Things to Do in Portugal

Portimão’s main beach ranks among the Algarve’s most popular holiday resorts, and its easy to see why, with its stretch of golden sand, scenic promenade and seafront boulevard lined with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. With calm swimming waters, Praia da Rocha is a top choice for families and there’s plenty of entertainment on offer, including boat cruises, jet skiing, paddle-boarding and snorkeling, plus a number of waterparks nearby. 

The beach is at its most scenic at sunrise and sunset, when the coastal cliffs are dramatic framed against the ocean – for the best views, look out over the beach from the seafront ruins of the 16th-century Fortaleza de Santa Catarina.

Praça da Figueira, which means Square of the Fig Tree in English, is located in the Baixa neighborhood of Lisbon. In 1755 there was a strong earthquake that greatly damaged a hospital located where the square is today. The square was built a few decades after the earthquake, once the hospital was torn down. The square is surrounded by guesthouses, shops, and cafes, including the well known Confeitaria Nacional and Pastelaria Suica. 

Along with huge flocks of pigeons, a bronze statue of King João I sitting on a horse can also be found in the square. Though the statue looks old, it only dates back to 1971. From here visitors can see the historic Castle of St. George which looks down on the square from a nearby hill. Tourists and locals alike often pass through Praça da Figueira since it is a big transport hub, and many sightseeing tours of the city start at this square.

Sitting atop Portugal’s Serra da Arrábida with views over the Tagus and Sado estuaries, Palmela Castle (Castelo de Palmela) has been a strategic vantage point and military stronghold since the Moors occupied the land. The structure was converted into a monastery in 1423, which was crucial in preserving the structure that we see today.

Palmela Castle, recognized as a national monument, features four towers, the Igreja de Santiago, a museum, and the castle itself. Enjoy panoramic views of the Arrábida hills from the castle or from the old convent wing, which has been transformed into a 4-star hotel. Tours to Palmela Castle generally explore the Setubal area including Arrábida National Park and Azeitão. Many wine tours also venture here, as it is in the heart of one of Portugal’s richest wine regions.

Palmela Castle is located 26 miles (42 kilometers) south of Lisbon’s city center and 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) north of Setubal. As there is no public transport, the best way to reach the castle is with a prebooked tour or by car. If driving, follow the narrow roads leading up from the town of Palmela.

Palmela Castle is most enjoyable on a clear day with little to no wind, due to its higher altitude and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors generally spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the castle and generally combine it with a trip to the quaint town of Palmela below.

Palmela Castle is located in the heart of the abundant Setubal wine region, famous for its periquita grape variety. Sweet Moscatel de Setubal wines come from this region and are grown on the slopes of the Serra da Arrabida. There are two DOCs from this region: Setubal, which is sweet and fortified; and Palmela, which is mainly red and complex.

Backed by ochre cliffs, the seemingly endless shoreline of Praia dos Salgados exemplifies the picture-perfect beauty of The Algarve’s coastline. Steps away from the sand, you’ll find a golf course and reserve that cater to nature lovers and families alike. Meanwhile, the calm waters of the Atlantic Ocean provide a safe place for kids to swim.

If you want an overview of The Algarve’s coast, a hop-on hop-off bus tour gives you the flexibility to customize your own sightseeing itinerary. Most Algarve bus tours stop at Praia dos Salgados, allowing you to disembark and spend a few hours either walking along the coast to other popular beaches or exploring Dos Salgados Lagoon, famously home to flamingos and red herons. The nearby fishing village of Armacao de Pera Beach offers a plethora of beachfront seafood restaurants.

Things to Know Before You Go 

From Albufeira, you can take a local bus to the beach. Buses depart regularly and run until after sunset, making it possible to spend a full day here. From the fishing village of Armacao de Pera, the beach is a short walk along the coastline. 

If you want to beat the crowds and midday sun, opt to arrive early in the morning on a day trip from Albufeira. If you want to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife at the nearby Dos Salgados Lagoon, visit just after sunrise when birds are at their most active. 

If you’re a nature lover, the Dos Salgados Lagoon is a must-see. A visit to the freshwater wetlands can reveal rare bird species such as the red-knobbed coot, the Eurasian bittern, the Peregrine falcon, and the Lesser Flamingo. During the evening, the light is best for spotting birds. 

Watching over the city from its hilltop spot, the imposing fort-like Porto Cathedral is a reminder of Porto’s diverse history. Featuring Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture, this is Porto’s oldest and largest church, a must-visit for architecture and history aficionados.

 

A visit to Porto Cathedral is essential to understand the history of Porto, one of Europe’s oldest populated centers. The church dates back to the 12th century and work continued into the 16th century (not counting later baroque and 20th-century additions), accounting for the varied architectural influences. Travelers can take a half-day river cruise tour stopping at the cathedral and many other main city monuments. A tuk tuk tour of Porto is another way to avoid uphill walks.

