Portugal Things To Do

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Experience fado, a bluesy, tango-like style of traditional Portuguese music, by reserving a table at this elegant fado house, where you can wallow in saudade, the nostalgic sentiment that pervades this folk music.

Sr. Vinho; Rua do Meio à Lapa 18; Lisbon; 011-351-21-397-7456; www.restsrvinho.com

For scenic views of the Tagus River and Lisbon’s rooftops, walk along the ramparts of this former seat of Portugal’s first king; learn the city’s history at the multimedia exhibit or relax in the castle gardens amidst peacocks and swans.

Rua da Costa do Castelo; Lisbon; 011-351-21-880-0620; www.castelosaojorge.egeac.pt

For an informal city tour, hop aboard the rattling tram 28 from Lisbon’s Baixa through the twisting streets of Alfama, the city’s picturesque Moorish quarter, and all the way up to the Castle of St. George.

first station is Martim Moniz; Lisbon; 011-351-21-361-3000; www.carris.pt

You can’t leave Portugal without tasting porto, the sweet, fortified wine produced at the wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River from Porto; the best tour is offered by Sandeman, a distillery founded in 1790 and housed in a former convent.

Sandeman; Largo Miguel Bombarda 3; Vila Nova de Gaia; www.sandeman.com

Spending a night in one of Portugal’s pousadas – historic buildings converted to luxury hotels – is a quintessential experience. Stationed at superb locations across the country, these refurbished landmark properties include monasteries, manor houses, castles, and palaces.

Poço dos ferreiros, São brás de; Algarve; www.pousadas.pt

Fairytale castles, ancient palaces, and grand estates sprinkle the hills of this former royal retreat renowned for its pure mountain air, verdant landscapes, and serene ambience.

18 miles northwest of Lisbon; www.cm-sintra.pt

A leisurely walk along the beachfront promenade from Cascais takes you to this once-fashionable resort, most famous for its grand Casino (www.casino-estoril.pt) – the setting for Ian Fleming's first Bond novel.

16 miles west of Lisbon; Cascais; www.estorilcoast.com

Don’t miss spending a summer day on one of the sandy beaches of the Caparica Coast, a 12-mile stretch of splendid dunes and coves easily accessible either by bus from Lisbon or by mini-train.

Costa da Caparica Tourist Information; 9 miles southwest of Lisbon; Avenida da Republica; Costa da Caparica; 011-351-21-290-0071

Hordes of religious pilgrims descend daily to this legendary shrine, famous for its apparitions of Virgin Mary that have been attracting believers since 1917. The two annual pilgrimages, in May and October, are an incredible display of religious fervor.

76 miles north of Lisbon; Fátima; www.santuario-fatima.pt

This exclusive lodge of 21 suites and apartments lies on a 990-acre wine estate in the Douro River Valley. Activities include boat rides, wine cellar visits, 4x4 countryside tours, and dining at the on-site restaurant.

Pedroso, just east of Pinhão town; Douro River Valley; 011-351-25-473-2432; www.quintadaromaneira.pt

Portugal Travel Guide: Deals to Portugal | Cities and Regions | Hotels | Things to do | Itineraries | When to go | Getting there | Tips | Additional Resources

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