Portugal is a country of great natural beauty. Its rolling hills, verdant plains, and tranquil rural pastures are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. Some of the most popular attractions in Portugal showcase this natural beauty in all its glory.
Whether you’re looking for something different to do or you want to explore some of the world’s most beautiful places, Portugal is packed with top tourist attractions that offer something for everyone. You can spend days exploring the country’s many natural wonders and historical sites. Here we share with you our list of the top-rated tourist attractions in Portugal as well as information on how to go about planning your trip there.
1. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Lisbon
The golden Age of Discovery in Portugal is inextricably linked to the name Belém. It was from the shores of this Lisbon suburb that intrepid navigators set sail in the 15th and 16th centuries on long and perilous journeys to chart unknown waters and map new territories. These voyages were undertaken to chart unknown waters and map new territories.
Vasco da Gama was one of these seafarers, and in 1498 he was the one who discovered a sea route to India. To commemorate this momentous achievement, King Manuel I of Portugal commissioned a monument, which went on to become an enduring symbol of the country’s remarkable period of conquest and expansion. To this day, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is considered to be one of the most cherished and revered buildings in the nation, and it is strongly recommended that visitors pay a visit.
The church and monastery are excellent examples of Manueline architecture and capture the spirit of the time period they were built in; the stunningly ornate decoration that can be found on the South Portal is a particular highlight.
The beautiful cloister that can be found inside is just as boisterous. It is only fitting that the church should be the resting place of national figures such as Luis de Cames, Portugal’s greatest poet and a chronicler of the country’s explorations, along with other national figures such as Vasco da Gama.
2. Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa), Lisbon
The Oceanarium in Lisbon is an excellent example of innovative architectural design, and it is widely considered to be the most well-liked and family-friendly tourist attraction in all of Portugal. Its primary mission is to educate visitors about the many different types of ocean habitats. This is one of the best and largest oceanariums in Europe, and it features an extensive collection of fish and other marine animals.
The ecosystems of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Antarctic oceans are each re-created in their own distinct sea and landscape environment. A gigantic tank in the center of the attraction is home to a variety of fish and sea creatures, including sharks, rays, and many other species of fish and sea creatures with fins. The design of the tank, which is made of transparent plexiglass, is such that it gives the impression that smaller tropical species that are kept in separate aquariums that are set around the main tank are swimming with their larger relatives.
This incredible show is complemented by the open-air landscapes, which feature a variety of birds and mammals that are equally as endearing and cuddly, such as penguins, sea otters, and other such lovable creatures.
3. National Palace of Sintra, Lisbon Coast
The picturesque town of Sintra is located in the foothills of a densely forested mountain range, making its setting alone a compelling incentive to pay it a visit. In point of fact, the location has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage cultural landscape. This is due to the fact that the collection of historic tourist attractions that can be found in and around the old town of Sintra Velha has been deemed to be of significant cultural and aesthetic value.
Sintra was a popular summer retreat for the kings and queens of Portugal, and it has been an alluring destination for a large number of writers and poets, including Lord Byron and William Beckford. The streets of the old town are cobbled, and they are lined with attractive townhouses that have been painted in soft pastel colors such as lilac, pink, and mustard. The winding streets lead up to a charming central plaza that is dominated by the magnificent Palácio Nacional de Sintra.
The National Palace in Sintra is Portugal’s oldest surviving palace and dates back to the late 14th century. It is easily identifiable due to the enormous conical chimneys that are located on its roof. The building is lavishly furnished and spread out over several floors, each of which has its own distinct theme and is decorated to reflect that theme. The glittering domed hall known as the Sala dos Bras is one of the highlights of the building. It is adorned with the coats of arms of 72 of Portugal’s most illustrious families.
4. Kayaking the Lisbon Coast
Discovering the coast of Lisbon from the water in a kayak is a fun and educational way to spend a day on the water. Paddling along the coastline, in addition to adding a new dimension to the experience of sightseeing, is an excellent excuse to get some exercise in a natural setting that is enhanced by the presence of salt water.
