My Ultimate Guide To Portugal
My trip to Portugal entailed covering many must visit places to see in Lisbon, Cascais and Fatima.
In my opinion, Portugal is beautiful and is rich with history, culture and food! Before I share the places that I visited, I thought I’d share 10 interesting facts I found about Portugal.
- Portugal was the world’s first maritime power and the birthplace to some of the world’s first explorers – Portugal was at the forefront of European exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. During the Age of Discovery, Ferdinand Magellan became the first person to circumnavigate the globe. Vasco de Gama discovered the sea route to India, and Bartholomew Diaz was the first to sail around the southern tip of Africa; he called this the Cape of Good Hope. Finally, Álvares Cabral and others discovered new lands, including Brazil, parts of Africa, and the Far East – and claimed them for Portugal.
- Portugal’s colonial empire spanned 600 years, the longest-lived of the modern European empires – At its height, Portugal’s empire stretched across what are now 53 different countries. Brazil achieved independence in 1822, while all of Portugal’s African colonies were independent by the end of 1975. Portugal transferred its last colony, Macau, to China in 1999 after 442 years of occupation.
- Lisbon is older than Rome and among the oldest cities in Europe – Lisbon has been a Portuguese city since 1147, but its history predates Portugal by a couple of thousand years. Archaeological finds dating back to 1200 BC reveal that the Phoenicians had settlements across what is now Lisbon, meaning Lisbon has been continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years.
- Lisbon’s Livraria Bertrand is the world’s oldest bookshop – Founded in 1732, Livraria Bertrand was just a single bookshop. Sadly, this initial store was one of the many casualties of the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755. The earthquake scored 8.5 on the Richter scale and left around 60,000 people dead. Livraria Bertrand then set up shop on Rua Garrett in 1773, where it still stands. Nowadays, there are around 50 branches of Livraria Bertrand across Portugal.
- Over half of the world’s cork comes from Portugal – Portugal is home to the largest cork oak forests (montados) in the world. In fact, this cork oak (Quercus suber L) is protected by Portuguese law. The cork is stripped from the trunk of the cork oak every nine years without damaging the tree.
- The biggest wave ever surfed was in Portugal – An underwater canyon in Portugal makes this part of the Portuguese coastline the world’s biggest wave generator. In February 2011, American surfer Garrett McNamara rode a gargantuan wave of 23.77 metres off the coast of Nazaré in Portugal – creating a new world record in the process.
- Sport Lisboa e Benfica is the world’s most supported football club – According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Benfica had 160,389 paid-up members in November 2006. Although not noted as a world record, Benfica had over 233,000 members as of June 2019.
- Portugal is known for some of the most efficient ATM systems in the world. From donating to charities to buying concert tickets, a lot is done via ATMs.
- Apparently, the Portuguese were the first ones to invent tempura, which was then introduced by Portuguese merchants to the Japanese. Like seriously
- Portugal is known by many as the “Country of Tiles”. They even have a national tile museum in Lisbon where you can learn about the history of tiles and their evolution over time in the country.
Here are my recommended MUST visit places when in Portugal.
Praia do Tamariz
This was taken at Praia do Tamariz or Tamariz beach in English. The beach is located in the popular and long established resort of Estoril at the Cascais end of the Lisbon - Cascais line. It was about a good 25 - 30 minutes drive from Lisbon to Cascais. Beautiful beach place.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Also know as the Discoveries Monument, it that stands today and was built in time for the 500-year-anniversary of the death of Portugal’s Prince Henry the Navigator and to symbolise Portugal’s role during the Age of Discoveries.
The Monument to the Discoveries (or Monument to the Discoverers; or Monument to the Navigators), which stands out on the right bank of the Tagus River, was erected in 1940, during the Portuguese World Exposition, to honour the historical figures involved in the Portuguese Discoveries. The current replica, in concrete and stone, was inaugurated in 1960.The monument is shaped like a stylized caravel, with three large sails extending into a vertical, central block, decorated on both sides with bas-reliefs, depicting the flag of King John I. Over the entrance, the sword of the House Royal Avis. D. Henrique the Navigator stands at the bow, with a caravel in his right hand and a map on his left. In two descending rows, on either side of the monument, are the statues of notable Portuguese linked to the discoveries (navigators, warriors, friars, scientists and men of culture). Inside the monument, which today houses the Discoveries Cultural Center, there is an auditorium and two exhibition rooms on the lower floor. At the top, you can visit the viewpoint from where you can enjoy a nice view over Belém and the Tagus River.
