When coming to Portugal, especially if it’s for the first time, you are most probably likely to land at Lisbon airport. After probably getting your Lisbon airport transfer to your destination, you will start exploring the town and its surroundings. And there is much to see and do indeed!

In Sintra, about an hour’s drive away from Lisbon city, the whole world of fairy-tales will open up before your very eyes, exhibiting the greenest mountains with flower pastures, the perfect setting for rich European royals to build their palaces. The styles vary from 15th century to 19th century. Apparently, even great romantic poet Lord Byron, who traveled the world, praised the forests of Sintra as a “glorious Eden”.

Two excellent examples are the National Palace and the colorful, funny Pena Palace, looking a lot like a huge ice-cream with different flavors. Perched on a hill, in an idyllic landscape, Pena Palace, built in the 19th century, is a herald of European romanticism in architecture. It is one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal and part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The Sintra National Palace is also a symbol of Portugal and a part of the UNESCO patrimony. It served as royal residence from the 15th to the 19th century and is currently one of the most popular museums in the country.

The Quinta da Regaleira is another romantic castle worth visiting near Sintra.

If we haven’t yet convinced you that Lisbon is the place to dream your fairytale dream, come see with your own eyes!

When we talk of national identity, the flag is a great constituent. Portugal has had its current flag since 1911, after the proclamation of the Republic one year previously. The Portuguese flag features strong colors: the contrasting red and green, along with the coat of arms. The flag symbolizes the colors of the fields, the army and the national pride. Portugal has had flags since the 12th century.

The Barcelos Rooster (Galo de Barcelos) is maybe the most popular emblems of Portugal. This is a legendary animal, said to have miraculously saved an innocent man from hanging. And if most of the peoples of the world have real national animals, the Portuguese actually have this mythical little vigilante! All around the country, you can find mascots and handicrafts presenting the rooster.

The national poet of Portugal is Luis de Camoes.

As for food, Bacalhau, dried and salted cod fish, is the specific dish in Galicia and Portugal. Port wine is the most renowned Portuguese beverage, though Madeira wine is also loved by many.

And since we talked about wine, know that cork is another symbol of the country, along with the quercus suber or cork oak, the plant that produces this material.

Lisbon city, with its ornate fronts of the Belem tower, is maybe the greatest symbols of Portugal. You are always welcome to book a Lisbon tour and visit the capital city of this amazing country with welcoming, beautiful people