Lisbon, a dazzling city stretching along Tagus river, makes an enchanting European capital. Its nucleus, an ancient fortress, is now circled by neighborhoods drenched with medieval charm. Handcrafts - from embroidery to leatherwork - are peddled righ ... more

Lisbon, a dazzling city stretching along Tagus river, makes an enchanting European capital. Its nucleus, an ancient fortress, is now circled by neighborhoods drenched with medieval charm. Handcrafts - from embroidery to leatherwork - are peddled right on the streets. At night, yellow electric tramcars continue to wind their way up and down the hills in the sound of traditional Fado songs. Ample opportunities exist for seeing popular celebrations, for shopping, and for enjoying the nightlife along the riverbank.  (close)

Nazare is the most picturesque fishing village in Portugal. You won't find here stunning architecture or historic sights; the biggest attractions are the people and their fabulous boats. Phoenician in design, the fishing boats are: slender, elongat ... more

Nazare is the most picturesque fishing village in Portugal. You won't find here stunning architecture or historic sights; the biggest attractions are the people and their fabulous boats. Phoenician in design, the fishing boats are: slender, elongated, and boldly colored. On the high, knifelike prows, you'll often see crudely shaped eyes painted on the vessels, eyes which supposedly have the magical power to search the deep for fish and to warn against the storms.   (close)

Batalha is a town in the District of Leiria, Pinhal Litoral subregion, Centre region, that was founded by King D. João I of Portugal. The most important site of the town is the Monastery of Batalha built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese o ... more

Batalha is a town in the District of Leiria, Pinhal Litoral subregion, Centre region, that was founded by King D. João I of Portugal. The most important site of the town is the Monastery of Batalha built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. Its Royal Cloister Here is a real masterpiece with an original, national Gothic style, profoundly influenced by Manueline art.  (close)

Fátima is a world-famous pilgrimage site built to commemorate the events of 1917 when three peasant children claimed to have seen the "Virgin of the Rosary", Our Lady of Fatima. It attracts believers from all over the world, particularly on May 13 an ... more

Fátima is a world-famous pilgrimage site built to commemorate the events of 1917 when three peasant children claimed to have seen the "Virgin of the Rosary", Our Lady of Fatima. It attracts believers from all over the world, particularly on May 13 and October 13. During the pilgrimage days, in the central square, a statue of the Madonna passes through the crowd. On the far side of the esplanade rises the gigantic basilica, in neo-classical style, with a central tower 65 meters high.  (close)

Located in the centre of Portugal, though industrial nowadays Leiria is a city with a long history. Sights in town include Leiria's castle, that was attacked and destroyed repeatedly, the present version was built in 1324 by King Dinis as a fortress ... more

Located in the centre of Portugal, though industrial nowadays Leiria is a city with a long history. Sights in town include Leiria's castle, that was attacked and destroyed repeatedly, the present version was built in 1324 by King Dinis as a fortress and summer palace for himself and his queen, Isabel of Aragon. Below the castle is the small 12th-century Romanesque church of São Pedro. Leiria is also the center of an area rich in handcrafts, like hand-blown glassware made at Marinha Grande.   (close)

Third largest Portuguese city the educational center of the country, Coimbra is also the most romantic city. It is home to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe and therefore attracts students from around the world, which gives the c ... more

Third largest Portuguese city the educational center of the country, Coimbra is also the most romantic city. It is home to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe and therefore attracts students from around the world, which gives the city a special and rare atmosphere. Another highlight in Coimbra is the Baixa, part of the city down by the river with most traditional shopping. On the way there, visit the old cathedral from the XII century, in typical portuguese romanesque style.   (close)

Porto (known also as the Oporto) was the residence of the royal family during the 15th-century. The city offers to the visitors: art treasures, medieval cathedrals, museums, a fine library, concert halls of a rare beauty and elegance like the Coliseu ... more

Porto (known also as the Oporto) was the residence of the royal family during the 15th-century. The city offers to the visitors: art treasures, medieval cathedrals, museums, a fine library, concert halls of a rare beauty and elegance like the Coliseu do Porto and other attractions. The most well known museums of Porto are the Soares dos Reis National Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Serralves Foundation. Don't miss the Barredo section, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  (close)