Quite an interesting monument. During my trip in 2011, the weather was gloomy and it was always raining. You will notice in the next shots I'll be holding my trusty umbrella. Ever experienced touring a new city and the weather is just so dreadful?
Jerónimos Monastery or Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém
This is a Portuguese monastery of the Order of St. Jerome, built in the 16th century, which has since 2016 the status of National Pantheon. Considered the starting point of Manueline architecture, this Monastery is the most remarkable Portuguese monastic ensemble of its time and one of the main parlour churches in Europe. Its construction began at the initiative of King Manuel I in the early 16th century and lasted for a hundred years and was led by a remarkable set of architects / masters.
As one of the most important tourist attractions in Portugal, the Jeronimos Monastery has been classified as a National Monument since 1907, and was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983 and elected one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal in July 2007.
It is linked to the Portuguese Royal House and the Discoveries epic, the Jeronimos Monastery was, from an early age, considered as one of the symbols of the nation.
Tomb of Vasco Da Gama
Vasco da Gama was a traveller and adventurer in the 15th century.
Vasco da Gama died during his third visit to India, on December 24, 1524, in the city of Kochi of India. He was already known as one of the greatest explorers from the Age of Discovery.
Vasco da Gama was first buried in the St. Francis church located in Fort Kochi of the city of Kochi in Kerala, India. The history of the city reaches as far back as ancient times, but the church was built in 1503. It is the oldest European church in India and one of the oldest in Asia.
Even after he died he was still exploring the world! How and wow!
Vasco da Gama was exhumed and taken away by ship. After that, the burial in the church in Kochi was left as an empty grave with his tombstone. With that, the famous ‘sea wolf’ Vasco da Gama started his last journey – a trip back home to Lisbon. Despite the fact that it no longer contains the explorer’s body, the empty burial in India remains the biggest tourist attraction in the city where the explorer was once laid to rest. He now rests in the 2nd Tomb in Lisbon.
A second funeral of Vasco da Gama took place in the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. By that time, the monastery was already a popular place in Lisbon. It was created in the 15th century, but became an important place due to an action taken by Vasco da Gama before he left into the unknown in 1497.
He inspired us all to be who we are now hundreds of years later as insta travellers. Do You Agree with me?
The 25th April Bridge
This is the longest suspension bridge in Europe, and was Lisbon's first. Doesn't it resemble very much like the San Francisco Bridge? Well YES that's because tt was designed by the American Bridge Company, also responsible for the same San Fran's Golden Gate.
The 25th April Bridge, also known as 25 de Abril Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril in Portuguese) is the longest suspension bridge in Europe. It has two levels, the top level is for cars and the lower, which was added in 1999 is for trains. The overpass took 45 months to build. It was inaugurated on 6 August 1966 and was named Salazar Bridge, after António de Oliveira Salazar, dictator of Portugal until 1974. After the Carnation Revolution that took place on 25 April 1974 and Salazar’s regime was overturned, the Bridge was given the name of 25th of April.
Have you been to any of the longest bridges before? As for me, I've yet to visit that many, on my bucket list for sure.
The National Coaches Museum ("Museu Nacional dos Coches")
has the largest and most valuable collection of its type in the world. It opened in 1905 in a richly-decorated 18th-century royal riding school that was part of Belem Palace, illustrating the ostentation and staggering wealth of the old Portuguese elite.
Each carriage is more magnificent than the other, showing how artisans went to extraordinary lengths to make their vehicles stand out. One of the most outstanding has gilded figures on the tailgate, showing Lisbon crowned by Fame and Abundance. Another one, used in an embassy to France's Louis XIV, depicts cherubs with bat's wings. Yet another splendid example was built in 1716 for Portugal's ambassador to Pope Clement XI, decorated with allegorical scenes representing Portuguese military and maritime triumphs.
