Portugal is a tremendously diversified destination that should not be missed. The nation, which is inextricably bound to the ocean, boasts more than 800 km of gorgeous Atlantic Ocean coastline. The capital city of Portugal is located in a beautiful area close to the mouth of the Tagus River. Portugal has fostered a great nautical culture since the pioneering seafarers from this region sailed on epic journeys of discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. Portugal’s interior blends the wide rolling plains of the sun-baked middle areas with the stunning northern mountain ranges. Some of Europe’s nicest beaches are found in the south, where they are backed by charming bays and warm, shallow waters. There are historic palaces and castles, museums, and monasteries scattered throughout, as well as stone-built villages, enchanted towns, and modern cities. Additionally, visiting Portugal may entail a trip to the serene, remote Azores archipelago or the lush, subtropical island of Madeira, commonly known as the Garden Isle.
See our list of Portugal’s top tourist attractions for additional suggestions on where to go.
1. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Lisbon
An integral part of Portugal’s golden age of discovery is Belém. Adventuresome explorers embarked on lengthy and treacherous expeditions to survey new lands and navigate uncharted waterways from the coast of this Lisbon suburb in the fifteenth and sixteenth century. After one of these explorers, Vasco da Gama, found the sea path to India in 1498, King Manuel I ordered the construction of a monument in his honour, which has since become an enduring representation of the nation’s incredible period of conquest and growth. Presently, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stands as one of the nation’s most beloved and esteemed structures, and it is an essential destination for all travellers. The church and monastery capture the essence of the era and have some of Portugal’s best examples of Manueline architecture; the South Portal’s exquisitely detailed ornamentation is simply stunning.
The exquisite cloister within is just as vibrant. The tombs of notable national figures, such as Portugal’s greatest poet and historian of the discoveries, LuÃs de Camões, and Vasco da Gama are appropriately housed in the chapel.
2. Oceanário de Lisboa, Lisbon
Lisbon’s oceanarium, arguably the country’s most well-liked and kid-friendly tourist destination, is a masterfully designed aquarium that showcases the world’s varied ocean environments. With a wide variety of fish and aquatic life, this is one of the greatest and biggest oceanariums in Europe. The ecosystems of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Antarctic oceans are recreated in four distinct seascapes. Visible from several levels, a massive centre tank is teeming with sharks, rays, and many more amazing fish and creatures of the deep. Smaller tropical species kept in individual aquaria arranged around the main tank give the impression that they are swimming with their larger cousins thanks to the clear plexiglass construction.
The outdoor environments, where adorable birds and creatures like sea otters and penguins live in carefree harmony, add to this spectacular show.
3. Kayaking the Lisbon Coast
Kayaking the Lisbon coast and exploring it from the water is a worthwhile nautical adventure. Paddling the shoreline is not only a great way to see the sites in a new light, but it’s also a great way to work out in a pure, salted environment. Lisbon’s closeness to the seaside does, in fact, make it possible for a variety of thrilling water activities, and exploring the beaches, bays, and coves that are located between the Portuguese city and the resort town of Cascais is an exciting way to spend a day out.
Beyond the region, the glistening seas off the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, which includes locations like Setubal and Sesimbra, provide a singular topography of stunning, old coastal cliffs that are a haven for birdwatchers. The majority of this coastline is enclosed by a protected marine reserve, which also has the incredibly picturesque Ribeira do Cavalo beach.
4. Torre de Belém, Lisbon
The Torre de Belém, a beloved historic monument in Portugal and a landmark of Lisbon, represents the Age of Discovery and the exploratory expeditions that took place in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Constructed in 1521 as a stronghold to safeguard the River Tagus’s entrance, the tower is recognised as a masterwork of military design. Francisco de Arruda created the Manueline-style façade, which is a masterwork of exquisitely carved stone with nautical elements like the armillary sphere and twisted rope. A striking Renaissance loggia accentuates the ornamentation.
5. Convento do Cristo, Tomar
Standing guard over Portugal’s most notable historical site, the Convento do Cristo, is protected by a formidable fortress that rules the quaint riverbank village of Tomar. The Convent of Christ, which was established in 1160 as the Order of the Knights Templar’s headquarters, is both enigmatic and majestic, with a tangible and alluring masonic past. The original Templar church, located in the heart of the region, is the mediaeval Charola, which is ornately designed and replete with the peculiar symbolism that is peculiar to the Order of Christ.
The 16th-century cloisters entice with their hidden spiral staircases and charm with Manueline touches. And one of the most aesthetically pleasing features of any Portuguese structure is the wonderful Manueline window, created by the renowned sculptor Diogo de Arruda.
6. Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga
Situated on a wooded slope six kilometres east of Braga, Bom Jesus do Monte is Portugal’s greatest religious sanctuary and one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the nation. This magnificent complex includes the church of Bom Jesus, a monumental Baroque stairway, several chapels with scenes from the Passion of Christ carved on them, fountains spaced along the lengthy climb, and statues of biblical, mythological, and symbolic figures.
A steep Sacred Way with chapels displaying the 14 Stations of the Cross can be approached by slowly winding your way up the bottom section of the 116-meter-long decorative granite stairway. The white, interwoven Escadório dos Cinco Sentidos, which is halfway through, uses exquisitely carved statues to represent the five senses. The Staircase of the Three Virtues, which leads to the church, is the last section. It stands for Faith, Hope, and Charity. Your efforts will be repaid with a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. For those who like to take it easy, a classic 1882 funicular takes guests to the summit in about three minutes.
7. Sé (cathedral) and Roman Temple, Évora
Évora, one of the most charming cities in Portugal, is located in the sun-drenched Alentejo province in the south of the country. Although the Romans settled here in 57 BC, the town really started to take shape during the Moorish era, with its winding lanes and small streets characteristic of Islamic urban planning. One of the many magnificent tourist sites in Évora’s ancient town, the Sé, was built during the Christian reconquest. Built in 1204, this renowned church blends Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architectural styles. After touring the inside, guests can climb to the roof for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The Roman Temple, Évora’s most famous landmark, is located nearby. The most striking Roman structure in the nation was constructed in the second or third century AD. Évora’s historical legacy is so great, in fact, that UNESCO has designated the location as a World Heritage Site.
FAQ’S:
Q1: What are the must-visit attractions in Lisbon?
Explore the historic district of Alfama, visit the iconic Belem Tower, and don't miss the vibrant Bairro Alto neighborhood.
Q2: What makes Porto a unique destination?
Porto is renowned for its historic wine cellars, stunning Douro River views, and the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge.
