Portugal is one of those places I can’t stop going back to. Every time I visit, I fall more in love with its beauty, charm, and incredible diversity.
From its golden beaches and dramatic cliffs to its historic cities and mouthwatering cuisine, Portugal has so much to offer. And while I still have plenty left to explore (the Azores are at the top of my bucket list!), I’ve been lucky to visit many amazing spots across the country.
This small but vibrant nation on the Iberian Peninsula shares a border with Spain, but trust me—Portugal holds its own. Its rich history, shaped by centuries of Moorish rule and Christian reconquest, shows up in its unique architecture, delicious food, and fascinating traditions.
In this guide, I’m sharing 23 of the best things to do in Portugal. There would be a lot more, but this post would be way too long to list them all! From must-visit cities to hidden gems, iconic attractions, and unforgettable cultural experiences, Portugal has something for everyone.
Whether you’re into history, love beautiful architecture, enjoy live music, or can’t resist great food and wine, this country will win you over in no time. I know it’s done that for me.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN PORTUGAL
Go Wine Tasting in the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is one of the most beautiful areas in Portugal, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. The valley is known all over the world for its first-class vineyards and wineries, which produce most of the wine in the country.
The Douro Valley is crossed by the Douro River, and it features rolling hills covered in terraced vineyards – quite a sight to behold!
➤ Quinta do Seixo is one of the must-visit wineries in the region. It dates back to the 17th century, and besides offering some of the most incredible views in the valley, it produces delicious wine.
➤ Quinta da Popa is a great family-run winery that you should also include in your trip. Besides wine-tasting sessions, it offers different activities such as taking part in the wine harvest or going for a picnic – with wine, of course – in the vineyard.
➤ The Pinhao Train Station and the Douro Museum are other worthy attractions if you have the time! It’s a fantastic day trip from Porto, so you could combine your visit to both locations.
And if you have some extra time, the Douro Valley is home to one of my favorite eco resorts in Portugal. A perfect idea for a relaxing weekend away from the city.
Visit the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos) is an incredibly beautiful building that’s been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The monastery was built in the 16th century, commissioned by King Manuel I to honor Vasco da Gama, who is actually buried in the monastery, and to celebrate Portugal’s victories during the Age of Discovery.
The monastery is a work of art in itself, but the cloisters are undoubtedly the highlight. The intricate details and carved columns are magnificent and very worth the visit. Be sure to take a close look at the carvings, which depict the Portuguese discoveries during the sea voyages.
Visiting the monastery is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Lisbon, so it’s understandably a very popular attraction. I recommend buying your entrance tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the high season.
Find All the Azulejos in Porto
Porto is known for quite a few things, but it’s especially renowned because of its gorgeous azulejos. Azulejos are essentially ceramic tiles that are widely produced in the country, a heritage of the Moors.
These white and blue tiles often depict religious scenes or historical events and cover entire walls throughout the city, which is why hunting for azulejos is one of my favorite things to do in Porto.
You’ll find churches, train stations, and even shops and cafés displaying beautiful azulejo murals, so you don’t really need a guide to see them. However, there are a few that you just can’t miss:
➤ Sao Bento Train Station features a beautiful and very intricate display showcasing the history of Portugal, made with 20 thousand tiles! It’s undoubtedly the prettiest train station in the country and one of the best azulejo creations you’ll see.
➤ The cloisters of Porto Cathedral have their walls covered in azulejos depicting both the life of Mother Mary and scenes from The Metamorphosis.
➤ Capela das Almas is covered in blue and white tiles in its entirety; you’ll surely be stricken by its beauty as soon as you catch sight of it.
I have written a whole article about where to find the best azulejo tiles in Porto that you can check out!
Explore the Benagil Sea Cave
Benagil Sea Cave is probably the gem along the Algarve coast. This sea cave is the most famous in this region of Portugal, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. It boasts a dome-shaped ceiling with a circular opening, allowing the sunlight to penetrate the cave and reflect on the turquoise waters.