 

Situated in the heart of the city, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral is in a great location near the Douro river. Porto Cathedral is in Terreiro da Sé, the oldest district in central Porto, which is a short walk to Sao Bento station. Using the city's metro system, take Porto’s D (yellow) line and disembark at the Sao Bento stop.

 

From April to October, the cathedral is open from 9am to 12:30pm and from 2:30 to 7pm (the cloister is open 9am to 6:30pm). Between November and March, the cathedral closes at 6pm and the cloister closes at 5:30pm. The cloister is only open in the afternoon on Sundays and religious holidays, and it is closed to the public on Christmas and Easter.

 

Situated at the highest point of the city, the cathedral is famous for its stunning views and is a must for photographers. For the best vistas of the city, head to the terraces on the north and west sides of the church to capture panoramic scenes of Porto’s ancient labyrinthine streets and the red-roofed dwellings below.

For being so small, Madeira is mountainous, which means that for many a lot of the island is off limits, whether because of vertigo or poor health. But visitors who simply must get that bird's eye view, Pico do Arieiro is the place to go. It's the third-highest peak in Madeira and best of all, it's completely accessible by car.

The view Pico do Arieiro affords depends on the weather. On a clear day it's possible to see as far as 30 miles, and the views are tremendous. But even on a cloudy day – at least, when it's cloudy down below – visitors will be above the clouds and feel as though they're flying without wings. Add in a lunch at the nearby restaurant, and it's a fantastic day trip from Funchal that will provide lifelong memories.

The imperious, double-decker metal spans of Ponte de Dom Luís I stretch across the Douro River from Porto to Villa Nova de Gaia, and were designed by Téophile Seyrig, the student of Gustave Eiffel who also drew up the plans for the nearby Donna Maria Pia Bridge. When the Dom Luís I was finished in 1886, it was the longest single-span bridge in the world at 564 feet, and it supported 3,045 tons of steel in weight.

The bridge marked a significant step forward in Porto’s economic growth, as before it existed, the only passages across the river were boats lashed together. Today the lower deck of the bridge carries cars while the upper level is utilized by metro Line D and has a pedestrian walkway offering views across the river. Since the late 19th century, four other bridges have joined the bridge of Dom Luís I and Donna Maria Pia in reaching across the Douro; they are all best seen by river cruise in a traditional wooden rabelo.

Peneda-Gerês National Park (Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês) is Portugal’s only national park, stretching through the northern districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Vila Real. Largely uninhabited, the vast highlands are ideal for hiking, with rugged mountain ridges, dense pine forests, and sweeping plateaus. 

Peneda-Gerês National Park is an ideal day trip destination from Porto or Braga. Hiking is a popular park activity, but there are also opportunities for mountain biking, canyoning, and horseback riding. Gerês National Park tours typically include a trek to one of the waterfalls (Arado Waterfall and Tahiti Waterfall are popular choices) followed by a soak in the Gerês thermal springs, a visit to one of the traditional stone villages, and sometimes a picnic lunch atop a mountain vista point. 

Peneda-Gerês National Park is located in northern Portugal, roughly 1.5 hours from Porto and 40 from Braga by road. Public transportation to the park is limited, but it’s possible to arrive by guided tour, taxi, or private vehicle. 

You can visit Peneda-Gerês National Park year-round, but summer (June through September) is the most popular time for hiking and outdoor activities, when the weather is typically warm and sunny. 

Park highlights include the 16th-century ruins of Castro Laboreiro castle; the traditional mountain village of Peneda, known for its beautiful Nossa Senhora da Peneda Sanctuary; and Soajo village, with its old stone houses and granaries. There’s also the Vilarinho das Furnas dam, the ruins of an ancient Roman trade road in Mata da Albergaria, and Pitões das Júnias—a 12th-century Benedictine monastery set in a stunning mountain valley.

Founded in 1859 by António Alves Cálem, Porto Calem is one of the most celebrated wineries in the Porto region. Located at the heart of the Douro Valley, the family-run winery produces some of Portugal’s finest port wines, using centuries-old production methods and offering a completely unique tasting experience for wine lovers.

 

Visitors can discover Porto’s history on a guided tour of the winery, peek into the wine cellars, and visit the winery museum. The highlight of a visit is a guided tasting at the wine bar, overlooking the Douro River, where you can sample varieties including white port and tawny port. For the full experience, sign up for a thrilling 5D wine tasting journey or enjoy a traditional live fado (local style of folk song) show, followed by wine tasting.

 

Porto Calem is a 15-minute drive from central Porto, located on the riverside of Vila Nova de Gaia, where it is the closest cellar to the Dom Luiz I bridge. Vila Nova de Gaia is easily reached by metro from Porto—hop off at Jardim do Morro station and the wine cellar is just a few minutes’ walk west along the waterfront.

