All throughout Portugal, you can find charming and well-preserved cafés and tearooms (casas de chá) that tell stories of the past. Many of them have played host to the intellectual gatherings of countless public figures.

Today, these special places continue to provide a pleasant atmosphere with their cared-for interiors, where you can drink coffee or tea and take a bite to eat, perhaps a toast or slice of cake. Cafés are great for breakfast, snacks and even light meals. And, they always promise to entice you with unforgettable aromas.

Today, these cafés and tearooms are still meeting places for the famous, where people of all ages can be found - reading a book, exchanging ideas, unhurriedly savouring some delicacy.

Irresistible confectionery and exemplary service are guaranteed, so take a pick from among the following cafés as a place to take out your own sweetie: Café Astória, in Braga; Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, in Leça da Palmeira; Café Majestic, in Porto; Pastelaria Garrett, in Estoril; A Brasileira, Café Nicola, Café Martinho da Arcada, Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém and Pastelaria Versailles, in Lisbon; Café Central, in Évora; and the Salão de Chá As Maltesinhas, in Beja.

Give in to the pleasures of a leisurely break... and to the history around you!