Portugal Travel

Lisbon Travel Guide

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city where modernity goes hand in hand with ancient buildings from days gone by - it is a fascinating and special tourist city, where history is woven into almost every step. It is considered one of the oldest capitals in Europe. The city is built on seven hills, featuring narrow and picturesque alleys. The residents of Portugal in general, and Lisbon in particular, are friendly, tolerant, relaxed, and most of them speak excellent English. It is easy and convenient to get around the city in English. Lisbon is considered the cheapest capital city in Europe; you can find a coffee or pastry for one euro, and wine and beer at cheap prices. The café culture and nightlife are very well developed in the city, and it is considered one of the most vibrant capitals in Europe. In addition, it is considered one of the safest capital cities in Europe.

Guided tours in Lisbon and its surroundings

In Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, it is recommended to travel and tour with local guides who will enrich your travel experience and reveal the interesting sites, magnificent viewpoints, alleys, restaurants, cafes, and vibrant markets. The article describes guided tours by car, on foot, Segway, bicycle, food tours, and more.

Trip to the city of Sintra and its surroundings

Sintra is one of the most visited cities in Portugal, both due to its proximity to Lisbon (about a forty-minute drive by car or train) and because of the many impressive palaces in the town and its immediate surroundings. The abundance of palaces stems from the fact that during the monarchy period of Portugal, Sintra was the vacation spot for the royal family and aristocratic families. The city and its scenic surroundings were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Trip to the Bacalhoa Buddha Eden Garden

Magical gardens that must not be missed during a visit to Portugal are the: Bacalhôa Buddha Eden gardens.
The gardens are located between Sintra and Óbidos, about an hour's drive from Lisbon, and can be combined with a day trip in the area, or on the way from Lisbon to Porto. These are the largest oriental gardens in Europe, covering an area of 350 dunams with thousands of statues integrated into nature among trees, flowers, bushes, lakes, and ornamental ponds.

Trip to the Arouca Geopark

The Arouca GeoPark, located in northern Portugal, about an hour's drive south of Porto, is a perfect destination for a one or two-day trip for nature and active recreation enthusiasts. This is a geological reserve recognized by UNESCO. The reserve is huge, covering an area of over 300 square kilometers. It is worth visiting the recommended parts of it described here.
The reserve features one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, a long hiking trail on bridges along the mountain slope beside a river, and many other hiking trails. The reserve features geological phenomena and magnificent viewpoints, a river where you can go successful rafting, ancient villages, and the town of Arouca with a special ancient monastery.

Travel Guide to Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is an important port city on the Atlantic Ocean.

The most vibrant and touristic district of Porto, the Ribeira district, is bordered on one side by the banks of the Douro River and on the other by the old city. Ever since it was established in the 12th century, it has served as a social and economic gathering place, thanks to its strategic location adjacent to the river which served as a main transportation artery.

Trip to the Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is considered (and rightly so!) one of the most beautiful and ancient wine regions in the world (even older than Bordeaux in France). Wine has been produced there for about 2,000 years! It is the birthplace of the famous Port wine, but another wonderful sweet wine is also grown there: "Moscatel".
The valley is located about 130 km east of the city of Porto (less than a two-hour drive) in northern Portugal and is named after the river that runs through its entire length: the Douro River. The river's sources are in Spain and it reaches Porto, where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The Douro River meanders for about 160 km through the Douro Valley.

Attractions for Travelers on the Island of Madeira

The Madeira Islands are a subtropical archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean about 980 km southwest of Lisbon. The archipelago includes two inhabited islands - Madeira and Porto Santo, and two groups of tiny, uninhabited islands. Madeira Island is the largest and most visited of them all. Madeira has an impressive topography characterized by towering cliffs rising dramatically above sea level. The steep elevation has created six unique climate zones, each with its own characteristic and unique vegetation, a fact that has led many to compare it to the Hawaiian Islands. The green and wild island, abundant with vegetation and tropical fruits, is especially loved by nature and active recreation enthusiasts and is also nicknamed: "The Paradise of the Atlantic Ocean", "The Island of Eternal Spring", "The Pearl of the Atlantic", "The Floating Gardens of the Atlantic" and "The Island of Flowers".

Tours in Hebrew in Portugal

The best way to get to know the major cities in Portugal in depth, learn about their history, and reach their secret alleys is to join guided tours, and there is nothing like guided tours in Hebrew! .

Trip to Évora

Évora, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, is an ancient city in the Alentejo region and is located about an hour and a half (140 km) drive east of Lisbon. The historic center of the city of Évora was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the historic center, 4,000 historical buildings have been well preserved, including the city wall and its gates, squares, palaces, churches, fortresses, and even an ancient Jewish quarter. Évora is described by UNESCO as a "museum city" due to the abundance of ancient buildings preserved from various periods starting from the Roman era in the city, through the Moorish period, to the era of the Catholic Monarchs and the Inquisition.