More wonderful examples belonged to several European royal families, from Spain to England, including a 19th-century coach built in London last used by Queen Elizabeth II on a state visit.
I managed to take memorable shots of the carriages raised by the Pope, QE2nd and many others. It was surreal and an eye opener for sure. Some of my past Europe trips I've seen city tours in horse carriages. Always found it as an experience seeing a new city reminiscing how it was back then, less skyscrapers and all. Have you gone on a city tour in a horse carriage?
Torre de Belém
UNESCO World Heritage, a cornerstone of Portuguese identity and an icon of a country historically moulded by its proximity to the ocean and its maritime discoveries of new worlds.
The Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Lisbon’s most striking monuments and the icon of a country historically moulded by its proximity to the ocean and its maritime discoveries of new worlds.
Discoveries by Portuguese navigators transformed Lisbon into the world’s main trade hub in the 15th and 16th centuries.
To protect the city, King João II conceived a pioneer project to defend Lisbon from enemy ships, a work completed in 1514 and which included the building of the Belém Tower, designed by architect Francisco de Arruda.
The tower’s unique design includes a modern and heavily armed bastion, protruding over the river.
King Manuel I clearly wished the Belém Tower to stand as a lasting symbol of his powerful reign by depicting the royal coat of arms, the armillary sphere and the cross of the Order of Christ.
Praça do Comércio or Commercial Square in Lisbon.
This was Lisbon´s great reception hall for visitors arriving by sea, even better able to enjoy its beauty from their vantage points on slowly docking vessels.
It was at the dock here that the Kings and Heads of State would disembark when visiting Portugal. It’s also the largest square in Europe.
Everything was destroyed by the earthquake in 1755. The name Praça do Comércio belongs to the Pombal era and represents the new social order that the minister to king José I wanted to favour and promote: the trading, financial and bourgeois classes that had contributed so much to rebuilding the city.
It was lovely to take a stroll and watch the intricate sculptures, there are many restaurants and I’d you’re visiting during the seasonal months. This is where the Christmas markets are held. I bet it must have been fun and a long market to walk too.
Hard Rock Cafe in Lisbon
No visit will be complete if I don't enter a Hard Rock Cafe! So here's one for the collection @ HRC Lisbon.
In case you didn’t know, I’m an avid HRC tee collector. Check out one of my posts last year where I posted the number of trees collected through the years.
I usually get a ladies tee and dine in. Great way to experience the local and expats scene.
Any Hard Rock Cafe fans out there? How many HRC tees, keychains, pins, shot glasses or drumstick sets do you own?
Fatima, Portugal
A journey to the altar of the world.
The location of the Shrine of Fátima, at Cova da Iria, had until 1917 been an unknown place in the municipality of Ourém, in the parish of Fátima.
Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima (Santuário de Fátima) is one of the world’s largest Catholic pilgrimage sites, attracting between 4 and 5 million visitors every year.
Those who don’t know, this sacred sanctuary was where Mother Mary appeared to 3 children of Fatima. Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta.
Between May and October of 1917, the three children witnessed several apparitions. The last one, on October 13th, was confirmed by a miracle witnessed by 60,000 people known in the catholic world as “the day the sun danced.”
When I first set foot in the Chapel. I felt a strong connection and still remember that very day I was praying and suddenly cried. It was my first experience visiting a place where apparitions took place. Am so blessed that since then I’ve visited many other similar sanctuaries where apparitions of Our Lady appeared.
Have you ever visited similar holy sites like Fatima? Please share. I’d like to save for my future travels.
Santuário de Fátima
The sanctuary of Fatima is where the 2 out of the 3 children shepherds laid to rest in 1918. They were beatified by Pope John Paul II on 13 May 2000 and canonised by Pope Francis on 13 May 2017.
Sister Lucia the only living of the shepherds lived till the age of 97, February 2005. Did you know that Mother Mary had appeared to Sister Lucia on many occasions even after the death of the 2 other children since she devoted herself to being a nun?
