Dear Blanca,
I’m planning my summer vacation to Lisbon and I’ve heard that Portugal is famous for its beautiful landscapes and architectural wonders. Can you tell me what else Portugal is famous for, so that I can make sure to include it in my itinerary? I need to pick other locations to visit.
Cheers,
Florence
What is Portugal Most Famous For?
Dear Florence,
Thank you for your interest in visiting Portugal. I’ve been in Lisbon now for almost 6 years, and Portugal has tons to offer. Portugal is indeed famous for its stunning landscapes and historical sites, but there’s so much more to discover here.
Since you are coming to Lisbon, I would recommend day trips from the city. Visit Cascais (It’s like Westchester if it was on the beach – NY reference), Sintra, an area known for nature and historic homes & palacetes, you can take day trips there and take the train.
Here are some of the things Portugal is most famous for, just in case you really want to dive into adventure:
It's Beaches
Portugal is sort of considered Mediterranean. It’s located in southwestern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Because of this, we have a Mediterranean climate here, with mild winters and hot, dry summers (just how I like them).
That being said, I will admit that the beaches in Portugal can be a little chilly – the water is definitely not as warm as it is in some other Mediterranean countries (Croatia, South of France, Italy). The beaches here are still beautiful and worth checking out – they’re just not the best for swimming most of the year. So don’t let the chilly water deter you – just jump in head first.
Vibrant Cities
I am a city girl. I don’t do well in the countryside for too long. I get bored easily, so I need a vibrant city that can take up with my pace. These are some of my favorite cities in Portugal (and you can start in Lisbon and make your way up to Porto):
Lisbon
As an artist, one of the things that immediately stood out to me about Lisbon was its thriving street art culture. Everywhere you go in the city, you’ll find colorful murals and graffiti art adorning the walls and buildings. It’s clear that the city values and supports its artistic community, and it really adds to the overall vibe and character of the place.
But Lisbon isn’t just known for its art scene – it’s also the capital and largest city of Portugal, with a rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re exploring the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belem Tower, or the São Jorge Castle, or just strolling through lively neighborhoods like Bairro Alto and Alfama, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Lisbon.
Caldas da Rainha
As a vibrant city in Portugal, Caldas da Rainha has a lot to offer visitors. Located in the west of the country, it’s just a short drive from the beach (Foz do Arelho in 10 minutes and Peniche in 30 minutes), making it a great destination for those who love the coast and surfing. But even if you’re not a beach person, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Caldas da Rainha.
One of the things that really sets this city apart is its rich cultural history and traditions. For example, Caldas da Rainha is known for its pottery, and you can find many local artisans producing beautiful pieces in the city’s markets. Additionally, the city is home to the beautiful Park of Dom Carlos I, which is a great place to relax and take in the scenery.
But perhaps the most famous attraction in Caldas da Rainha is the work of the artist Bordalo Pinheiro. Known for his colorful and whimsical ceramics and sculptures, Bordalo Pinheiro has become an iconic figure in Portuguese art, and you can find many examples of his work throughout the city.
Overall, Caldas da Rainha is a vibrant and exciting place to visit, with plenty of cultural attractions, beautiful natural surroundings, and a rich history to explore. Whether you’re into art, nature, or just soaking up the local culture, this is a city that has something for everyone.
Coimbra
Coimbra is a ridiculously charming city with a lot to offer. Located in central Portugal, Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, which gives it a youthful energy and a rich cultural history. The architecture in the city is also stunning, with highlights including the Coimbra University, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, and the Convent of Christ.
One thing that I really like about Coimbra is the festival season, which runs from the spring to the fall. During this time, there are lots of events and celebrations happening, including the Queima das Fitas, which is a massive party that takes over the city for a week. It’s a great time to visit Coimbra if you want to experience the local culture and have a lot of fun.
Click here for a list of Festivals in Portugal
Porto
As someone who loves a good beach vacation, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there are some really nice beaches located just outside of Porto. The city itself tends to be a bit cooler and wetter than Lisbon, but that just means you’ll have the perfect excuse to duck into one of the many wine-tasting rooms and sample some of the local port wine.
But Porto is about more than just wine and beaches – it’s also home to some truly amazing cultural attractions, like the Porto Cathedral and the Palácio da Bolsa. And did you know that Porto is home to what is said to be the most beautiful library in the world? Whether you’re into history, art, or just soaking up the local culture, Porto has something for everyone.
Literary & Musical Traditions
Fado
First off, we have to talk about Fado. This is a traditional Portuguese style of music that is characterized by its soulful, mournful melodies and lyrics that often deal with themes of love, loss, and longing. Fado is typically sung by a solo performer accompanied by a Portuguese guitar, and it has a strong emotional depth that really speaks to the heart. Some of the most famous Fado singers include Amália Rodrigues and Mariza, and if you’re a fan of world music or just love great vocals, I highly recommend giving Fado a listen. And if you come to Lisbon, I can give you the names of some incredible Fado spots that are not at all touristy.
Cante Alentejano
I really like Cante Alentejano. It reminds me of Ojkanke in Croatia. This traditional form of Portuguese folk music that originated in the Alentejo region of the country, and is characterized by its rhythmic, upbeat melodies and lyrics that often deal with themes of love, nature, and everyday life. Cante Alentejano is typically performed by a group of musicians and singers, and it’s a great way to get a taste of the rich cultural traditions of the Alentejo region. If you’re a fan of folk music or just love a good party, I highly recommend checking out Cante Alentejano – you won’t be disappointed!
