Essential portuguese

About the destination: Lisbon is recognized as the city of seven hills due to its geographical position, with the city sprawling across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tajo. The city, both romantic and cosmopolitan, showcases its characteristic red rooftops to visitors eager to explore every corner. Lisbon astonishes with its natural beauty and laid-back ambiance. The capital of Portugal boasts numerous museums, libraries, a vast port, churches, palaces, and breathtaking views of the Rio Tajo. Once considered a poor and chaotic city, Lisbon has undergone a revival reminiscent of the 14th and 15th centuries when it was part of a vast empire stretching from Brazil to India. This resurgence was sparked by the World Expo held in 1998, which led to the construction of a new bridge over the Tagus and the remodeling of the city's subway system. The city's revival continued when it hosted several matches during the 2004 Euro and the MTV Delivery Music Awards in 2005. Many of its most beautiful buildings date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly those in the Belem district. There are also many 18th-century buildings, primarily located in the Baixa area of central Lisbon, which were almost entirely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake struck the city in 1755. The city's historic center, situated on Las Siete Colinas, features steep streets and charming alleys. On the city's west side is Monsanto Forest Park, known as Lisbon's lung, which spans 10 km and is one of the largest in Europe. The capital's impressive port has three docks frequently used for various cruises and is currently the busiest port on the European Atlantic coast. Lisbon is a city with centuries of history and an ambitious outlook, blending the historical with the modern, the traditional with the avant-garde. As you wander through the old quarters, you can hear the traditional Fado music being sung and played in small local restaurants. In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto, dozens of restaurants and bars line the narrow streets, with the sounds of jazz, reggae, and electronica filling the air and party-goers celebrating until dawn. Nightclubs scattered throughout the city creatively utilize old spaces, whether on riverside docks or tucked away in 18th-century mansions. Lisbon presents itself to the world as a cosmopolitan and vibrant city, offering something for everyone, especially during the summer months when its many bars, terraces, and restaurants are bustling with people.

About the destination: Sintra is a town and municipality located in the Grande Lisboa subregion (Lisbon Region) of Portugal. This municipality is home to two cities: Queluz and Agualva-Cacém. Sintra is renowned for its numerous 19th-century Romantic architectural monuments, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While its architectural and natural heritage is the most apparent aspect of Sintra's historical uniqueness, the area also boasts a rich literary heritage that has made it a legendary reference in Portuguese culture. Sintra has evolved into a significant tourist hub, attracting many day visitors who journey from the center and suburbs of the capital, Lisbon. Besides the Sintra Mountains and Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, the parishes of the town of Sintra are sprinkled with royal retreats, estates, castles, and other structures. These include the medieval Castelo dos Mouros, the Pena National Palace, and the Sintra National Palace.

About the destination: The historic university city of Evora majestically rises from a vast plain dotted with sturdy cork and olive trees. Desired by a series of empires, its maze-like streets house everything from a Roman temple to a Renaissance palace. But above all, Evora is Portugal's premier medieval gem, with beautifully maintained, colorful tile facades on ancient whitewashed walls. All hidden within a maze of winding streets and topped with balconies adorned with potted plants and caged canaries. It won't take you long to understand why Evora is known as "the museum city". From Praça do Giraldo, stroll down through the charming tiled houses, to the massive 12th century Sé, the cathedral. Inside the entrance to the right are beautiful cloisters. From here, you can climb the ramparts for an excellent view of the city. Next door is the Museu d’Evora, located in an old bishop's palace. Across from the museum is Evora's most famous monument, the 2nd century Roman Temple of Diana. Opposite the temple is the church of São João Evangelista, the town's best hidden gem. As one of Portugal's most well-preserved medieval towns, Evora is a captivating place to explore the past. If you only have time to visit a few places in Portugal, make sure Evora is one of them.

About the destination: Tavira is a city and municipality, located in the eastern part of the Algarve on the southern coast of Portugal. The Gilão River flows into the Atlantic Ocean in Tavira. Tavira is a stunningly elegant town and somewhat surreal in some aspects. Visitors can be excused for forgetting where they are, or even what year it is, as they step into this unique Algarve fishing town. The stretch of riverfront along the Gilão River is an excellent spot to sit at one of the cafes and appreciate the incredibly picturesque setting. The Roman Bridge (Ponte Romana) crosses the river with low arches, creating gentle reflections on the water, and at low tide, you can see the fishermen looking for clams in the shallows. The gardens (Jardim do Coreto) near the bridge provide a pleasant shady place to sit. Tavira itself is a picturesque, relaxed, peaceful town with everything within reach and is an ideal vacation spot for couples and families. There are also plenty of fantastic places to visit if you want to explore a bit further afield.

