Portugal

Top Sights

1. Faro

Faro is the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region. The city’s neoclassical Arco da Vila is on the site of a gate that was part of the original Moorish wall. The monumental archway leads to the old town, with its cobbled streets. Nearby is Faro Cathedral, built in the 13th century. The Municipal Museum, in a 16th-century convent, displays prehistoric and medieval artifacts, plus religious art. Access to beaches and Via Algarviana trail

2. Monsaraz

Medieval hilltop walled village, perched high above the River Guadiana close to the frontier with Spain and to the east of Évora is one of the most atmospheric places in the entire Alentejo region. With its narrow cobbled lanes, low-rise houses and striking picture-book castle.

3. Aveiro

Aveiro is a city on the west coast of Portugal set along a lagoon called Ria de Aveiro. It's distinguished by its canals navigated by colorful boats (barcos moliceiros), traditionally used to harvest seaweed. Not far from its core, known for art nouveau buildings, is the Cathedral of Aveiro, with its prominent bell tower. The Museu de Aveiro, housed in a former convent, has a lavish tomb made of marble.

4. Evora

Évora is the capital of Portugal's south-central Alentejo region. In the city's historic center stands the ancient Roman Temple of Évora (also called the Temple of Diana). Nearby, whitewashed houses surround the Cathedral of Évora, a massive Gothic structure begun in the 12th century. The Igreja de São Francisco features Gothic and baroque architecture along with the skeleton-adorned Chapel of Bones.

5. Rio Douro

The Douro river roughly translates from Portuguese as "river of gold." The Douro cuts across northern Portugal, snaking 200 miles from rugged wilderness on the Spanish frontier to the old city of Oporto and the Atlantic beyond. Grapes grown on its steeply rising banks have been sending forth legendary port wines for centuries. It may be the world's most beautiful wine region.

6. Coimbra

Coimbra, a riverfront city in central Portugal and the country’s former capital, is home to a preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra. Built on the grounds of a former palace, the university is famed for its baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, and its 18th-century bell tower. In the city’s old town lies the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral Sé Velha.

7. Porto

Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. In the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district, narrow cobbled streets wind past merchants’ houses and cafes. São Francisco Church is known for its lavish baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings. The palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors.

8. Batalha Monastery

The Monastery of Batalha, literally the Monastery of the Battle, is a Dominican convent in the municipality of Batalha, in the district of Leiria, in the Centro Region of Portugal.

9. Obidos

The mediaeval town of Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and well preserved in Portugal. You will find a well preserved castle within the walls, and a maze of streets and white houses.

10. Serra da Estrela

Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in Continental Portugal. Together with the Serra da Lousã it is the westernmost constituent range of the Sistema Central and also one of the highest in the system. It includes mainland Portugal's highest point at 1,993 metres above mean sea level.

11. Lisbon

Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril.

12. Sintra

Sintra is a resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, near the capital, Lisbon. A longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. The Moorish- and Manueline-style Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tilework. The hilltop 19th-century Pena National Palace is known for a whimsical design and sweeping views.

13. Peneda-Gerês National Park

Peneda-Gerês National Park is in northern Portugal, near the Spanish border. Its rugged hills are home to deer, wolves and golden eagles. Trails include a Roman road studded with milestones. The spa town Gerês is nearby. Lindoso is a traditional village with a medieval castle and stone granaries. To the north, the 19th-century Shrine of Santuario de Nossa Senhora da Peneda sits above a stairway in Peneda village.

14. Mafra Palace

The Palace of Mafra, also known as the Palace-Convent of Mafra and the Royal Building of Mafra, is a monumental Baroque and Neoclassical palace-monastery located in Mafra, Portugal, some 28 kilometres from Lisbon. Construction began in 1717 under King John V of Portugal and was completely concluded in 1755.

15. Guimaraes

Guimarães is a city in northern Portugal. It’s known for well-preserved medieval buildings like the hilltop, 10th-century Guimarães Castle, with its sweeping city views. The restored Dukes of Bragança Palace, built in the style of a French chateau, has a museum showcasing furniture, tapestries and weapons. Between the palace and the castle is the Romanesque São Miguel do Castelo Church, built in the 13th century.

16. Sado dolphins

Sado Estuary Natural Reserve is a nature reserve in Portugal. It is one of the 30 areas which are officially under protection in the country. It is located between the municipalities of Alcácer do Sal, Comporta and Setúbal.

17. Rota Vicentina

Rota Vicentina is a network of hiking trails in the south of Portugal. One of the most beautiful and best preserved coastal areas of Europe. This long hiking path stretches for nearly 400 km . There are two main trails and eight circular routes. Can be done on foot or by bike.

18. Tomar

Convent of Christ, is the former headquarters of the Knights Templar, founded in the 12th century it is on UNESCO's World Heritage list. An elegant church with graceful cloisters and impressive castle. Tomar’s old quarters consist of whitewashed and terraced cottages lining narrow cobbled streets.

19. Feira de Barcelos

Farmers market and fair, which it is believed took place as early as the 13th century, Currently, it is a traditional fair, markedly rural that favors the sale of local agricultural products and is linked to the sale of handicrafts, popular arts and crafts such as Barcelos tableware, woodwork, linen and embroidery, pottery , weaving, wood carving and iron forging, among others.

20. Funchal

Funchal is the capital city of Portugal's Madeira archipelago. It's backed by hills, and known for its harbor, gardens and Madeira wine cellars. The centuries-old Funchal Cathedral, which mixes Gothic and Romanesque styles, is notable for its carved wooden ceiling. Fronting the harbor is the São Tiago Fortress, built in the 1600s. It now houses the Contemporary Art Museum, with a large collection of Portuguese works.

21. Cascais

This charming town seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of the country’s capital, thanks to its sun-soaked beaches, palm-fringed mosaic sidewalks and ocean views. Many tourists overlook this spot, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. Visit Citadel Palace and Nossa Senhora Fort

22. São Miguel

São Miguel is the biggest island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago. It’s known for its volcanic scenery, flora and rich marine life, including whales. Ponta Delgada, the capital, is home to the 18th-century City Gates, Gothic St. Sebastian Church and 16th-century Fort of São Brás. The twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, one green and one blue, lie to the northwest. To the east, Furnas has fumaroles and hot springs.

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