Our Top 5 Travel Books for Portugal

Travel books can be a great way to learn how to get the most out of your vacation. If you want to get an insight into Portugal or intend to travel there then we recommend the following books!

#1 The Portuguese: The Land And Its People

The Portuguese explorers who brought back many influences to the country and the many rulers whose sagas are rich in intrigue. This book introduces the reader to local crafts and festivals of Portugal; trade, industry and finance; the family, whose links bind tightly and so influence the country; the geographical land with its beauty.

#2 Insight Guides Portugal

With its dramatic coastline, sun-kissed beaches and sublime weather, Portugal is every bit as alluring as its Spanish neighbour – and gaining more and more in popularity. Highlights of the country’s top attractions, such as the royal residence of Sintra and the Alentejo wine route, are covered in the Best of Portugal feature, while in-depth features on its cultural traditions, such as the unique musical tradition of fado, give insight into the soul of the country.

#3 The Portuguese: A Modern History

Portugal is an established member of the European Union, one of the founders of the euro currency and a founding member of NATO. Barry Hatton shines a light on this enigmatic corner of Europe by blending historical analysis with entertaining personal anecdotes. He describes the idiosyncrasies that make the Portuguese unique and surveys the eventful path that brought them to where they are today.

#4 Portugal: A Companion History

As part of the series of publications on Portugal, Carconet publishers have approached a local Portuguese professor, José Saraiva, to write this English language companion history in a 216 small-page soft-bound edition. It comes with a detailed chronology,a long 28 page Historical gazetteer (explanation) of events, glossary, and reference list and page index. It also includes 16 pages of commentary of 64 black and white photograph plates of mostly old paintings by two English collaborators.

#5 Moving to Portugal by Louise and Ben Taylor

This book tells the story of a young British couple who fell in love with Portugal while on holiday there, and decided to move there permanently. It’s a down to earth story full of surprises, shocks, happy moments and ups and downs. A very honest look at the difference between visiting a place on vacation and living there full time!

The recommendations of products and books within this article where sourced from industry experts. Their names and websites are listed below.