Why You Should Consider Visiting the Iberian Peninsula for Your Jewish Travels

by Kosher River Cruise Kosher Tour Operator

Traveling the world is a great way to stretch your legs, relax your nerves, and explore your rich heritage. From the synagogues of France to the cemeteries in Jamaica, Jewish culture permeates much of the world, a result of both cultural progress and heartbreaking diasporas. While planning your Jewish travel itinerary, consider making room for a few spots from the Iberian Peninsula.

Background on the Iberian Peninsula

The Iberian Peninsula is a vaguely square-shaped body of land that is occupied by two nations: Portugal and Spain. This peninsula connects the nations of Europe with the northwestern tip of Africa. In ancient times, it hosted the three Abrahamic cultures of Muslims, Christians, and Jews in an era of relative peace. Jewish culture, in particular, flourished in what was known as the Golden Age of Sephardic Jews. With that said, what are a few great reasons why you should consider going to Iberia for your Jewish travels?

A Great Temperature

Iberia is set on almost all four sides with bodies of water, and its climate is quite warm, even tropical in some areas. The Douro region of Portugal, in particular, is a fertile place nourished by the Douro River, a place with wonderful weather that’s perfect for the creation of Port wine. If you want to visit Europe without dealing with the cold weather, then Portugal and Spain are the places for you.

Full of Great Travel Destinations

From ancient castles to modern metropolises, the lands of Portugal and Spain are full of great travel destinations. Visit the ancient university of Salamanca in Spain. Watch marine life up close in Lisbon’s Oceanarium. Sample kosher wine from the coastal city of Porto. There’s plenty of great places to visit in Iberia.

A Peninsula Full of Jewish Heritage

As mentioned above, Portugal and Spain both have a long history with the Jewish people, from the time of the Romans to the Rule of the Umayyads, from the Golden Age of Sephardic Jewry to the saddening banishment of Jews by the Alhambra Decree. Iberia is also quite notably the birthplace of several influential Jewish scholars, such as Abraham Zacuto and Maimonides.

These are just some of the great things you can explore in Ibera. When planning your kosher Europe tours, the destinations of Portugal and Spain can truly provide you with a distinctively Jewish travel experience that no other place can!