13 Best Top Tourist Attractions In Portugal
Portugal, a diminutive nation situated along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, boasts a captivating blend of scenic beauty and rich historical heritage. Renowned as one of Europe’s premier tourist destinations, its compact size offers a unique advantage for exploring a myriad of attractions within a relatively short timeframe, setting it apart from its larger neighbor, Spain.
A journey to Portugal unfolds as an exploration of diversity, intricately intertwined with its maritime identity. The country’s enchanting allure is amplified by over 800 kilometers of alluring Atlantic Ocean coastline. Lisbon, the capital city, graces the landscape with its picturesque setting near the estuary of the River Tagus. It was from this strategic location that intrepid sailors embarked on epochal voyages of discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries, fostering Portugal’s enduring maritime legacy.
In Portugal’s interior, the topography seamlessly transitions from the dramatic northern mountain ranges to the expansive sun-drenched plains of the central regions. To the south, Europe’s finest beaches adorn scenic coves with warm, shallow waters. Scattered across the landscape are stone-built villages, charming towns, and cosmopolitan cities, each harboring a wealth of historic treasures such as palaces, castles, museums, and monasteries.
Venturing into Portugal extends beyond the mainland, beckoning travelers to the verdant subtropical haven of Madeira, often referred to as the “Garden Isle,” or the tranquil and secluded Azores archipelago.
For those seeking inspiration on the best places to explore, our curated list of top tourist attractions in Portugal provides valuable insights into the country’s diverse offerings.
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| 1. Palacio Nacional de Sintra, Lisbon Coast 2. Alcobaca Monastery 3. Mosterio dos Jeronimos Lisbon 4. Kayaking the Lisbon Coast 5. Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga 6. Paria da Marinha 7. Obidos Castle 8. Convento do Cristo, Tomar 9. Hiking the Geres Mountain Range 10. Universidade de Coimbra 11. Pena National Park 12. Palacio da Balsa Oporto 13. Alentejo by Horseback |
1. Palacio Nacional de Sintra, Lisbon Coast
Nestled within the embrace of a forested mountain range, Sintra beckons with its captivating location, making it a must-visit town of enchanting allure. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage cultural landscape, Sintra’s charm emanates from the harmonious blend of natural beauty and the historical treasures clustered around the old town, Sintra Velha.
Once a favored retreat for the Portuguese monarchs and a source of inspiration for notable writers like Lord Byron and William Beckford, Sintra exudes an undeniable air of romance. The old town unfolds as a labyrinth of cobblestone lanes, bordered by elegant townhouses painted in a palette of pastel tones, including shades of pink, mustard, and lilac. The meandering streets converge at a picturesque central square, dominated by the splendid Palácio Nacional de Sintra.
Sintra’s National Palace, distinguished by its imposing conical chimneys, traces its origins back to the late 14th century, standing as the oldest surviving palace in Portugal. Elegantly furnished, the palace spans multiple floors, each adorned with a distinctive theme that informs its unique decoration. Among its many treasures, the breathtaking Sala dos Brasões stands out—a glittering domed hall adorned with the coats of arms of 72 noble Portuguese families.
2. Alcobaca Monastery
The Alcobaça Monastery stands as a Roman Catholic religious complex situated in the town of Alcobaça, central Portugal. Established in 1153 by the inaugural Portuguese monarch, Afonso Henriques, the monastery maintained a steadfast connection with the successive Kings of Portugal over the course of its history.
Distinguished as the initial Gothic structures in Portugal, the church and monastery, alongside the Monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra, hold paramount significance among the medieval monastic establishments in the country. Together, they represent a crucial architectural and historical legacy, embodying the rich cultural heritage of Portugal.
3. Mosterio dos Jeronimos Lisbon
Belém is inseparable from Portugal’s illustrious Age of Discovery, marking the departure point from the shores of this Lisbon suburb where courageous navigators embarked on perilous journeys during the 15th and 16th centuries to explore uncharted waters and delineate new territories.
