Portugal Cruise Holiday Highlights
Offering fabulous food, incredible architecture and culture galore, Portugal is sure to bring out your inner explorer.
Portugal’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world, sprawled over seven steep hills. Lisbon was decimated by an earthquake, tsunami and week-long firestorm in 1775 and rebuilt in Pombaline style, with some of the first seismically protected buildings in Europe. The heart of the city, Baixa, was recreated and this vibrant area is home to grand plazas, avenues and shopping boulevards as well as a huge variety of eateries – the perfect place to embrace the café culture of Portugal. Discover Alfama, the oldest district in the city, between the São Jorge Castle and the Tejo River.
The Portuguese island of Madeira is known as the Garden Island, and its capital, Funchal, takes its name from the verdant fennel that still thrives on its steep slopes. But these precipitous hills offer more than just vegetation: adrenaline-seekers can get their thrills with a 10-minute toboggan ride down some of the city’s steepest streets.
While in Porto, escape to the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, the gorgeously peaceful botanical gardens set on high with stunning views of the city and the river beyond. Head for the narrow streets of the medieval riverside quarter of Ribeira with its colourful, crowded houses and streets lined with fashionable bars and restaurants. You’ll find a wide selection of local dishes, including fresh seafood, and great views across the Douro towards Vila Nova de Gaia, which is home to more than 50 port labels
Reasons to visit Portugal on a cruise holiday
Food & Drink
Northern Portugal may be the culinary heart of the country, but Lisbon can lay claim to originating what is perhaps the country’s most famous pastry: the sweet, creamy and utterly delicious pastéis de nata (custard tart). Best eaten sprinkled with cinnamon and with a strong coffee or a glass of port on the side, you can’t visit the ports of Lisbon or Oporto without sampling at least one of these golden treats.
Arts & Crafts
For street art of a different kind, try Lisbon. Found on the walls of the grandest buildings through to the humblest of homes, glazed ceramic tiles are part of the fabric of the city, depicting colourful patterns and stories of Lisbon past and present. Visit traditional ceramics factory Sant’Anna for an insight into the art of these azulejos – time it right and you could even paint your own mini masterpiece.
History & Architecture
In Lisbon, visit the Jardim da Praça do Império (one of Europe’s largest plazas), the intricate Jerónimos monastery and the amazing Museu Nacional do Azulejo with its display of tiles spanning 500 years. Porto is also famous for ornate bridges, Roman ramparts and grand Parisian-style squares. Amble through the historic centre that dates back to medieval times and is rich in monuments and buildings, in an incredible range of styles from different eras, including the immense Sé do Porto
cathedral and the Church of São Francisco with its blend of Baroque and Gothic architecture
