[NoHo Arts District, CA] – This month’s Active World Journeys travel blog by Jack Witt features an “Interview with a Portuguese Tour Guide – Eugenia Barreiros.”
I’m hosting an upcoming Portugal tour, October 4-14. I asked local Portuguese tour guide Eugenia Barreiros (who will be with us on our tour the entire time) if I could do a short interview with her for my travel blog on what it’s like to live and work and play in Portugal and give us a little more insight into the local way of life, unique foods and drinks, tips for tourists, and more.
How long have you lived in Portugal?
I was born and raised in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, where I have been living ever since.
Tell us what Portuguese people like to do for fun.
We enjoy the country’s beaches, water sports like surfing and sailing, going for walks in the parks, having picnics with family and friends.
In wintertime it is common to go to the movies, to the theatre, or just chattering in a local coffee shop, drinking a beer and having some petiscos, i.e., some of the best Portuguese delicacies; and, whenever possible, enjoy a good soccer game, when our national team plays.
How long have you been in the travel industry and what do you like most about it?
I started working in the travel industry in the 1990s, soon after I finished my degree in guiding. Since then, I have been working with groups from the USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and Spain. Working as a tour guide gives me the opportunity to meet people from different nationalities and share my passion for Portugal with them, which has been extremely rewarding!
What are some typical food dishes and unique drinks in Portugal?
Portuguese cuisine is surely one of the best in Europe. There is always a wide range of choice, from fresh fish and seafood to tasty meat dishes, cheese and, of course, the wine. Simple appetizers like bread, olives, cheese, ham, and butter can be just the starting point for a memorable gastronomic experience! It is really difficult to decide, but Bacalhau (codfish) is definitely the most popular food in the country. It can be prepared in so many ways – cooked, baked, grilled, fried… – that you surely find one that suits your own taste.
Sardine is another popular fish, and it has been an inspiration for arts and crafts. Try a sardine on top of a slice of bread while enjoying a good glass of wine! Ah, and don’t be afraid to eat the bones, too! It’s unique, indeed!
How about an exquisite seafood rice which is amongst my fave Portuguese dishes?
If you prefer meat, though… no worries, because you won’t starve, either! Try Francesinha, from Porto region. It’s a kind of sandwich made of slices of white loaf bread with ham, sausage, cheese, and steak. Everything is topped with melted cheese and a fried egg. Finally, its spicy sauce on top makes it just unique. Don’t forget the French fries, too. It is a must!
I have a sweet tooth, and if you have, too, Portuguese pastries are some of the best ones in the world. You can start with a Pastel de Belém (custard tart), and… a glass of Porto, one of the best wines in the country!
Tell us about the famous Fado.
The origins of Fado can be traced back to the 18th-century old districts of Lisbon, like Alfama, where humble men and women gathered to express their feelings about daily life – love, joy, sadness, and saudade, a word that encompasses melancholia, and nostalgia.
Amália Rodrigues was the first Portuguese fadista (fado singer) that sang this song abroad in the mid-20th century, especially in the countries that hosted Portuguese emigrant communities.
A Fado song is performed by a solo singer, accompanied by an acoustic guitar and the Portuguese guitarra (one with 12 strings), in Fado Houses (restaurants).
Fado has become a symbol of Portuguese identity, and for its cultural richness, it was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, by UNESCO, in 2011.
How does Portugal differ from other European countries?
Portugal combines tradition and modernity, rich cultural diversity and stunning landscapes, exquisite gastronomy, good weather, safety and it’s most valuable asset – the kindness of Portuguese people!
What are you most proud of being from Portugal?
I am most proud of our History, and the fact that such a small country pioneered the world-wide navigations in the dawn of the 15th century.
If Portugal is on your travel list, there are still a couple spots left for our Discover Portugal Tour, October 4-14, 2025. Come along with us and soak up some of Old Europe with friendly locals.
Cheers,
Jack Witt, MS, CPT
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Discover Portugal Tour – October 4-14, 2025 – Click here