Portugal is a country that shares a border, and a lot of cultures, with Spain. It sits on the Iberian Peninsula, near the Atlantic Ocean.
Portugal’s position makes it a popular destination for seaside holidays. There are a lot of nautical influences here, especially in the cuisine where seafood features prominently, so much so that grilled sardines are a national dish.
Another major attraction is the beaches, which are some of the most beautiful in the world. Many visitors flock to these pristine, white paradises each year to enjoy the sun and swim in the turquoise blue water.
Here is a list of some of the most popular things to do in Portugal…
Madeira
Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal that consists of an archipelago made up of four different islands. These volcanic islands lie just off the coast of northwest Africa and are especially famous for their namesake foods and wines.
From Madeira cake to the popular wines of the region, these small islands have become synonymous with delicious delicacies and local treats. The landscape itself is somewhat inhospitable but nevertheless beautiful, with volcanic terrain and pebble beaches set against towering cliffs covered in lush green foliage
Madeira Cabo Girao Skywalk
The Cabo Girao Skywalk is one of the most exciting things to do in Madeira, as long as you don’t mind heights! It is built on a gigantic 580 meters tall cliff on the island’s south coast. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera with you.
The platform extends out from the cliff, so you can see the ocean below you and watch as it stretches out towards the horizon. The view from here is truly amazing, and best of all, the skywalk is completely free.
Madeira Pico Ruivo
Pico Ruivo is the perfect activity if you enjoy outdoor, adventurous holidays and you don’t mind a long hike. Pico Ruivo is Madeira’s tallest peak, reaching 1,863 meters at its summit.
The entire hike from the base to the summit takes around 6 hours to complete, and there are a lot of options of different trails that cater to different fitness and activity levels. Again, be sure to bring a camera, because the views from the top and the flora and fauna you’ll encounter along the way are stunning.
Evora
The city of Evora is the capital of Portugal’s Alentejo region. Evora is famous for its beautiful Romanesque architecture and unique culture. The cuisine here is second to none, and although there are no beaches here because it’s far from the coast, there is plenty for tourists to do.
One of the top attractions in Evora is the Roman Temple of Diana, also known as the Temple of Evora, which stands proudly in the city center. There is also a large Gothic cathedral and the unique and fascinating, if somewhat macabre, Chapel of Bones which is covered in real skeletons.
Porto
Another popular city in Portugal is the coastal city of Porto. Known for its architecture, grand collection of bridges, and port wine industry, Porto is a great place to visit if you’re looking for somewhere to relax and take in the culture.
Some of the iconic landmarks here include the famous Palacio de Bolsa, a lavish building from the 19th century, which was built to impress European investors, as well as the Sao Francisco Church which has an outstanding baroque interior decorated with gold cravings.
Matosinhos
Matosinhos is a city in Portugal that shares a border with Porto and is another excellent choice for a vacation spot. Matosinhos is a port city and is famous for its freshly caught seafood which can be found in almost all the restaurants.
The other big draw is the beaches that stretch along the coastline, pure white and glittering in the sun, just waiting for the day’s sunbathers and swimmers to descend on it. Matosinhos is also a great place for ice cream, you’ll find a lot of shops selling frozen desserts near the beaches.
São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is part of Portugal’s Azores archipelago, a collection of 9 islands, of which São Miguel is the largest. It boasts beautiful volcanic scenery, a vast variety of marine life from dolphins to whales along with beautiful ancient buildings.
One of the island’s most popular attractions is Furnas Lake, a beautiful natural oasis of geothermal springs that pump out steam like a theatre smoke machine and lush greenery that thrives in this volcanic climate.
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, is one of the country’s most popular destinations. Famous for its beautiful architecture, thriving music scene, and sunny weather, it’s easy to see why this city is consistently a top choice for tourists.
Unlike some of its other European counterparts, Lisbon is actually one of the least expensive capital cities to visit, which definitely adds to the appeal. This scenic city is set atop a series of rolling hills and slopes that give it a unique and charming visage.
Lisbon Alfama Quarter
The Alfama Quarter is Lisbon’s historic neighborhood. This section of the city famously withstood the earthquake in 1755, leaving the ancient Moorish architecture standing proudly.
Today, visitors are charmed by winding cobbertsien streets, colorful buildings, and the soft strains of the traditional folk music known as fado. From outdoor bistros serving delicious local delicacies to busy bars and lively nightclubs, the Alfama Quarter has everything you need.
Lisbon National Palace of Pena
National Palace of Pena, which dates from around 1850, is a Moorish-era design set high towing hills. The palace was commissioned by King Ferdinand II and can be found in Sintra, around a 30-minute drive from the center of Lisbon.
This fairytale castle is just next to the Portuguese Riviera, and can easily be seen from Lisbon on a clear day. Counted as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, the castle looks oddly mismatched by contrasting styles and colors, but at the same time, it is a very lovely building.
Lisbon Sao Jorge Castle
Another of Portugal’s castles is San Jorge castle. Located in Lisbon itself, this castle has a long-standing historical heritage. The hill it now occupies is said to have been home to ancient citizens since around the 8th century BC, and early fortifications appeared in the area around the 1st century BC.
Today, tourists can explore the castle and learn more about Portugal’s history and the different eras and rulers that have shaped the country. There is a small entrance fee, but visitors tend to unanimously agree that it is worth the money.
Lisbon Belem Tower
Belem Tower, which is officially called the Tower of St Vincent, can be found in Lisbon against a beautiful seaside backdrop. This fortification dates back to the 16th century and was designed by Francisco de Arruda.
In recent history, the Belem Tower has acted as a proverbial gateway to Portugal, serving as an embarkation and disembarkation point for vessels from around the world. Those leaving Lisbon as well as those returning would all approach the tower and be welcomed.
Lisbon Carmo Convent
The Carmo Convent, officially The Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, was originally a Catholic convent. Today, the convent is largely in ruins and has been turned into a museum.
Back in 1755, an earthquake destroyed a lot of historic buildings in Lisbon, including the Carmo Convent. Queen Mary, I ordered repairs, but they were only ever partially completed, hence why to this day the convent does not have a roof.
Lisbon Sé Cathedral
The Sé Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, is an iconic landmark in Lisbon. It boasts a grand heritage as the largest cathedral in the city, and it currently acts as the seat of the Patriarchate of Lisbon.
The Cathedral was first built in 1147, and since then it has survived quite a lot, including earthquakes and renovations all while keeping its traditional design and integrity. Since 1910 it has also been classed as a National Monument.
Lisbon National Museum of Ancient Art
The National Museum of Ancient Art, Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga in Portuguese, is located in Lisbon and is considered one of Portugal’s finest museums. For reference, there are over 60 museums in Lisbon alone.
The Museum of Ancient Art is a great place to visit if you’re interested in art and the unique culture of Portugal. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the works on display here and learning more about the artists that created them.
