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.

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

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.

Travel. Romance. Magnificent Costa Alentejana area of Portugal

The sun is our greatest asset. On the Costa Alentejana, summer can stretch from March until November. From Alcácer do Sal to Odemira, there are miles of beaches to discover. From the extensive beaches in the north to the little coves hidden among the cliffs in the south, a calm and secret ocean awaits you. No traffic, no crowds.

Located in Southwest Portugal, the Costa Alentejana is a region of unique characteristics, accessed in a few hours from any major European airport. Few destinations in the world combine, in such harmony, development and tradition with comfort and nature, an itinerary of sporting, cultural and leisure activities with the tranquillity of a natural and built landscape that invites tranquillity, romance and relaxation.

This whole scene of natural life can be covered in romantic walks on foot, horseback, boat, or along the graceful roads that cut through the landscape. Because time is on our side and a single moment, if well spent, can last a lifetime.

Beaches are just one of many features of the Costa Alentejana. Throughout the region you will find incredible, unspoiled landscape, natural lakes, reservoirs and places where you could be forgiven for thinking that the sun was setting just for you.

Celebrating unique moments

The Costa Alentejana is romantic. It is a destination of choice for those who love beauty, nature, life and love, above all, for those who want to share this with someone. For a vacation away from the daily routine that distracts us from what is truly important or just to celebrate a special event, here you will find numerous hotels, pousadas, restaurants and bars waiting to be discovered by two. Many experiences only make sense lived side by side.

Hotels overlooking the sea, pousadas built between silence and the landscape, rural tourism accommodation in the heart of nature. The Costa Alentejana is a map of charming places for every romance. Modern and elegant, natural and discreet, elegant and sincere.

Life should be celebrated at the table, with a cuisine refined over centuries and accompanied with exceptional wines. From cosy typical restaurants to areas of the latest design, you’re in good company, with the surf breaking on the sand and the sky sprinkled with stars.

After toasting to the present and the future, come and discover the past.

The castles, churches, museums and ruins that remind us, that long ago, the Roman Empire arrived here, at the gates to the Atlantic. And lose yourself in fairs, festivals and processions.

You can dance the whole year to the tune of local songs or wait for the big summer festivals, when the Costa Alentejana becomes the world capital of music.

Love needs time and space. And time and space are precisely what the Costa Alentejana specializes in. Time and space to leave the world behind for a while. Time and space to break the routine and be free. Time and space for romance. Time and space to rediscover each other and celebrate.

by CostaAlentejana

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 

One of the most beautiful examples of Baroque Architecture in Portugal.. and in the World!

The Freixo Palace Hotel, opened in October 2009 and is the first Portuguese Pousada in the Oporto city.

The adaptation of the Pousada do Porto, inserted in a palace which has been classified as a National Monument since 1910, was by architect David Sinclair and decorated by architect James Mitchell. The building is located on the banks of the Douro River, named after the famous Wine Region in Portugal, which dates back to Roman times.

Situated just a few kilometres from Guimarães, the European Culture Capital 2012, the 
Freixo Palace is a beautiful example of Portuguese civil baroque.

Characterised by its sumptuous eighteenth century construction, the work originally was authorised by the celebrated Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. Nicolau Nasoni was one of the most significant architects of the Oporto city with an important contribution to the Historic Heritage where attention is also given to the Tower of the Clergy, ex-libris of the city. 
At the time of construction the Tower of the Clergy was considered to be the highest building in Portugal standing at 75 metres high

by visitportugal 

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

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... 

Postcard from Portugal

by Kitty Meredith  @Architectureweek

Portugal was a big surprise to me. I'd read up on the country's history and culture before leaving on my trip. But nowhere in my reading was there a hint that Portugal is home to architectural traditions that I have found nowhere else in my travels.
Unusual decorative touches are present on many private residences and public buildings. Most of these, such as tile mosaics, or bands of colour (usually blue to ward off the "evil eye") across the front of the house or around the windows, are vestiges of a Moorish past.
The Portuguese don't simply lay down concrete for sidewalks. Every sidewalk and plaza is composed of small stones or marble chips, often set in decorative patterns that enhance and coordinate with the surrounding buildings. This is apparent not only in major cities, but in smaller towns, villages, and suburbs.

The most unusual touches, though, are decorative finials on the roofs of private residences. They are usually 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) tall and are often simple spirals, two or more to a rooftop. Others lend an oriental flavour, positioned on the tip ends of slightly upturned roof edges. In the Algarve region, large rectangular chimneys appear as decorative touches, usually two to a roof when only one has a practical purpose.

Pena National Palace, Portugal. Incredible. Inspiring.

Pena National Palace, Portugal -- Travel 365 -- National Geographic