 

Porto Calem is open for tours and tastings year-round, but the busiest times are in July and August, when it’s best to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

 

Produced exclusively in Douro Valley, port wine is a sweet fortified wine that has been produced in the area since the 12th century. Today, the traditional wine is preserved on the UNESCO World Heritage Site and exported all around the world. Port wine is typically a red dessert wine, but other varieties to look out for include tawny ports (wood-aged red port), rose port, and white port, which is a popular ingredient in local cocktails.

An ornate, Baroque palace located in the heart of Lisbon, the Palacio Foz was originally built in the 18th century as the home of the Count of Castelo Melhor. In the 1800s, it was purchased by the Marquis of Foz, who decorated the palace’s interior in the extravagant style we can still see today.

The palace interior is not regularly open to the public, but guided tours are offered every month. Most walking tours of Lisbon pass the palace and offer a chance to learn about its history. Visitors can join group tours, or opt for a private tour for a more personalized experience. The palace is also home to the Lisbon tourism center, which is open daily.

The palace is located on the edge of the Restauradores Square in Lisbon’s city center. Visitors can take the Azul line to the Restauradores metro stop as well as city buses 207, 732, and 736 to the nearby Rossio Square. The Linha Sintra line also makes a stop at the Rossio train station adjacent to the palace.

The best time to visit Lisbon is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and there are smaller crowds. Due to its central location, the palace is best avoided in the afternoon when it’s packed with visitors. During summer months, the palace offers classical music concerts in the public hall.

The exquisite interiors of the palace are reminiscent of the French style, and feature a Versailles-style Hall of Mirrors and a grand marble staircase. There’s also a Paintings Room filled with works by artists such as Frans Snyders and Van Dyck. The design of the rooms themselves are worth a visit, including a dining room with three massive chandeliers straight from Venice.

The city of Funchal on the Island of Madeira rises gently from the coast back into the hills. As such, just a short way back from the shore there are fantastic views not only of Funchal, but the surrounding mountains and the sea. As any local can readily tell a visitor, the best point from which to survey this vast domain is the Miraduro Pico dos Barcelos.

Despite Madeira being a hiker's dream, the Pico dos Barcelos is accessible to all and not a “trek” in the traditional sense. From the car park to the observation point is about a 15-minute walk, and the promontory is well-paved and includes safety fences. Recently the city has also built a cafe, restrooms, and other facilities there for visitors, making it more than just a ride up the hill and back. It's a wonderful place to have a lunch with a view; shutterbugs will want to head there at sunrise or sunset for some calendar-worthy shots.

Located in Lisbon’s city center, Praça Martim Moniz is a spacious plaza, lined with trees and filled with bars and restaurants with outdoor seating. Fantastic fountains and pools are set amid modern sculptures and are spread throughout the plaza. Some of the fountains are open for children to play in and are especially popular on hot days. 

The plaza’s contemporary design contrasts against Lisbon’s centuries-old buildings that make up the majority of the city. The plaza is home to other works of modern art, including a recognizable chicken sculpture made largely of newspaper. The plaza and its fountains are well lit at night, making it an atmospheric place for dinner or a drink. 

Frequently on Saturdays and Sundays, the plaza is transformed into an open-air market known as Mercado Fusão. Street food stalls serve up cuisine from all over the world, and are representative of Lisbon’s multicultural side. There are also concerts, workshops, and other cultural events that coincide with the street-food fair.

The modern beating heart of Lisbon now lies in the Parque das Nacoes, the brainchild of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava that was constructed for the 100th World Expo in 1998. Calatrava’s reshaping of the city’s formerly dilapidated waterfront into something resembling a mini-Dubai was one of the biggest redevelopment projects ever undertaken in Europe. Today the Parque das Nacoes serves as both smart residential area and playground for tourists, who come in hordes to wander around the marina and landscaped water-gardens. 

Chief visitor attraction at the complex is the eco-friendly, waterfront Oceanário de Lisboa (Oceanarium Aquarium) designed by Peter Chermeyeff, which pulls in more than one million punters each year. It is dedicated to educating visitors as well as conserving our marine life and the aquarium offers four ocean-themed aquariums stuffed full of scary stingrays, menacing sharks and darting tropical fish in a medley of colors. The antics of the sea otters and the clumsy penguins are firm favorites with kids, while various family activities on offer include ‘sleeping with sharks’ experiences. When you’re done at the Oceanarium, take the cable-car ride over the Parque das Nacoes for awesome views stretching towards the Vasco da Gama suspension bridge.

The origins of the Orient Museum (Museu do Oriente) date back to 1988 and the founding of the Fundação Oriente to strengthen Portugal’s ties with Asia. Twenty years later, the foundation opened the Orient Museum with the purpose of preserving and showcasing the richness of Portuguese influence in Asian art and culture.