Discovering the beaches, bays, and coves set along the region between the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and the resort town of Cascais is an enjoyable and action-packed way to spend a day outside. The city of Lisbon is located in close proximity to the ocean, which makes it possible for a wide variety of exciting water sports.
Outside of the region, the gin-clear waters off the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, which encompasses places like Setubal and Sesimbra, make up a one-of-a-kind landscape consisting of magnificent, ancient sea cliffs that are teeming with birdlife.
Ribeira do Cavalo beach, which is known for its stunning natural beauty, is located within the protected marine reserve that encompasses the majority of this area’s coastline. This reserve is a sanctuary for marine life.
5. Torre de Belém (Belem Tower), Lisbon
The Torre de Belém is a symbol of the Age of Discovery and the voyages of exploration that were undertaken in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is also one of the most well-known historic monuments in Lisbon. It is one of the most beloved historic monuments in Portugal.
The tower is widely regarded as a masterpiece of military architecture. Construction on the fortress began in 1521 with the goal of protecting the approaches to the Tagus River. The facade was designed by Francisco de Arruda in the Manueline style, and it is a confection of beautifully carved stone. It is characterized by maritime motifs, such as twisted rope and the armillary sphere. The splendor of a Renaissance loggia adds to the height of the decoration.
6. Convent of Christ (Convento do Cristo), Tomar
The magnificent castle that guards the Convento do Cristo, which is widely regarded as one of the most important religious buildings in Portugal’s history, towers over the picturesque riverside town of Tomar.
The Convent of Christ, which was established in 1160 and served as the headquarters of the Order of the Knights Templar, is as awe-inspiring as it is mysterious, and the masonic heritage that it embodies is both tangible and beguiling. Richly decorated and exuding all of the strange symbolism associated with the Order of Christ, the medieval Charola church sits at the heart of this complex. It was the first Templar church.
The cloisters, which date back to the 16th century, beguile visitors with Manueline flourishes and tease them with their concealed spiral staircases. The magnificent Manueline window in the convent, which was designed by the renowned sculptor Diogo de Arruda, is still considered to be one of the most aesthetically appealing aspects of the architecture of any building in Portugal.
7. Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga
It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal to visit Bom Jesus do Monte, which is situated on a forested slope about six kilometers east of Braga. Bom Jesus do Monte is the most impressive religious sanctuary that can be found in Portugal.
This magnificent complex is comprised of a monumental Baroque Escadaria (stairway), the church of Bom Jesus, as well as several chapels that are adorned with sculptured scenes from the Passion of Christ; fountains that are positioned at various points along the long ascent; and statues of biblical, mythological, and symbolic figures.
As you make your way up the lower section of the ornamental granite staircase that is 116 meters long, you will gradually make your way past a steep Sacred Way that is lined with chapels that depict the 14 Stations of the Cross.
The Escadório dos Cinco Sentidos is a white, interleaved stairway that features statues with intricately carved designs that represent the five senses.
The final part of the structure is a staircase known as the Staircase of the Three Virtues. This staircase, which leads to the church, is meant to symbolize faith, hope, and charity. The awe-inspiring view of the countryside that awaits you as your reward will be well worth the effort you put in. A vintage funicular from 1882 can transport visitors to the summit in just three minutes, making it ideal for those who prefer to take it easy.
8. Hiking the Gerês Mountain Range
In the remote Minho region of northern Portugal lies a mountain range known as the Serra do Gerês. This mountain range is known for its breathtaking beauty. Granite peaks that help define the character of this vast national park are among the highest and most spectacular in all of Portugal. This park is located within the magnificent Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, which is widely regarded as one of the best tourist destinations in the country.
The Gerês Mountains are one of Portugal’s most popular destinations for walkers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. These mountains are known for their stark and rugged landscape, which is known for its lush valleys dotted with shimmering lakes, a scattering of traditional villages, rare flora and fauna, and a way of life that has almost entirely vanished from the rest of the country’s mountain regions.
