Portugal is a beautiful country in Europe with breathtaking scenery, fascinating historical tourist sites, and charming cities and towns. It is located on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula and has a rich history and culture influenced by its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Many people visit Portugal for its idyllic countryside and sunny beaches, while others are drawn to its incredible art and architecture. Exploring centuries-old castles, churches, and convents is a popular activity in the country.
The famous cities of Lisbon and Porto are particularly interesting, with their historic centers, delicious food, and significant cultural landmarks.
19. Alfama (Lisbon)
Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, is a charming area with steep, narrow cobblestone streets that wind down the hill. As you wander from the Castle of Sao Jorge to the Tagus River, you’ll discover a maze of small streets and scenic squares. Here, you can explore delightful cafes, traditional restaurants, and lively bars that add to the district’s unique charm.
18. Palacio Nacional de Mafra
The Palacio Nacional de Mafra is an impressive building located just 30 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. It was constructed in 1717 using the riches obtained from Dom Joao V’s territories in Brazil. This palace-monastery is a stunning example of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture.
With over 1,200 rooms, it houses stunning cloisters, royal living spaces, a delightful library, a beautiful basilica, and bell towers. When you visit, you will be amazed by the intricately decorated halls, magnificent furniture, and breathtaking artwork.
17. Obidos Walled Town
Obidos is a charming small town located on a hill in Portugal’s Oeste Region. Its main highlight is the historic center, which is surrounded by ancient city walls. Exploring the medieval streets is a delightful experience, with beautiful whitewashed churches and buildings adorning its lovely squares filled with flowers.
If you wander through the cobblestone streets, you can discover cozy cafes and traditional restaurants. One of the main attractions is the castle and its fortified walls. A popular event in Obidos is the Medieval Market in July, where you can enjoy jousting, jugglers, and jesters, adding to the festive atmosphere.
16. Batalha Monastery
Batalha Monastery is located in the Centro Region of Portugal and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most magnificent examples of Late Flamboyant Gothic architecture. It was built in 1385 to honor the Battle of Aljubarrota, which took place nearby.
The monastery’s exterior is adorned with stunning features such as pinnacles, parapets, facades, and impressive buttresses. Inside, visitors will find luxurious ornamentation. The monastery is a popular tourist attraction and offers monumental tombs, peaceful cloisters, and unfinished chapels for visitors to explore.
15. Almendres Cromlech
The Almendres Cromlech is an ancient site that is believed to have been built in the sixth millennium BC. It is located near Evora and consists of around 95 menhirs arranged in a circular pattern.
Despite being exposed to the elements for thousands of years, some of the menhirs still have faint carvings and a few have small circular holes that were made by chisels. The Almendres Cromlech is situated on a beautiful hillside and is thought to have had a religious, ceremonial, or astrological purpose.
14. Benagil Cave
Benagil is a small fishing village located on the south coast of the Algarve region. It is well-known for its gorgeous sea cave, which has been formed over thousands of years by the gentle waves. Inside the cave, you can find incredible rock formations created by nature.
To reach this cave, you can take a boat or use a kayak to explore the beautiful surroundings. Additionally, the cave opens up to a stunning golden sand beach where visitors can unwind and enjoy the tranquility. The most remarkable aspect of the cave is a large opening on its ceiling, resembling an ‘eye’, which provides a breathtaking view of the sky contrasting against the rocks below.
13. Marvao Castle
Marvao Castle is located on top of a mountain in the Serra de Sao Mamede range, offering beautiful views of the area. It was built in the eighth century and has been well-maintained since then. The castle has impressive defenses that you can explore, including its walls, towers, and a large building called the keep.
Inside the keep, there is an exhibition about the castle’s history. Over the years, Marvao Castle has been fought over and ruled by different groups, such as the Arabs, Visigoths, French, and Spanish. It is now a popular tourist spot.
12. Porto’s Ribeira
Riberia is the most popular district to visit in Porto, with a beautiful view of the Douro River. The district is filled with colorful houses and buildings that go down the hillside, and its promenade along the waterfront is a must-see sight with many bars, restaurants, and cafes.
In the historic district, you can explore charming cobblestone streets and enjoy the historic sights and scenic views. Riberia is a lively and relaxing place at the same time, and it offers the best dining and nightlife experiences in Porto.
11. Pena Palace
Pena Palace is a famous and beautiful attraction located on top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains. It is a popular destination for tourists, with thousands of visitors coming every year. The palace was finished in 1854 and its architecture is a mix of different styles, making it visually striking and unique.
The colorful gates, striking facades, and clock towers painted in bright yellows and reds catch the eye. The royal residences inside the palace also have interesting and unusual designs. Pena Palace is considered to be the best example of 19th-century Romanticism in Portugal and is certainly a sight that you won’t find anywhere else.
