Lure of Portugal

Heads off to Portugal — whose early seafaring cupied her hometown of Melaka for 130 years — to food, wine and music

Padrao dos Descobrimentos Monument.

Coimbra overlooking Mondego River.

One of those grand buildings was the Mosteiro dos JerÛnimos in Belem known for their honey-coloured Manueline cloisters built of limestone with ornate arches, delicate carvings of leaves, vines and knots in turrets and columns. Navigators and sailors were said to have sought refuge and prayer in this monastery before their voyage to the Far East.

The extraordinary success in nautical adventures during the 15th to 17th centuries had led Portugal to become one of the major players in the European Age of Discovery. Such achievements are now a distant but unforgotten glory though the 52m-high Padrao dos Descobrimentos monument, that was constructed and inaugurated in 1960, serves as a reminder of the triumphs of the Portuguese early navigators and explorers.

AGE OF DISCOVERY

Fast forward to the 21st century, Portugal is entering another kind of discovery — a discovery of which international travellers flock to Portugal instead, not just by sea, but by land and air to unearth its unique heritage, culture, food, wine and music, and to revel in its mostly sunny weather all year-round.

The country was overshadowed by major players of European tourism such as France, Germany and Italy for such a long time that a trip to Portugal (most likely to Lisbon only) became a short detour from sightseeing in Spain. Portugal has never been viewed as an exciting European holiday destination — until now.

With accolades like 2016 Destination of the Year by Travel — Leisure and is surveyed to most likely earn the same for 2017, Portugal is riding high on tourism, moving

into a second Age of Discovery.

WHERE TO GO IN PORTUGAL

Medieval castles, cobbled-stoned lanes and trams. Polished painted tiles (azulejos) and red terracotta rooftops. Strings of freshly washed laundry hung to dry outside windows.

Divine food and lots of wine affordably priced, a fraction of what you would pay in Western Europe cities. Rugged coastline and sun-kissed sands. Easy to get around in the country, friendly and laid-back locals, and safe. The Portugal experience can be many things to different people. Here are highlights to consider when planning your first trip to Portugal:

LISBON

The best starting point to explore the capital

Red rooftops of Lisbon.