15 Reasons You Should Visit Portugal

Deciding on which country to visit to celebrate my university graduation was a tough choice. Would I eat baguettes in Paris while gazing at the Eiffel Tower? Would I visit the pyramids in Egypt? Or would I follow Alexis Bledel’s character in Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants and be surrounded by Santorini’s traditional white houses in Greece?

Interestingly enough, the answer was none of the above. I wound up in in Europe’s westernmost country: Portugal. And very shortly after landing in the capital, Lisbon, I realized there was no place I’d rather be. Here are 15 things I loved about Portugal, and 15 reasons you should book your ticket.

1. The affordability

With the weakness of the Canadian dollar, any traveller wants to be sure their money will stretch as far as possible. Luckily, flying to Portugal is surprisingly affordable. Our flight cost roughly $600 (CAD). And the bargains don’t end there. I was amazed—and relieved—at the low cost of meals and tourist attractions, and in some cases, hotels. Our hotel for three in Evora came up to $120 euros for two nights—that’s unheard of!

For just a few euros, you can feed yourself and get admission to several museums, churches and towers.  No matter your budget, there is always something within reach to keep you entertained and your tummy satisfied.

Tip: If you’re travelling to different cities and planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, look for discount cards that offer reduced or free admission. Only get the card if it will save you money!

2. Food

If you’re like me, food matters even more than accommodations. I can stay in a rundown hotel. But just like the commercial says, I’m not myself when I’m hungry.

In Portugal, there is no shortage of tasty and affordable restaurants, cafes and cafeterias. Most restaurants were made with vegetarians, vegans, and those with other dietary restrictions and preferences in mind.

It’s customary for places to have their menus posted outside for you to browse through before deciding. It’s also typical for restaurants to have some sort of daily special—mostly their fish of the day. If you’re open to trying it, you get a good meal at an even better price.

Tip: Most servers will drop off appetizers such as bread, cheese, olives and olive oil at your table before your meal. Even though you didn’t ask for it, if you eat it, you pay for it. Kindly say no thank you or leave the items untouched and always double check your bill to make sure you haven’t been mistakenly charged.

3. Azulejos (tiles)

In Portugal, you can’t help but notice the traditional and ever-present decorated tiles that can be found throughout neighborhoods and cities and in some of the most well-known and long-standing buildings. Some designs are huge and intricate, often making up larger images that represent anything from historical battles to religious art. Others are smaller, and just used to line houses or buildings.

In Lisbon, there is actually a national museum of azulejos (they’ve got museums for everything!) Have fun with spotting them and don’t forget to pick one up for your own home in a market or artisan shop.

Tip: Visit the Sao Bento train station in Porto for a lovely display of azulejos. You won’t regret it.

National Tile Museum, Lisbon

4. Igrejas (churches)

Nothing made me feel smaller than the churches in Portugal. Historically, Catholicism has been the dominant religion of the country, and nothing indicates that more than the amount of churches in even the smallest towns.

Visit the local historic churches to see just how much work went into creating, building and most importantly, preserving the most important structure in Catholic faith.

Tip: Most churches have a small admission (usually 3 euros). If not, look for a donation box and drop spare change in.

Church of Santa Maria, Lisbon

5.  Museums and monasteries

Lisbon had some of the most amazing monasteries. And scattered throughout the country are equally fascinating museums. Before you travel, look up a list of the museums you’d like to visit.

Tip: Pay a visit to Jeronimos Monastery. It’s ranked the second best attraction in Lisbon!

Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon

6. Hills

Okay, maybe not the hills, but certainly the views. Portugal is a hilly country. No matter where you go, you’re bound to encounter some sort of incline. While the hills were particularly brutal in Alcacer Do Sal and Sintra, it always led to a wonderful sight.  Don’t be discouraged. Indulge in the climb. I promise you, the view will always be worth it.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. I bought a new pair while I was there just to help deal with the hills.

Views from Sintra

7. Fish

With a bulk of the country’s coast lining the Atlantic Ocean, fresh fish are in abundance. Several of Portugal’s national dishes include fish—bacalhau (salt cod) and sardines, sardines, sardines.

Tip: The salt cod can be very salty. If it’s a bit too much for your taste buds, get some bread on the side. And water. Lots of water.

8. Fado

This is traditional Portuguese music that you will hear in many restaurants, shops and city centres. The word translates to “destiny” or “fate”, and listening to it makes you feel like you’ve found both. It’s very soulful and passionate and is something worthy of being seen performed live. If you miss out on seeing a live performance, visit a local shop and buy some CDs by famous Fado artists such as Amalia Rodrigues, Carminho and Ana Moura. They cost about 10 euros and it’s the next best thing to seeing a live performance.

