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PortugalOften lumped together in the same category as Spain, Portugal is overlooked and overshadowed by its more well-known neighbor, which is a shame, because Portugal is truly and amazing and distinctive culture in its own right. Its glorious maritime past, at one time the most powerful empire in the Western world, has faded in the successive centuries, but traces of it still stubbornly permeate the country’s small towns and bigger cities.
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, sits on seven low hills beside the Tagus River, giving it some unusually beautiful views both within and without the city. Its diversity is prevalent even in a fairly ethnically homogenous society, with a very relaxed atmosphere and a clash of architecture dating both very old and very new. Its several neighborhoods offer a wealth of attractions, from the Chiado and Baixa shopping and business districts to the Alfama and Bairro Alto traditional and nightlife quarters. Take in the stunning architectural masterpieces of Belém or swing by one of the 50 museums within the city itself. Portugal’s big tourist resort is Lagos on the southern coast, popular for its long stretches of sandy beaches like Meia Praia and Praia do Pinhão. Visitors can rent bicycles, mopeds, and even horses from the town’s abundant facilities for some light outdoor activity in the country’s notably warm climate. Several boat tours also launch from the resort’s main harbor. Lagos also has an interesting Museu Municipal that features some curious exhibits of ecclesiastical treasures. Small towns like Sintra and Évora exemplify local village life, with idyllic landscapes of verdant woods, well-groomed gardens, vineyards, olive groves, and Gothic architecture. They’re a breath a fresh air for those who need to get out of the city. Lord Byron even found Sintra a delightful place to compose his poems in. Church-strewn Évora is especially eerie with its ossuary chapel in Saint Francisco Church, constructed from the bones and skulls of thousands of people. Link to this page! Copy the source below and paste it into your page source. It's that easy!
 TripLogs: Portugal |
