Portugal is a fantastic gastronomic destination. Those who visit the country are amazed by the typical dishes, delicious desserts, and pastries. But it's not just about the food, there are unforgettable places and landscapes worth visiting.
Here are some suggestions for eating and sightseeing in Portugal.
Pastel de Belém Lisbon
Pasteis de Belém is a must for anyone visiting Lisbon. These pastries are one of the most popular specialities of Portuguese confectionery. And normally they are eaten still warm, with icing sugar and/or cinnamon. But obviously, you should take the opportunity to discover all the beauty of the capital: the castle, the typical neighbourhoods, travelling by tram or simply strolling along the river Tagus are some good ideas.
Francesinha Porto
Francesinha is a typical Porto dish. It’s like a sandwich that is served on a plate, with thick slices of white loaf bread with ham, sausage, cheese, and steak. The sandwich is topped with more cheese, usually taken to the oven to melt, and a slightly spicy sauce on top. Some classic restaurants to eat this speciality are the “Capa Negra” or the “Cufra”. After your meal, take the opportunity to visit Ribeira and drink some Port wine by the mouth of the Douro River. And if you are staying for a little longer, you can also go up the river on a boat for a relaxed time appreciating the beautiful landscape.
Cod dishes Sintra
In Portugal, it is said that it is possible to cook “bacalhau” (cod) in more than a thousand different ways. And anyone visiting the country must try these recipes, such as “Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá”, “Bacalhau à Brás” or “Bacalhau à Lagareiro”. You can find these dishes almost anywhere in the country, but take the opportunity to do so in Sintra, and discover Palácio da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros and the natural charm of Sintra’s mountain range.
Cataplana de Peixe à Algarvia Algarve
Head down to the south to Algarve if what you want is to enjoy the best beaches. All along the coast, there are many to explore. And while you are at it, try the Cataplana de Peixe à Algarvia. "Cataplana" is the word for both the dish and the spherical copper pot in which it’s cooked and served. It is a fish and seafood stew, composed of Monkfish, Blue Shark, Shrimp, Smoked Ham, and chorizo, drizzled by white wine and whisky, cooked in olive oil, tomato, green bell pepper, parsley, onion, and garlic. Another great thing to do is after spending the day at the beach, head to a restaurant near and enjoy the end of a great day on a terrace, watching the sun go down and eating “Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato”, which is clams cooked in olive oil, garlic, white wine, and coriander, with bread and slices of lemon on the side.
Other quick suggestions
Visit Aveiro, the Portuguese Venice, and be enchanted by the traditional "ovos moles" sweets, made of egg yolks and sugar. Or take a trip to Setúbal to enjoy the classic fried cuttlefish or grilled fish, such as sardines or mackerel - and it's close to the beaches of Portinho da Arrábida, Tróia and Comporta. The options are many, take the chance to travel all over the country and you won't be disappointed with what you eat and what you see.
Move Sports
For many people eating is one of life's great pleasures. But as we all know, it is important to have a balanced diet and do sports that get us moving, whether individual or team sports. At Move Sports we organize training camps, sports experiences, and events. Check out our activities and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin.