While you could potentially swim there, the currents around the cave can be very strong, and when the tide is high it can be dangerous, so it’s not advisable to attempt reaching it on your own.
Renting a SUPaddleboard or kayak, or going on a boat trip are the best ways to visit Benagil cave, where you’ll surely want to pose, if you’re like me, for a few thousand pictures.
Listen to Fado in Alfama
Fado is an evocative music genre, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, that originated in the taverns of Lisbon.
The music has a melancholic, soulful rhythm and the singer embraces those feelings when performing, offering a very memorable show that spectators feel to their very core. The setting of a fado show is pretty simple, usually featuring a single vocalist and a Portuguese guitarra.
Watching a fado show is one of the must-see in Portugal, and you can’t miss it if you’re in Lisbon. The neighborhood of Alfama is one of the best places to enjoy a show, so head there in the evening, indulge in local food at a bar, and get ready for this unique experience.
Eat all the Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon
Pasteis de Nata might be my overall favorite thing in the country...Can you tell I have a weakness for sweets? These delicious Portuguese egg tarts are a staple of the country, and the recipe is over 300 years old!
Its origin dates back to when monks at the monasteries used egg whites for starching clothes. Lots of egg yolks were left as a result, and the monks used them to create new recipes: Pasteis de Nata being the most popular.
They have flaky crusts and are filled with egg custard, and are usually sprinkled with cinnamon or powdered sugar when served. While you’ll find Pasteis de Nata all over the country, they’re originally from near Lisbon, so there’s not a better city to try them.
For the yummiest pastries head to Pasteis de Belem, Manteigaria, and Fabrica da Nata.
Go Hiking on Madeira Island
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Madeira, a tiny island off the coast of Portugal, by hitting its beautiful hiking trails. From the lush forests of Rabaçal to the craggy peaks of Pico Ruivo, there are hikes to suit pretty much every wanderer.
The trail you can’t possibly miss is the Levada Walks, an iconic network of irrigation channels that are flat and easy to walk on. On these paths, you’ll be walking through lush forests, and getting to admire waterfalls and striking views of the island’s natural beauty.
If you’re an experienced hiker and are ready for a challenge, add Ponta de São Lourenço to your list. You’ll be treated by astounding scenery as you complete this coastal walk.
Watch the Surfers at Nazare Beach
Nazare Beach is renowned for its stunning coastline and world-class surf breaks, that attract surfers from all over the world. Watch in awe as the very skilled (and fearless, if I may say) surfers catch the impressive waves, which can reach up to 100 feet (30 meters) in the winter!
Be sure to sit on the praia for a while, watching the small dots on the ocean (aka the surfers) masterfully riding the towering waves on their boards. It’s an incredible spectacle!
Aside from its surf culture, Nazare Beach is captivating on its own, with beautiful sand to stroll barefoot on and a charming town to explore.
Be Fascinated by the Castles in Sintra
Sintra is known as Portugal’s fairy tale destination. Completely surrounded by hills and featuring awe-striking castles and palaces – more than you’d expect in a town of its size – Sintra truly looks as though it belonged to a fantasy world.
➤ The majestic Pena Palace, the most famous of them all, stands out not only for being atop a hill, overlooking the town but for its vibrantly colored terraces. It’s truly enchanting!
However, it gets really, really crowded. If you’re visiting Portugal in the summer, I highly recommend booking your tickets so as not to get disappointed as they run out days in advance!
➤ Quinta da Regaleira is a very mysterious yet charming location, with hidden tunnels, mystical symbolism, and initiation wells.
➤ In Sintra, you’ll also find the Castle of the Moors, a Medieval fortress that offers panoramic views and serves as a testament to the area’s history.
Featuring battlements, towers, and impressive stone walls that coexist with the lush vegetation surrounding it, it’s quite a sight!
