8 Destinations in Portugal That Will Leave You Spellbound
Sintra
In Sintra, a picturesque town at the foot of the Sintra Mountains, you’ll find stunning vistas, elaborate palaces and impressive castles. Best experienced over the course of a few days, Sintra is like a fairy tale come to life, even attracting famed Danish author Hans Christian Andersen who briefly lived there.
Admire the decorative splendor of the Palacio Nacional’s throne room and its immaculately landscaped gardens. Then, take a bus up to the Castelo dos Mouros, a fortress that feels woven into its natural surroundings. However, probably the most popular attraction in Sintra is the Palácio da Pena, a colorful 19th-century palace that seems straight out of a theme park.
The Azores
Known as Portugal’s Hawaii, The Azores are a volcanic archipelago sought out for their verdant landscapes and Eden-like beauty. One-third of the islands were designated as biosphere reserves by UNESCO for the sustainable relationship that exists between nature and the people living on the islands.
There are also over 30 Blue Flag beaches, hot springs, wetlands and other impressive natural features spread across the archipelago. As a result, eco and sustainable tourism reigns here, with plenty of adventurous activities available such as hiking, whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and paragliding — the latter which has its own festival in São Miguel.
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon has a timeless charm, encapsulated perfectly in its retro yellow tram. Jump aboard and head to the Belém district for a visit to the world-famous Pasteis de Belem, a bakery that specializes in a type of flaky Portuguese egg tart pastry dusted with cinnamon.
Head up the hill at the south end of the city to the historic Moorish neighborhood where the 11th-century São Jorge castle still stands and tour the grounds and various towers. Then, for a taste of the local culture, head to the Alfama district with its medieval alleyways filled with shops, cafes and fado clubs where you can listen to musicians playing traditional melancholy guitar music until the wee hours of the morning.