Among these daring mariners, Vasco da Gama stands out, having discovered the sea route to India in 1498. In recognition of his monumental achievement, King Manuel I commissioned a monument that has endured as a timeless symbol of the nation’s remarkable era of conquest and expansion. Today, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stands as one of the country’s most beloved and revered structures, ranking high on every tourist’s itinerary.
The church and monastery encapsulate the essence of the age, showcasing some of Portugal’s finest examples of Manueline architecture; the intricately adorned decoration adorning the South Portal is nothing short of breathtaking.
Internally, the exquisite cloister mirrors this exuberance. Significantly, the church serves as the final resting place for Vasco da Gama and other national luminaries, including Luís de Camões, Portugal’s preeminent poet and chronicler of the age of discoveries.
4. Kayaking the Lisbon Coast
Embarking on a sea adventure via kayak along the Lisbon coast promises a fulfilling maritime escapade. Beyond mere sightseeing, paddling along the coastline offers an invigorating opportunity to exercise amidst a salt-infused, unspoiled environment.
Lisbon’s adjacency to the ocean opens up a plethora of thrilling water sports, and exploring the array of beaches, bays, and coves between the Portuguese capital and Cascais proves to be an exhilarating way to spend a day.
Venturing further afield, the pristine waters of the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park encompass enchanting locales like Setubal and Sesimbra, boasting stunning ancient sea cliffs bustling with diverse bird species.
The majority of this coastline resides within a protected marine reserve—a haven that encompasses the breathtakingly picturesque Ribeira do Cavalo beach, adding to the allure of this remarkable maritime landscape.
5. Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga
Bom Jesus do Monte, heralded as Portugal’s most magnificent religious sanctuary, rests on a forested incline six kilometers to the east of Braga, standing as a paramount pilgrimage destination within the country.
This awe-inspiring complex encompasses a monumental Baroque Escadaria (stairway) and the Bom Jesus church. Adorned with sculpted scenes from the Passion of Christ, the site also boasts several chapels, fountains strategically placed along the lengthy ascent, and statues depicting figures from biblical, mythological, and symbolic realms.
Ascending the initial segment of the 116-meter-long ornate granite staircase involves a gradual zig-zag progression past a steep Sacred Way adorned with chapels portraying the 14 Stations of the Cross.
At the midway point, the white Escadório dos Cinco Sentidos intricately showcases the five senses through meticulously crafted statuary.
The climactic phase consists of the Staircase of the Three Virtues, symbolizing Faith, Hope, and Charity, leading visitors to the church. The ascent culminates in a rewarding vista of the picturesque countryside. For those less inclined to climb, a vintage 1882 funicular swiftly transports visitors to the summit in a mere three minutes.
6. Paria da Marinha
Praia da Marinha stands as one of Portugal’s most renowned and picturesque beaches. Situated along the Atlantic coast in the Algarve region, it boasts stunning blue waters on one side and expansive sandy beaches bordered by towering cliffs on the landward side.
Frequently referred to as Navy Beach, this small cove has become an iconic image featured prominently in travel brochures. Its crystal-clear waters offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, adding to the allure of this scenic spot. Accessible with just a 30-minute drive from Albufeira, visitors can enjoy the convenience of free parking when visiting this idyllic beach.
7. Obidos Castle
Obidos Castle stands as a remarkable edifice perched atop a hill in Obidos, a historic city with origins tracing back to Roman times along Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Originally constructed by the Moors during the eighth century, the castle underwent significant renovations around the 14th century, including the addition of a keep.
Presently, the castle serves as the home to a luxurious pousada hotel, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in its historical ambiance. Moreover, an annual traditional medieval market held within the castle grounds each July adds to the cultural charm and allure of this ancient fortress.
8. Convento do Cristo, Tomar
Towering over the picturesque riverside town of Tomar stands a formidable castle guarding the Convento do Cristo, a prominent historical gem of Portugal.
Established in 1160 as the central hub of the Order of the Knights Templar, the Convent of Christ is a captivating blend of awe-inspiring grandeur and enigmatic allure, steeped in its mystical Masonic legacy. Its focal point, the medieval Charola, originally the Templar church, is adorned with lavish ornamentation, evoking the enigmatic symbolism associated with the Order of Christ.