Travel Guide to the Azores Islands

The Azores Islands belong to Portugal and are located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean about 1,400 km west of Lisbon. There are 9 islands in the Azores archipelago. These are volcanic islands with dramatic landscapes of high and steep mountains, volcanic craters some of which have turned into beautiful lakes, many indented and steep cliffs, waterfalls and streams, and volcanic and thermal phenomena such as hot springs and smoking, bubbling mud pools.

São Miguel Island in the Azores

São Miguel is the largest and most visited of all the Azores islands and also the most diverse of them all.

Flores Island in the Azores

Flores Island is the jewel in the crown of the Azores islands: the greenest island, with the most waterfalls, lakes, and flowers.

Terceira Island in the Azores

The island is known for its impressive topography and natural phenomena.

Pico Island in the Azores

The highest volcano in Portugal. Its location is excellent for whale watching.

Faial Island in the Azores

Nicknamed the Blue Island because of its abundance of hydrangea flowers.

Travel Guide to the Algarve Region in Southern Portugal

The Algarve region in southern Portugal is the most popular vacation area in Portugal, with the most beautiful and quiet beaches, charming bays, dramatic cliffs, well-maintained towns, and an abundance of active recreation and entertainment options, all in sunny weather.

Trip to the City of Tomar

The city of Tomar in Portugal is located 138 km northeast of Lisbon, about a an hour and a half drive, and is a recommended site for a day trip from Lisbon and as a trip on the way between Lisbon and Porto or the Serra mountains.
The city of Tomar is a small city with about 20,000 residents. The city abounds with impressive and unique tourist sites, all within a leisurely walking distance of each other.

Cruise from England to Portugal, Spain, and the Canary Islands

A cruise to the Spain, Portugal, and Canary Islands region combines unique ports, pleasant weather, and attractions suitable for all ages. The cruise provides a great opportunity to travel among volcanoes, sand dunes, natural pools, and more, all combined with a cruise on a luxurious and pampering ship, which is nothing less than a floating city where you can find everything...

Transportation in Portugal

♦ Trains in Portugal - Prices and Timetables
♦ Portuguese Airline - TAP
♦ Airports in Portugal

Car Rental:

Search engine and car rental booking that I recommend (it is also in English):

♦ Car rental from the reliable and convenient Booking website: Booking.com

Map and General Information about Portugal

Map, flag, general data and more .

♦ Recommended Hotels in Lisbon

The 7 Hotel
3-star hotel in the historic city center, 3 minutes walk from Rossio Square. Studio apartments have a kitchenette. Free internet.

Pousada de Lisboa - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World
5-star historic boutique hotel in the city center on the riverbank. Pool, wellness center, sauna, gym, restaurant and bar. Free internet.

HF Fenix Music
3-star hotel in the city center close to Avenida da Liberdade. Rooftop pool, free internet.

H10 Duque de Loule
4-star hotel in a convenient location near Eduardo VII Park. Paid parking. Free internet.

Lisbon Marriott Hotel
4-star hotel not far from the airport. Outdoor pool, gym, restaurant and bar. Free internet in public areas. Paid parking.

Lisbon Five Stars Apartments Sao Juliao 72
Spacious vacation apartments with equipped kitchen in a central location in Lisbon within walking distance of many attractions. Free internet. Paid parking.

♦ Recommended Hotels in Porto:

Ribeira do Porto Hotel
Three-star hotel in the heart of the Ribeira tourist district, adjacent to the Douro River.

NH Collection Porto Batalha
Modern four-star hotel in a central location in the heart of the city near top tourist sites.

HF Ipanema Park
Modern five-star hotel at an attractive price, about a ten-minute drive from the city center.

Bnapartments Ribeira
Apartment hotel designed for 4-6 people in the heart of the historic tourist area of Porto adjacent to the Douro River.

♦ Recommended Hotels in Madeira Island:

Quinta da Bela Vista – Five-star hotel with spacious elegant rooms, most with a balcony overlooking the gardens or Funchal Bay. The hotel features a swimming pool, extensive botanical gardens, gym, tennis courts, and high-quality (expensive) restaurants. It is located two kilometers from downtown Funchal in a quiet and pastoral location. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to the city center. Free internet and parking.

Quintinha de São João – Five-star hotel, immersed in gardens 1.2 km from the center of Funchal (about a 15-minute walk). The hotel has 40 spacious and pampering rooms, wonderful restaurants, swimming pools, gardens, a spa, and an intimate atmosphere. It was chosen as one of the top 25 luxury hotels in Portugal.

Belmond Reid's Palace – The most successful hotel for families on the island. Also five-star, located on a vast expanse of tropical gardens, on a cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel has three pools and direct access to the ocean waters. The hotel also has sports facilities, including tennis courts, a gym, and a spa. Free internet and parking.

Vila Marta – Small family-run 3-star hotel with spacious studio rooms including a kitchenette and a balcony overlooking the ocean or banana plantations. Located 4 km from downtown Funchal. Free internet in public areas and free public parking nearby.

Anyone traveling to Portugal who loves nature and landscapes – it is highly recommended to combine a visit of at least 4 days (preferably more) in beautiful Madeira.
It is also great to combine a visit to the Canary Islands with a visit to Madeira. A wonderful destination that is also very suitable for families!