Tag: Gate 1 Travel Portugal

pastel
EuropeTravel Tips

5 Local Foods to Try in Portugal

on April 20, 2022

Crossing over a country’s borders means receiving an invitation to participate in their cultural traditions, fall into the rhythm of their everyday lives, and experience life as the locals would. Portugal’s pulse of zeal and timeless designs boast a heritage of individuality and a call to dig deeper into its unique European scene. Aside from its enticing walkable districts and incomparable pieces of architecture, Portugal is the dwelling place of an exquisite food sphere making a statement to all who indulge in it.

As one begins walking down the streets, they’ll be stricken with sweet aromas floating out of pastry shops, their scent awakening locals from their slumber. As the day proceeds, the restaurants become even more lively as residents and tourists alike participate in the al fresco dining atmosphere.

Between the multitude of pastry shops and open-air restaurants, your eating itinerary will be flushed with options. However, based on the cuisine sampled in our Portugal trips, we recommend moving the following five local foods to the top of your checklist.

Pastel de Nata

Ranking in the number one spot for many is the famous Portuguese egg custard tart pastry gracing the front windows of every pastry shop you’ll come across in your wanderings. Sold for not much more than one euro, these delectable desserts or additions to your brunch are a common artifact to come by in Portugal. But don’t let their widespread availability distract you from their authenticity. This Portuguese-native pastry is said to have been birthed in 1837 in the country’s capital city. Since then, local bakers and pastry chefs have put practice into recreating the original recipe, with each batch keeping the recipe’s origins alive. Yet, some have added their own twist to the pastry by sprinkling cinnamon or powdered sugar on top.

The complementary contrast of the flaky crust with the smooth custard creates a mouthwatering product that has kept locals and travelers returning for more. A day of exploring a Portuguese city would not be complete without having held this sweet in your hands at some point.

Sardinhas Assadas

Upon strolling through Lisbon or one of Portugal’s other noteworthy towns, you might happen upon a colorful sardine shop vending tin cans of this unorthodox cuisine. However, you’ll come to learn that the Portuguese have a special place in their hearts for sardines, as grilling these fish has become a comfort food of sorts for the locals. Throughout the summer, the locals often supply grilled sardines to serve as the main feature at festivals taking place. Charred to perfection and sprinkled with sea salt, the fish are then eaten while the bones and heads are still unimpaired, with individuals biting into their sides to feast on the flaky meat.

The Feast of St. Anthony lasts throughout the month of June in the country, but it has widely been nicknamed the “Sardine Festival” as this crowd favorite is served on buns to the event attendees. Whether visiting during the time of the festival or not, do as the locals do and dine on this seemingly offbeat snack.

Piri Piri Chicken

Roasted to perfection and packed with flavorful spices, piri piri chicken is a local favorite, with its origins stemming from African and Portuguese roots. The spicy chicken dish is carefully curated by homely chefs and served fresh to diners each evening. These chefs roast the chicken on the spit until it reaches a tender golden brown ideal for feasting on. Upon plating the succulent meat, a piri piri sauce is then sprayed over the dish to the diner’s preference.

To the locals, the spicy nature of the dish has become a common piece of their palate. However, for out-of-towners desiring a taste of this local specialty, a heavy dose of the piri piri sauce can send their taste buds into shock, as the true spice hits moments after. Just as the dish is best prepared with time and attention given to the process, also apply this same routine to the action of consuming the chicken, slowly diving into the peppery seasoning while allowing your taste buds the proper time to readjust to each bite. Many recommend trying this dish your first night, as you’ll likely crave it at least one day more during your travels.

Bacalhau

In terms of dining, Portugal offers a pretty expansive list of offerings, especially in the seafood realm. Bacalhau is another of the nation’s beloved fish fares and is categorized as dried and salted cod. This national dish has become quite common among the locals’ diets and is a staple menu item of various fine dining establishments in the region. By drying and salting the cod, the flavor is intensified, and many chefs fancy enhancing their dishes with overlaying ingredients, vegetables, and spices. Thousands of bacalhau recipes have emerged from the country, giving tourists bountiful chances to dine on this delicacy. Compliment the chef on their special touch to the cuisine.