The region is traversed by ancient granite paths, many of which are signposted for hikers to follow. Hikers can choose to follow these paths for a leisurely stroll or for a strenuous day hike. The majority of the courses range from ten to sixteen kilometers in length and feature varying degrees of difficulty.
9. Universidade de Coimbra
The oldest academic institution in Portugal is the University of Coimbra, which was established in 1290 by King Dinis. The historic buildings of the Velha Universidade, also known as the old Coimbra University, surround a beautiful colonnaded central square known as the Paco das Escolas. The Paco das Escolas has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Alta and Sofia wings of the university, which was formerly used as a royal residence, present visitors with a number of outstanding attractions. One of these is the astounding Biblioteca Joanina, which is a lavishly decorated library that was established in 1717 by King Joo V.
The Capela de S. Miguel, which dates back to the 16th century and is incredibly ornate, is another stop on the tour. Those who aren’t afraid of heights can scale the iconic clock tower that was built in the 18th century to get an amazing view of Coimbra, which is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
10. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, Lisbon
The city of Lisbon is home to a number of museums that are among the very best in the world, and the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is widely considered to be among the very best of these institutions. When Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, a wealthy Armenian oil magnate, passed away in 1955, he left his priceless hoard to the nation of Portugal in the form of a bequest. The museum’s collection contains approximately 6,000 pieces, all of which belonged to just one man: Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian.
To put it more succinctly, this is unquestionably one of the most impressive art collections in all of Europe. The exhibits cover a time period of more than 4,000 years, beginning with antiquity in classical and oriental cultures and ending with European art from the early 20th century. There is no other museum that contains such a wide variety of artworks from such a wide variety of locations around the world. Visitors can spend hours perusing the museum’s treasures, which include the 11 Roman medallions that were discovered in Egypt, illustrated manuscripts from the 16th century, masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Turner, Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture, and Art Nouveau jewelry that was made by Rene Lalique.
The museum is surrounded by stunningly lush gardens that are ideal for having picnics, particularly during the warmer months of the year.
11. Castelo de Guimarães
Guimares was once the capital of the kingdom known as “Portucale,” and it is also considered to be the birthplace of the nation of Portugal. In 1110, Dom Afonso Henriques, the first monarch of Portugal, was born there.
It is the Castelo de Guimares that best symbolizes the role played by the town in defining the nation’s culture and tradition; it even appears on the Portuguese coat of arms. The town of Guimares was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to its collection of historic monuments that are grouped in and around the old town center.
The stronghold was initially constructed in the 10th century, but Henry of Burgundy significantly expanded it two centuries later. It is situated on an elevated outcrop of granite and consists of a central keep known as the Torre de Menagem that is surrounded by massive battlements and fortified towers.
Dom Afonso was baptized in the diminutive Romanesque chapel of S. Miguel, which is situated just outside the walls of the castle; guests can peer inside the cramped space to see the font where Dom Afonso was christened. Climbing the keep will reward you with the most breathtaking panoramas, but taking a stroll along the ramparts will inspire you.
12. Torre de Clérigos, Oporto
One of Oporto’s most recognizable landmarks is the Torre de Clérigos, a spindly tower that resembles a needle. This slender tower was built in the 18th century by Nicolau Nasoni and exudes a bold sense of the Baroque style. It stands 75 meters above the streets and overlooks the old town. The tower, which was finished in 1763 and was intended to be a part of the Igreja dos Clérigos, was at the time of its completion the tallest building in Oporto.
Upwards of two hundred steps are required for visitors to ascend to the observation deck at the top, but the exertion will be more than worth it once they take in the breathtaking panoramas of the city and the River Douro.
13. Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon
Castelo de So Jorge is the city’s most prominent historical landmark due to its commanding vantage point atop a hill overlooking Lisbon’s bustling Baixa (downtown) neighborhood. The foundations of this magnificent castle date back to the late 12th century, when King Afonso Henriques recaptured the city from the Moors and constructed a palace over the ruins of their hilltop citadel.
