
Portugal is a coastal gem in southwestern Europe. From the vibrant capital of Lisbon and the sunny Algarve coast, Portugal combines natural beauty with a warm, delicious food culture.
Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, feels like a city steeped in history. I’m always struck by how deep its roots go, from its early days as a Phoenician port to thriving under Roman and Moorish rule. Lisbon truly hit its golden era in the 15th century during the Age of Discovery, when explorers like Vasco da Gama set out to find new worlds. Though the massive 1755 earthquake almost flattened it, the city was rebuilt with forward-thinking designs, and now it’s full of incredible landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, all celebrating its seafaring legacy.
Then there’s Faro, the easygoing capital of the Algarve, with its own unique past. It began as a Roman settlement and later flourished as a Moorish city. In the medieval period, Faro grew as a trade center but often faced raids, even from English pirates. Over time, it mellowed into a quiet fishing town until tourism picked up, drawing people in with its beaches and historic sites, like the Cathedral and the eerie Chapel of Bones—a quirky must-see spot.
Sintra, a magical hillside town just outside Lisbon, feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s been a royal escape for centuries; the Moors built a fortress here, and by the 19th century, it had turned into a romantic hideaway for Portugal’s royalty and artists. With misty forests, the colorful Pena Palace, and the Moorish Castle, Sintra has inspired poets and visitors alike and was even named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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