Port Wine

Although technically a drink rather than a food, port wine is one of Portugal’s specialties that must be savored on any visit to the country. Especially if making the journey to the country’s second-largest city of Porto, which contributes to the vast majority of port wine production, visitors must drop in on one of many wine cellars and venture to Douro Valley to sample this sweet red blend. After being produced from this valley’s grapes, port wine is often served at the end of meals to finish the dining experience on a sweet note. While dining out and about throughout your travels, commit to the full Portuguese experience by adding this nightcap to your tab.

Lisbon
EuropeTravel Tips

How to See the Best of Lisbon in One Day

on April 20, 2022

Gaining traction among its European counterparts is the alluring city of Lisbon, rimmed with red-roofed buildings sporting azulejo tiles and cafés selling pastel de nata for close to one euro. Its weathered tiles and affectionate locals fill each city center and discreet alleyway with a welcoming presence beckoning travelers to wander further into the Alfama district or indulge in another late-night feast of piri-piri chicken.

It seems almost blasphemous to summarize the city’s offerings in the matter of a one-day itinerary. However, not all travelers have the luxury of staying in Portugal’s capital for longer than 24 hours. For some, Lisbon calls to them like a dream in the night, evoking their memories of the short span of time spent in this decorated city. If you also find yourself limited on time and want to see the best of Lisbon in one day, there are a handful of recommendations that you should consider adding to your day, as are visited in our guided Portugal trip.

Peer From a Coveted View

In order to feel as if you have explored an entire city, it is always recommended to find the best view potential of a destination. Lisbon’s mesmerizing city scene is attractive from any perspective, but Edward VII’s Park offers a unique, inclined aspect of the metropolis. From this vantage point, peer directly forward at the sharp-cornered landscaping work leading down to the Marquis of Pombal Square. Admire the far-off water and famed architecture home to none other than this inspiring country. From here, one of Lisbon’s most iconic sites stands a mere 15-minute car ride away.

Approach Belém Tower

Now classified as a World Heritage Site, the Belém Tower is a 16th-century staple of the city. In its earlier years, the tower stood as a fort for the city, protecting the capital against raids along the Tagus River. This medieval defense also served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for the famous Portuguese explorers of the time, later being used as a point for customs control. Over the course of its existence, the structure has undergone restoration projects aimed at preserving the historical look of the building. Nowadays, Belém Tower stands as an iconic backdrop to Instagram photos and is a visited landmark of the city.

If exploring while there is a low tide, viewers can venture down the stairs and across the dampened sand, staring at the towering structure from a close standpoint. As you take in the views and reflect on your surroundings, you’ll likely have the additional romantic impression brought on by a local violin player entertaining tourists with symphonic pop tunes.

The Belém Tower is striking on its own accord, but its adjoining public parks and palms are just as worthy of exploring in the afternoon sun.

More Gothic Architecture

Despite its captivating influx of tiled buildings wearing hats of terracotta tiles, the enchanting city also shows evidence of gothic influence in various architectural hotspots, such as the Jerónimos Monastery. This former monastery located near the Belém Tower once existed as the headquarters of monks giving assistance to seafarers who were in transit. Both the building’s interior and exterior are a sight to behold, from its outer landscaping to its ornate ceilings coaxing visitors to tilt their heads back in awe.

Even though the grounds served a humble mission in its beginning years, the monastery has always symbolized the country’s wealth and power. To this day, the impressive sight tells of Portugal’s cardinal history and still continues to be the base for important government decisions.

Bonus: A Half-Day Tour to Sintra

Technically an hour train ride outside of Lisbon, Sintra is an unbelievably stunning area of the country that one must visit. This quaint town is home to lavish romantic castles and various monuments showering its municipality with royalty. Visitors can enjoy walking through the downtown region just a step away from the train station. Even though no trip would be a waste to this gorgeous district, it would be a misfortune to have spent half a day here without visiting at least one of Sintra’s castles.

Perhaps one of Sintra’s most noteworthy and mesmerizing highlights is Pena Palace, a colorful hilltop castle overlooking the lush terrain and countryside estates below. Not only do the outer surroundings of the palace allow visitors to freely roam the palace quarters as the royals once did, but it also contains one of the largest tile collections in all of Portugal. Peer out over the grounds from one of the various turrets and explore the rest of the domain at your leisure before hauling yourself back to the train station to return to Lisbon. Upon returning to Lisbon, don’t be tempted to cut your evening short after a day on your feet. Wander down the storied streets, get lost in the Alfama district, find the best local hotspot for piri-piri chicken, and soak in the evening atmosphere that comes alive each night as the sun sets on this exquisite city.