Housed in a former salt cod warehouse, the Orient Museum’s permanent collection focuses on the Portuguese presence in the Far East, with pieces like statues of Jesuit martyrs, Chinese and Japanese folding screens, Ming porcelain and ritual masks from East Timor. A second collection showcases some 13,000 pieces related to performing arts in the region spanning from Turkey to Japan.

A top floor restaurant serves Asian fare with impressive views over the River Tagus.

The Principe Real Garden is a small green space in the Bairro Alto neighborhood of Lisbon. It was built in the mid 1800s. The park covers an area of only a little more than 2.5 acres but it is filled with impressive cypress trees that are hundreds of years old and have grown to diameters of more than 65 feet. These trees provide welcomed shade for those who visit the park during warmer months. 

The park is a popular one with locals. Families bring their children to play on the playground, and older men can often be seen playing cards for hours. It's a nice place to get something to drink or eat and relax with friends. In the center of the park is a large lake with a fountain in it. Every Saturday, the Biological Products market is held in the garden where people can buy fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. At the end of each month, there is an urban craft fair.

Porto’s former stock exchange building, the Palace of the Stock Exchange (Palácio da Bolsa), is a magnificent 19th-century mansion at the heart of the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center. A marvel of neoclassical architecture and steeped in history, its grand ballrooms have played host to royals like Queen Elizabeth II over the years.

Today, the Palacio da Bolsa is open to the public by guided tour only and visitors can explore a number of its opulent rooms. Highlights include the Nations’ Room, with its collection of international flags; the exquisite parquet floors and the monumental grand staircase with its glittering bronze chandeliers. The undisputed star attraction is the dazzling Arabian Room, where the arabesque décor and gilded pillars are inspired by the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada, and music concerts are held throughout the year.

The Miradouro Portela, or Portela Lookout Point, situated between Porto da Cruz and Machico, allows visitors to observe one of the most beautiful landscapes in Madeira. The coastal lookout point boasts a panorama of mountains, villages and the sea as well. Time spent here is worthwhile, especially with a lunch at Restaurante Miradouro da Portela right on the road.

Many choose to take the bus or to drive to Portela from Funchal, while others take the hiking trail from Ribeiro Frio in Santana. In fact, the Ribeiro-Frio-to-Portela walk is one of the most popular levada routes, and in fact can be quite crowded in the high season as its medium level of difficulty is attractive to a wider variety of hikers. 

To the south of the Laurel Forest lies the Paúl da Serra Plateau, a favorite destination for hikers, nature lovers, and those wishing to seek out the famous levadas of Madeira, several of which are located in nearby Rabaçal, at the western tip of the plateau.

Levadas are a network of manmade waterways that bring water across and down from the mountains; alongside them run narrow but sturdy walkways that hikers have come to call their own. But the plateau itself is also a worthy destination that is easy enough to navigate while providing thrilling views and plenty of fresh air.

The crown jewel of UNESCO-listed Sintra, Pena National Palace never fails to inspire. The fanciful red and yellow palace is an exotic mix of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, and Renaissance elements, commissioned by King Ferdinand II and completed in 1854 on a hilltop high above Sintra.

This Disney-like castle in the clouds is one of the most-visited attractions in Portugal and a popular day trip from nearby Lisbon. A shady, winding road leads travelers up through Parque das Merendas to the palace, perched 1,476 feet (450 meters) above sea level. Within the palace, it’s possible to walk the walls and see inside the turrets, marvel at the Victorian and Edwardian furnishings within, and explore the surrounding Pena Park and its spectacular landscaping. The most convenient and rewarding way to explore the complex is on a guided half- or full-day tour from Lisbon, which could include other stops such as Cascais, Quinta da Regaleira, Queluz Palace, or even a local winery for a tasting. 

 

The town of Sintra is set about an hour from Lisbon by train or 40 minutes by road. From the train station, Bus 434 continues on to the main part of town and then ascends the hill to Pena Palace. From the Sintra town center, it's also possible to make the hour-long climb to the palace on foot.

The palace is generally open daily from 9:45am to 7pm, while the park grounds are open from 9:30am until 8pm. July and August tend to be the busiest months in Sintra, particularly between 10am and 4pm when many visitors from Lisbon come for a tour of the royal palaces and Moorish castle. Expect temperatures in the high 80s during this time of year. To avoid the crowds (and the worst of the heat), arrive at the ticket office first thing in the morning, preferably on a weekday.

If you’re in Sintra to see the Pena Palace, you’ll find a range of other attractions to check out as well. Many visitors choose to make a circuit of the area’s three royal palaces: the National Palace of Pena, National Palace of Sintra, and the Palace of Quelez. The Castle of the Moors, another part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra UNESCO World Heritage site, is also worth visiting.