Portugal is up-to-the-minute cool, but its beaux-arts buildings, azulejos-laden streets, and white-domed churches add just the right amount of dash of history – the one that can be traced from circa 400,000 years ago. Iberian Peninsula's best-kept secret, Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and Spain. It is a land of fiery piri-piri, orange groves, wine cellars, fish markets, tiny coves, several pretty towns - a great world, really!
So why should you really tour Portugal? Well for starters it’s terraced vineyards, oak casks of fortified wines, fresh seafood, and breath-taking riverbanks in addition to the scenic beaches, otherworldly volcanic landscape, and bustling cities. Want more? There’s more. But you will have to come and find out. There are many things to do in Portugal – the country is ready to steal your heart with its amazing climate, food, sea, and culture.
1. Explore Lisbon's hidden gems and places
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The capital city of Portugal is traditional yet hipster. Lisbon is cinematic, with its Gothic towers, massive fortifications, and the very-European cobbled alleyways. There are so many things to do in Lisbon, that we suggest you keep at least 3 days free to explore the Portuguese capital on your next trip. Once you are here, you can go on to explore the Alfama neighbourhood, Belém waterfront, take a joy-ride on Tram 28, visit the Castelo de São Jorge and Jerónimos Monastery, walk through the Bairro Alto, take your kids to the Lisbon Oceanarium, check out Lisbon’s cutting-edge dining culture, dance at Lisbon’s ‘superclubs’ and so much more.
2. Explore the Pretty Porto
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Portugal’s second city, Porto is laid-back and crammed with all things pretty. The stunning 18th and 19th century buildings, feel-good indie bars, romantic cobbled streets, and trendy restaurants make this place a must visit in Portugal. Best known for its fortified wines that fill up the riverside cellars, Porto has so much to offer. Its UNESCO World Heritage historical centre, thriving art and architecture, Harry Potter-esque bookstores, and a revamped downtown are hard to miss. Top Porto attractions like the Dom Luís I Bridge, Clérigos Church, Livraria Lello, and Casa da Música are a must-do!
3. Master the art of surfing on the Atlantic waves
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As one of Europe's finest surfing countries, Portugal has some unmissable surfing spots. Come discover Portugal’s best waves and head out to brave them. Sagres is the epicentre of the Portugal’s surfing scene, Arrifana beach has some turbulent waves to conquer, and then there is Foz do Lizandro which is ideal for beginners. Benefiting from some of the warmest water temperatures in Europe, Portugal’s surfing scene is quite impressive.
4. Take a trip to the undiscovered Azores
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The nine islands of Azores are located right in the centre of the Atlantic Ocean and have everything that you could ask for from a holiday destination. And its perfect year-round weather only adds to its charm. The nine island of Flores, Corvo, Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, São Miguel, Santa Maria, and the Formigas Reef have stunning architecture that you can admire, picturesque villages that you can walk through, lagoons that you can dive in, hot springs that you can relax at, and mountains that you can hike. The food here is divine and furnas de caldas is highly recommended. Easy to get around and easy to get to, each of these nine islands have an airfield.
5. Watch a live football match – it’s just another excuse to drink beer!
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The Portuguese are crazy about football and watching a live football match is one of the best experiences of Portugal. The otherwise laid-back Portugal comes to life when a football game is on. Some of the football stadiums in Portugal where you can catch a live match are Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, and Estádio Nacional in Algés, Linda-a-Velha e Cruz Quebrada-Dafundo. GOAT football player Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal’s star team player. Now how much fun would it be to watch him play live?
6. Explore and experience nature at the extraordinary reserves of Portugal
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Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês is the only national park in Portugal and honestly, this place needs to be on every traveller’s “must go” list. Let go of the beaches and blue skies for a moment, the terrain here is rocky, complete with wild ponies and deciduous trees. Spanning over 173,000 acres, this park is home to more than 250 endemic species including the gold-striped salamander and endangered Iberian wolf. After having explored the forested areas, you can visit Ermida, a centuries-old village.