Fernando Pessoa
Next up, we have Fernando Pessoa. He’s one of Portugal’s most famous writers and is known for his innovative approach to poetry and prose. Pessoa was a master of multiple literary personas, each with their own distinct voice and style, and his works are full of wit, intelligence, and a deep appreciation for the complexities of the human experience. If you’re a fan of modernist literature or just love a good read, you should definitely check out some of Pessoa’s works – you won’t be disappointed.
Paula Rego
I can’t help but be drawn to the work of Paula Rego. Her pieces are both haunting and beautiful, with a strong emotional depth that really speaks to me. One thing that I particularly love about Rego’s work is how it reminds me of the paintings of Debora Arrango (Colombian artist( – there’s something about the way she uses color and composition that just feels so familiar and comfortable.
But of course, Paula Rego is a truly unique artist in her own right, with a range of influences that help to shape her work. Growing up in Lisbon, Rego was exposed to a rich cultural heritage that would later inform her art. From the traditional music of Fado to the poetry of Fernando Pessoa, these influences can be seen in the themes and motifs that Rego explores in her paintings.
But perhaps what I love most about Rego’s work is the way it captures the essence of the Portuguese people – their passion, their resilience, and their deep connection to the land. Whether she is depicting the struggles of everyday life, the dangers women face, or people dancing by the moonlight, Rego’s work is a powerful tribute to the enduring spirit of her people.
Historic Sites
There are so many places to visit in Portugal. After all, it was a World power back in the day. Check out some of the oldest and most significant cultural remnants in the world.
Lisbon/Belem
As a lover of history, I always enjoy exploring the rich and varied cultural sites that Portugal has to offer. From the Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon, with its breathtaking views of the city, to the Jerónimos Monastery in Belem, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the finest examples of Manueline architecture in the world, there is no shortage of beautiful and historic sites to visit in Portugal. Another must-see is the Belem Tower, also located in Lisbon and a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Manueline architecture. You can spend an entire day there and still not see everything there.
Tomar
One site that always stands out to me is the Convent of Christ in Tomar, founded in the 12th century by the Order of the Templars. Its beautiful cloisters and chapels are a testament to the country’s long and storied history.
Caldas Da Rainha
This is one of my fave towns in Portugal. One of the most important sites to see in Caldas da Rainha is the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum. This museum is dedicated to the work of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, a famous Portuguese artist and ceramicist who was born in Caldas da Rainha. His work is known for its bright colors and playful themes, and it is considered to be a major part of the city’s cultural identity. The museum houses a large collection of Bordalo Pinheiro’s ceramics, as well as his paintings, drawings, and other works.
A weird and interesting fact about the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum is that it is located in Bordalo Pinheiro’s former home and studio. This means that you can see where the artist actually lived and worked, which gives you a unique glimpse into his life and creative process. Overall, the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum is a must-see for anyone who is interested in Portuguese art and culture. Sometimes you can score a great deal on a piece.
Coimbra
And of course, no trip to Portugal would be complete without a visit to the Coimbra University, the oldest in the country and home to the stunning Biblioteca Joanina. It’s worth noting that Portugal played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, and it’s important to acknowledge and educate ourselves on this aspect of the country’s history as well.
Porto
In my opinion, the most important site to see in Porto is the Porto Cathedral. Located in the heart of the city, this cathedral is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. It’s known for its beautiful cloisters and chapels, as well as its breathtaking views of the city from the top of the tower. The Porto Cathedral is definitely worth a visit – it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and an important part of Porto’s cultural and historical heritage.
Their Love Of Futbol
So….I am Colombian and I have never seen crazier fans than I have in Colombia. Portugal thinks their fans are the most committed, but Colombia definitely takes the win here. That being said, Soccer (Futbol) is sacred here and I bet pretty much all little boys dream of becoming Ronaldo. These are some soccer players who are from Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo: This guy is a living legend and a total beast on the field. Not only has he won the Ballon d’Or award a ridiculous five times, but he’s also scored more than 700 professional goals. Oh, and did I mention he’s also a pretty good dancer?
Eusebio: Eusebio was a striker who played for the Portuguese national team and the Benfica club back in the day. His scoring record was insane, and he’s still remembered as one of the greatest players in Portuguese history.
Luis Figo: Figo was a winger with some serious skills. He played for the Portuguese national team and clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, and was known for his dribbling ability. He also won a ton of individual awards throughout his career.
Rui Costa: Costa was a midfielder who played for the Portuguese national team and clubs like Benfica and Milan. He was known for his passing ability and was a key player for the Portuguese national team in the 90s and early 2000s.
Nani: Nani is a winger with lightning speed and dribbling skills. He’s played for the Portuguese national team and clubs like Manchester United, Valencia, and Lazio, and has won a ton of awards throughout his career. Fun fact: he’s also been known to break out some fancy footwork on the dance floor!”
Now you know the top things that Portugal is known for; its stunning landscapes, vibrant cultural elements, and great soccer players. I’m sure you will love your time exploring this beautiful country, and I hope that you have a wonderful vacation!
Cheers,
Blanca Valbuena