Rashel Abroad: My Beautiful Portuguese Land

THE BEST OF PORTUGAL

Portugal has now become a tourist destination in the bucket list for many travelers that like to visit Europe, and for me, it is not a surprise because I know how beautiful it is, and today I will share some of the most amazing cities and towns I have visited.

LISBON

The capital of Portugal is how every big city should look like. From fashion to gastronomy, big public transportation and the rush of its people. When I went to Lisbon, I traveled by train and metro. They are impeccable and their users are extremely polite.

Here is something not too many people know: Portuguese cuisine is without a question a Mediterranean treasure and if you don't believe me here are some of my favorite dishes you can look up online: Francesinha, Pastel de Nata, Bacalhau, Caldo Verde.

Best tourist spots include: Palácio da Pena at the Sintra town, where the Portuguese nobility used to live, an eccentric romanticism-style castle. Belem Tower, a medieval fortification. Praça do Comércio, a public square to do some luxury shopping, dinner at the best restaurants of the city, and enjoy the nightlife.

PORTO

My favorite city of all. I can truly say this is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and I would fight anyone about it. It has a mix between baroque and modern architecture and can be visited by foot (although they have their subway). The first day I visited this city, I walked for 20 hours non-stop. I was visiting the iconic Ponte de Dom Luís I, one of their most beautiful landmarks, a bridge, and at some point I got lost.

But I just kept walking around the city to see where it would lead me, and turns out that from walking, I got back to my hotel without even knowing.

I was not tired at all, I just wanted to keep exploring every corner, and that is what Porto was for me, an enriching adventure.

Also, Cais da Ribeira, is a riverside area with restaurants and clubs with an amazing view to the bridge, and I think that is the most beautiful place I found when I was wondering around.

In addition, worth mentioning places include: Livraria Lello, where J.K. Rowling wrote her first Harry Potter book. Igreja do Carmo, with its facade full of azulejos, artistic blue tiles commonly found in Portugal.

Note: E V E R Y single church and/or cathedral is worth going to.

COIMBRA

J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter book series, was so inspired by Portuguese students, that she used their uniforms and university styles to create Hogwarts.

Coimbra, is going to remind you so much of it. This city is mostly known for its prestigious universities.

I only visited the University of Coimbra for a couple of hours, but I was so impressed at how kind people is at this little town. I stopped three students to get a picture with them, and they ended up showing me around the university.

FATIMA

This city is named after Our Lady of Fátima, Portuguese catholic tittle for the Virgin Mary. This is a sanctuary in her honor. Thousands of catholic pilgrims celebrate her every May in the biggest catholic procession, a celebration where they carry the virgin around the whole temple. Also a massively respected and beautiful religious tradition in Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Venezuela.

NAZARE

This seaside village with cold water beaches is internationally known for its surfing activities with the most giant breaking waves ever surfed, awarded by the Guinness World Records.

The view from the port is stunning, but when you get on the funicular up the mountain and visit the lighthouse that has a view to the shore, that is a breathtaking moment.

The feeling of watching and hearing the high and loud waves is shocking.

GUIMARÃES

This medieval town saw the birth many kings of Portugal and is now a well-preserved historical site. This city is said to be the place where the country started to grow from. All the churches and castles look like they were built as a filming set for Game of Thrones.

MADEIRA

Now to my roots, this is the small island my family is from. For celebrity hype up, it is also Cristiano Ronaldo's land. The island is a new trend for travelers and it is famous for its wine, gardens, and its New Year's firework show where dozens of cruise ships arrive to the port to see the Guinnes World Record awarded show for the largest pyrotechnic performance.

I have never spent a New Year's Eve in Madeira, but it is for sure in my bucket list, and it should be on every traveler's list too because if it looks magical from the TV, it should be even more phenomenal in person.

I would recommend without a doubt to visit Pico do Arieiro and even plan a hiking trip there. Cape Girão is also a must! It is a cliff with a view to the sea, and it has just been remodeled with a new suspended glass platform for people to see the abyss while they are walking. Câmara de Lobos is where it is located, and the whole area is worth going to for sightseeing.

Portugal is the perfect place for those of us who love architecture, gastronomy, and fascinating landscapes. I haven't even travel to it entirely, but I have my list of other cities I desire to go to, and if you have the opportunity, plan your trip and include them! The list includes: Azores, another island for hiking trips. Braga, to see Gothic architecture. Aveiro, the Portuguese Venice.