Portugal has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and there are
many reasons why. Visit with us its fairy-tale towns and castles, world-known natural landmarks,
and the most iconic places. Taste with us amazing Portuguese cuisine and discover the
places which you cannot find anywhere else. No matter if you are looking for beautiful nature,
world’s most extraordinary tourist attractions or diverse beaches, Portugal has it all.
Haven’t you already decided where to go on your visit to the Portugal? Discover
with us the best places to see in this beautiful country which offers endless tourist attractions.
Number one. Sintra.
Located on the Portuguese Riviera, Sintra is one of Portugal’s most picturesque towns.
Tourists love it for its fairy tale royal palaces and castles,
historic villas, and gardens. The Pena Palace, ordered by King Ferdinand II, is one of the most
significant examples of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. Inside you can find the Great Hall,
bedrooms, dining room and even a kitchen. The Pena Park, which surrounds the palace,
is full of trees from all around the world such as ginkgo, cryptomeria, sequoia, magnolia and covers
more than 200 hectares. Another romantic palace in Sintra is Quinta da Regaleira. It consists of
a palace, church and a rich, luxurious park that features lakes, grottoes, wells, and fountains.
Downtown is a magnificent labyrinth of streets full of history. For nearly eight centuries,
Sintra served as a summer retreat for the Portuguese monarchy and its court. If you’d like
to relax on the beach while staying in Sintra, we recommend Azenhas do Mar beach or Praia das Maçãs.
With golden sands and clean seawaters, they are located less than a 15-minute drive from Sintra.
Because they are barely known by tourists, they are not so crowded.
Number two. Lagos.
Lagos, another popular city of Algrave Region, is famous for its outstanding beaches and world-known
natural landmarks. The most popular beach is Camilo Beach, which is divided into two parts
by a huge rock formation, but you can cross it by man-made tunnel. This beach is situated
between the cliffs and is accessible via a wooden staircase. Another famous beach is Dona Ana beach
which is popular thanks to calm turquoise waters and stunning rock formations. If you
like snorkeling, Dona Ana beach is a right place for you. You cannot stay in Lagos without visiting
over 5 km long Meia Praia beach. It is not so crowded during the high season and is very
popular thanks to water and beach sports such as beach volleyball or windsurfing.
Only 3 km from Lagos along its coastline you can find one of the most famous natural landmarks
of Portugal - Ponta da Piedade meaning “point of mercy". This dramatic rock formation will impress
you with 20-meter-high yellow and golden cliffs. Take a boat tour or a kayak tour if you want
to explore some of the grottos. This is Benagil Cave, another famous natural landmark of Portugal,
situated less than 40 minutes’ drive from Lagos. You can get into the cave by boat, paddleboard,
kayak, or swimming because the interior is accessible only from the sea. This place is
extremely popular with tourists. If you want to avoid large crowds during the high season, we
recommend coming here before July or after August, or during high season early in the morning.
Number three. Porto.
An unmissable icon of Porto is an iron arch Luís I Bridge for metro, pedestrians and traffic.
It was designed by Théophile Seyrig who was an associate of Gustav Eiffel. A top starting
point for travelers is Ribeira - the most beautiful and popular neighborhood in Porto.
You can take a boat trip to enjoy an entirely different view of the city or sit down in one
of Ribeira’s terraces or traditional restaurants. You cannot miss Livraria Lello – one of the most
lavish bookstores in the world, operating since 1906. We recommend buying tickets in advance if
you do not want to queue for 2 hours as this place is extremely popular with tourists.
Another must-visit place is the Serralves Museum of Contemporary art surrounded by a magnificent
18-hectare park. Less then 20 minutes walking away you can find Felgueiras Lighthouse completed
in 1886. Although no longer in operation, it is captivating to watch the powerful waves crashing
on the rock. Historical Sao Bento Train station in Porto is considered one of the most beautiful
in the world. This is because it is decorated with over 20 thousand colorful azulejo tiles.
Taste a typical Portuguese dish called Bacalhau do Porto made of codfish and potatoes.
