12 of the best things to do in Portugal

When you’re planning your next visit to this tempting country, don’t miss our pick of the best things to do in Portugal.

One of the oldest cities in the world, pre-dating other European capitals such as Paris and Rome by centuries, Lisbon is a treasure trove for those who are fascinated by history. Much of its architecture was constructed after the devastating earthquake of 1755, but the medieval castle of Sao Jorge survived, as did much of the historic quarter of the Alfama atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills. A fortress has stood on the site since the Roman Empire ruled here; hop on one of the city’s famous little yellow trams to whisk you up the hill, before strolling through the Alfama’s cobbled streets.

There’s another chance to soak up Lisbon’s history at the 600-year-old Convento do Carmo, part of which remains, while São Roque church owes its magnificence to Portugal’s colonial conquests, including the wealth found in Brazil. Add in the elegant 18th century Pombaline architecture which replaced the destruction of the medieval city, and a chance to cruise on the River Tagus, as traders, conquerors and visitors have done for centuries, and it’s the perfect place to step back in time.

Portugal’s second city Porto certainly isn’t second place when you’re looking for the best things to do in Portugal. Famously the birthplace of port, you can still visit the historic cellars which line the riverfront, as well as learning how the fortified wine is made - before tasting the finished product too, of course.

Then head outside to spot the traditional wooden sailing barges known as rabelos, which have been used to transport the wine for centuries along the Douro River. Cross the Ponte de Dom Luis I, the iron arched bridge which connects the port warehouses on the banks of Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto itself, and stroll through the waterfront Ribeira district, before spotting street art, colourful buildings and fabulous tiles in the city’s train station, Sao Bento.

The Douro Valley is famous for its vineyards

While port is famous world-wide, it’s often easy to forget about Portugal’s wine-making industry, but the wine terraces of the Douro Valley have a history stretching back over 2,000 years.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the loveliest things to do in Portugal is to explore it by river, passing medieval villages as well as historic Lamego, where Afonso Henriques was declared Portugal’s first king, before stopping to taste a few of the local vintages.

During the autumn harvest, or vindimas, you can even still see the grapes being crushed by foot, using methods which date back centuries. Save some time to enjoy the decorative tiles at picturesque Pinhao, and stay on a quinta, a traditional wine estate, too.

National Palace of Pena, Sintra

An easy day trip from Lisbon, the UNESCO-listed town of Sintra looks as if it has been whisked from a fairytale and dropped into the cooler hills outside the capital. The Castle of the Moors dates back to the 8th century, a rugged fortress clinging to the hillside, but it’s the Pena Palace, National Palace and Quinta da Regaleira which help give the town its reputation.

The Pena Palace is a riot of colours, with white and blue tiles lining yellow walls, and domes and towers stretching up to the sky, while in the centre of town, the National Palace is instantly recognisable by its white pepperpot towers. Once a medieval royal residence, it was inhabited by the Portugal’s kings from the 15th century to the late 19th century.

Or lose yourself in the fantastical gardens at Quinta da Regaleira, purposefully designed to be full of unexpected detail and apparent secrets. The villa itself was created in neo-Manueline style by an opera set designer, while the gardens feature attractively ruined follies and the famous Initiation Well at the bottom of spiral steps, with tunnels leading you to pools and waterfalls.

Belem Tower

This small district of Lisbon is crammed with historic sites and museums, as well as being the birthplace of Portugal’s famous pasteis de nata, the custard tarts which were first created by nuns at the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. At the Antiga Pastelaria de Belem, next to the monastery, you can still buy the treats made using the original secret recipe – here they’re known as Pasteis de Belem.

The monastery itself is an intricate confection of decorative stonework set around a cloister, with fascinating details hidden in the delicately ornate carvings. Look out for more unexpected stonework on the Belem Tower, including a slightly weathered rhino decorating the pale fort, which looks just like a chess piece set on the riverfront.

And many of Portugal’s most famous explorers, including Vasco da Gama, are celebrated further along the river at the Monument to the Discoveries, built in 1515, with some beginning their journeys to undiscovered lands from this spot.

Eurasian hoopoe

Renowned for its miles and miles of golden beaches, there’s plenty more to discover on a visit to the Algarve. Venture to the quieter eastern edge of the Algarve and you’ll find the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park, with its waterways, unspoiled marshland and small barrier islands, home to thousands of migratory species.

But the whole coast is perfect for those who love bird-watching, as well as those looking to explore some less-explored corners of the country. Because the Ria Formosa is only the start of the places to spot some impressive bird-life in the Algarve. See raptors soaring overhead at Sagres, the windswept south-west point of the coast, which the Romans believed marked the end of the world.