It’s easy to get to Sintra from Lisbon on your own, or you can join a tour to Sintra (this one is the top-rated one). However, you can easily spend 2 or 3 days in Sintra visiting the palaces if you have some extra time!
Take a Day Trip to Tomar
Home to yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic town of Tomar is an enchanting day trip from Lisbon.
Brimming with cultural treasures, including the striking – and UNESCO-recognized – Convent of Christ, the beautiful Church of Santa Maria do Olival, and Castelo de Tomar, the town also features a very charming old town and a fantastic public garden.
Outdoor lovers will greatly enjoy the Seven Hills National Forest, ideal for taking a stroll along its well-kept paths or hiking trails, going for a jog, or enjoying a relaxing picnic on the grass. The national park is also a fantastic place for people-watching.
Culture and history enthusiasts will definitely enjoy a visit to Tomar, which is only 1.5 hours from Lisbon.
Walk Around Coimbra
Coimbra is a city rich in history and culture, located in the center of mainland Portugal. Home to one of the country’s oldest universities, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and to striking – and centuries-old – architecture, Coimbra is a very interesting destination.
It oozes an intellectual atmosphere and features great events, such as the traditional Fado shows, besides being home to a charming old town with winding streets and beautiful sights.
Located around 1.5 hours from Porto, it’s easy to reach and definitely worth the visit. And if you’re on a road trip from Lisbon to Porto like many people do, then Coimbra is a mandatory stop.
Check Out the Lighthouse in Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca ought to be on your (long) list of things to do in Portugal. This majestic cape is the westernmost point of continental Europe, but its attraction goes far beyond its title.
The dramatic bluffs, constantly battered by the ocean offer a striking vista that will make you feel the full power of nature.
Perched atop the cliffs there’s a beautiful lighthouse that keeps the sea voyagers safe and acts as a fantastic viewpoint, besides being a dashing landmark on Cabo da Roca, and very photogenic.
Standing on the edge of the continent, witnessing the rugged coastline and the vastness of the ocean might just be one of the most memorable experiences of your Portugal trip, so don’t miss it.
Most tours to Sintra also visit Cabo da Roca (for example this one), but you can also visit on your own by taking bus 1624 from Sintra or drive here.
Find the Best Miradouros in Lisbon
One of my favorite tourist attractions in Lisbon is its Miradouros, astounding viewpoints that offer panoramic views over the city.
Lisbon’s sea of terracotta rooftops and the glistening waters of the Tagus River can only be appreciated from a vantage point, and these below are my favorites for the very best views:
Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the top viewpoints in Lisbon, located in the Alfama neighborhood. If you have time to visit only one, make it this one! But it doesn’t matter if you have one week or just one day in Lisbon, adding one or two viewpoints to your itinerary is very easy as most miradouros are centrally located.
But I also recommend you to check out Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, and Miradouro da Graça. Torre de Belem also offers beautiful views from the top.
Be Creeped Out by the Chapel of Bones in Evora
Step into the fascinating yet very creepy Chapel of Bones, located in Evora. Fitly named, this chapel is completely adorned with human bones and skulls, offering a shocking yet quite profound experience.
The chapel was built by Franciscan monks in the 16th century with the purpose of relocating the bones of nearby cemeteries when those lands were claimed for other purposes.
Thus, the remains of almost 5 thousand people became not only a macabre decoration but also a reminder of human mortality.
When visiting this unique chapel, you’ll undoubtedly be prompted to think about the transience of material possessions and the inevitability of death, which puts things into perspective. Therefore, besides being an eery attraction the visit can also become a spiritual experience.
Roam the Cobblestone Streets in Obidos
Taking a stroll along the enchanting streets of Obidos, a small town on the Atlantic coast, feels like stepping back in time. The Medieval walls that encircle the town are incredibly well-preserved, and its cobbled streets are lined by colorful houses.
