Portugal remains in the shadow of France and Spain, their more famous neighbors in terms of tourism. Although this country has an ancient history, monuments of architecture, it offers a good vacation on the ocean. It remains to choose - Lisbon or Porto, both of which have all the necessary attributes for a pleasant pastime.
Both cities are located on the ocean coast, which means that sunbathing and sea activities are an important part of recreation. Each of the resorts offers its own souvenirs, restaurants and bars, historical sites and cultural events.
Lisbon or Porto - whose beach is the best?
The capital is located on the ocean coast, but in order to relax on the coast "according to all the rules", you will have to leave Lisbon, as there are no beaches within the city. The surrounding area has its own Portuguese Riviera, and many guests come in the summer. The beach areas are equipped, there is a rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, doctors and lifeguards are working. The descent into the ocean is gentle, which will be appreciated by everyone: children, parents, and aged tourists.
Porto is often compared to Lisbon, because this city also happened to be the capital of the state at one time, and now it has the unspoken title of "capital of port" (this is clear from the name). City beaches have sandy or small pebble cover, in some places there are rocky areas. All beach areas within the city are equipped and equipped, have attractions, changing cabins, showers, cafes and restaurants. In order to get even closer to the beautiful nature, you need to leave Porto and go to relax on the beaches located in the vicinity.
Shopping in Portuguese
The Portuguese capital is also on the list of the ten best cities in Europe for shopping. There are many boutiques, designer clothing stores from the world's leading couturiers. Foreign buyers are aware of the high quality and beautiful design of locally made footwear. There are two things customers should keep in mind: siesta, a break from work during the hottest part of the day; sales that happen twice a year (winter, summer), with a price reduction of up to 90%.
Lisbon souvenirs can be purchased while walking around the historic center; local shops sell beautiful ceramics, national embroidery, and crafts made by skilled craftsmen from cork wood. Among the products, the first place is occupied by good Portuguese wines, only it is better to buy them in hypermarkets (there is more choice, the price is lower).
In the historic center of Porto, there are many different shops, stalls, antique dealerships and markets. The most vivid impressions await tourists in the Bolau market, which was founded in 1839 and still serves the townspeople and visitors alike. This colorful place is good for buying seafood, fruits, spices and delicacies. The main gift from the city, of course, is port, besides this magical drink, in travelers' suitcases, ceramics, gold jewelry, figurines of roosters leave the country.
sights
The main sights of Lisbon are located in the historic center of the city, however, there are not many buildings that were built earlier than 1775, when the worst earthquake happened. Among the main "highlights" of the capital's architecture:
- the castle of St. George, whose inhabitants were both the Moorish emir and the Portuguese kings;
- the Alfama district, where the layout and each building are reminiscent of the Middle Ages;
- Se Cathedral, built in 1150.
The former capital of Portugal, from a tourist point of view, is richer in historical sights than Lisbon. That is why many of the architectural masterpieces and cultural sites are protected by UNESCO specialists. In the center of Porto you can see old mansions dating back to the 19th - early 20th century. XX centuries., The most beautiful church in the Gothic style, the construction of which began in 1233, the cathedral of the XII century, which looks more like a castle than a religious building.
It is difficult to compare a vacation in the capital of Portugal with a stay in any other city in the country.
On the one hand, Lisbon has much more opportunities, so this city is chosen by foreigners who:
- like to relax in the capital, and sunbathe in the vicinity;
- love shopping, especially during the sales season;
- love balsa crafts and ceramic dishes;
- dream of feeling like the owner of the castle of St. George.
Beautiful Porto has its own merits, so travelers go here who:
- want to have a great vacation on the ocean shore, being in the city;
- love quality port immensely;
- they love to walk in colorful bazaars, buying all sorts of goodies;
- love medieval monuments and sights.
