15 Tips to Know Before Going to Portugal

View of Portugal

15 Tips to Know Before Going to Portugal

Portugal is one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations, where historic charm meets stunning coastlines, mouthwatering cuisine, and warm hospitality. If you’re planning a trip, these tips will help you make the most of your adventure. From navigating the cobblestone streets to savoring pastel de nata, here are 15 Tips to Know Before Going to Portugal:

Learn a Few Portuguese Phrases

While English is widely understood in tourist areas, learning a few basic Portuguese phrases can go a long way in showing respect and connecting with locals. Greet with a cheerful “Bom dia” (Good morning) or thank someone with “Obrigado/a.” Locals will appreciate your effort, and it can lead to more memorable interactions.

Horse and buggy in Obidos, Portugal

Pack for the Weather

Portugal’s weather can vary by region and season. Summers are sunny and warm, perfect for beach days in the Algarve, but winters in the north can be rainy and chilly. Layers are your best friend, and don’t forget comfortable shoes for exploring those hilly streets and cobblestone alleys.

Beaches of Portugal in Cascais

Indulge in Portuguese Cuisine

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15 Food You Need to Try in Portugal

seafood from Portugal

One of the best memories of my childhood were holidays where our dining room was filled with friends and family.  We would sit for hours and tell stories and laugh while we ate course after course. Meals were built with fresh ingredients and cooked with love. When traveling to Portugal, you have to try its delicious cuisine. From fresh seafood to savory meats, there is no shortage of amazing food to try. Here are 15 foods you need to try in Portugal:

APPETIZERS

Queijo da Serra

 Queijo da Serra is a soft and creamy cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. It is great for a petisco (a Portuguese version of tapas).

Sausages

My four favorite are Chouriço: You can have it cold or hot, but an awesome way to eat it is a flame-grilled chouriço assado, cooked in a clay dish and they light the sausage.

Linguiça: It is a lot like Chouriço, but has more paprika and garlic.

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Portuguese Paella

mytravelingkids.com

Being raised in a Portuguese home meant I was surrounded by the most amazing meals.  There were no canned spaghetti and meatballs, and no frozen dinners.  (There was also no peanut butter and fluff sandwiches…but I guess I forgive them for that.) Food was prepared with fresh ingredients and with recipes handed down from generation to generation.  A while back I created a cookbook filled with family recipes for my girls to use when they have their own families.  I’m hoping to instill the joy of cooking together, sitting down to share a meal, and laughing over great conversations at the dinner table.  This Portuguese Paella is perfect for Christmas Eve, Christmas day or New Years Eve. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

 

Portuguese Paella

Ingredients:

¼ cup good olive oil (never buy the cheap stuff)

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Cascais, Portugal Rental Apartment

We stayed in such a breathtaking rental apartment when we were in Cascais, Portugal that I have to share to with you.  Here’s a peek at our apartment in Cascais, Portugal…

LOCATION

The apartment is located in a beautiful historic building within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and attractions.  It is beachfront and it has the most ridiculous views!

Let me show you around the house.  First of all…

THE TERRACE


Read all about our stay…

Nazare, Portugal…Armchair Escape

We continue to believe that in the future the borders will be open, airplanes will cross oceans, people will fill restaurants, and we will all get out our passports.

As for now, take a peek at these pictures to inspire your next big adventure!

Today’s Armchair Escape is NAZARE, PORTUGAL…

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Cascais, Portugal…Armchair Escape

We continue to believe that in the future the borders will be open, airplanes will cross oceans, people will fill restaurants, and we will all get out our passports.

As for now, take a peek at these pictures to inspire your next big adventure!

Today’s Armchair Escape is CASCAIS, PORTUGAL…

 

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Armchair Escape…Lisbon, Portugal

We continue to believe that in the future the borders will be open, airplanes will cross oceans, people will fill restaurants, and we will all get out our passports.

As for now, take a peek at these pictures to inspire your next big adventure!

Today’s Armchair Escape is LISBON…

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São Miguel, Azores…Armchair Escape

Armchair Escape… São Miguel, Azores

We continue to believe that in the future the borders will be open, airplanes will cross oceans, people will fill restaurants, and we will all get out our passports.

As for now, take a peek at these pictures to inspire your next big adventure!

Today’s Armchair Escape is São Miguel, Azores …

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Top Things To Do in Obidos Portugal

Obidos is one of the most charming towns I have ever been to and I could have daydreams of myself living there for a month… spending my afternoons hanging laundry on my clothesline while talking to the local elderly ladies and gossiping about the town.  When my mind starts drifting, I imagine living in a small town like this where everyone knows each other and old traditions are used today.  Need more proof that this town is amazing?  Consider this: In the 13th century, Queen Isabel visited this town and fell so in love with it that her husband, King Denis I, gave it to her.  That’s right…he gave her the actual town. (Good luck topping that gift Buddy!)  Although it is good for a day trip, there is nothing like being here after the crowds have left.  That’s when the magic happens. 

Here are my top 10 things to do in Obidos:

 

Cozido…Eating a Meal Cooked in a Hot Spring

aazores

 

Sao Miguel, Azores is one of the most beautiful, friendliest islands we’ve ever been to.  It is located 950 miles from mainland Portugal but it is a completely different world.  The island has a gorgeous coastline, stunning flowers, and perhaps the best seafood I’ve ever tasted. It is the largest island of the Azores but can be viewed in a day or two. It was here we got to experience the best cozido we’ve ever had! 

One of the coolest meals we’ve ever experienced was in Sao Miguel. The island has lots of hot springs so they have created an interesting way to cook your meals.  They take a pot and fill it with delicious, local ingredients, cover it, and place it directly in the ground.  There the food slowly cooks by volcanic steam and after 5-6 hours you get a perfectly cooked meal created by Mother Nature.  It is like an underground crock pot!

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