solomonic columns, decorated with vines and small angels.

In the same manner, the Enlightenment spirit fostered by the Marquis of Pombal during the reign of D. José (1750-1777), formed part of a broader Baroque strategy, especially if one considers his urban-planning proposals. 

The key impulse behind this avant-garde movement was the unprecedented catastrophe, whose impact was felt throughout the world – the brutal 1755 earthquake that devastated Lisbon. Some commentators viewed the Earthquake as a sign of the end of the world. For others, however, it was an opportunity to secularise a society that was atavistically entrenched in profound religiosity.

Discover this great world heritage and see it in real life in Portugal! 

by visitportugal 

Algarve. Great cultural heritage.

Visiting the Algarve is not just an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent beaches and delicious cuisine; it is also a chance to discover a rich cultural heritage handed down over many centuries of history.

Occupied since pre-historic times, the municipality of Aljezur enjoyed a period of great prosperity during the five centuries of Islamic occupation. Indeed, the town of Aljezur was founded by the Arabs in the 10^th century, and they built the imposing castle that can still be visited today.

In 1249, D. Paio Peres Correia won the town back from the Moors. In 1280, King Dinis granted Aljezur its charter and in 1504 it was awarded a new charter by King Manuel I.

After a period of prosperity which coincided with the maritime Discoveries and the town sending its agricultural produce to Lagos, Aljezur faced hard times, later exacerbated by the 1755 earthquake. The earthquake destroyed most of the town and left the main church in complete ruins. The intervention of the then Bishop of the Algarve, D. Francisco Gomes do Avelar, was needed to build this church and set in motion the construction of a new urban centre.

Aljezur Castle

An Arab military building dating from the 10^th century, located on the top of a hill. It has a long stretch of wall with two towers, and on the inside a vaulted cistern of Arab origin, as well as the remains of houses and barracks. Aljezur Castle was taken by the Christians in the 13th century and fulfilled an important defensive role until the 18th century.

Visitors can enjoy a wonderful view from here.

Bordeira Main Church

An 18th century church, it has a longitudinal floor plan with a single nave and a chancel with a carved gilt triumphal arch in front.

The main features are the altarpiece in the chancel and the two side altarpieces in the Baroque style, where some high quality statues can be seen. Examples are the

statues of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (Our Lady of the Incarnation) and Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary)(18^th century), of Santo António (St Anthony) and São Francisco (St Francis)(17th century) and of São Sebastião (St Sebastian)(16th century).

There is more than a thousand impressive monuments and historical sites in the region. They will definitely be mentioned in the next series of articles. Explore and enjoy! And happy travelling.

48 hours in Lisbon

Flea markets, fine food and fado: how to spend a weekend in Europe's westernmost capita

Looking for things to do in this wonderful city, Lisbon? Not much time to do them in? Here's a quick-stop guide to the city's best restaurants, bars, museums and more.

Day one: the old town

9am

Head up to St. George's Castle (Rue de Santa Cruz do Castelo) to get your bearings, taking the antique no.28 tram or a bus if you want to ride all the way. The battlements afford breathtaking views of the river and the city draped over a series of hills.

10am

Wander down towards Alfama, stopping off at the Museu-Escola de Artes Decorativas (Largo das Portas do Sol 2) if you have a taste for applied arts, or detouring to the remains of the Roman theatre (Pátio do Aljube 5, Rua Augusto Rosa).

Noon

If it’s a Tuesday or Saturday, take in the Feira da Ladra (ampo de Santa Clara, São Vicente), a sprawling flea market. The nearby monastery of São Vicente has magnificent azulejo tile panels – and more views. Lunch on grilled sardines or bacalhau at a local tasca, or go for a more exotic alternative, such as Michelin-Starred Tavares (Rua da Misericórdia 35).

2pm

After lunch, catch the tram across to Chiado for some shopping or people-watching. Of the many local churches, the highlight is the Igreja de São Roque (Largo de Trindade Coelho), with its lavish baroque decoration.

