Email this guide
Print the full guide
-
Portugal
- Overview
- The Basics
- Attractions
- Events
- Public Holidays
- Useful Contacts
- Airports
- Climate
- Currency
- Visa & Passport
- Phrases
- Portugal Map
Resorts
- Albufeira
- Cascais
- Estoril
- Lagos
- Sao Miguel
-
show more Resorts
Ports of Call
- Port of Lisbon
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.
The sea has always been Portugal's first love. The golden beaches and soaring cliffs of the Algarve attract millions of visitors every year. Vibrant, energetic tourist resorts in the South give way to the natural treasures of the Parque Natural de Ria Formosa.
The trademark seven hills of Portugal's historic capital city, Lisbon, stand over a colourful city. Visitors can wind their way through the city aboard the famous Tram 28, and experience mournful Fado music in the Alfama district. Not to be missed is a day trip to the picturesque town of Sintra, nestled in the mountains north of Lisbon. Equally impressive is the walled town of Obidos, with its hilltop castle now turned into a luxury pousada (inn).
Not far away lie the mysterious megalithic monuments of the Cromeleque dos Almendres, situated just outside the lively university town of Evora. Porto, in the north, is an edgy city boasting a historic centre and great food and drink, gateway as well to the famous Port-producing region of the Doura Valley. On the way north to Porto, visitors should stop to take in the atmosphere in Coimbra, former medieval capital of Portugal and home to the country's oldest university dating back to the 13th century.
Portugal's historic seafarers uncovered yet more delights in their travels to the West. The tiny island of Madeira is known as a 'floating garden', hiding a botanical wonderland and famous fortified wine behind its soaring ocean cliffs. Further West lie the Azores, dramatic island landscapes shaped by geological forces within the earth. Visitors can indulge in watersports, see whales and dolphins, hike to volcanic craters and explore the lush scenery.
Alfama
The oldest part of Lisbon, the Alfama quarter sprawls down the hillside from below the Castelo de São Jorge. It retains much of the traditional colour and atmosphere from the days…
Bairro Alto
The Bairro Alto district is a historic enclave dating back to 1513, reached via the Santa Justa Elevator from the lower city. The colourful district resounds to the calls of vendors and…
Castelo de São Jorge
The walls of Castelo de São Jorge sit atop a hill guarding the Tagus, dating from the Moorish occupation in the 10th century. But the site has been a fortress for centuries, possibly from 500…
Fatima
In 1917, the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared above an oak tree and spoke to three peasant children in the valley of Cova da Iria, 79 miles (127km) north of Lisbon. The children claimed to have seen…
Frederico de Freitas Museum
The Frederico de Freitas Museum in Funchal houses a vast array of decorative pieces. Turkish, Moorish and North African tiles, as well as about 2,000 mugs, trophies and vases are on display,…
Funchal Cathedral
In the heart of the historic section of Funchal stands the Sé do Funchal, the most impressive of Madeira's religious edifices. From outside, the simple rough white stucco and brownish basalt…
Guimarães
The historic town of Guimarães is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal. Here, in 1128, Afonso Henriques became the first king of the country. Guimarães has many medieval…
Jerónimos Monastery
One of Portugal's most iconic tourist sights, the Jerónimos Monastery is an absolute must-see attraction for visitors to Lisbon. A stellar example of Manueline, also known as Portuguese…
Lisbon Oceanarium
Marketed as the second best aquarium in the world, the world-class Lisbon Oceanarium is the most impressive achievement of EXPO '98, which used to be an abandoned waterfront. The centrepiece of the…
Monument to the Discoveries
One of the most famous sights in Lisbon is the imposing Padrão dos Descobrimentos, situated on the riverbank along Avenida de Brasilia in the district of Belém. Designed to commemorate…
Tower of Belém
Belém Tower, also known as the Tower of Saint Vincent, is a fortified tower located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belem. The tower was built in the 16th century to serve as a fortress…
Our Travel Expert
Steve Masters first
visited Portugal in 1989 and, later, lived in Porto for several years before
returning to the UK. He speaks the language and is well versed in the culture
of Portugal. He currently works on behalf of Rocha Brava, a holiday resort
located in the Algarve.
>Read Steve's tips on Portugal
>Ask Steve a question
Become our Portugal Travel Expert
We are looking for contributors for our Portugal travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to Portugal or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.