Or look for some of the 200 different species, including ibis, to be found in the lagoon at Lagoa dos Selgados, not far from Albufeira, or spy elusive bustards in the oak woods around Castle Verde, just across the border into the neighbouring region of the Alentejo.

Risco Waterfall, Madeira

The UNESCO-listed levadas of Madeira were created centuries ago as channels to irrigate the island’s farmland. Today, these manmade channels no longer carry water but make perfect pathways to explore Madeira’s subtropical scenery.

One of the best things to do in Portugal if you’re looking to get outdoors, there are routes for every level too, with easier flat trails and more challenging climbs, including one leading to Pico Ruivo, Maderia’s highest peak. Discover the ancient and protected laurissilva forest in locations such as Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, spy whales swimming off the coast, wander to waterfalls and windmills, and pass farms growing exotic fruits along the way.

Sao Miguel, Azores

The westernmost point of Europe, the Azores might be the remotest corner of Portugal but the islands are well worth discovering, not least for the magnificent scenery carved out by volcanic activity over the centuries.

The twin lakes of Sete Cidades on Sao Miguel sit in the crater of a dormant volcano, a striking blue-green shade which has inspired a string of legends. Elsewhere you’ll find thermal hot springs, including a chance to swim in the thermal pool on the 18th-century Terra Nostra estate, before eating cozido, a meal slow-cooked in the heat of the island’s soil.

Or on Terceira, home to the islands’ oldest city Angra do Heroismo, you can walk through lava tubes as well as primeval forests. Add in whale watching and the chance to see Portugal’s highest mountain, and it’s the perfect place for an adventure.

Temple of Diana, Evora

This attractive university town makes a temping place to spend a few days but Evora is also home to a few of the more unusual things to do in Portugal. Dating back to Roman times, the UNESCO World Heritage city still has the remains of a Roman Temple (often known as the Temple of Diana) at its heart. Thought to date from the 1st century, many of its magnificent columns survive – time your visit for sun set and you’ll see the sky changing colour behind them.

But that’s only the first of the unexpected sights to see, as Evora is also home to the 16th century Chapel of Bones. Part of the royal church of San Francisco, the chapel contains the bones of 5,000 bodies, with skulls and entire skeletons covering the walls – a macabre memento mori that’s unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere in Portugal.

Coimbra University

Home to one of the world’s oldest universities, Coimbra has been called the City of Students – the university of Coimbra was originally founded in the 13th century in Lisbon before moving here in 1537. But it’s also one of the most important centres of Fado music, Portugal’s haunting musical style.

One of the most memorable things to do in Portugal is the chance to listen to Fado singers, accompanied by Portuguese guitars, as they perform. The word is often translated to ‘fate’ or ‘destiny’ and the often melancholic lyrics swell on life’s hardships, set to wistful and mournful melodies. The city is home to the Fado ao Centro, which covers the history of the musical style, as well as being a venue for concerts.

Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, Braga

The oldest city in Portugal, Braga can look back on more than 2,000 years of history. Founded by the Romans in 16BCE under the name Bracara Augusta, in honour of the emperor Augustus, it’s been nicknamed the Portuguese Rome for its elegant baroque architecture and the churches which dominate the town.

An elaborate 17 flights of stairs leads to the neoclassical church Bom Jesus do Monte – or there’s also a funicular to take you up. And in the city’s centre, Braga Cathedral pre-dates the official founding of Portugal; consecrated in 1089, it’s the final resting place of the parents of the first king of Portugal. Just steps away, you can still see the imposing Archbishop’s Palace with its mix of architectural styles as well.

Beja is known as the 'breadbasket of Portugal'

The Douro Valley isn’t the only part of Portugal with a long wine-producing history. In the central Alentejo, known as the ‘breadbasket of Portugal’, pretty Beja sits at the heart of one of the country’s traditional agricultural areas.

Vines have been grown here since Roman times, and you can visit local wine producers for tastings; the area is known for white wines similar to Sauvignon Blanc, as well as for red Syrah grapes. But you’ll find more than wine alone, with local cheeses and some of the country’s best olive oil, all accompanied by the bread which gives the area its nickname.

A sleepily attractive town, the walled centre is home to a 15th century convent and the castle, with winding alleys leading to shady squares where you can sit and enjoy another taste of the best of Beja.

Experience Portugal for yourself on one of our many escorted tours, hotel stays or special interest holidays.