Portugal has a rich and glorious centuries-old history. In the past, this small country, which looks out over the Atlantic Ocean, possessed one of the largest colonial empires in the world, and ruled territories ranging from Brazil to Asia. This has certainly influenced its gastronomy and traditions, blending European, Asian and South American elements. Besides its history and culture, Portugal is also famous for its olive production. In fact, it is the fifth largest producing country in the world. But it is its towns that are the real highlight of this country: today, they still blend the modern and the old, in a mixture of characters that makes them unique in the world. Here are 4 towns in Portugal that are must-visits!

Lisbon

Tram-Lisbon-Portugal

 

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and its main city, and the only European capital that looks out over the Atlantic Ocean. A settlement of local populations as early as the Neolithic period, it bears the signs of the domination to which it has been subject: from that of the Phoenicians to the Arabs, through the Romans. Visiting Lisbon, two things not to be missed are the Antigua Confeitaria pastry shop in Belém, where you can taste the famous pasteis de nata, and the taverns where you can listen to fado, the typical folk music of Lisbon.

Porto

Porto Portugal

 

Porto, in the north of the country on the banks of the Douro river, is Portugal’s third largest city in terms of inhabitants. Its historic centre, called Ribeira, which dates back to Roman and mediaeval times, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. This district features narrow and very steep streets with houses painted in pastel colours. One of the main attractions of Porto is the “Lello & Irmão” bookshop, founded in 1869 and considered one of the finest in the world.

Faro

Faro Cathedral Portugal

 

Faro, which is located in the south of Portugal, forms part of the Ria Formosa National Park. This city has not been subject to mass tourism, which is why it still retains all its traditional charm. Founded by the Arabs, its main attractions include Cidade Velha, the old city, enclosed within the mediaeval Arab walls. The city centre features the Sé, now the city’s cathedral, built on the site of the old mosque.

Tomar

Order-of-Christ-Monastery-Portugal

 

Tomar, a town in the central region of Portugal, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, was one of the main Templar strongholds in this country. You can breathe Templar history in every corner of the town, especially in its historic centre, concentrated around the Templar monastery-fortress of the Order of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Must-visits are its 8 cloisters, as well as the Cemetery where the graves of knight-monks are preserved.