10. University of Coimbra
The University of Coimbra is an ancient institution established in the year 1290 in Lisbon. Later, it was moved to its current location in 1537. It is considered one of the oldest places of learning in the world. The university sits on a hill in the city’s historic center and is surrounded by beautiful old buildings.
The main attraction is the impressive ceremonial hall and the stunning Baroque library called Biblioteca Joanina. From the 16th-century bell tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Coimbra. Despite its long history, the university maintains its prestige in Portugal and accepts new students annually.
9. Convent of Christ (Tomar)
Tomar was once the headquarters of the Knights Templar. It has many historical and cultural sites. The Convent of Christ is the most impressive attraction, with a castle, church, and chapels within its walls. The Charola church is especially noteworthy, but there are also beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline elements throughout.
The Convent of Christ was very wealthy and powerful in its time. It played a significant role in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.
8. Ponta da Piedade
Ponta da Piedade is a beautiful collection of rocks that stick out into the Atlantic Ocean near Lagos, Portugal. The rocks include tall pillars, arches, and caves, while the area is surrounded by clear turquoise waters. It is called “point of mercy” in Portuguese, as the cliffs can be dangerous but are stunning to see.
Many people enjoy kayaking or taking boat trips to get a closer look at the rocks. Hiking along the cliffs is also popular for the amazing views of the powerful waves crashing against Ponta da Piedade.
7. Rota Vicentina
Rota Vicentina is a network of trails and paths in Portugal that can be found along the southwest coast. These trails offer beautiful scenery and diverse landscapes to explore. The network spans nearly 400 kilometers and will take you through various terrains such as cliffs, meadows, forests, and small towns by the seaside.
The Historic Way and Fisherman’s Trail are the most popular routes, but they can take more than a week to complete. If you prefer a shorter hike, you can choose to walk along the picturesque paths for just one day. This allows you to discover the hidden and breathtaking parts of Alentejo and the Algarve regions in a peaceful and enjoyable way.
6. Jeronimos Monastery
Located in Lisbon’s Belem district and overlooking the Tagus River, Jeronimos Monastery is a truly mesmerizing building in Portugal. It took more than a hundred years to construct this 16th-century church and monastery, which exhibit astonishing architecture with intricate embellishments and beautiful decorations.
The south portal of the monastery is particularly remarkable, adorned with superb sculptures. However, the real highlight is the Manueline style cloisters that feature elegant arches, finely carved pillars, and decorative motifs. The church within the monastery is equally impressive, showcasing a stunning design and elaborate decoration. Inside, you can explore the tombs of renowned Portuguese figures like Vasco da Gama, the famous explorer, and Luis de Camoes, the esteemed poet.
5. Belem Tower
Belem Tower is a famous landmark in Lisbon, located at the mouth of the Tagus River. It was built in 1519 using white limestone and is often associated with the Age of Discoveries, as Portuguese explorers departed from here on their voyages.
Although it was part of the city’s defense system, the tower stands out for its beautiful Manueline architecture and intricate decorations. It features lovely windows and towers, along with impressive brickwork and maritime motifs. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the river from its watchtower.
4. Alcobaca Monastery
Alcobaca Monastery, located in Alocoba, is a significant and awe-inspiring monastery in Iberia. It was established in 1153 by Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. This enormous complex displays stunning Gothic architecture, with beautiful exteriors and impressive sculptures.
As you explore the medieval monastery, you will discover a peaceful sacristy, a elegant refectory, a massive church, and numerous cloisters. Alcobaca Monastery is a renowned artistic, cultural, and historical landmark that draws thousands of visitors and pilgrims annually.
3. Rio Douro Valley
The Rio Douro Valley in Portugal has beautiful landscapes, with rolling hills, vineyards, and farmland. The Douro River is the third-longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, stretching about 900 kilometers from Spain to Porto on the Atlantic Ocean.
Travelers can explore charming towns and villages along the way, where they’ll find old castles and farmhouses on the green slopes. One of the most popular activities in the area is taking a scenic cruise through the valley, which allows visitors to stop and try tasty local food and wines at the wineries and vineyards.
2. Roman Temple of Evora
The Roman Temple of Evora is located in the historic center of the city and has been in the same place since the first century AD. Despite its ancient age, the site is in great condition and has a beautiful colonnade with 14 Corinthian columns.
Surrounding the temple are churches, palaces, and other historic structures, making it an impressive sight. The Roman Temple of Evora is considered one of the most significant Roman sites in the Iberian Peninsula and is now a popular tourist destination in the city.
1. Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês is a vast natural area located in the northwest of Portugal, near the Spanish border. It is the country’s only national park and contains a diverse range of ecosystems and landscapes, largely consisting of mountains.
Within this park, there are beautiful open meadows filled with colorful flowers, dense and vibrant forests, as well as enjoyable hiking routes. Alongside its breathtaking scenery, the park also houses secluded communities and ancient villages that have preserved their unique traditions and lifestyles throughout the centuries.
