The List Of 25 Top Things To Do In Portugal For A Perfect Getaway

A short day trip out of Lisbon, the tale-book fairytale of Sintra takes in some wonderfully historical beauties in a collection of palaces to make any visit to Portugal an essential stop.

Prettily nestled in a mountain northwest of Lisbon, a little hamlet called Sintra is hidden there. Most of Portugal's celebrated palaces, castles, and museums are accessible from here.

From Praia da Ursa, Praia das Macas, and the beach of Azenhas do Mar up to Cabo da Roca, this is a coastal area that forms part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape.

Fado is a melancholic-sorrowful-gloomy style of music, originating in Portugal and considered by UNESCO in the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Guitarra Portuguesa, commonly referred to as the Portuguese guitar, and other string instruments accompany this slow and lingering tune.

Visit a casa de fado in Lisbon to see it for yourself. Parreirinha de Alfama, A Baiuca in Alfama, Adega Machado, and Cafe Luso in Bairro Alto are well-liked choices. All of them provide you the opportunity to attend a live performance, and some even serve traditional Portuguese food alongside the music.

Situated near Porto and Amarante, this city is an ideal location to witness some of Portugal's most remarkable structures and historical sites. It is renowned for its religious events and legacy as well.

Don't miss the breathtaking Bom Jesus do Monte. Additionally, remember to bring a bottle of water with you because there are far too many stairs that would exhaust even the most accomplished Olympian.

One of the striking monuments in the country is the Belem Tower. It happens to be one of the most magnificent examples of Manueline architecture in Portugal, and it was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

At 40 minutes from Lisbon, such an iconic tower can easily be reached by bus or a short and reasonably affordable 20-minute Uber drive. It is situated in the same area of the town as the Monastery of Jeronimos. If at all feasible, try to visit both locations in the same afternoon.

To appreciate the stunning architecture and breathtaking panoramic views from the summit, you may take a trip to the Belem Tower.

Professional horsemen will take you on a trip through Peneda-Geres, one of Portugal's most picturesque natural parks. Enter the Soajo entrance and look for the Mezio Horse Riding Centre.

You may travel three, seven, or eleven kilometers in one/two, or three-hour outings on the rocky terrain. A one or two-day journey (five hours of riding each day) is available for those with a more daring spirit.

Portugal is known for producing delicious tipples. Even though the Portuguese do well in all manners of alcoholic delights, you really should head to the Douro Valley when you're in the country to sample wine and ports.

The Douro's exquisitely terraced vistas are arguably Portugal's most famous attraction. Add to that a handful of renowned Port houses-Graham, Taylors, and Sandemans are just a few several vineyards producing excellent wines, and you start to understand why this should definitely be on your radar.

The Vale do Coa ancient rock art site, along with the adjacent Siega Verde in Spain, is the most notable Paleolithic art site on the Iberian Peninsula and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998.

Before embarking on a guided tour of the archaeological site and outdoor rock art museum, which features over 1000 rock carvings from the Paleolithic and Iron Age eras dispersed among 80 recognized sites, visit the Museu do Coa.

Santos Populares, or traditional or popular saints' celebrations, take place across Portugal in June, but the most well-known are St. Anthony's in Lisbon on June 13 and St. John's in Porto on June 24.

In the ancient districts of these cities, residents erect charcoal grills to cook sardines and pig steaks, ideally accompanied by a nice local beer or house wine, and stretch vibrant ribbons over the winding cobblestone walkways.

Originally held to celebrate the patron saints of the villages, these festivals are now the ideal opportunity to mingle with locals, have dinner together, and have a good time.

Local surfers and fishermen were aware of the enormous Atlantic waves that come in during Nazare's harsh winters, but the former fishing village on Portugal's west coast jumped to international prominence in 2011 when North American surfer Garrett McNamara set a new World Record by riding a 24m wave.

One of Nazare's signatures is giant wave surfing, and the view from Sao Miguel Arcanjo Fort's lighthouse is among the most photographed in the city. So, when you are in Portugal, don't forget to be here.

When the Paiva Walkways were opened in 2015, they were an immediate hit. The local culture and the various attractions of the whole Arouca area are given much-needed attention by a stroll here.

Along the Paiva River, there are five kilometers of wooden walks. Additionally, if you happen to be there on a hot summer day, descend to the river beaches and dive into the refreshingly cool waters with others.

Additionally, be sure to explore the fascinating nearby cities of Viseu and Lamego.

From wide expanses of coastline to tiny coves and grottoes, some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe line the Algarve. Each one of these treasures brings with it a particular atmosphere that will make any time at these beaches one of wonder, filled with the uniqueness of this area's natural beauty.

These are among the finest beaches of the Algarve: Praia da Marinha, Praia do Camilo, Praia dos Tres Irmaos, Praia da Falesia, and Praia Dona Ana.

Some of the Algarve's most stunning landscapes may respectively be seen in the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, during a boat trip inside Benagil Cave, or while on a cruise of Ponta da Piedade. Visit Cabo de Sao Vicente, the southwestmost point of Continental Europe.

The North Atlantic Ocean has an archipelago called the Azores. Nine large volcanic islands are present. The highest peak in Portugal is Mount Pico, which is located on the island of Pico.

All year long, the temperatures are moderate. The Azores are most often visited in the summer. Spend at least 7 to 10 days here for the finest experience, visiting many islands for trekking, scuba diving, whale viewing, and beach visits.

The "Island of Eternal Spring," Madeira, is well-known for its beautiful landscape and moderate temperature. Because of its volcanic nature, it boasts breathtaking coastline vistas, verdant woods, and cliffs.

