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Portugal is a country of experienced hedonists. Wandering through the cozy streets of its cities, you can feel like you're in Spain or Southern France for a moment. There's only one fundamental difference: almost no tourists "rushing around Europe" here, and this place is more suitable for wealthy travelers who love special, elite vacations. Here, they value traditions, respect the rich historical heritage, know how to enjoy life and spare no comfort, creating it both for themselves and guests dear to them in every sense.

 

Inhaling the scent of oranges and eucalyptus, walking along the embankments, enjoying wine, and listening to sad fado songs in colorful cafes can help you get to know the real Europe a little closer—the one that is too proud and beautiful to participate in tourist races.

 

The capital, Lisbon, which became the country's center in the 13th century, was destroyed by an earthquake after 5 centuries but was quickly restored to its grandeur. St. George's Castle is the most famous monument: a huge fortress on a hill, once owned by the Moorish emir and later by the kings of Portugal. The Lisbon Cathedral also survived the earthquake; Rococo, Baroque, Gothic, and Neoclassicism characterize its appearance. Near the capital are beaches - a series of fashionable resorts called the Lisbon Riviera.

 

The main decoration of Lisbon is the winding streets of the old districts. Winding between neat houses decorated with azulejos, you can't help but feel the mood of the city.

 

The second most visited city is Porto, dating back to the 4th century. Getting to know the capital of port wine - not from the bar - is better if you start with the historic center, which UNESCO protects. Here is a fortress-like cathedral and the impressively large church of San Francisco. If you are tired of monumentality, you should go to the Ribeira district: its colorful houses look charming as if stacked on top of each other. And after the tour, it's time to relax on any of the city's pebble or sandy beaches. 50 km north of Porto is Braga, the center of Portuguese Catholicism, with the archbishop's residence. Unsurprisingly, the main tourist attractions are cathedrals and churches in Gothic, Romanesque, and other styles. The main attraction of Coimbra is the oldest university in the country: a complex of elegant Baroque buildings, including even the former royal palace. There is also excellent shopping here: leaving without shopping in numerous bookstores, boutiques, and antique salons is impossible. Évora is ideal for gastronomic pleasures: local cheeses, desserts, and wines are beyond praise. You can improve your appetite by exploring the architectural beauties: in the vicinity, there are perfectly preserved Neolithic buildings, and in the city itself, the ruins of a Roman temple and medieval cathedrals. For the most delicious seafood, it is better to go to Faro, where tours of the south of Portugal usually begin. Visiting the port restaurants directly from the Blue Flag-awarded beach is convenient. Obidos is a small and very cozy town: snow-white villas, cobblestone paths, and bright flower beds as if they had come straight from a beautiful postcard. There was also a place for attractions: it is enough to look at the medieval castle, where you can spend the night if you want, and have a sufficiently thick wallet. And Setubal is famous for its picturesque landscapes and ancient architecture: the fortress and cathedral against the background of the mountains - an incredible sight.

 

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