Portugal, sprawling on the western edge of Europe, is a unique gem on the Iberian Peninsula. With its toes dipped in the Atlantic Ocean and the pleasing archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores making up the country’s territories, Portugal shares a lengthy border with Spain while exhibiting a distinct identity. This country is shaped by centuries of maritime exploration, cultural intermingling, and political ups and downs. Its history mirrors an epic tale of conquest, discovery, royal dramas, and poetic musings.
Fast forward to today, and you will find Portugal a modern and democratic haven. The place invites you to dive into its rich past and lively present, bask in its natural wonders and urban charm, and connect with warm-hearted people and their engaging passions. The things to do in Portugal are seemingly endless.
So, let’s check out five places you should visit from among the countless places to visit in Portugal.
Top Places to Visit in Portugal
- Lisbon
- Porto
- The Algarve
- Évora
- The Azores
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Lisbon
Lisbon is more than just Portugal’s capital—it is the largest city, too. Besides, it is one of Europe’s oldest and most lively places. Think of iconic yellow trams, loads of history, vibrant neighbourhoods, stunning architecture, colourful azulejos (ceramic tiles), fantastic food, and always buzzing nightlife. Lisbon is called the White City for its medieval facades, Art-Nouveau buildings, and the black and white mosaic pedestrian walks. Indeed, there is never a dull moment in this incredible city!
Things to Do in Lisbon
- Go for a tram 28 ride and check out the city’s beautiful sights. The tram will cruise through Lisbon Cathedral, São Jorge Castle, and the Miradouro da Graça.
- Learn how to make pastel de nata. It is the delicious custard tarts that are a symbol of Lisbon. You can join a cooking class in Belem, where the original recipe was created by monks in the 18th century.
- Listen to fado. It is the sad music that expresses the soul of Portugal. Fado is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. One of the best options is to visit a traditional fado house in Chiado. Here, you can listen to live performances by professional singers and guitarists while sipping a glass of wine and munching tapas.
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Porto
The second largest city of Portugal, Porto, is on the banks of the Douro River, right next to where the river enters the Atlantic Ocean. This city is noted for its port wine, historic centre, and cultural and architectural heritage.
Porto was the site of several battles and sieges throughout the centuries, and it earned the nickname “The Undefeated City” for its resistance to foreign invaders. Porto was also the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in the Portuguese Age of Discovery.
Things to Do in Porto
- Enjoy a boat tour along the Douro River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful vineyards and villages.
- Sample port wine, a unique and sweet drink, at famous wine cellars and learn about its history and production.
- Admire the azulejos, the blue and white tiles representing Portuguese art and culture, at some of the most remarkable buildings in Porto.
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The Algarve
You must be wondering, why Algarve? The answer is its coastline, one of its most remarkable features. It covers more than 200 kilometres and showcases diverse scenery and activities. You can find everything here, from sandy beaches and rocky cliffs to secluded coves and charming fishing villages. The Algarve also offers excellent golf courses, water sports, and hiking trails.
This place is also a paradise for history and culture lovers. Many peoples and cultures, such as the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Moors, and the Portuguese explorers, have shaped the region’s history.
Things to Do in the Algarve
- Enjoy a scenic cliffside walk on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and the beautiful beaches and coves of the Algarve.
- Kayak or tour the Benagil Sea Cave, a dome with a sunlit hole on top.
- Explore the Algarve’s diverse and stunning beaches, such as Praia da Marinha, Praia da Dona Ana, and Praia da Rocha.
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Évora
The town of Évora is a popular tourist destination. You can explore the streets and public squares of the old town, admire the diverse architectural styles and artistic expressions, and discover the traces of the city’s past and present. Some highlights of Évora include the Roman temple, the cathedral, the bone chapel, the aqueduct, the museum, and the city walls. Évora is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside, where you can find megalithic monuments, medieval castles, natural parks, and charming villages.
Things to Do in Évora
- Visit the Capela dos Ossos, a chapel made of bones and skulls of monks, with a chilling inscription.
- Admire the Roman Temple of Évora, a well-preserved monument dedicated to Diana, the goddess of hunting and the moon.
- Enjoy the local food and wine of the Alentejo region, such as bread soup, meat dishes, cheese, and red, white, and rosé wines.
- Gaze at the stars in Monsaraz, a medieval village in the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, the first starlight tourism destination in the world.
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The Azores
The Azores boast a deep-rooted history and culture that can be traced back to the 15th century when the Portuguese discovered and colonised the archipelago. Various cultures, such as the Flemish, the French, the Spanish, and the British, have influenced the islands. The Azores have a distinctive identity in their architecture, cuisine, music, and festivals. Some cultural highlights of the Azores are the whitewashed churches, the colourful houses, the cheese and wine, the folk songs, and the religious celebrations.
Things to Do in the Azores
- Relax in a natural hot spring on São Miguel island, enjoying the mineral-rich water and the green scenery.
- Watch whales and dolphins swim in the ocean, and join a tour that will take you close to these fantastic animals. Learn about their conservation efforts and research work.
- Climb Mount Pico, the highest point in Portugal, to view the island and ocean.
- Taste cozido, a traditional stew cooked underground using volcanic steam.
Best Time to Visit Portugal
Your preferences and interests will determine the best time to visit Portugal. However, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are usually the most favourable seasons. During these months, you can experience a milder climate, colourful flowers, cultural events, lower costs, and crowds than in summer. Summer (June-August) is the busiest and most expensive season, but also the best for beach lovers. Winter (November-February) is the off-season, with cooler and wetter weather and the most peaceful and affordable season.
Travel Insurance for Portugal
As Portugal is part of the Schengen region of countries, you must have travel insurance with at least EUR 30,000 coverage to obtain your visa. Travel insurance protects you from unexpected costs arising from health issues, travel disruptions, lost or stolen belongings, and legal problems.
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