Tip: Live fado often happens in bars or cafes on Fridays and Saturday nights. If you happen to be in Tavira, visit the Fado com Historia for their daily performances, complete with a brief history of fado music, as well as a traditional 12-string solo.

9. Diversity of the cities

In my 12-day stay, I managed to see six cities. I was amazed at how different they all were. If you’re planning on travelling to Portugal (or anywhere for that matter), do yourself a favour and move around. Don’t stay in one place. Each city had something different to offer, and the wonder of travelling is discovering the uniqueness in each place.

Tip: If you’re not sure which cities to visit, do some research. The Lonely Planet gives great (and accurate) impressions of each culture. Find what you’re looking for and fit it in to your itinerary.

10. Pastries

One of my biggest regrets in life is not eating that last pastel de nata before coming home. The pastries in Portugal are nothing that can be put into words.

Tip: Throw away the diet while you’re vacationing. You’ll climb plenty of hills to make up for it.

11. Sidewalk patios

One thing I really loved about Portugal was how each restaurant made space outside for people to sit, eat and chat. Whether it was a coffee shop or fine dining, the option is almost always there and people certainly take advantage, so long as the weather permits. You’ll also notice that cell phones are typically out of sight during meal time. Portuguese sidewalk patios remind you of the importance of unplugging—if only for a while—and indulging in the people (and food) around you.

Tip: If you want to sit outside but it’s too hot, restaurants typically leave the door to the restaurant open. You can sit near there and have almost the same experience.

Sidewalk patio in Sintra

12. History

I never thought I’d say this but that course I took last summer on the crusades really came in handy. Portugal is one of the most historically rich countries in Europe, if not the world. As the site of settlements, invasions, and historic battles, there is so much to learn. Pick up a book before going to connect the dots between the Roman ruins and the Arabic influence.

Tip: Pick up a book before or during your stay. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Roman ruins.

Roman ruins, Evora

13. The Lisboa card

Perhaps the best purchase of my entire trip (besides the floral wedges that I brought home in my carry-on) was this card that cost about 40 euros. The card allows you discounts to some of Lisbon’s most high-ranked tourist attractions. The card also comes with a book full of coupons that offer anywhere from 10 per cent off to entirely free admission to towers, churches and museums. And if you’re not sold just yet—you can ride the metro for free with this card.

Tip: Other cities have similar cards. Be sure to visit the tourist information booth in each city to find out about good deals and activities.

14. Wine

One thing I looked forward to most about this trip was wine.  The best place to buy wine is in Porto. Most places let you taste the wine before buying it. Quinta do Noval had an amazing selection.

Tip: Always double check your allowance for carrying alcohol home and make sure it’s wrapped carefully!

15. Their metro

One of the most daunting things in any type of travel is getting around. But if you’re headed to Portugal, you will find peace knowing that Portugal’s metro in major cities is similar to Toronto’s. They’ve got multicoloured lines, a simple navigation system, and plenty of fare collectors there to help you out if you’re in need.

Tip: Rather than turnstiles, Portugal metro stations use automated hip-length sliding doors that close very quickly. Get through them fast to avoid getting stuck.

The Story of Stuart and My Three Lucky Coins

Two years ago, while on a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake with my mom and sister, I was pulled into a store called “The Shiny Company” by the laws of attraction, and the force of gravity.

Having not even known the name of the store at the time, too mesmerized instead by the African statues, Buddha figures, and beautiful, beautiful rocks, I just knew that it was my kind of store.

As I ooed and awed at the beautiful collection of worldly items in the store, the owner and I struck up a conversation. His name was Stuart. He spoke with an accent, English or British, one of those ones that make you want to talk with an accent too, which I did after a few minutes speaking to him, and he didn’t even judge me. He told me a few stories about the different countries he had travelled to, each item in his store carrying with it a different story, and a different lesson.

That day, I purchased 4 things from his store. The first was a package of vanilla incense, which I burned sparingly, except for the very last stick which is still in my drawer, untouched. The second was a lucky coin, which I carried with me everywhere. The third was a pair of pearl earrings that made me feel like Queen Elizabeth every time I paired them with an outfit. And the last was a tiny little Buddha statue, meant to bring you goodness on your spiritual journey.

