PORTUGAL

Halal-friendly holidays

Portugal is home to a good number of halal-friendly alcohol-free hotels, some of which only serve halal food, many serve it on request, or it is available nearby. There are a good number of mosques open for daily prayers, especially in large cities.

Portugal offers a rich and varied gastronomy which perfectly combines Mediterranean cuisine with the flavours of the land and the sea. The Eastern, North African, West African and Indian communities provide varied halal menus which often include Portuguese specialties as well as curries and shawarma. There are also plenty of seafood and vegetarian options available throughout the country, so Muslim travellers should find plenty of tasty alternatives.

Portugal is home to a good number of halal-friendly alcohol-free hotels, some of which only serve halal food, many serve it on request, or it is available nearby.

Abundant and varied landscapes - Discover the mountainous and green scenes of the Montesinho Natural Park, the rocky and almost gothic cliffs of the Douro International Natural Park and the highest point in Portugal, the ** Serra da Estrela** (“star mountain”). Choose between the beaches surrounded by cliffs and caves in Praia do Castelo, the beaches planted in the middle of the natural parks of Arrábida, Praia da Oura and Albufeira, or the beaches surrounding towns like Porto and Lagos.

Lisbon - Capital of Portugal, this smiling, bright and multi-colored city is famous for its trams, artistic charm and lively atmosphere. The Muslim Moors strengthened the structures of São Jorge Castle and maintained their seat of Arab power for almost 500 years. Standing against the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the Belém Tower is a symbol of the Age of Discovery. Its Manueline architecture is a cross between Gothic, European, Moorish and Islamic architecture. Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon, a historical capsule that preserves the atmosphere and traditional soul of the Portuguese. During the time of the Moors, Alfama was the main city. The mediaeval walls of Cerca Velha were built for the protection and defence of Alfama.

Sintra and the Palace of Pena - Listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the town of Sintra is one hour from Lisbon and is home to one of the seven wonders of Portugal: the Palace of Pena. An amalgamation of all the cultural influences of Portugal through the ages, the palace is a treasure chest hiding Islamic pearls.

Mértola - Considered "the most Arab town in Portugal", Mértola constitutes a true archaeological treasure, which houses the only Moorish mosque still intact in Portugal. Now serving as a church, the 12th century square mosque bears witness to the ancient riches of Islamic art.

Algarve - The name "Algarve" is derived from the Arabic "Al-Gharb" (the west), which has survived since the times of the Arabs. This southern region has more historical and Islamic remains than the rest of Portugal. The irrigation system and agricultural infrastructure were established by the Moors, which established the foundations of southern cities for years to come.

Tavira - Tavira is undoubtedly the most beautiful town in the Algarve with its picturesque port and its houses with white walls and terracotta roofs. Discover its beaches, coastal lagoons and nearby islands, offering a privileged refuge for migratory birds and a natural park for fish, shells and plants. The Islamic centre, Núcleo Museológico Islâmico, is part of the Municipal Museum of Tavira, and it tells the history and Islamic reality of Portugal.

Silves - Formerly the capital of the Moors, Silves is a small town leaning over an aquifer. The city is particularly known for the Silves Castle, distinguished by its red bricks, a vestige of the Islamic presence in Portugal. The Silves Archaeological Museum has preserved the turbulent history of southern Portugal. It was built around the Moorish well 18 metres deep.

Faro - the “Cidade Velha” (old town), capital of the Algarve, is the historic city which has preserved the history of the Romans and Moors. Mouraria is the old district of the Moors, as the name suggests, is its oldest district. The Cidade Velha is a labyrinth that surrounds the Cathedral Square of Faro. The facade of one of the entrances to the mediaeval old town, Arco da Vila, is a Moorish entrance modernised with neoclassical elements after the earthquake in 1755.

Loulé - Loulé is a lively town that is home to the Vilamoura Marina, the bustling port where locals and visitors enjoy fresh fish, book a boat cruise or discover beautiful monuments like the * Igreja de São* and Lourenço de Almancil. The Loulé covered market built in 1908 is imposingly reminiscent of a building inspired by Moorish architecture and oriental domes. The Gardens of Amuados are perfect for peaceful walks and the Hammam de Al-'Ulyà is an archaeological site allowing visitors to discover the Islamic baths, a nobleman's house and the mediaeval wall and modern.

Peneda-Gerês National Park - The park was established with the mission to protect, enrich and respect the environment of the park's mountains, rivers, streams and canyons. Visitors can hike, horseback ride, climb and spot deer, wild boars and much more.

Madeira - The volcanic island of Madeira offers abundant nature. Discover the Lauriferous Forest, a subtropical rainforest, the Ponta de São Lourenço, a nature reserve of volcanic rocks and the cable car to Almirante Reis, which allows you to appreciate the mountains and black sand beaches. The Skywalk in Cabo Girao is a glass platform suspended at 580 m which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Lisbon Central Mosque - A beautiful place of prayer whose turquoise facade continues the artistic tradition of ornate and elaborate azulejos, reflecting the multicultural mix of the community. It is open for daily prayers and houses a restaurant, a sports pavilion and an internet café.

Albufeira Mosque - The mosque provides a welcoming environment for worshipers with separate prayer spaces and ablution facilities for men and women. She is open to daily prayers.

Faro Mosque - A simple and small mosque, with a welcoming ambiance and separate prayer and ablution facilities for men and women. She is open to daily prayers.

Aicha Siddika Mosque - Located in the Odivelas suburb of Lisbon. It serves as an Islamic centre for Portuguese Muslims and stands with rich, green decor and an emerald dome.