7. Sip on some favourite go-to Portuguese wine
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Sipping on some wine is the most Portuguese thing you can do in Portugal. Everyone’s talking about them and while in Portugal, you must try some of these wines. The most famous wine of Portugal, the port wine comes from the Douro Valley. Port is a sweet, red, fortified wine that is made by blending “port grapes” and is one of the most commonly enjoyed wine around the world. Other wine regions in Portugal include Minho (Vinho Verde) best known for its light-bodied white wines, Alentejo for its California-like wine, and Lisbon for its high tannin red wines.
8. Tour the laid-back Portuguese fishing villages
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Portugal has some stunning seaside towns. After exploring the cosmopolitan of Lisbon and Porto, we suggest you set out to explore the wonderful towns of Portugal. You can visit Monsanto for its rocky cliffs and granite boulders, Monsaraz for its whitewashed houses, Castelo Rodrigo for its past glories, Nazare for its vibrant village life, Obidos for its medieval music and many more. Touring these lovely villages of Portugal will make you realise why so many people fall in love with this country.
9. Head to Portugal’s sunshine region - Algarve
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Southern Portugal's Algarve region is all things fancy! The country’s best 'sun, surf and sand', Algarve has no shortage of attractions and activities. While pretty castle towns and golden beaches dominate most of the landscape here, the real star of the region is surely its flower-covered countryside. Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park – Iberia’s wildest and most stunning coast is definitely not to be missed.
10. Drive along the coast of Portugal
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Ah! Imagine a lovely road trip in Portugal. The country has a lot to uncover and honestly, sometimes it’s best to take it slow because let’s be honest, we all need a lazy holiday sometimes. For the ultimate Portugal road trip, we suggest you drive along Costa Alentejana – the country’s southwest coast. You can start your trip at Lisboa and end it in Faro. Along the way, stop and admire beaches like Comporta and Odeceixe, peninsula of Setúbal, and the port city of Sines. This region is characterised by untouched beaches, awe-inspiring viewpoints, and many blissful coastal cities.
11. Visit the Douro River region
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This enchanted valley, with all its beauty and magic can easily be termed world's most beautiful wine region. Rio Douro, the name literally translates to “river of gold” and when the sun falls on the river, you will know why! Located in the North of Portugal, the regions main product has been the port wine.
12. Admire bridges of Portugal
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Portugal has more than 300 rivers. So obviously the country has many bridges. Stretching across the estuary at the Tagus River in Lisbon, 25 de Abril Bridge, or 25th April Bridge is one bridge you must check out. 20th longest in the world, this is also Lisbon’s most notable landmark. Another bridge that we highly recommend that you must check out is the double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge. This contemporary bridge is located in Porto and has its top deck reserved for pedestrians. The view? Oh! They are absolutely lovely.
13. Check out the castles and palaces of Sintra
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Sintra is a great resort town that is filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the Pena Palace, Castle of the Moors, Quinta da Regaleira, and more. Boasting an elite Portuguese climate, Sintra is a prime example of unusual Romanticism style of architecture. 19th century flamboyant buildings, extravagant palaces, and decadent mansions command over the otherwise small town. Sintra is hassle-free and easy to move around. Pack some walking shoes, coz you are gonna have to walk a lot.
14. Head to the westernmost point of mainland Europe - Cabo da Roca
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If you do visit Sintra, you must extend your trip and visit Cabo da Roca- the most westerly point of mainland Europe. This beautiful cliff emerges 140 metres above the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by a small fishing village. Here you will also see Portugal’s oldest lighthouse that was inaugurated in 1772. There is also a pretty café here to relax and have a drink at.
15. Let your taste buds do the exploring
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Learn to prepare Portuguese dishes when you sign up for a cooking class on your trip to Portugal. Typically hearty, most of the traditional Portuguese dishes are as simple as it gets and make the most of the fresh ingredients. Master basic techniques, and taste some wine and olive oil, and learn under the guidance of expert chefs. Alheira de Mirandela, Arroz de Tamboril, Caldeirada de Enguias, and Francesinha are some of the top dishes that you must try out.
I am sure you’ve been pretty much everywhere in Europe, but never really thought of visiting Portugal. Well, inspired much? Portugal is just waiting to be Instagram-ed.