4pm

Art lovers may want to schedule a visit to the very Portuguese Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (Rua das Janelas Verdes) or the wider-ranging Museu Calouste Gulbenkian (Avenida de Berna 45). Although the latter has a lovely garden, keen botanists will find more to marvel over closer to hand in the Jardim Botânico (Rua da Escola Politécnica) in Príncipe Real.

6pm

Time for an aperitif, with the Solar do Vinho do Porto (Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara 45) an excellent place to have one. It’s on the edge of the Bairro Alto, with its myriad restaurants and late-opening bars. When these finally close, those with sufficient stamina should head downhill to Lux (Avenida Infante Dom Henrique) or another all-night club.

Day two: discoveries and rediscoveries

10am

Set aside half a day to explore Belém, a district that will be forever linked with ‘the Discoveries’, the golden age of Portuguese maritime exploration. As well as key examples of the late-Gothic Manueline style of architecture, the area has museums galore and a fine modern art collection. Take a break from culture to indulge in some of the famous custard tarts of the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém (Rua de Belém 84-92): it’s almost considered a sin by lisboetas to walk past here without stepping inside to munch a few of its specialist pastéis de Belém.

1pm

Have lunch at Alcântara Cafe (Rua Maria Luísa Holstein 15) – a Lisbon landmark since the 1980s that remains the centre of 'new Portuguese' cuisine, but with proper old-fashioned generous portions. Or, for a kitscher flight of fancy by the same designer (Antonio Pinto), nip round the corner to Espaço Lisboa (Rua da Cozinha Económica 16). Tables are laid out in a mock-up of a Lisbon square with tipico shops, but the food is less stylish than at its nearby cousin.

3pm

Cross town to the Parque das Nações, the former site of Expo 98, whose theme was the oceans and the Discoveries. It has attractions for visitors of all ages, with the Oceanário (Esplanada Dom Carlos I) the big crowd-puller. To cover more ground, let the mini-train or cable car take the strain. Otherwise, hire a bike or a pair of inline skates.

6pm

Head back into town for a late-afternoon drink at one of the numerous miradouros, Lisbon’s wonderful look-out points.

8pm

Dine at a casa de fado, where singers will pour their hearts out for you, accompanied by a lute-shaped Portuguese guitar. The best bets are Tasca do Jaime up in Graça (Rua da Graça 91), for songs punctuated by the rumble of passing trams, and Tasca do Chico in the Bairro Alto (Rua Diário de Notícias 39). The origins of the saudade they are expressing lie in part in seafarers’ homesickness and the longing of the women they left behind.

Stay

The Barrio Alto Hotel (Praça Luís de Camões 2) sits at the pricier end of the city's hotel spectrum, but the understated opulence of its boutique suites justifies the pricetag. Head to the rooftop bar for a pre-dinner drink with a view.

For shoestring travellers, Lisbon Lounge Hostel (Rua de São Paulo 111) provides just about everything you'd expect from budget accommodation, as well as a few things you wouldn't. Rooms are comfortable and clean, while the lounge boasts modern decor and internet access. Offbeat bars are just around the corner.

Happy travelling! 

by timeout.travel

Great cultural interaction. Portugal as a centre of world knowledge and traditions.

At the time of taking its first steps as a nation, Portugal was already a place where different cultures – Christian, Muslim and Jewish - lived peacefully together. But it was the contact with different civilisations throughout the 15th and 16th centuries that made Portugal a living example of the crossover of Portuguese and European inspiration with the customs and artistic heritage of other continents.

This exoticism can still be seen today, both when passing through the streets of cities such as Lisboa and in museum collections. It is reflected in African artefacts made of wood and ivory, in Indo-Portuguese furniture, in Chinese porcelain decorated according to European taste, as well as in the famous Japanese Nambam screens, depicting the arrival of the Portuguese and their customs in Japan.

In turn, the Portuguese came back to Europe with new ideas and sciences, flavours, knowledge, precious stones and exotic timber. These exchanges of foreign products that were hitherto unknown stimulated scientific knowledge and the creation and purchase of specific masterpieces, from paintings to jewellery.