While the best way to take in Obidos’ charm is wandering aimlessly around, there are a few landmarks you can’t possibly miss when you visit. These include the picturesque squares, where you can take a break at one of the quaint cafes to people-watch.
The Castle of Obidos, dating back to Medieval times and overlooking the town from its elevated position, is also a must. Porta da Vila, the Church of Saint Mary, and the Obidos Aqueduct are other magnificent attractions in town that you shouldn’t miss.
Drink Porto in Vila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia is the best place to visit for a glass of Port, as it’s where all the Porto wineries are located.
Port wine is named after the Portuguese city where it’s aged, although its origin is the majestic Douro Valley. This fortified wine is characterized by its sweetness and dryness, making it ideal for pairing with dessert.
At Vila Nova de Gaia you’ll find several wineries to enjoy a tour around, learning about the making process and characteristics of Portugal’s most famous wine. Needless to say, you’ll also get to indulge in delicious tastings and discover the different varieties of wine.
Even if you’re in Porto for just one day, you can’t leave the city without sampling port wine!
➤ The best wineries in the neighborhood where you can experience a wine tasting are Calem, Graham’s, and Sandeman Cellars.
➤ Otherwise, you can also head to the Pink Palace at WOW. This is a fun, one-of-a-kind spot that’s all about celebrating rosé wine. It’s colorful, interactive, and just a little over-the-top—in the best way. As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll sip on some fantastic rosé (5 tastings are included), snap plenty of photos, and learn a thing or two about what makes this wine so special.
Explore Aveiro
Aveiro is known as the Venice of Portugal due to its charming canals. The coastal town is located one hour from Porto, making it a fantastic day trip destination from the city, or it could otherwise be a stop on your journey from Porto to the capital city of Lisbon (or vice-versa).
Aveiro’s canals are distinguished by the colorful boats that glide across them, called Barcos Moliceiros, which were originally used for collecting seaweed and nowadays offer relaxing boat trips around town.
Aveiro is also well known for its Art Nouveau architecture, one of the unmissable things to see in Portugal for architecture lovers, and for the ovos moles, a sweet delicacy made with egg yolks.
When in town, don’t miss Costa Nova Beach, the Aveiro Cathedral, and of course, the canals!
Visit the Azores
The Azores is a captivating archipelago that boasts breathtaking landscapes and unreal natural attractions, from lush vegetation to coastal cliffs and volcanic craters.
It’s one of the most striking locations in Portugal, and it’s comprised of 9 volcanic islands, each of which has its own allure.
When in the Azores, you can embark on whale-watching trips, discover the marine life by snorkeling and scuba diving, hike along beautiful trails, swim in crystal-clear lakes, and even relax in the hot springs!
Azores is an unmatchable destination for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and adventurers of all kinds. While all the islands are striking, the ones with the highest number of attractions are Sao Miguel, Terceira, and Pico islands. Sao Miguel is the perfect destination for a road trip in Portugal if you like road trips as much as I do.
Relax on the Algarve Beaches
The Algarve region is renowned for its magnificent beaches, featuring blue waters, golden shores, and striking cliffs, conveying the coastline with a dramatic aura.
This beach paradise, which stretches from Cape St. Vincent on the west to the Spanish border on the east, is perfect for beach lovers looking to relax and sunbathe, but it also offers quite a few attractions.
From seaside dining with the impressive bluffs of Ponta da Piedade as your backdrop to enjoying a great variety of water sports, going on boat trips, and exploring the arches and caves formed by years of erosion, the Algarve coastline offers plenty of adventures!
Don’t skip a visit to Igreja de Santo Antonio when in Lagos, and a trip to the Benagil Cave when you’re there. It’s one of the best activities to be enjoyed in the region!
Check Out the LX Factory in Lisbon
LX Factory is a creative hub in the heart of Lisbon, oozing a vibrant and very lively atmosphere.
