"Portugal by Car" Portugal by acemj

Portugal Travel Guide: 19,499 reviews and 54,801 photos

Emerging From Obscurity

Portugal is emerging. There is a newness in the air that is starting to slowly shrink the ancient charms that have been attracting visitors seeking a more rural and rustic European experience. Sights like this old car resting on ancient cobblestones near a brightly colored wall are becoming less common in this quickly developing country. But fear not! You can still find Portugal's weathered and worn side if you're willing to do a little exploration.

I visited with my friend Pav in February of 2003 and had a great time driving through Central Portugal in our little rental car. Around each corner and over each hill, we discovered sweeping views and surprising villages and it was in this "off-the-beaten-path" journey that we found the country's greatest charms.

Be sure to visit Lisbon and other major sights that interest you, but don't forget to take the proverbial "road less traveled" and that will indeed, be your best reward.

The People

Ladies in Coimbra

The people of Portugal were extremely kind to us during our stay. I found most people to be a little reserved. Few people will welcome you with a huge smile or initiate conversations, but if you take the time to approach them, you will be rewarded with genuine smiles and helpful advice.

***This page is intended to give you the flavor of the country and peak your interest about specific locations. See the city pages for further details.

Last visit to Portugal: Feb 2003
Intro Updated Apr 7, 2003
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Reviews (55)

Literary Traditions Favorites (6)

Portugal's literary tradition is marked most notably by Luis Vaz de Camoes (1524-80), who wrote the famous poem "Os... more travel advice

Cork Favorites (6)

One of Portugal's most profitable agricultural products is cork. Most of the cork trees are found in the Alentejo... more travel advice

Golfer's dream Sports & Outdoors (2)

Although, I didn't visit the Algarve, Portugal's southern coast is full of beautiful golf courses and resorts. Check out... more travel advice

Fado Nightlife (3)

The most well-known musical form in Portugal is the Fado, which is most easily seen in Lisbon and Coimbra, but can be... more travel advice

Tourist Traps (2)
See All A little overpriced
Restaurants (4)
See All Something a bit more unusual
Local Customs (6)
See All Cafe
Off The Beaten Path (5)
See All Castles
Transportation (5)
See All Trams

Shopping (3)
See All Lots of choices
What to Pack (2)
See All Lots of film!
Things to Do (14)
See All Batalha's Gothic Masterpiece
Hotels (2)
See All A comfortable place in Coimbra
Warnings and Dangers (1)
Warnings . . .

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (20)

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elpariente Mar 18, 2010 at 4:17 PM

Very good photos and interesting tips Thank you Gracias !!!!
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lmc2626 Oct 4, 2006 at 9:32 PM

what about seeing manila on your next travel?
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travelthrough Aug 30, 2006 at 7:22 AM

you describe the people of portugal perfectly - despite all the rejections I have gotten from them telling me the complete opposite. I experienced the same way you did.....too reserved and not even appreciate I learnt their native language!
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Mikebb Jul 28, 2006 at 11:30 PM

Enjoyed your pages, have been thinking of visiting Portugal,sounds nice.
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bambino36 Sep 9, 2004 at 9:27 AM

Great page about Portugal and precise observation about the portuguese people! Antonio
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arasnosliw Jul 14, 2004 at 8:27 AM

wonderful overview of portugal! im beginning to do some more exploration of what you would call the "proverbial 'road less traveled' "
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Bwana_Brown Jan 18, 2004 at 7:32 AM

An excellent page and a great primer for someone intending their first visit! My wife and I are planning to rent a car to tour around for the last two weeks of May! Thanks for the tips!!
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dr.firas Jan 15, 2004 at 4:44 AM

Well one day for sure I will go there, after your great page, I have good reason for that!
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micas_pt Oct 31, 2003 at 5:59 PM

Nice page about my country. Glad you liked our 1001 ways of cooking cod! :-))
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Sharrie Aug 13, 2003 at 4:20 AM

Fado! Let's see if I'm destined to visit next month ;-) Wonderful page, Mark! Bravo!