The 16th-century cloisters captivate with intricate Manueline details, enticing visitors with their hidden spiral staircases. Notably, the convent boasts a splendid Manueline window, crafted by the esteemed sculptor Diogo de Arruda, standing out as one of the most architecturally captivating features in any Portuguese building.
9. Hiking the Geres Mountain Range
The Serra do Gerês stands as a captivating mountain range nestled in the remote Minho region of northern Portugal. Encompassed by the magnificent Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, renowned as one of Portugal’s premier destinations, the towering granite peaks that shape this expansive national park rank among the country’s most impressive and tallest.
As an epitome of Portugal’s natural wonders, the Gerês Mountains allure walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts to explore one of the last remaining untamed wildernesses in Europe. This rugged terrain, renowned for its striking beauty, hosts lush valleys adorned with sparkling lakes, quaint traditional villages, unique flora and fauna, and a way of life rarely found in other mountainous regions of the country.
Traversing this area are ancient granite trails, clearly marked for hikers seeking either a leisurely stroll or a challenging day-long trek. These pathways, ranging from 10 to 16 kilometers in length and varying in difficulty, offer an enriching experience amidst the picturesque landscape of the Gerês Mountains.
10. Universidade de Coimbra
The Universidade de Coimbra stands as Portugal’s most ancient educational institution, established in 1290 under the patronage of King Dinis. Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, the Velha Universidade, commonly known as the old Coimbra University, encompasses a captivating central square, the Paço das Escolas, surrounded by historic edifices.
Comprising the Alta and Sofia wings, originally a royal abode, the university boasts remarkable highlights for its visitors, among them the awe-inspiring Biblioteca Joanina, an opulent library commissioned in 1717 by King João V.
A comprehensive tour unveils the magnificently adorned Capela de São Miguel from the 16th century. For the adventurous souls, ascending the iconic 18th-century clock tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Coimbra, counted among Portugal’s most enchanting cities.
11. Pena National Park
The Pena National Palace presents a fairytale-like spectacle, often appearing to float above the clouds during overcast days. Positioned atop a hill in Sintra, its grandeur allows it to be visible from Lisbon on clear, unobstructed days.
Commissioned by King Ferdinand II, this palace stands as a remarkable embodiment of 19th-century Romanticism, showcasing not just Portugal’s architectural prowess but also earning global acclaim for its fusion of Moorish and Manueline styles. Originally serving as a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena in the Middle Ages, today, it remains a venue for significant state ceremonies and events.
12. Palacio da Balsa Oporto
In Oporto, a captivating array of attractions awaits, among them the striking Palácio da Bolsa, the city’s former stock exchange building. Constructed during the mid-19th century by merchants on the grounds once occupied by the São Francisco monastery, this palace is nestled within the confines of the old city, proudly holding UNESCO World Heritage recognition.
Inside, the resplendent interior mirrors the prosperity flowing into the city during that era. A journey through its ornately adorned chambers and galleries unveils a lavishness and opulence akin to royal palaces. The pinnacle of this splendor lies in the astonishing Salão Árabe or Arabian Room. Drawing inspiration from Granada’s Alhambra, this gorgeously gilded salon boasts Moorish-style blue and gold decorations that shimmer reminiscent of Aladdin’s mythical cave.
13. Alentejo by Horseback
Exploring the Alentejo region astride a horse offers an unparalleled experience, whether tracing the path of a murmuring brook, crossing a meadow adorned with blossoms, or journeying along a gentle sandy trail.
This province holds a profound affection for horses, particularly the elegant and gentle Lusitano breed, which has become synonymous with this part of Portugal. Towns like Alter do Chão proudly host the renowned Coudelaria de Alter stud farm.
Guided by seasoned experts practically born in the saddle, leisurely horseback rides unveil the countryside’s charm or the coastal beauty. Comporta emerges as a beloved seaside destination, while inland areas like Alcácer do Sal along the River Sado and Ourique nestled in the forested hinterland, beckon exploration on horseback.
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