As this website has attested to since it was founded two decades ago, for a relatively small nation Portugal hugely overachieves in the world’s most popular sport. By far the most loved game among the planet’s eight billion inhabitants, it is truly remarkable how a country that comprises just 0.13% of the human population has impacted football, both in terms of the success of its national team and the achievements of its individual players and clubs.
In this PortuGOAL section, we combine the two facets of the country that are held up as sources of pride by the Portuguese people themselves: football and tourism.
From the world-famous beaches of the Algarve and the gentle rolling hills of the Alentejo in the south, to the lush and fertile Minho and the rugged Trás-os-Montes districts in the north, and everywhere in between, not to mention the beautiful Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores, Portugal has incredibly diverse geography and stunning natural habitats, both along its 1860 km of coastline and throughout its inland regions.
Brimming with castles, historical monuments, prehistoric sites, breath-taking landscapes, endless picturesque cities, towns and villages beyond the vibrant metropolises of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal has something for everyone. Throw football into the mix and you have the ingredients for a trip that will long live in the memory.
Only a short train ride from Lisbon, Alverca do Ribatejo is a town that many travellers pass by without a second thought. Sitting quietly on the banks of the Tagus, it has its own stories to tell and a local identity that doesn’t always make the guidebooks.
Aviation plays a defining role here, and traces of that history can still be found today, while football has brought new attention thanks to FC Alverca’s recent rise in the headlines. Beyond that, Alverca rewards a slower kind of visit: wandering into centuries-old churches and chapels, stepping into small museums, or simply strolling along the riverside where life moves at an easier pace.
What makes the town appealing is its mix of heritage and everyday Portuguese life. There are family-run taverns where the food is hearty and unpretentious, leafy walks that open out onto views of the river, and a sense that you’re experiencing a place as it really is — close enough to Lisbon to be convenient, yet far enough away to feel like its own discovery.
Walks & Riverside Time
Stroll along the Tagus (Rio Tejo) riverside, soak in the views, enjoy nature, calm yourself. It’s a good break from the city noise.
Museu do Ar — Polo Alverca
Aviation is part of Alverca’s DNA. This museum gives you a look at Portugal’s aeronautical heritage, vintage aircraft, engines, and more. Please note that the Air Museum (Museu do Ar) is open only on Mondays, from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Catch a Match / Visit the Club
If possible, see a FC Alverca game. With the club making waves (especially with recent investment), attending a match is a way to connect with local culture and energy. You can also watch the youngsters at the newly built Centro de Estágios (Training Centre) close to the train station.
Eat Locally
Try local restaurants and taverns. Some names found nearby: Morgado Taberna 2017, Cantinho da Adanaia, Taskamor, among others. Good for winding down after sightseeing.
Explore the Sobralinho Palace
Here are local legends of a “secret chamber” hidden behind a rotating bookshelf, rumoured to be tied to the figure of Salazar and alleged romantic liaisons. These stories are largely unverified, but add to the palace’s aura. The palace has served as a mirror of Portuguese social and political change — from noble retreats to wartime decline, to the ambitions of private restoration, and finally turning into a public cultural asset.
Encostas de Xira Sunset @ Quinta da Subserra
Picture this: at Quinta Municipal de Subserra, in São João dos Montes (within the Encostas de Xira wine region), there’s an ongoing series of sunset events blending local wine, regional gastronomy, and live music — notably from the resident band MT80.