However, be careful, portions in Porto’s traditional restaurants are
very large. Leaving without tasting the city’s famous sweet red Port wine is unforgivable.
Number four. Albufeira.
Welcome to Albufeira – a cosmopolitan gateway to Algrave - the biggest and most important
Portuguese tourist region. Albufeira is a home to the most beautiful beaches not only in Portugal
but in Europe. The most popular beaches are Dos Pescadores beach meaning Fisherman’s beach
with mouth-watering seafood restaurants along the beachfront, 6 km long golden sand beach Falesia,
and 1 km long Oura beach accompanied by lots of bars and restaurants. We also recommend the
magnificent Coelha beach surrounded by yellow rocks and calm waters, as well as small Dos
Arrifes beach known for huge rock formations jutting out of the waters along the coastline.
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, Albufeira will not disappoint you. End the
day of fun in the sun at one of over 100 bars and restaurants in the old town.
The must-eat dish is a Cataplana – a medley of seafood cooked in a tomato sauce with lots
of onion and red and green peppers. After your belly is full, go out and enjoy the nightlife
in its bars, clubs, and discos. Albufeira is as famous for its parties as it is for its beaches.
Number five. Madeira
Start exploring the island by visiting the magnificent Madeira Botanical Gardens,
containing more than 2000 exotic plans from all over the world. Another must-see place is Monte
Palace Tropical Garden where you can find not only a huge exotic plants collection, but also black
swans, ducks, peacocks, and chickens. Madeira is considered a true hikers’ paradise. Enjoy hiking
above the clouds thanks to its most breathtaking hike route PR1 which connects the Madeira’s
highest peaks, and has a duration of 3 and a half hours. An extremely popular experience is walking
along the “levadas” which are man-made aqueducts supplying water to the drier parts of the island.
Enjoy swimming at the stunning black-sand Seixal beach with beautiful views of sea cliffs and
waves of the Atlantic Ocean. If you are in Madeira from April to October,
do not miss whale and dolphin watching. It is more likely you will see dolphins as whales
spend more time under water. One of the island’s most famous tourist attractions is taking a 2 km
long Madeira Toboggan Ride on Traditional Wicker Basket Sledges. They are driven by two runners,
and you can reach speed up to 30 miles per hour. The price is 30 EUR for 2 people. Did
you know that famous footballer Cristiano Rolando comes from Funchal? It is here where
you can find a museum dedicated to his career containing every club trophy Cristiano has won.
Number six. Coimbra.
The historic city of Coimbra sits on the banks of Mondego River and was once the capital of
Portugal. It is a home to the oldest university in Portugal, and is one of the oldest in all of
Europe. The tourism complex of the University of Coimbra, established in 1290, unfolds in different
centers. Visit the impressive Joanine Library which contains over 300,000 works dating from the
16th to the late 18th century, and also the richly decorated 16th century Saint Michael's Chapel with
an impressive baroque organ. The 34 meter-high Coimbra Univeristy Clock Tower is considered
a symbol of the city, and you can climb it to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
After you visit the university, enjoy people watching in one of the city’s cozy cafes and
do not miss Monastery of Santa Cruz, one of the oldest attractions in the city founded in 1131 and
rebuilt in 16th century. You will be blown away by its main Manueline façade with 3 big sculptures
depicting the Prophet, King David and Our Lady. Inside you can find tombs of first 2 kings of
Portugal. Other iconic places are The Romanesque Old Cathedral of Coimbra with magnificent gothic
cloister and The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova containing a breathtaking gilt carved altar.
When you need a snack, taste a delicious Santa Clara pastry filled with eggs and almonds.
Number seven. Aveiro.
Aveiro, nicknamed “ The Venice of Portugal”, is an enchanting city easily recognizable
thanks to its canals, graceful architecture and brightly colored boats named “barcos maliceiros”.
The number one tourist attraction is taking a boat tour on Barcos Maliceiros
which usually last 45 minutes and run through the four main canals in the city.
