From
sun-soaked beaches to historic cities and vineyard valleys, Portugal
offers unforgettable experiences for every traveller. Discover the
best things to do and must-see attractions across this captivating
European destination.
Lisbon’s Alfama & Tram 28
Wander through Lisbon’s Alfama, a maze of tiled facades, fado echoing from taverns, and laundry fluttering above cobblestones. Hop on Tram 28 for a nostalgic climb past the cathedral and São Jorge Castle. This ride captures Lisbon’s soul — vintage, steep, and full of light.
Douro Valley Vine Terraces
The Douro Valley’s vineyard-clad hills spill into the river below, creating one of Europe’s most scenic wine regions. Terraced slopes glow gold at sunset, while quintas offer tastings of velvety ports and crisp whites. Cruising the Douro feels timeless, a journey through centuries of craftsmanship.
Sintra’s Palaces & Forested Hills
Sintra’s mist-shrouded peaks hide whimsical palaces and Moorish ruins. The bright turrets of Pena Palace, lush gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, and panoramic views from the Castle of the Moors create a fairytale escape. Romantic and eccentric, it’s pure Portuguese magic.
Algarve’s Sea Caves & Golden Cliffs
The Algarve’s coastline stuns with honeyed cliffs, turquoise coves, and sea caves sculpted by time. Kayak through Benagil Cave or hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail where ocean spray meets warm wind. Every turn reveals another postcard scene.
Porto’s Ribeira District & Port Cellars
Colorful houses line Porto’s riverside while boats bob beneath the Dom Luís I Bridge. Across the water, port lodges invite tastings of rich, tawny wine. By night, Ribeira glows with street musicians and riverside cafés serving fresh bacalhau.
Madeira’s Levadas & Mountain Trails
Madeira’s levadas – narrow irrigation channels – wind through laurel forests, waterfalls, and emerald valleys. Hiking them reveals hidden viewpoints over cliffs and cloud-topped peaks. The island’s microclimates offer both tropical greenery and alpine air.
Azores’ Lagoa das Sete Cidades
On São Miguel, twin crater lakes shimmer in shades of green and blue, divided by a bridge of volcanic earth. Mist swirls over the caldera rim, giving this Azorean wonder a dreamlike aura. Nature here feels raw and infinite.
Learn to Cook Bacalhau à Brás in Lisbon
Join a local cooking class to master Portugal’s beloved salted cod dish. You’ll prepare it with shredded bacalhau, egg, and crispy potatoes, while sipping vinho verde and chatting about family recipes. It’s comfort food with centuries of tradition.
Ride the Historic Trains of the Douro & Vouga Lines
Steam trains chug past vineyards, tunnels, and riverbanks, offering vintage travel at its best. Brass fittings, wood interiors, and scenic bridges recreate a lost era. It’s slow travel through postcard landscapes.
Join Madeira’s Flower Festival
Madeira blooms in color each spring during its Flower Festival, when floats parade through Funchal and locals dress in floral costumes. The island celebrates renewal with dance, music, and petal carpets.
Harvest Grapes in the Douro Valley
Experience the age-old harvest by treading grapes barefoot in granite lagares. Locals sing, laugh, and toast under the stars as the valley smells of fermenting fruit. It’s Portugal’s wine heritage made tangible.
Experience Fado in an Intimate Tavern
Hear the mournful strains of Portugal’s soulful music in candlelit taverns where every note tells of love and longing. The emotion is raw, unforgettable, and deeply human.
Monsaraz – The Hilltop Fortress Village
Whitewashed lanes, a medieval castle, and sweeping Alentejo plains define Monsaraz. At night, its sky glitters above Europe’s largest Dark Sky Reserve. The silence feels ancient.
Aldeia do Piodão – The Schist Village
Tucked into Serra do Açor, this fairytale hamlet is built entirely of dark shale stone. Its narrow paths and blue doors evoke another century. Surrounded by forest and waterfalls, it’s rustic Portugal at its best.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
Granite peaks, ancient Roman trails, and wild ponies define Portugal’s only national park. Remote villages preserve age-old customs amid stunning landscapes.
Comporta’s Chic Simplicity
This quiet coastal stretch south of Lisbon blends surf, dunes, and designer simplicity. Think boho beach cafés, pine forests, and empty sands perfect for slow days.
Marvão – Castle in the Clouds
Perched above the Alentejo plains, Marvão’s stone ramparts overlook miles of rolling countryside. The medieval village feels untouched by time.
Flores Island, Azores
Remote and lush, Flores is a paradise of waterfalls and hydrangeas. Emerald cliffs plunge into sapphire seas, and the island’s isolation adds to its serenity.
Eat in a Caveside Restaurant in Algarve
Dining inside sea-carved grottoes beneath golden cliffs combines adventure and luxury. Waves echo off limestone as candles flicker over fresh seafood platters.
Explore the Chapel of Bones in Évora
This eerie 16th-century chapel is lined with thousands of human bones, built by monks to remind visitors of life’s fragility. Macabre yet mesmerizing, it’s deeply reflective.
Join Tomar’s Festa dos Tabuleiros
Every four years, women carry flower-topped trays as tall as themselves through Tomar’s streets in a vibrant medieval procession. It’s both surreal and spectacular.
Swim in a Volcanic Pool in the Azores
Formed by cooled lava, these natural saltwater pools shimmer along the coast. Soaking in them feels like floating in the Earth’s heartbeat.
Lisbon
• Explore Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to beat tour groups.
• Ride the Elevador de Santa Justa for skyline views.
Best Way: Combine with a Baixa walking tour.
• Visit Time Out Market for gourmet street eats.
Good to Know: Crowds thin after 3pm.
Porto
• Tour the Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores.
Insider Tip: Buy entry online to skip queues.
• Stroll along the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Best Way: Cross both upper and lower decks.
• Visit São Bento Station’s tiled murals.
Good to Know: Free entry, especially photogenic in morning light.
Algarve
• Surf at Praia da Amoreira.
Insider Tip: Go at low tide for the sandbar break.
• Explore the fishing village of Olhão.
Best Way: Arrive by train from Faro.
• Visit Ria Formosa lagoon for birdwatching.
Good to Know: Bring binoculars; flamingos frequent in winter.
• Hike Madeira’s Pico Ruivo for sunrise above the clouds.
Tip: Start from Achada do Teixeira at dawn.
• Go canyoning in the Azores’ lush valleys.
Good to Know: Guides and wetsuits are essential for safety.
• Cycle the Ecovia do Litoral along the Algarve coast.
Tip: Ideal in spring when wildflowers bloom.
• Dive the shipwrecks off Sesimbra.
Good to Know: Best conditions from May to September.
• Join a pastel de nata baking class in Lisbon.
Tip: Seek out classes in local bakeries, not tourist kitchens.
• Visit a tile workshop in Azeitão to paint your own azulejo.
Good to Know: Sessions last 1–2 hours and include materials.
• Attend Porto’s São João Festival in June.
Tip: Bring a plastic hammer to join the street fun.
• Sample petiscos (Portuguese tapas) in Évora’s wine bars.
Good to Know: Pair with local reds from the Alentejo region.