Porto
EuropeTravel Tips

A Travel Guide to Spending 6 Days in Portugal

on April 20, 2022

Portugal is an all-encompassing country armed with a renowned medieval fortress, populated by red-roofed buildings and tiled walls, bordered by sun-laden cliffs, and inhabited by majestic palaces once occupied by royalty. Even this descriptive summary barely does the country justice, as its welcoming arms provide a sanctuary for every type of traveler looking to experience European charm outside of typically-visited cities. From humble fishing villages to colorful castles, the initial contradicting nature of this diverse country merges together to form a tranquil scene for visitors of all statures.

As one of the westernmost countries in Europe, Portugal is an excellent introduction to the laidback European culture bearing a storybook past. Our immersive tour throughout the country introduces globetrotters to some of the nation’s most iconic cities and quaint countryside highlights in a matter of six days. Jump into a few of this itinerary’s focal points below.

Lisbon’s Bustling Scene and Sintra’s Breathtaking Castles

Not enough can be said about Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon. As you awaken with the locals, peer out your hotel balcony at the azulejo tiles embellishing the buildings. With these mesmerizing squares making a grand first impression on your soul, you’ll be driven to spring into action, exploring the streets from a ground level. As you walk through the city, keep your eyes peeled for Lisbon’s idyllic tram cars, cafés selling pastel de nata, and haphazard sightings of Gothic architecture. Consider a stroll to the Belém Tower to see one of the city’s earliest fortresses and point of embarkation and disembarkation. From here, continue onto Jerónimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal’s wealth and power from the Middle Ages to current times.

Lisbon’s captivating terraces and side streets could take years to explore in their entirety, but an hour train ride away from the city center reclines the regal countryside of Sintra, the cradle of royalty and lavish castles inviting present-day explorers to roam their premises and imagine themselves in a life of luxury tucked away from onlookers. Pena Palace is one of the more unique castles in the town, parading sprightly colors and containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal. Visitors have rarely been able to find a residence as enchanting as this animated palace.

An Excursion to Évora

Characterized by its milky-colored homes and uncanny skeletons, Évora is an ancient city showcasing a timeless influence. Included in its perimeters is the Roman Temple, a historical landmark symbolizing the previous Roman occupation. The still-standing monument gives insight into the previous inhabitants of the land, the crumbling columns telling a story of their own. Other highlights of Évora include an early Gothic cathedral, cobbled streets leading to the main square, and Sao Francisco Church, home to the Chapel of Bones.

This skeleton-bordered Ossuary chapel is a fascinating sight to behold for multiple reasons. In an eerily intriguing manner, the chapel lures visitors to view its walls decorated with human bones and skulls, a modern-art form once constructed as a result of too few graveyards.

A Fascinating Sight in Fátima

A drive through Portugal’s scenic countryside will eventually deliver you to Fátima, a municipality bearing talk of biblical history, as it is rumored to have been where the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. In this place of Catholic significance, visitors are encouraged to tour the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, an outstretched shrine in commemoration of this apparition.

As the main draw to the region, the shrine is an impressive religious landmark signaling a respected backstory and attracting the likes of the Pope.

A Visit to Porto

A colorful coastal city in Northwest Portugal, Porto is recognized for its vibrant hues stamped on buildings and its production of port wine. To celebrate safe travels to the region, we recommend participating in some classic wine tasting, savoring the city’s distinct blend of flavors. Leisurely stroll from one wine cellar to the next, mingling with locals and tourists alike with buzzing energy. For as much time as the day allows, meander throughout the aged streets and gaze at the energetic happenings, diners dwelling in glee, and numerous buildings bearing a unique story.

Included in your itinerary should be a stop at the Church of Sao Francisco, a Gothic monument of Porto furnished with Baroque decorations. The church’s Arabian Hall is a timeless open ballroom dressed from head to toe in ornate gilding and elegant tiles. Stand speechless in its vicinity before exploring the rest of the grounds. Being immersed in the hub of Porto is a remarkable way to experience the city, but many would argue that, in order for your Porto encounter to be considered complete, you would have to see it from a unique perspective. By opting into a Douro River cruise, you’ll be introduced to compelling views of the rich colors adorning the central buildings and port wine cellars spread across the region and will cross under bridges stemming from one valley to the next. Upon departing the boat, you’ll likely decide to disperse throughout the streets in search of specialty recipes, bidding farewell to the local charisma you’ve come to call a friend.