Situated a little over 500 kilometers west of Morocco lies the archipelago of Madeira. These tropical islands are a well-liked vacation spot all year round.

The top activities in Madeira include hiking, drinking Madeira wine, touring Funchal, the capital city, going to the beaches, and observing the dawn from Pico Ruivo's peak.

It is one of the must-visit places in Portugal. In the north of the country, not far from Porto, Amarante is a wonderful spot to learn about some of the history of this stunning area.

Keep an eye out for Ponte Sao Goncalo's stunning arched bridge and explore the riverbank path, which is lined with several unique eateries and cafes.

This is somewhat similar to Costa Rica in that it has all the untamed beaches, fresh seafood, stunning sunsets, and big pristine wildlife among other many features.

With stops in Vila Nova de Santo Andre, Sines, Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Almograve, and Zambujeira do Mar, this haven is located between Melides and Azenha do Mar.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon's Belem neighborhood is a magnificent example of Manueline architecture. The monastery has magnificent cloisters with elaborate brickwork and a lavishly ornamented front.

Notable people like Luis De Camoes and Vasco Da Gama have graves there. It is a must-see for everyone interested in Portugal's rich history because of its striking architecture and historical significance.

Oceanario in Lisbon is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in Europe, presenting an interesting view into the world of water life. The main central tank of the aquarium, designed by architect Peter Chermayeff, has a large stock of sea life ranging from sharks and rays to colorful fish of every type.

The underwater viewing tunnel providing a 360-degree view of the aquatic environment forms part of the design at the Oceanario.

This is a marine conservation learning experience targeted mainly at families and enthusiasts. The abundance of marine life and emphasis on conservation highlights how crucial it is to protect the waters.

One of Portugal's best places to see stars is the artificial Great Lake Alqueva in Alentejo, which has mostly clear skies and minimal light pollution.

Fundacion Starlight, a Spanish company, approved the lake as the world's first official starlight tourism destination due to these exceptional circumstances. The observatory is open to aspiring astronomers, and a number of local businesses provide evening lake cruises and stargazing.

Entry is free for children under eight, but reservations are needed. Starry observations are arranged for either the day or the evening.

Children and adults dress up in costumes and take part in Carnival parades and celebrations throughout Portugal for three days leading up to Ash Wednesday in February or early March. Locally, Carnival is frequently described as the Portuguese equivalent of Halloween.

The first festivities date back to the 13th century when the Catholic Church stole elements of the pagan rituals from ancient Rome. On Fat Tuesday, Carnival parades are held in almost every town in Portugal, however, some are more famous than others.

The finest Carnival festivities take place in Torres Vedras, Ovar, and Loule, where local customs are combined with samba parades with a Brazilian flair.

The mountain villages between Coimbra and Castelo Branco, which were formerly situated at the intersection of significant trade routes, were all but abandoned in the middle of the 20th century as residents moved elsewhere in Europe.

In addition to being unique to the middle of Portugal, the black schist stones used to construct the homes also became a distinguishing feature of the area.

The Aldeias do Xisto project, which turned 27 villages into rural tourist destinations encircled by rocky mountains, lakes, and riverine beaches, was created to revitalize this portion of the nation's cultural and historical history. To respect and preserve the area's cultural character, the traditional design of the black-stone homes was preserved.

The scenic Estrada Nacional 2 is a 740km route that connects Chaves in the north to Faro in the south. It shows travelers the side of Portugal that they would miss if they just traveled on roads and freeways. The secondary N2 road, known as the "Portuguese Route 66," is experiencing a resurgence in tourism as residents rediscover Portugal's longest route.

As you travel, take in the changing landscape, from the winding roads that wind through the mountains in the north and center of Portugal to the nearly treeless plains of Alentejo and the golden sand beaches of the Algarve.

Spend a little more time in each town to experience local food and community life, or stop for a while to see sites along the route.

With distinct culinary delights from each location, Portugal's meals sector offers a diverse range of flavors. A fun approach to enjoying Portugal's varied cuisine is to visit several restaurants in its well-known food districts.

Some of Lisbon's most well-known restaurants and cafes may be found in the old Baixa and Chiado Districts. Try local specialties like Caldo Verde (shredded Portuguese cabbage soup) and Bacalhau a Bras (salted codfish) while you're there.

Try the famous Portuguese custard pastries, Pasteis de Nata. A genuine flavor of Lisbon's culinary legacy may be found in each bakery's interpretation of this well-loved delight.

Portugal's royal legacy is on display in the magnificent Baroque Royal Palace of Mafra. It was constructed in the 18th century and functioned as a monastery and a royal home.

The palace has a large basilica, exquisitely furnished chambers, and a library with thousands of books. It is a must-see for everyone interested in Portuguese royalty and architectural magnificence because of its wealth and historical significance.

The small town of Tomar is a lovely getaway from the city, and it's so close to Lisbon that you could do it in a single day. Explore its authentic Portuguese charm by taking a leisurely stroll around the cobblestone streets.

The Convento do Cristo, which is situated high above the town and is most famous for being the headquarters of the Order of the Knights Templar, which aimed to protect Portugal from the Moors, is the reason most tourists come here.

The Unesco World Heritage building, which has been used as a palace since 1160, straddles the boundary between a military installation and a place of worship.

Portugal is known for its beautiful summers, so you might be surprised to learn about its winter customs. Nonetheless, the nation's distinctive and endearing old winter customs persist. Don't pass on these off-season treats if you're visiting the area in the winter.

Each year, the local males dress up as the Caretos, wearing brightly colored homemade costumes and terrifying masks, and they perform simulated courtship rituals for the local ladies on the streets.

Visit Penamacor during Christmas, when groups of young men harvest logs from the woods.