Once the European and Arab waves collided in Portugal and formed a mystical and alluring pattern. As a result of this symbiosis, the level of Portugal’s education, economy and culture rose to unprecedented heights. Cities were filled with magnificent castles, mosques with stunning architecture, and exotic gardens.
Since then, the glory of the empire has faded noticeably, but it gently glows with its former grandeur, filled with modern beauty. The new era goes side by side with the old, forming an amazing combination of opposites.
The country has a million historic sites, which are part of popular tours. However, if you want to see a more lively and special Portugal, you should start with the non-touristy, but extremely colorful locations.
Table of Contents
Obidos Medieval Festival
Every year from late July to August, the ancient town of Obidos hosts a Medieval Festival. These days the place becomes a seething cauldron. The city swarms with medieval crowds, jousting tournaments, swinging swords, the smell of roast meat and fresh bread, and an endless stream of wine and beer.
A riotous feast unfolds in the old armory square. It once served as a training ground for knights and their squires. Now it’s transformed into a medieval village every year.
Here’s a tip: if you arrive early to the festival, you have a chance to rent clothes of a nobleman, and if you come later — a commoner.
Feira da Ladra flea market
If you want to find a retro bicycle or a grandma’s gramophone, you should go to the Feira da Ladra market. Old as the devil, this market has been running in Lisbon since the 13th century.
At the beginning of its heyday Feira da Ladra was famous for its “thieving” reputation. All rare and extraordinary goods got here in a very dubious way. However, no one was frightened by this fact, and customers actively shopped there and happily dragged their prey home. It is not a fact that all merchants today have become more honest, but if you are above these prejudices, shopping will bring you an exceptional delight.
Magical Slate Villages
Portugal’s Slate Villages are dreamy islands of serenity, where the days stretch out gently and long, allowing you to be alone with nature.
They were built back in the Middle Ages under the leadership of knightly orders, churches and merchants. Until the 20th century, villages were teeming with life, and later residents began to migrate to the cities.
These days the villages have at most 10-20 inhabitants, but they are all incredibly friendly and hospitable. This option will be a nice outlet for backwoods lovers, because there is barely any reception of the world network. The perfect place to detox from civilization.
Recently, the government has been seriously committed to the improvement, preservation and development of Slate Villages. It became obvious how great the potential of such places is for the successful development of ESG-tourism.
Karmu Monastery
One of the most mystical places of Lisbon is the Carmo Monastery. Its feminine Gothic architecture captivates at first sight. All that is left of it are ruins, but with a special charm. The dilapidated but proud structure seems to radiate a heavenly and simultaneously cold beauty. Inside the monastery is an archaeological museum with artifacts from prehistoric times, the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages.
From time to time, the museum lends its grounds to concerts and performances that inhale a life of modernity into the ancient vaults. At these moments, the magic of architecture reveals itself with transcendent power.
Nightlife in Porto
Porto is the second city after Lisbon. And for many Portuguese, the first. In the evenings, club life is in full swing: the streets are crowded with people with glasses, live music and cigarette smoke. Porto combines both past and future: the city’s old buildings blend harmoniously with the extravagant night bars and clubs.
Porto has four key areas where you can relax in the best Portuguese tradition: bright, lively and tasteful. Baixa, Ribeira, Foz do Douro, Matosinhos — the quartet worth remembering if you’re looking for a party time from night until morning.
Lady in Red Art Gallery
Lady in Red invites works by local and international artists into its lofts. Paintings by new contemporary artists come in a steady stream. If you need to take a break from the overflowing inspiration, you can digest impressions in the lounge bar with a glass of wine or coffee.
The Lady in Red Gallery has a special focus on young talent. It sponsors the Sovereign Art Foundation, which regularly organizes competitions for young artists, giving them a chance to show themselves to the world. And not only to show — the paintings are actively sold, and the proceeds are divided between all the children and the solidarity project, which chooses the foundation Sovereign Art.
Vieira Ceramics Factory
Vieira Ceramics Factory is managed by the 5th generation of craftsmen. Since 1862 they carefully observe all the technology by which the authentic Portuguese ceramics are made. Here you can see how ingenious craftsmen work and buy at a very affordable price beautiful soulful products.
Among the abundance of ceramics, the models of dolls stand out in particular. Their heads are covered with a massive ascent hood (Capote e capelo). Such a hood was part of the traditional clothing of Portuguese women from the Azores.
At the Vieira Ceramics Factory all the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. With each step you will be immersed in the finest art of Portugal.