It is impossible to overlook charming Art nouveau buildings built at the beginning of the 20th
century. Before you keep exploring the city, sit on a terrace and taste ovos moles- sweets made
with eggs and sugar. The old Convent of Jesus is a home to the Aveiro museum where you can find
a tomb of King Afonso V's daughter – Princess Saint Joan, as well as a significant collection
of paintings, sculptures, tiles and jewels. If you want to admire lovely Portuguese tiles,
visit the Old train station depicting traditional scenes and places from Aveiro region.
If you look for beaches, visit Costa Nova which is located less than 15 minutes from Aveiro. You will
fall in love with colorful striped fishermen’s houses which have been turned in summer villas.
Number eight. Braga.
The number 1 tourist attraction of Braga, which is the religious center of Portugal,
is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte with over 600 years of history.
This important pilgrimage place is located 6 km from the city center of Braga and is easily
recognizable thanks to its breathtaking Baroque stairway containing 17 landings decorated with
granite fountains. You can get here by foot, by car or even by tram which takes up to 4
minutes and it is the oldest funicular in the world using water counterbalancing to move.
Once you reach the hill, enjoy also a lush garden filled with different species of trees,
caves, bandstands or even a lake. Walking through Braga is like a journey through the centuries.
Before you continue to another tourist attraction, enjoy your food in one of the
local restaurants and taste Vinho Verde – Green wine. This delicious white wine is called “green”
because of the use of young grapes in its production. 11th century Braga Cathedral
is the oldest cathedral in Portugal. Inside you can find tombs of parents of the first Portuguese
King and gilt wood organs decorated with baroque and fantastic motifs.
Experience unforgettable processions and devote ceremonies during Holy Week – Semana Santa which
is without a doubt the most illustrious and most famous of all in Portugal.
Number nine. Cascais.
It was in the 1870s when the Portuguese King and the nobility started to build their palaces and
villas in Cascais converting this fishing village into a popular tourist seaside resort as we know
it today. While walking through its old town, enjoy shopping in its boutiques. We recommend
the Rua da Raita - a pedestrianized walkway lined with shops of all descriptions. Cascais is famous
for its beaches which are located less than a 15 minute drive. The most popular beach is the long,
sandy Guincho beach where you can watch romantic sunsets or enjoy windsurfing.
Thanks to good northerly wind this beach is a top windsurfing destination. Another popular
beach is postcard-worthy Tamariz beach which in contrast to Guincho beach has no waves.
This beach gets busy in summer thanks to its location as well as trendy restaurants
and bars which stay open until late. Another magnet for tourists is Palácio dos Condes de
Castro Guimarães. It is a home to a museum which includes paintings, furniture and jewelry. Do you
want to feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean? Then visit Boca do Inferno meaning Hell’s mouth
which is a chasm where you can see and hear the pounding waves hitting the rocks. Do not miss
Santa Maria lighthouse. Built in 1868, it is still operational and houses a lighthouse museum today.
Number ten. Lisbon.
The sun shines 290 days a year in Lisbon, the capital and the largest city of Portugal. The
number one tourist attraction is the 30 – meter high Belém Tower completed 1514. This icon of the
country served as a defense against possible invasions and attacks from the Tagus river,
but it was used as a state prison, too. You cannot miss a ride on one of the symbols of
Lisbon – historic tram No. 28 - which passes through the most popular tourist districts.
Because it is extremely popular, we recommend riding it in the morning or in the evening. No.
28 can also take you to another iconic landmark – the 11th century Saint George Castle - open 7 days
a week. It has 11 towers, a beautiful garden with native forest species and an incredible viewpoint.
Right below the castle visit Alfama - the oldest and most traditional neighborhood in Lisbon.
Enjoy terrace seating and taste Pastéis de Belem, Lisbon’s original iconic pastry.
Alfama is also a home to Lisbon cathedral – the most important and oldest church in the city.
Take a ride on the richly decorated 45 meter-high Santa Justa Lift and enjoy one
of the best panoramic views of the city. Did you know that in Lisbon you can find
the 2nd longest bridge in Europe? Its name is Vasco da Gama bridge and its lengths is 12 km.
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