Things to Do in Portugal

In a fertile valley in the Douro River region’s Port wine area sits the little town of Lamego. It’s famous for its proximity to one of the most important shrines in all of Portugal, the church of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, which has been challenging pilgrims with its 600-step staircase since the 12th century. The Gothic cathedral at the top of the shrine’s hill was built in 1129 by Afonso Henriques, who would be crowned Portugal’s first king a decade later.

The mountainous interiors of these steeply pitched volcanic islands are draped with a unique and lush ecosystem, the Laurisilva Rainforests of Madeira. Named for its flowering laurels, these forests are marbled with waterfalls and home to hundreds of endemic species, many endangered though this was once one of Europe's most common biomes.

This type of subtropical humid forest begins at an elevation of around 300 meters (984 feet), reaching its cool, misty pinnacle atop Pico Ruivo (1,861m / 6104ft). Well-worn hiking trails and winding roads wend through these rich forests, some specifically protected as biogenic and natural reserves with admission fees, such as Vale da Ribeira da Janela and the Deserta Islands. Others are less formally accessible, such as those around Santana and on the Selagem Islands. All are protected as part of Madeira Natural Park.

Jardim Zoológico, in attractive gardens, has more than 2,000 animals of 300 species. Their theme is nature, animals, and ecology. There are the usual feeding sessions and a children's farm. The gardens also provide shaded picnic areas. There's also a dolphin show and row boats.

Just outside the zoo itself is the Animax, an amusement park with restaurants and bars and shops. 

Faro is home to about 55,000 people, but despite its relatively small size, it is the administrative center of the Algarve region. Prior to its modern incarnation, Faro was occupied by the Romans and then later the Moors, serving as a trading hub for both; ruins of both invading civilizations can be found throughout the city. As it grew in importance over neighboring towns such as Silves, Faro eventually became the regional seat.

Like Porto, Faro has an old town. Inside a spacious open square that was once the site of the Roman Forum is a 13th century Cathedral that faces the 18th century Episcopal palace. Much of the city is now composed of apartments and there are attractive shops and a particularly artistic theatre. Faro is also the home of the Ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve of over 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) and a stopping place for hundreds of different birds during the spring and autumn migratory periods.

Of course, Faro is also a favorite place for seaside leisure, though it is not often very crowded. The beach is about 7 km (4 mi) from the city and is a long sandy near the International Airport. The city holds various cultural events here such as concerts and festivals.

More than 2,000 plants populate this science and culture center in the heart of Madeira. The garden, which has been open since 1960, is divided into five main sections. The indigenous area showcases some 100 plants found in the region, while the tree garden displays flora from the Himalayas and the tropics. Another room houses succulents from South America, while a fourth examines medicinal tropical fruit trees. The final section, Loiro Park, is home to some of the most rare and exotic birds on earth.

Spend an afternoon exploring the grounds here, where scenic paths through forested land lead to manicured lawns and checkerboard foliage. Enjoy lunch or a snack in the botanical garden’s café. Visitors can also hop in the nearby cable car for a nine-minute ride above the grounds for a small fee.