Lúcia continued to report private visions periodically throughout her life. She reported seeing the Virgin Mary again in 1925 in the convent. This time she said she was asked to convey the message of the First Saturdays Devotion. She said that a subsequent vision of Christ as a child reiterated this request. In 1929, Lúcia reported that Mary returned and repeated her request for the Consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart. She also reported an apparition in Rianxo, Galicia, in 1931, in which she said that Jesus visited her, taught her two prayers, and delivered a message to give to the church's hierarchy.
Sister Lúcia published her memoirs, starting in the late 1930s. I’ll be definitely researching her memoirs to read over this holy month of lent. If any of you have read her memoirs do share your thoughts on it? But don’t give too much away please! I need to get a head start first.
Casa De Lucia, Fatima Portugal
The house where Lucia de Jesus, the youngest of six children, was born and lived is located in Aljustrel, about 2 kilometres away from the Shrine of Fatima. In the backyard, one can still see the fig trees under the shade of which the three little shepherds played and hid to seek for pilgrimage.
In 1981, Sister Lucia donated the house to the Shrine; it only took possession of it in 1986. The area surrounding the house was arranged and a new information office, inaugurated on August 13, 1994.
I had the chance to go inside Sister Lucia’s home. The house is kept intact, almost as it was. It is now like a museum and you get to see how life must have been in the days of Sister Lucia's youth. Very simple and yet beautiful. I felt so overwhelmed, can you imagine she was so young; yet so prayerful and holy. I can only hope and pray that we can try to emulate a little like her. I know the world has changed a lot! But can you imagine during their time they too had pandemic and other happenings beyond their control. Thanks to their prayers they were blessed to have seen Mother Mary. Just the thought of that I keep asking myself “what will I do if I had such an honour”
Why am I sharing the above? Since yesterday was the start of lent for Christians I thought of sharing what I felt during my visit to Fatima. You’ve got to experience it yourself to understand and feel it. It was my first experience visiting one of the apparition sites. And since then I’ve visited many. Have you been to any pilgrimage sites? Please do share below. I’d like to put that on my bucket list for sure. Can’t wait to hear from you.
Where I stayed, How I travelled and Other Sightseeing Tips
I've listed down the hotel I stayed when in Portugal, How I travelled from Lisbon to Fatima and Must Do Touristic Thing To Do When in Portugal.
Where I stayed in Portugal
We stayed at the Palacio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Wellness. This is a 5 star hotel. Also, there is a huge story behind this great hotel as well.
This grand hotel opened in the 1930s on the Portuguese Riviera. Still swathed in the glamour of those days, it has hosted royalty, movie stars and statesmen, and was the setting for the James Bond 'On Her Majesty’s Secret Service' film. A lovely swimming pool in the gardens adds to its charm. José Diogo (pictured), still today one of the Heads of the Concierge Desk, did participate in the film when he was 18 years old. You can see him in a few scenes of the movie, handing the room key to James Bond agent. To know more check out their website on the history, James Bond movie, and if you’re looking to stay here: https://www.palacioestorilhotel.com/
How I travelled from Lisbon to Fatima.
The journey is about 1-2 hours by bus/car from Lisbon to Fatima. My recommendation is if you are religious and visiting Fatima is something for you to fulfil your vows or to attend mass and pray then please do not go with the full day tours as in the itinerary the tour agency will incorporate other attraction sites which for you may be a waste of time. So go with what we did, a private tour of just solely to Fatima. This way you wont be dissapointed. Organising a private tour may be pricey but then again it is not everyday you get to visit this beautiful sanctuary and to witness the apparition of Mother Mary.
Another method of sightseeing in Lisbon - is by taking the trams.
They say you haven’t really experienced Lisbon if you’ve not gone on the city’s infamous trams, especially Tram number 28. This iconic tram departs from Praca Martim Moniz, then heads up and down the city streets and narrow hills of Lisbon’s old town before finishing its journey in Campo Ourique.
Tips: If you intend on travelling by trams during your trip then I’d suggest you grab a 24 hour travel pass / Carris pass. And beware of pickpockets especially on tram 28!
Hope you found the above useful. Be sure to share your experience of Portugal and any recommendations you feel are worthy to be shared. Until then take care!