Why Portugal
Sympacom LDA
Why would it make sense to invest in real estate property in Portugal?
- Environment and Economic stability.
- One of the lowest levels of criminal records in Europe.
- Local-welcoming people.
- A stable democratic political system with a functional Admini- stration.
- Strong currency (Euro) and one of the lowest cost of living in Europe, where a comfortable and pleasant lifestyle can be easily afforded.
- 12th best Health quality System in the World.
- The smooth weather and the amazing sunlight (300 days per year).
- The fresh air from the Atlantic Ocean, great for Surf, Body Bord and windsurfing.
- The biodiversity, both in terms of animal and plant species.
- High Class Sport: the most popular is Football.
- Golf 102 Golg courses all around the Country.
- Horseriging: Portugal has a special link to horses like the Lusitano.
- Accessibility.
- Airline flights to the main European and international Airports.
- Excellent road infrastructures.
- Ship and Cruise terminal in Lisbon and Porto.
- Real Estate in Portugal.
- Consolidated procedures and total transparency in the purchasing process for foreign investors.
- Beneficial tax regulations, tax exempt inheritances and donations for residents and a special taxprogram of exemption or reduced rates on non habitual residents income.
- Landscape and urban environments are protected by state regulations limiting constructions density.
- Recognised quality constructions skills.
List of things to see in Lisbon
Jerónimos Monastery
Built over the course of 100 years, mostly during the 16th century, the Jerónimos Monastery (http://www.mosteirojeronimos.pt/en/) is one of the top reasons tourists beeline to Belém (in addition to the famous Pasteis de Belém sold practically next door but with roots from the Monastery). Also known as the Hieronymites Monastery, it’s not just a major attraction near Lisbon but one of the most popular landmarks in all of Portugal, and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Belém Tower. Built to honor Portugal’s role during the Age of Discoveries, it is now the tomb of many prominent historical persons including Portuguese explorer and navigator Vasco da Gama.
Belém Tower
Belém Tower is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its role in protecting Portugal’s coast during the Age of Discoveries and later. Portraying a combination of Gothic and Manueline architecture like the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower attracts visitors for its appearance as well as its role in history.
São Jorge Castle
The São Jorge Castle (http://castelodesaojorge.pt/en/) is much more than a Moorish hilltop fortification with stone walls and exceptional views. It is one of the oldest and most recognisable structures in the city. It also houses an archaeological museum and an underground excavation site with remnants that may date back millennia and from different eras. From the Iron Age to Medieval Period to the Renaissance and more recently, this castle was witnessed many changes, which visitors can get an idea of when walking through the corridors, viewing antiques, and catching glimpses of unearthed treasures.
Carmo Convent
While in Baixa, don’t miss walking through what’s left of the Carmo Convent, which was one of the buildings partially destroyed during the Earthquake of 1755. Inside, visitors will also see many ceramics on display, a collection of tombs, mosaics, and statues.
Parque das Nações
Everything about Parque das Nações is contemporary and sophisticated, from the elegantly structures Gare do Oriente Station to the boardwalk, hotels, and entertainment centres. It was built for the World Exposition of 1998 and serves as one of Lisbon’s most modern spots today. Parque das Nações is an attraction in itself simply because it’s so different from much of historical Lisbon.
Gare do Oriente
Whether by metro or bus, you will arrive at the vaulted structure known as Gare do Oriente (Oriente Railway Station), designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Gare do Oriente is Lisbon’s hub for train services, including a departure point for coach and bus companies, and a metro station.
Torre Vasco da Gama
The 140-metre high Vasco da Gama Tower is Lisbon’s tallest structure. Made of steel, it represents the sail of a caravel, and was designed by Leonor Janeiro and Nick Jacobs for the Expo98 event. Next to it, there’s now the luxury Myriad Sana Hotel (https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/myriad-by-sana-hotels.html?aid=327659;label=lg), and the tower is closed to the public. However, you can still admire it while strolling along the riverside.
Lisbon Oceanarium
Many people may be unaware, but Lisbon is home to Europe’s largest indoor aquarium (https://www.oceanario.pt/en). Located in Parque das Nações, it is yet another beautiful building in this unique part of the city, and is home to a large number of marine species from all over the globe. With its circular design around a huge central tank, visitors get a fascinating view into the aquarium in the middle while transitioning from one habitat to another
Jardim Zoológico
Visiting the Lisbon zoo (https://www.zoo.pt/site/index_en.php) is a great way to get in the middle of nature, and it’s also another fantastic activity to enjoy with the family. Here, visitors can learn about a range exotic species, as well as those that are native to Portugal. Their motto is ‘travel around the world without leaving Lisbon’ and exploring everything that the zoo has to offer can take up a full day.