When I got home that day, after sharing hands-down one of the most enlightening, enriching, and passionate human encounters in my life, so powerful in fact that upon leaving his store I had been moved to tears by the experience itself, I put the Buddha at the highest point in my room. On top of my black cd case, almost as high as my ceiling, the Buddha sits, on the very edge, and brings me luck on my spiritual journey.

Well, I like to think so.

Yesterday, I went back to Niagara-on-the-Lake. I walked right into the store, saw Stuart standing behind his counter, just as I had seen him two years ago.

“Hi Stuart,” I said.

He looked up at me, a bit unfamiliar with my face. But the look of recognition took over his face immediately as he remembered who I was.

And who was I? Really? Other than a shopper in his boutique who had said a few words to him, as I’m sure many other people have.

We caught up, asked each other a few questions about how life had been since. While mine was full of exciting stories about growth, knowledge and travel, his stories carried much more sadness and worry.

Stuart shared with me that The Shiny Company wasn’t so shiny anymore. The night before our second encounter, he had been up worrying. This saddened me.

I wanted to buy everything in the store. The first reason being because I wanted to help Stuart get out of his rut. The second reason being everything in that store belongs in my home.

But I couldn’t afford it.

So instead I wrote this post. I thought about writing about my experience with him, his store, the lucky coin, the pearl earrings, the incense, and the Buddha. Just to pay homage to Shiny Stu.

We took a few pictures, said goodbye, and I gave him the best hug that I could ever give a friend. But as I walked away from his store, I felt that the one purchase I had made wasn’t enough. The hug I gave him wasn’t enough. And not even writing about my encounter with “Shiny Stu” would be enough.

So I turned around, ran back into his store, and gave him three lucky coins that were given to me a while back. Even after I had the one lucky coin I purchased from his store.

When they were given to me, I was told that I should keep them together at all times, because the best luck would come from them being in 3. The person that gave them to me, my former boss at a catering company I worked for, who was leaving to work for another company that day, suggested I put them by my school books.

But when I got home and placed the three coins on my textbooks, I felt like I didn’t want luck to get me through my studies, I wanted hard work and dedication to get me there instead. So I kept the coins in my 

wallet for the last two years, hoping they’d bring me more wealth.

Within just a few months of keeping the coins there, I started making more money through working full-time. I was able to pay down some of my debt, and bought myself a ticket to Barbados.

Despite not being a millionaire (yet), I felt that I had received all the luck those coins could give me, and that maybe it was someone else’s turn to have the coins.

There had been a few instances that I wanted to give the coins away. One time was when a Chinese family came in to the restaurant I had worked at for a goodbye dinner. Their parents had retired and were going back to China to live. I was going to give the coins to the parents as they left, but I stopped and thought, if they’ve retired and going back home, I think they have all the luck they need.

But yesterday, I saw Stuart’s eyes. He wasn’t as alive as he was that first time I met him, two summers ago.

I wanted to bring Stuart back to life. I wanted each person that passed by The Shiny Company to be pulled in there by the same laws of attraction and forces of gravity that I was.

So I sprinted back into his store. I gave him the three coins and I said,

“Here Stuart. I want you to have these.”

When he asked me what they were, I told him they were lucky coins. He asked no more questions after that. He just reached his hand out, and as I put them into his palm, he closed his hand over them and held onto them so tightly.

I gave him the same instructions that I was given. To keep them all together at all times, and just hold on.

As I took one last look at Stuart before exiting his store, I realize that Stuart didn’t lose his shine. It just dulled a little bit. And really, we all lose our shine sometimes. We go through periods where we are less alive than we used to be. But then something happens and we are brought back to life. And because we are alive, we are able to bring other things, other people to life.

Two years ago, Stuart brought me to life. I left that store that day with a burning desire to live, to connect, to inspire and be inspired. Everytime I burned that incense, I thought of my conversation with Shiny Stu. Everytime I saw that lucky coin, I thought of him. And everytime I looked up at the Buddha, sitting on the edge of my black CD stand, almost touching the ceiling, I thought of Stuart.

I have no idea what those coins will bring to Stuart, but I know that they will bring him luck. Not because he has the coins, but because he now has the hope.

When I left the store the second, third time rather, I finally felt that I had done enough. I felt just as fulfilled as I had the first time I left his store, two summers ago. I felt that yesterday, I had given Stuart what he gave me.

A little bit of connection.

Something for the books.

A little bit of luck.

And a lot, a lot a lot a lot, of hope.

If you ever happen to be at Niagara-on-the-Lake, please stop by and see my dear friend Stuart at his store, “The Shiny Company”. Because everyone deserves to have a friend, a Buddha and a lucky coin.

And some hope. Everyone deserves some hope.