What to see in Portugal
Portugal Attractions
Sightseeing in Portugal is a privilege and joy to those who've sampled the country’s warm climate, charming ports and friendly people.
Portugal’s prodigious sailors have historically chartered course for every foreign shore on the planet, but today the country has an altogether new focus – drawing the world to her shores. Marketing itself as 'Europe’s West Coast', everything from the hot springs of the Azore Islands to hiking and sailing in Madeira and the cultural sights of Lisbon have been revamped and are being served in true style to tourists from every corner of the globe. Portugal is the 7th most peaceful nation in the world according to the Global Peace Index, making its many marvellous sights safe to explore and conquer.
Portugal is known for its seafaring history and continued legacy as a coastal paradise. Jet skiing, diving, swimming, sailing, you name it and they cater for it. The Estoril Coast is a set of pristine blue-flag beaches ready for your worn feet. While the sea will always be Portugal’s first love, the country does boast the Sintra-Casais Natural Park, a World Heritage Site and the capital of Lisbon is as cosmopolitan and metropolitan city to rival the likes of Madrid and Paris.
Alfama
The oldest part of Lisbon, the Alfama quarter sprawls down the hillside from below the Castelo de Sao Jorge, retaining…
Bairro Alto
The Bairro Alto district (literally the Upper City) is, like the Alfama, an historic enclave dating from 1513, which…
Castelo de Sao Jorge
The walls of Saint George's Castle, sitting atop a hill guarding the Tagus, date from the Moorish occupation in the 10th…
Fatima
In 1917 the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared above an oak tree and spoke to three peasant children in the valley of Cova…
Frederico de Freitas Museum
Named for the Madeiran lawyer who amassed the fascinating collections on display as a hobby, the Frederico de Freitas…
Funchal Cathedral
In the heart of the historic part of Funchal stands the cathedral (Sé do Funchal) which is the most impressive…
Guimaraes
This historic town is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal, because it was here in 1128 that Afonso Henriques became…
Jeronimos Monastery
One of Portugal's most iconic tourist sights, the Jeronimos Monastery is an absolute must-see attraction for visitors…
Monument to the Discoveries
One of the most famous sights in Lisbon is the imposing Padrão dos Descobrimentos, situated on the riverbank in…
Oceanario de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium)
Marketed as the second best aquarium in the world, the world-class Lisbon Oceanarium is the most impressive achievement…
Tower of Belem
The famous Tower of Belem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of Lisbon's most photographed landmarks because…
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