TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN PORTUGAL
Where to Go and What to Do
FIND HOTELS IN PORTUGAL»
Portugal's largest cities are all majestically-sited by grand rivers and are a
delightful mix of the historical and the contemporary -- Lisbon is one of Europe's most alluring
capitals, while it is hard to beat charismatic Porto's singular atmosphere and magnificent setting.
Coimbra, dominated by one of the world's oldest universities also demands attention, but even more memorable is exploring the country's timeless medieval towns (especially Obidos, Marvão, and Monsaraz) and picturesque coastal villages (such as Nazaré, Tavira, Ericeira, and Cascais).
Castles dominate the skyline, particularly in the enchanting province of Alentejo (a region characterized by stork nests, cork trees, and white medieval villages), but the most imposing are at Almourol, Santa Maria da Feira, Obidos, Leiria, and Porto de Mós. Most of them are romantic ruins, while others have been beautifully restored and now function as hotels called "pousadas" (no visit to Portugal is complete without a stay at one of them).
To go further back in time, admire the world's largest outdoor gallery of Stone Age art in Côa Valley (a World Heritage Site), step through ancient Celtic settlements (Citânia de Briteiros), walk around mysterious prehistoric stone circles, megaliths, and dolmens (the one in Zambujeiro is the largest in Europe), and don't overlook the fine Roman ruins in Conimbriga (with its excellently-preserved mosaics) and Evora (with its graceful Temple of Diana).
The Portuguese royal family became one of the richest in Europe due to the Great Discoveries, so the country's extravagant palaces should also rank high on your list of must-sees.
Pena Palace in Sintra
(guaranteed to be one of the most romantic towns you'll visit anywhere in
the world) is one of the country's most fantastic sights, while more royal
splendor is found in Queluz, Mafra, and Vila
Viçosa.
The wealth generated from the golden Age of Discovery also led to the building of some of Europe's finest medieval monuments (in Alcobaça, Batalha, and Tomar), and the creation of great baroque treasures and architectural masterpieces with ornate stonework. Prepare yourself for some incredible and intriguing church interiors -- Evora's and Porto's São Francisco churches (one completely decorated with human bones and skulls, the other spilling with gold),
or Lisbon's São Roque
Church (showcasing one of the world's richest chapels), are just a few
examples.
Just as striking are the huge blue and white tile panels covering entire interiors of train stations (particularly that of Porto's São Bento Station) and churches (the most stunning of all being São Lourenço in Almancil).
For inspiring religious mysticism head to one of the most famous shrines in the world in Fátima, while the spectacular baroque sanctuaries in Braga and Lamego attract both the devout and the curious.
Even more mystical sites are found along the coast at dramatic capes - Cabo da Roca is Europe's westernmost point, while Prince Henry the Navigator's Cabo de São Vicente was once believed to be the end of the world
-- standing at
either one of them won't fail to impress you and make you understand why so
many voyages of discovery departed from here.
Portugal is also a major golf destination and offers some of Europe's top leisure complexes and resorts. Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, and Vale do Lobo offer the most sophisticated facilities, while closer to the capital there's the choice of top golf courses and Europe's largest casino in Estoril, world-class surfing in Cascais, and golden sand in Troia. Beach lovers will have to make some tough choices throughout most of the country, as the coastline seems endless, offering some of Europe's finest sandy beaches, most with the European Union's Blue Flag for excellence.
There are more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in the natural
parks of Arrábida
and Serra da
Estrela, Buçaco
forest, and Gerês National
Park - ideal destinations for walkers and nature lovers. True
wilderness is found in Montesinho
Natural Park, while calm, relaxing moments in a cruise down the Douro River
and surrounding wine region (with its magical World Heritage landscapes) is
an experience to remember.
All of these aspects of Portugal are explored on this guide. All you need to do is click on the links below. To help you decide where to head first, take a look at the list and for more information on the best of Portugal and its regions, see our introduction to Portugal.
FIND HOTELS IN PORTUGAL»
The Best of Portugal's Cities and Villages
Major MONUMENTS - Batalha
Abbey, Alcobaça
Abbey, Tomar's Convent of
Christ, Lisbon's Jeronimos
Monastery and Belem
Tower, Braga's Bom Jesus
Sanctuary, Coimbra
University
Most impressive PALACES - Pena Palace, National Palace, Queluz Palace, Mafra Palace, Ajuda Palace, Regaleira Palace, Buçaco Palace, Mateus Palace
Most imposing CASTLES - Almourol, Santa Maria da Feira, Porto de Mós, Sintra's Moorish Castle, Leiria
Most enchanting MEDIEVAL TOWNS - Obidos, Monsaraz, Marvão, Castelo de Vide
Most charming REMOTE VILLAGES - Piodão, Monsanto, Belmonte
Most picturesque COASTAL TOWNS - Nazaré, Tavira, Ericeira, Cascais
Prettiest SMALL CITIES & TOWNS - Viana do Castelo, Guimarães, Ponte de Lima, Barcelos
Best RESORT TOWNS - Lagos, Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Albufeira
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AROUND LISBON
AND TAGUS VALLEY Alcobaça Arrábida Azeitão Batalha Cascais Ericeira Estoril Fatima Leiria Mafra Nazaré Obidos Palmela Peniche Queluz Santarém Sesimbra Setubal Sintra Tomar |
ALENTEJO
Beja Castelo de Vide Elvas Estremoz Evora Marvão Mértola Monsaraz Vila Viçosa ALGARVE Albufeira Faro Lagos Sagres Silves Tavira Vila Real de Santo António Vilamoura |
BEIRAS (CENTRAL PORTUGAL)
Aveiro Belmonte Buçaco Coimbra Conimbriga Figueira da Foz Guarda Monsanto Piodão Serra da Estrela Viseu PORTO AND DOURO Amarante Lamego Porto |
MINHO
Barcelos Braga Gerês National Park Guimarães Ponte de Lima Ponte da Barca Viana do Castelo TRAS-OS-MONTES Bragança Chaves Vila Real THE ISLANDS Azores Madeira |