Ride Tram 28
Like San Francisco in the United States, Lisbon is a city famed for its historic, rattling tram lines.
None are more iconic than Tram 28 which has been working its way up the steep, cobbled roads and into the old Alfama district for decades.
The journey starts below the palm-spotted hills of Graça, and weaves toward the hair-pin alleys of Escolas Gerais, before pulling up to a halt beneath the gorgeous domes of the Estrela Basilica.
The people-watching opportunities from the windows are second-to- none, and you’re bound to discover decades of history as you pass the various majestic palaces and castles along the route.
Get lost in the Alfama District
The compact little Alfama District is Lisbon’s answer to the old town centers of Europe’s other ancient capitals.
Like the Forum of Rome, it’s hailed as the oldest part of the city, although this one dates back to the Moors of Africa instead of the kings of Latium.
Delving into the warren of winding streets and alleys that forms the district is one of the top activities for visitors to Portugal’s capital.
As you stroll, great cathedrals like the Lisbon Cathedral and tile- fronted chapels reveal themselves on the corners.
There are also the remains of old city walls and hidden squares with al fresco cafes aplenty.
Enjoy the Mercado da Ribeira
There are two distinct sides to Lisbon’s most famous food market.
First of all there is the downstairs part, which throbs with local fruit and vegetable sellers touting succulent legumes and Mediterranean fruits every morning of the week, so make sure to get there early if you want to get the best deals.
Then there is the upstairs section which comes packed with more modern, often quirky food stalls and cutting-edge eateries.
It is there that you will be able to taste the local specialty of custard tarts, sip fine Portuguese wines, and even attempt to conquer a massive francesinha sandwich which is one of the treats to come out of Porto in the north.
Eat and drink in the Bairro Alto
Apart from being the premier touristic district of Lisbon, packed with al fresco cafes and international restaurants, the Bairro Alto is also the city’s top nightlife spot.
You’ll typically have to wait until early evening for the establishments to really get started, but when they do, it’s all about the authentic pastelaria bakeries and the bohemian drinking joints.
There’s a smattering of old Fado music holes if you fancy a night full of artistic passion, all interspersed with cool new breweries and beatnik style bars.
Enjoy The Nightlife In Bairro Alto
Lisbon is a city that doesn’t sleep: start the night at Bairro Alto (this neighborhood at day time is absolutely desert, many shops are even closed in the morning!), and sip Morangoska (a cocktail made with vodka and fresh strawberries) and Caipirinha in one of the many bars.
Cocktails and shots are cheap, at about 3-4 euros. Going out in Lisbon at night is a must!
TIP TIME: the best night to party in Lisbon with the locals is Thursday, not Friday, when many students go back home and are mostly tourists to fill the streets.
Cristo Rei Monument
Technically not in Lisbon, the Cristo Rei Monument is a short ride across the Tagus River in Almada. It was built during the time of Salazar to resemble Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue and holds religious significance in the country.
Take A Cruise In The Tagus River
The Tagus River, or Rio Tejo, is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, and a cruise is the best way to see Lisbon from a different perspective.
You can go on a Yellow Boat Tour and take in views of the most emblematic monuments in Belém and pass under the 25 de Abril bridge, or you can go a little more fancy and opt for an affordable 2- hours Sailing Tour with Champagne on a yacht.
Enjoy the seafood and sun in Cascais
If you are in need of a dose of idyllic scenery after the hustle and bustle of downtown Lisbon, then there is arguably nowhere better to go than picture-perfect Cascais.
This old fishing hamlet on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean sits to the west of the city, and has been transformed over the years by an influx of upscale Lisboans looking for sun, sea and sand.
There are no fewer than three cliff-backed golden bays along with a peppering of some of the best seafood restaurants in the region.
For wave riding, consider making a beeline for swell-packed Guincho along the headland.
Wallow in the natural beauty of Tróia
You’ll have to hop, skip and jump over both the Tagus River Estuary and the Sado River Estuary to reach the sparkling beaches of the Tróia Peninsula.
But the approximately two-hour journey is definitely worth it.
Running for mile upon mile down the Atlantic Coast, the region has some of the top beachfronts in the entire Lower Alentejo.
The sands glow a soft yellow under the sun and the seas are surprisingly calm for this western section of the country.
The beautiful Parque Natural da Arrábida can be seen on the headlands opposite, while regular tours depart from Tróia to spot bottlenose dolphins out at sea.