The royal residence was expanded and fortified with sturdy battlements in 1511. The 1755 earthquake obliterated a significant portion of the structure, and what remains today is largely the result of extensive renovations.
Exploring the castle is very enjoyable. Visitors can walk the ramparts and castellated towers, one of which, Torre de Ulisses, is equipped with a camera obscura that projects cityscapes onto the interior walls. The walls enclose an archaeological site containing the remnants of the original Alcácova palace as well as ancient Moorish foundations.
The observation deck adjacent to the entrance provides the most breathtaking views of Lisbon and the river.
14. Sé (cathedral) and Roman Temple, Évora
Évora, one of Portugal’s most charming cities, can be found tucked away in the heart of the sun-baked Alentejo province in the country’s south. It was under Moorish rule that the town began to take shape, with its maze of narrow lanes and alleys typical of Islamic urban design. The Romans established themselves here in 57 BC, but it was under Moorish rule that the town began to take shape. After Christianity was reestablished in Évora, the city’s impressive cathedral, the Sé, was built. The Sé is just one of several breathtaking tourist attractions located in the old town.
After admiring the interior of this celebrated religious building, visitors can make their way up to the roof, which provides excellent views over the surrounding area. The structure was consecrated in 1204, and its design incorporates elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.
The Roman Temple, Évora’s most famous structure, can be found not far away. The most impressive Roman structure in the country, this building dates back to the second or third century after the common era. Because of the significant historical legacy that Évora possesses, the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
15. Alentejo by Horseback
One of the great things to do in the Alentejo is to explore the region on horseback. This can be done by following a narrow, gurgling stream, riding across a flower-flecked meadow, or tromping over a soft, sandy track.
The province is well-known for its equine-centric culture, with towns like Alter do Cho—home to the Coudelaria de Alter stud—particularly embracing the region’s affinity for the graceful and amiable Lusitano breed.
Trips on horseback can be taken through the countryside or along the coast, led by guides who seem to have been destined for a life in the saddle. Comporta is a popular beach town, while Alcácer do Sal on the River Sado and Ourique in the dense forest are popular inland destinations.
16. Mosteiro Pálacio Nacional de Mafra
The magnificent National Palace and Monastery of Mafra towers over the picturesque town of Mafra in the countryside, and it serves as a prime illustration of the grandiose excess that can be found in society.
In 1717, construction began on what had been planned all along to be a straightforward monastery and basilica. Dom Joo V had commissioned the building in order to commemorate the birth of the king’s first child. But as wealth from Brazil swelled the royal coffers, the project took on a new dimension, and eventually, a massive baroque palace was built, which was lavishly decorated with a variety of exotic furnishings and numerous works of art.
The monastery, the palace, the church, and the basilica can all be visited during a tour. The sumptuous marble floored library at the National Palace and Monastery of Mafra is without a doubt one of the most impressive features of the complex. Here, more than 40,000 rare and valuable books are displayed in wooden bookcases designed in the Rococo style. This library houses one of the most significant collections of manuscripts and literature in all of Europe.
17. Igreja de Santo António and the Museu Municipal, Lagos
The most unique and interesting collection of archeology and ethnography in the Algarve can be found in the Municipal Museum in Lagos. Items such as an altarpiece handcrafted from cork and a realistic homemade scale model of an imaginary Algarve village are included in the wonderfully eclectic display of local handicrafts, curios, and artifacts that perfectly illustrates the region’s diverse culture and heritage.
The extraordinary Opus Vermiculatum Roman Mosaic is a highlight of the museum. It was discovered in 1933 by Dr. José Formosinho, who also founded the museum. Visits come to a close with a stop at the Igreja de Santo António, which features a dazzling interior adorned with ornate carvings gilded in gold and decorative azulejos panels.
18. Silves Castle
During the time of the Moors, Silves was known as Xelb and served as the capital city of Moorish Algarve. The Arabs called this region al-Gharb.
