Name: history and culture in portugal Vacation
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history and culture in portugal: Point of Interest Map

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history and culture in portugal

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Europe

Orientation

Portugal FAQ

Best Time To Visit

Tipping in Portugal

Driving in Portugal

Popular Destinations

Lisbon

Porto

Coimbra

The medieval capital of Portugal and site of the country`s greatest university, Coimbra wears its weighty importance in Portuguese history with dignity. Its atmospheric historic core cascades down a hillside in a multicoloured collage of buildings spanning nearly a millennium.

Sintra

Elvas

Castelo Branco

The captivating Castelo Branco is an open-air museum enriched with magnificent vestiges of Portugal`s past and is home to some of the oldest traditions that characterise the country today.

Fatima

Fatima is one of the most important catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. However, even those not visiting on a pilgrimage can enjoy several museums along with the charming surrounding countryside.

Tomar

Obidos

Obidos is one of the most picturesque towns of Portugal; encircled by city walls its cobbled streets and steep staircases wind up to the ramparts from where you can gaze across a countryside of windmills and vineyards.

Angra do Heroismo

Braga

Guimaraes

Highlights of Portugal

Historic Towns of Portugal
Portugal has a long, storied, and proud history - but sometimes beautiful and paramount cities get lost in the buzz of the bigger metropolitan areas. These charming towns are every bit as important and vital as their more popular siblings, so take a chance on these often overlooked destinations.

Door to Door Discoveries
Discover Portugal with Tripmaster’s Signature Transfer Series packages, including private car transfers between your destinations with stops at charming towns, local attractions, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more!

UNESCO Sites of Portugal
Portugal is culturally and historically abundant with numerous monuments and landmarks to explore, along with 17 alluring UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From monuments to natural heritage, Portugal is a unique place to visit and one of the top destinations in Europe for a culture-filled trip.

Explore Portugal

The Alentejo

Plains extend as far as the eye can see; stretching from the mighty Tejo (Tagus) River towards the Algarve and framed in the east by the Sao Mamede mountains on the Spanish border. This is the Alentejo!

Beira Alta

The historic mountain province of Beira Alta features some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country, and served as a remote stronghold in Portugal`s fight against Roman invaders and later Spain. As a result, the small towns built magnificent castles which stand to this day!

Coasts Near Lisbon

Lisbon was once one of Europe`s most underrated capitals, but with vibrancy and charm, the city has earned itself a well-deserved status as a power player among travelers. Nearby sunny shores beckon with a dizzying array of culture, activities, food, music, art, and relaxation. You simply can`t go wrong combining Lisbon and its surrounding coastlines!

The Algarve

The Algarve region may be best known for its glorious beaches, some of the most popular in Europe in fact. In the east, centered around Faro, a calmer way of life unfolds and quiet towns and unpopulated beaches define the area. The west side, where Albufeira is the largest city, is well-known for its nightlife, where the party doesn't stop until dawn.

Ribatejo

The area north of the Tejo river, which divides the Ribatejo from its more famous sister the Alentejo, is anchored by Tomar and Santarem - historic cities for their connections to the Knights Templar. Several other beautiful villages line the river and are known largely for wine.

Experiences & Adventures

Portuguese Wine Regions
Portuguese wines regarded worldwide, and from the Douro River Valley to the historic Beira Alta and Alentejo regions, these famous wines can be found throughout many of the historic cities and areas often overlooked by the casual traveler!

Portuguese Seaside Resorts
Portugal's dramatic coastline stretches over 500 miles along the Atlantic Ocean offering rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and golden beaches. After exploring the country's most popular cities, make time for a fun-in-the-sun getaway at one of Portugal's seaside resorts like Lagos, Nazare or Cascais.

Iconic Portuguese Self Drives
Portugal has so many iconic sights, you might want a car to explore everything - from the major highways connecting large cities to the small, two-lane roads that traverse the countryside. Enjoy your trip and have fun experiencing scenic Portugal!

Cities in Portugal

Lisbon

Porto

Coimbra

Albufeira

Alcobaca

Alentejo Coast

more cities >>

Portugal & Beyond

HISTORY AND CULTURE IN PORTUGAL

Portugal has a rich cultural tapestry woven by the ancient Celtic Lusitani who first settled the Iberian Peninsula, followed by the Romans, and then the Moors. With the Age of Discoveries, Portugal became a wealthy and powerful maritime and colonial empire whose trade routes and contact with other civilizations brought about the Portuguese Renaissance, and had an enormous impact on the country’s culture, arts, and economy. Reflections of Portugal’s glorious past can still be seen in its famous tile works, azulejos, and architecture, while its traditional, soulful Fado music feels right at home with its modern street art.