This cross-fertilization of inspiration and tastes has bequeathed an atmosphere of rare charm in Portugal that can nowadays be sampled both in the nature of the people and their gastronomy.

The Portuguese distinguish themselves from other nationalities by their tolerance and openness towards other cultures and by their diligence in understanding and trying to speak the languages of visitors. In Portuguese cuisine, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon are just some of the many spices that enhance the flavours of the dishes, as well as other products that used to be considered exotic in the past, but which having been introduced and made familiar by the Portuguese, have become as indispensable as corn, tomatoes, rice and tea.

by turismodeportugal

Lisbon Story Centre marks the 257th Anniversary of the 1755 earthquake. Secrets of Portugal..

1 November and the 1755 earthquake Holiday and long weekend with reduced prices in the Lisbon Story Centre. From 1-4 November, the Lisbon Story Centre marks the 257th Anniversary of the 1755 earthquake and invites tourists and residents to know the history of the brand-new Portuguese city equipment, at special prices. Feeling through an immersive experience, the devastating effects of the natural disaster that struck the Portuguese capital on 1755, 1st November, meet all plans for rebuilding the city and its development, through the use of special effects and multimedia solutions. Through a "time travel", the visitor learns about the key moments of the collective memory of Lisbon, its myths and its realities, and see how past events influenced the current city. The visit lasts for 60 minutes, guided by an audio guide available in 9 languages including a children's version, through the themes "Lisboa, Myths and Realities," "Lisboa, Global City", "November 1, 1755, the day of All Saints "," The vision of Pombal "," The Terreiro do Paço" and "Virtual Lisbon. " The exit is via the shop and a tourist information center, where visitors can gather all the information needed to prepare and plan a visit to the tourist and cultural offer of the Portuguese capital. Located in the Terreiro do Paço, the Centre Lisbon Story - Memories of the City is an unmissable experience. Lisbon Story Centre - Memories of the City Palace Square 1 to 4 November 10h00-20h00 Last entry at 19:00 by visitlisboa.com

Fascinating Azulejos. Portugal. Lisbon.

For centuries This Art of Portuguese tiles making inspired artists and architects, poets and all travellers around the World. Its complexity, variety and sophisticated technology made this Art one of the trade marks of the country, copied many times and in many variations by others during centuries and centuries.  

These tiles are located in the church "Madre de Deus" of Lisbon. The church was built in the 15th century and later rebuilt after the great earthquake and tsunami. The blue and gold tiles are replicas of 17th century Azulejos covering the walls.

As a whole, Igreja Madre de Deus is one of the most interesting churches of Lisbon. The decorations inside the church reflect the life of Queen Leonor and her husband Joao II. Igreja Madre de Deus' architectural design shows a bit of the country history through the 
combination of Baroque, and later Portuguese architecture.

by atrio 

Pay a visit and let yourself dive into this rich, colourful history and art of Old Lisbon places... 

History. Art. Music. Architecture. Alfama! Portugal.

Medieval Maze, Views, Fado and  Soul..

by lisbonlux.com

This quaint medieval district (once the Moorish and Jewish quarter before it became a fishing community) is like a small village. It stands as a time capsule to the years before Lisbon was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, as it remained standing thanks to its rock-solid foundations.

Put away your map and wander aimlessly through its "becos" (alleys) and "largos" (small squares), allowing your senses to be the guides.

You'll see laundry out to dry from balconies and magnificent views of the river, smell fish being grilled in a corner, hear the sounds of Fado coming out of a restaurant, taste some authentic traditional meals, and touch some dazzling tilework. Set in a visually stunning hill, this is Lisbon at its most picturesque and the very soul of the city.

Life here continues much as it has for centuries, but walk down towards the river and you're once again in modern times: old warehouses have been renovated and turned into some of the city's coolest hotspots, from DeliDelux for brunch to Bica do Sapato for dinner, and Lux for drinks and dancing until sunrise!