Situated in an old industrial complex, LX Factory features a great number of restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy affordable and very tasty meals, design studios, art galleries, one-of-a-kind shops, and bars.
As you wander around, checking out the different warehouses, you’ll be walking on cobblestone streets and taking in the fusion of culture, cuisine, and art that has made LX Factory one of the top things to add to your Lisbon itinerary.
Take a Cruise in the Douro River
A memorable experience in Portugal is going on a cruise along the Douro River, the third-longest river in the Iberian Peninsula.
You can enjoy a relaxing cruise on its waters either in Porto, where you’ll glide past the city’s colorful waterfront and under magnificent bridges, or a boat tour in the Douro Valley as part of a day trip to the region.
The Douro Valley is actually named after the river, which runs between lush hills and vineyards, offering a very scenic panorama as you sail along it. I think no trip to the Douro Valley is complete without a boat trip, so you could combine your wine-tasting excursion with the cruise!
Admire the View at Azenhas do Mar
Azenhas do Mar is a picturesque seaside village in the municipality of Sintra, perched atop a cliff and overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean.
The most beautiful aspect of this quaint town is the view of the rugged coastline, constantly hit by the waves, but it’s not its only attraction. The white facades of its houses are enhanced by terracotta roofs, offering an enchanting appearance, and the cliffside promenade offers a scenic setting for a stroll.
You can also relax at one of the many cafes facing the ocean to take in the panorama with a cup of tea or wander around the alleys looking for millstones.
Azhenas do Mar, which literally means Watermills of the Sea, made its wealth with sea-powered watermills back in the day, nowadays you can still find some millstones lining its streets.
Ride Tram 28 in Lisbon
The iconic yellow tram is one of Lisbon’s most important heritages, and a favorite landmark among tourists. The tram winds through the narrow streets of Lisbon, crossing several neighborhoods and passing by a few attractions, making the experience of riding it incredibly picturesque.
You’ll ride past Sao Jorge Castle, the Alfama district, and Baixa, and enjoy the journey up the city’s hills in a unique way. Tram 28 goes from Martim Moniz to Prazeres, and it can get quite busy, so try to take it early in the morning to avoid the crowds (and very long queues), or buy your tickets in advance.
It’s the most popular tram in the country after all, and one of the best things to do in Lisbon! A good alternative is walking the route, checking out the landmarks along the way, and taking the tram in the opposite direction.
BEST TIME TO VISIT PORTUGAL
The best time to visit Portugal for great weather and fewer crowds is during shoulder season, which goes from September to November and from March to May or early June.
If you want warm summer days to spend at the beach or wear your favorite dresses as you go azulejo-hunting in Porto, you should visit between June and August.
The summer months tend to be the busiest, so expect big crowds of tourists in most attractions, and occasionally very hot days.
HOW TO GET AROUND PORTUGAL
Getting around on your trip to Portugal is relatively easy and fast, as its transportation network is really good.
The two main means of transport you’ll be using are buses and trains. Taking the train is usually the best option for long-distance journeys, like going from Lisbon to Porto or to the Algarve. Trains are modern and fast, and very affordable.
For covering shorter distances or reaching rather remote areas, such as when you’re taking a day trip to a small town, the bus is your best bet.
They are comfortable and very convenient, besides having a very extensive network that allows you to get to most tourist attractions in Portugal (and off-the-beaten-track sites as well!)
Of course, you could also rent a car and travel around the country on your own. This option may be more costly but will give you ultimate freedom.
Discover Cars is an online booking service that offers a wide range of rental options from various agencies in Cancun. This makes it easier to find a rental car that suits your budget and needs. I particularly like their cancelation policy.
Typically, with Discover Cars, you can cancel your booking for free up to 48 hours before the pickup time. This is a much more generous cancelation policy than other platforms. It’s always important, however, to read the specific terms and conditions of your rental agreement. Policies can vary based on the rental company and the rate you choose.
