From simple pleasures such as oven-hot papo secos (rolls) and coffee for breakfast, to passion plays such as the fervent support for the national soccer team (competing in Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup), life in Portugal flows along at a flavorsome, colorful, rhythmic pace. Set your clocks for leisure and inspiration at the following three quintessential Portuguese experiences:
In Lisbon, the nights begin with fado, Portugal’s traditional song. From the Latin “fatum” meaning fate or destiny, this stirring music originated in the city’s ancient quarters and is filled with the full range of emotions of the human heart, from suffering and loss to love and joy. Tours are offered by The Fado Museum; visit fado.com for a listing of the city’s famed Fado Houses to catch a performance.
Equally defining of Portuguese culture are azulejos, the ceramic tiles originated five centuries ago that today are Portugal’s defining decorative element. Found on the interior and exterior of palaces, churches, homes, schools, restaurants, bars and rail and subway stations throughout Lisbon, these stunning storytellers are showcased at the city’s superb National Tile Museum. The museum’s setting, in the stunning former convent of Madre de Deus (1509), is reason alone to visit.
For centuries, donkeys have provided transport and labor in Portugal. In the Algarve, Portugal Hike leads multi-day coastline donkey treks with experiences including Costa Vicentina National Park and 12th-century Moorish ruins. Other operators include Burros & Artes (www.casasbrancas.pt) on the Alentejo coast, and in the northern interior, the Association for the Study and Protection of Donkeys.
