Five Best Ways To Explore Portugal From Home
Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash
To the Portuguese, the 10th of June is officially known as the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities.
Whilst national identities are always engaged in a process of dialogue and evolution, they can also offer an invaluable opportunity to share some of the best-loved elements that contribute a country’s character.
If today has sparked your imagination and got you wanting to explore more of Portugal, here are our top five recommendations to help you enjoy a virtual vacation.
1. Cook up a storm with David Leite’s The New Portuguese Table
Award-winning culinary writer David Leite, of the iconic Leite’s Culinaria, explores Portugal through what is arguably the world’s favourite medium: food. Showcasing iconic dishes that capture the heart and soul of Portugal’s many regions, the book celebrates traditional cuisine, whilst bringing fresh interpretations to new audiences. We’re big fans, and honoured to be able to include one of David’s delicious recipes in our Lisbon & Porto box…
2. Linger in Saudade
Saudade is a Portuguese term meaning ‘longing’, and is one of the core sentiments running through Fado, a traditional form of music that is as beautiful as it is heart-wrenching. Dive into the Digital Sound Archives of the Fado Museum to keep you company whilst you cook, or alternatively to accompany your cocktail hour.
3. Drink a Port and Tonic (a P&T)
We mean it. If you’re tired of the typical G&T, mix a splash of white port with some tonic, and you’ve got yourself a brand new favourite drink. Best enjoyed on the banks of the Douro River, but failing that, a picnic on the patio will do.
4. Treat yourself to something nice from A Portuguese Love Affair
A London boutique bringing the best of Portuguese artisanal products to the U.K., this gift-shop-cum-deli is a treasure trove for lovers of all things Portugal. Their Pastel de Nata (Portuguese custard tarts) have been voted the best in the UK, and if that’s not recommendation enough that they’re a gift from the gods, we’re not sure what is.
5. Holiday from Home with a Lisbon & Porto Holiday in a Box
Our Lisbon & Porto Holiday in a Box will transport you to the azure Atlantic coast. You’ll get virtual city tours curated by our travel experts; recipe cards; a bitesized language lesson; a music playlist; pub quiz questions; luxury, quintessentially Portuguese products and more.