In the early 12th century, the town was well-known for its status as a center of learning. It was a meeting place for a variety of Islamic intellectuals, including philosophers, geographers, and writers. The Moors constructed a formidable castle in an elevated position overlooking the town for the purpose of providing protection for the locals.
The fortress, which was later taken by Crusaders and still stands to this day, serves as a constant reminder of Moorish dominance and the Christian Reconquest. It is widely regarded as the most impressive historical landmark in the Algarve and as one of the finest castles in all of Portugal. The charming riverside town of Silves, which is located below, takes on a warm ochre hue thanks to the massive walls of red sandstone that it contains.
Enjoy the annual Medieval Festival, which is held outside of the fortified battlements, if you come during the first few days of August.
19. Cross-Border Zipline, Alcoutim
This is one of the most daring and outlandish tourist attractions in the country, as it spans both Spain and Portugal and is the only zipline in the world that currently crosses international borders. The line spans 720 meters and joins the two countries across the wide and winding River Guadiana. It begins in Sanlcar de Guadiana, which is located in the province of Huelva in Spain, and ends in Alcoutim, which is located in the far north of the Algarve region.
Participants begin their flight from a departure platform that is situated high above the river and looks out over the tranquil hamlet of Sanlcar. The participants are outfitted with safety harnesses and helmets before beginning their flight. While traveling at speeds between 70 and 80 kilometers per hour across the river, they figuratively fly through time, gaining one hour due to the hour difference that exists between the two countries’ time zones.
It’s not every day that you can say you went from one country to another in less than a minute, but this ride is both exhilarating and completely unique, and it provides guests of the Algarve with an experience that’s unlike anything else they’ve had there.
20. Palácio da Bolsa, Oporto
The stunning Palácio da Bolsa, which was formerly used as the city’s stock exchange, is one of the many enticing tourist destinations in Oporto. The palace was constructed by merchants in the middle of the 19th century on the site that had previously been occupied by the monastery of So Francisco. Because the palace is located within the old city boundaries, it has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
A tour of the ornate rooms and galleries reveals a grandness and richness as extravagant as any royal palace, and the dazzling interior is a reflection of the wealth that was pouring into the city at that time. This opulence is best exemplified by the magnificent Sala Arabe, also known as the Arabian Room. The magnificently gilded salon is covered in blue and gold Moorish-style decoration that shimmers like Aladdin’s cave. This design was inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, which can be found in Spain.
21. Paiva Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva), Arouca
This facility, which won an award and is also known as the Paiva Walkways, checks all the boxes when it comes to being environmentally friendly. The Paiva Walkways offer a challenging but highly rewarding eight-kilometer hike over an elevated boardwalk that dips, climbs, and meanders through the Arouca Geopark – an unspoiled landscape of outstanding beauty and a biodiversity hot spot. They are located just outside the town of Arouca, which is located about 70 kilometers north of Aveiro in central Portugal.
The hike begins in Areinho and for a portion of its length, it travels downstream along the pristine River Paiva. You won’t have to wait long before you start hiking through a rough and remote environment that consists of quiet, verdant woodland and deep, gaping gorges.
You will travel past tranquil pools and cascading waterfalls as you make your way along this path. The trek really puts one’s stamina and physical fitness to the test, as it frequently requires negotiating long flights of zigzagging steps over steep inclines.
The walk, which culminates in Espiunca, can be finished in approximately 2.5 hours. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and high-energy snacks with you.
22. Côa Valley Archaeological Park (Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa), Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Engineers surveying a river valley in northeastern Portugal in the early 1990s for the purpose of building a dam came across thousands of ancient rock drawings etched into massive slabs of granite. What a fantastic and unusual find!
The dam was never built, but the engravings were recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for their depiction of animals, tools, and people as early as 22,000 BCE.
Visitors can see this ancient rock art still in its original location by taking an ATV tour through the Côa Valley Archaeological Park. In addition to learning about the cultural context of the artwork and its creation, visitors to the park’s fabulous Côa Museum can do so through multimedia displays, photographs, and images of the engravings, all of which provide a unique window into the valley’s history.
