Things to do in Portugal: Attractions and places to visit

1. Lisbon

The white city stretches from the wide bay of the Tejo up to the steep hills – a dreamlike topographical situation. The unique light, which falls into the winding alleys of the old town, gives Lisbon its special character. Here history hangs on the walls – every step is rewarded with beauty. Events over 20 centuries lend the old seafaring town its irresistible charm.

Experience magnificent palaces, magnificent gardens and masterpieces of Portuguese architecture Рsuch as the monastery complex in the suburb of Bel̩m. Sensational views open up from the high-lying districts. Countless steps connect the upper and lower town. The heart beats faster in the narrow streets Рsoon you reach the Miradouro Santa Catarina; it forms a magical vantage point on the red roofs and the blue Tejo. Lisbon captivates with a rich culture and breathtaking monuments.

2. postage

On the right bank of the Douro, from where the old town rises up in steep terraces, lies the old merchant town of Porto. It was once the most important port city in historic Portugal. This is where the ships left to conquer the New World. In the old town, which is still partly connected by ramparts, the harbour town preserves its architectural history. Countless sights such as churches, cathedrals, bishops’ palaces and monasteries determine the cityscape.

Porto presents itself as a kind of architectural style whose spectrum ranges from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. The Ponto de Dom Luis I, completed in 1885, spans the river. The bridge extends as far as Vila Nova de Gaia, the seat of the port wineries. Porto is not the city of individual buildings. Rather, the place explains itself as a chaotic total work of art and is therefore UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Évora

The pearl of the Alentejo lies in the south of the Algarve. The charming village is still almost completely surrounded by old walls, the townscape is characterised by alleys and squares with arcades. Évora, already an important city in Roman and Moorish times, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. On a hill in the historic landscape of the Alentejo, the market and trading centre developed into the Portuguese centre of humanism and at times served as a royal residence.

Among the extraordinary sights is the Diana Temple, built around 200 AD, with a fascinating and at the same time oppressive history. The Praça do Giraldo square forms the heart of the city and with its countless cafés, boutiques and terraces invites you to linger. Not far from the charming square is an impressive Renaissance fountain with eight well tubes and the stately church Igreja de Santo Antâo.

4. Sintra

Between Lisbon and the sea coast, a grandiose landscape garden was formed on the slopes of the Serra de Sintra granite mountain range in ancient times. Here, northern zones and the Mediterranean flora merge into a harmonious unity. No wonder, then, that Sintra has been the summer residence of Portuguese kings for centuries. In the middle of the 19th century Ferdinand von Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha had the Castelo da Pena built.

The castle and gardens are beautiful examples of the rapturous spirit of Romanticism. No less enchanting is the small town with its colourful architecture. Extravagant buildings and a wealth of national monuments are evidence of an extensive history. A spectacular view of Sintra and the surrounding region can be enjoyed from the walls of the idyllic castle ruins of Castelo dos Mouros.

5. Praia da Marinha

Snorkeling, diving, bathing or just relaxing: In the beautiful bays of Praia da Marinha, surrounded by steep cliffs, water sports enthusiasts and bathers cavort. The beaches of the Lagoa region exert a magical attraction. A long staircase leads down to the beach. It is worth a short break beforehand to enjoy the breathtaking view over the magnificent beach. Bows, dolims, grottos – you can’t get enough.

In a picturesque setting, holidaymakers enjoy relaxing bathing days. However, the famous rock structure, which looks like the letter M, is impressive. From Praia da Marinha the boats go to the sea caves of the Algarve. Romantic sunsets are guaranteed. Praia da Marina is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Once you’ve been here, you become a repeat offender.

6. Peneda Gerês

Far away from the rest of the world, the Peneda-Gerês National Park is located in the far northwest of Portugal. While the western part of the protected area is mainly used for agriculture, the rocky eastern part is home to rare animals and plants. Here, human activities have been harmoniously integrated into nature.

Fields with blue-violet tones conjure up a unique atmosphere, streams and rivers fall into cascades, small wild horses run around freely – the landscape is enchanting. Far away from the beach and the hustle and bustle, this is a paradise for hikers and adventurers. The winding hiking routes, past milestones, bridges and stone walls, are enjoying increasing popularity.

7. faro

Faro forms the centre of the Algarve with a picturesque old town. Three entrances lead through the imposing Roman city wall. It gives the impression of entering another world. From the magnificent square Jardim Manuel Bivar you have a wonderful view of the lagoon Ria Formosa. Tip for a day trip: Tours into the beautiful national park start at the small harbour.

Saltwater lagoons and the Wadden Sea form the Ria Formosa National Park, which forms an important habitat for wildlife around the town. Ria Formosa’s unique location and varied landscape have made it one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders. A boat or kayak tour is recommended along the enchanting landscape.

8. Cabo da Roca

The Portuguese poet Luís de Camões summed up the westernmost part of the European continent in the following words: “Here…where the earth ends and the sea begins…”. The inscription of the quotation can be found on the side of a huge monument on this headland. Cabo da Roca is a rough, deserted landscape.

Here, where thunderous waves break against rugged rocks, people believed until the 15th century that they were at the end of the world. Today the most dramatic landscape in Portugal is revealed. When the sun slowly sets, the place unfolds all its magic – a magnificent play of colours reveals itself.

9. Guimarães

Guimarães is the cradle of Portugal. Located at the foot of the Serra de Santa Catarina, the city was the first capital of the Portuguese kingdom. Alfonso Henriques lived in the castle, above the beautiful old town. In the 12th century he declared his county Portucale, the land between Minho and Douro, a kingdom.

The city centre houses traditional houses, Gothic buildings and beautiful squares. Particularly worth seeing is the windowless fort on the castle hill in the north of the city. No less impressive is the Paco Ducal, a palace of the Dukes of Bragança built in the 15th century. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.

10. Ponte de Lima

In the green north of Portugal lies the dreamy little town of Ponte de Lima, named after the Gothic bridge over the Rio Lima, with magnificent patrician houses from the 16th century. Every 2nd Monday, the oldest (since 1125) and one of the largest markets in Portugal takes place on the river promenade.

The charming little town lures with a magical atmosphere. Not only the magnificent houses and palaces attract countless people. Ponte de Lima is the Portuguese part of the Way of St James. Here the pilgrims meet on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

Best time to visit Portugal

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of Portugal:

April, May, June, July, August, September, and October

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for Portugal.