About the destination: Sagres is located within the Algarve at the most southwestern point of Portugal and Europe. It is found in Barlavento, western Algarve. Arriving in the Sagres region is like entering a mystical atmosphere, enveloped by a wild, uncharted dramatic landscape, where the sea and mountains converge to form a unique natural heritage. The allure of its beaches, many of which are nearly deserted, and towering cliffs overlooking the sea, combined with its historical significance, are its main attractions. Visitors can also engage with nature by braving the waves, admiring the ocean floor, climbing cliffs, and discovering new trails. Sagres is one of the few places in the Algarve where wild nature, along with a rich historical and cultural heritage, remains untouched.

About the destination: Tomar is a quaint city with a rich ancient history and is home to some of Portugal's most significant monuments. The town of Tomar originated within the walls of the Convento de Cristo, built under the command of Gualdim de Pais, the fourth grand master of the Knights Templar in the late 12th century. Tomar is one of Portugal's historical gems and notably, it was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction. Tomar gained particular importance in the 15th century when it became a hub for Portuguese overseas expansion under Henry the Navigator, the Grand Master of the Order of Christ, the successor organization to the Templars in Portugal. The Convento de Cristo in Tomar is the most breathtaking place to visit in Portugal, "...Founded by the Knights Templar, it's a beautiful, mysterious and magical place, wonderful to discover and enjoy." Landmarks Convento de Cristo and Castelo de Tomar were built in the 12th century. After the Order of the Knights Templar was dissolved in the 14th century, the Portuguese branch of the order was transformed into the Knights of the Order of Christ, which supported Portugal's maritime discoveries of the 15th century. Church of Santa Maria do Olival was constructed in the latter half of the 12th century by the provincial master of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal, Gualdim Pais. Church of São João Baptista and Republica Square, this church was constructed at the end of the 15th century, designated as a National Monument in 1910 and is located in Republica Square where the statue of Gualdim Pais stands. Aqueduct of Pegões, (Quinta dos Pegões), was built to supply water to Convento de Cristo and spans 6 km. The construction began in 1593 and was completed in 1614. The highest point of this aqueduct is 30 m above ground level. Synagogue of Tomar, is the best preserved of the medieval synagogues of Portugal. It is situated in the historic center of the city of Tomar, and houses a small Jewish Museum. Museum of Matches (Museo dos Fosforos) Surprisingly delightful exhibition of matchboxes from around the world.

About the destination: Coimbra is a town of steep, tiered streets winding above the River Mondego. No city in Portugal, except Lisbon, can compare with this university town in cultural and historical importance. Founded in 1290, the university has long been Portugal’s foremost centre of learning. If you can, come during the Queima das Fitas in early May, a raucous weeklong celebration featuring live music every night. Climb the stairs under the Moorish Arco de Almedina into the upper district of the city and the Old University, with its museum, chapel and library. A few steps outside the historic centre there is the city’s cosmopolitan side, a modernized waterfront with riverside restaurants, chic terrace bars and trendy shops. This charming town, full of Portuguese culture, is set amid a splendid old town of historic churches and medieval alleyways, with the buzz of student life all around.

About the destination: Located in a striking valley carved by the Douro River, Porto is renowned for its beautiful architecture and the sweet flavor of its wine. The city's focal point is Avenida dos Aliados, a broad avenue surrounded by Praça General H. Delgado and Praça da Liberdade. However, the most captivating part of the city is Ribeira, the river district and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where three of Europe's most elegant bridges cross the gorge. The bustling Praça da Liberdade and the adjacent Avenida dos Aliados form the city center, where statues are positioned in the middle of busy mosaic pathways. Nearby stands Porto's magnificent cathedral, a massive, fortified Romanesque building with heavy granite foundations, thick walls, and small windows that enclose a dark interior. The Ribeira extends along the river, bordered by a fantastic quay filled with shops and restaurants. Porto's most iconic monument, the ornate Torre dos Clérigos, provides a citywide view from the top of its 240 steps. A trip to Porto wouldn't be complete without a stop at some of the many bodegas, or wine lodges, where port is stored and bottled. A visit to the incredible Lello library, with its spiral staircase, is also a must-see, even if you're not a Harry Potter fan.