Discover Portugal: The most beautiful places, food and unforgettable Fado moments!

Discover Portugal: The most beautiful places, food and unforgettable Fado moments!

Portugal, a popular travel destination in Southern Europe, is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture and tasty cuisine. With an area of ​​92,152 km² and a population of 10.35 million (as of 2025), the country attracts tourists from all over the world. Geographically, Portugal borders Spain to the north and east, while the Atlantic Ocean surrounds the south and west. The Portuguese archipelagos include the Azores and Madeira, each offering unique natural wonders and cultural highlights.

The capital Lisbon, with around 2.5 million residents in the region and 290 days of sunshine annually, is a major attraction. The city impresses with historical buildings, monuments and museums, which add to its charm. These include the Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. The hilly landscape gives Lisbon a picturesque atmosphere and makes a visit an experience.

Culinary diversity and traditions

Portuguese cuisine has a lot to offer. Cod (bacalhau) is considered a staple food, while espetada, a meat dish on bay leaves, is a delicacy in Madeira. Sweets lovers will get their money's worth with the Pastel de Nata, a well-known pastry from Belém. In addition to cuisine, Fado is a central part of Portugal's cultural identity. This traditional style of music, which originated in the old districts of Lisbon such as Alfama, reflects the Saudade attitude to life.

Fado was sung in taverns in the 19th century and is now recognized as a UNESCO-protected musical genre. Amália Rodrigues, the most famous fado singer, made the style internationally famous in the 1950s. Tourists have the opportunity to experience fado in different districts of Lisbon, especially Alfama and Chiado. Here, numerous Fado houses offer daily live shows that promise an unforgettable experience.

Experience Fado in Lisbon

In Chiado, visitors will find daily live fado shows with guitar and viola that last about an hour. Drinks are not included in the ticket price, although port wine is recommended. A guided tour of Alfama and Mouraria allows participants to learn about the origins of fado and listen to it in a traditional fado house. This tour includes a typical dinner and provides knowledge of local customs and cuisine.

Additionally, there are romantic evening tours that include a sunset stroll through Alfama, followed by a Fado dinner that includes a three-course Portuguese meal. Another interesting option is an alternative Fado experience, which offers a 4-hour walking tour of Lisbon accompanied by a Fado singer. On this tour, participants have the opportunity to taste local specialties such as chouriço and caldo verde.

Portugal offers a rich culture and many experiences that leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether historical sights, culinary delights or immersing yourself in the melodies of Fado – the country has something to offer for everyone.

For more information on these topics visit Picture and Portugal.com.