Fresh fish and pastries, historic cities and sailors’ quarters, UNESCO World Heritage sites and dramatic coastlines – places to visit in Portugal offer everything you could want in a travel destination, but choosing just which things to see and where to go is not always easy with such options. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favourite things to do, see and eat to help you choose just the right Portugal vacation packages for you.
Fill up on Pastéis de Nata
The Portuguese will frown if you leave without trying their delicious flaky custard tarts. The mini egg pastries originated from monks in Belém, and they beckon in the front window of almost every bakery store, satisfying sweet tooths with a generous dousing of sprinkled cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Standing proudly on the bank of the Tagus River in Lisbon is this grand monument to the Portuguese Age of Discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries. The monument is a must-visit to imagine the ships sailing past on their way to trade with India and parts of what was then known to the western world as the Orient.
Explore the capital of Lisbon
Take a vintage tram to tackle the city of seven hills and soak up its vibrancy by the ocean. Leafy alleyways, a salty sailors’ quarter, centuries-old monuments, azulejos ceramic tiling and lively nightlife at Bairrio Alto show off a character distinctly authentic and different from other European capitals.
The breath-taking Algarve coastline
The laid-back sunny southern coastline attracts visitors from around the world to its spectacular rock cliffs and crashing surf. Despite being the country’s leading holiday destination, if you look hard you can most definitely find a golden cove all for yourself.
Home of the Order of the Knights Templar
Tomar’s 800-year-old Convent of Christ was formerly the headquarters of the Knights Templar, the wealthy and powerful Christian military order of the Middle Ages. Renaissance-decorated cloisters in the castle add to its mighty impressiveness and historical intrigue.
Architecture and wine cellars in Porto
Port wine cellars aren’t the only thing you’ll find in the second largest city. The riverfront collage of houses, boats and UNESCO heritage-listed architecture leaves travellers drunk with cultural tradition.
Lello Bookstore
Tour Amigo’s insider tip during your free time in Porto is to visit this old bookstore – quite simply one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Even if all you read is Harry Potter, go there, and you will shower us with ‘obrigado’ thanks later.
Feel the Fado soundtrack
Fado music originated in the early 19th century, and Lisbon is the best place to experience the soulful soundtrack with plenty of options for shows with dinner.
Visit the Jerónimos Monastery
The spectacular Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO site located in Belém, formerly serving as a monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. Today the outstanding example of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style houses the Maritime Museum and the National Archaeology Museum.
Fresh fish and vegetable markets
Portuguese cities are hardly complete without their own fish and vegetable markets, where fishermen sell their daily catch amidst a colourful array of locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Markets pop up in most towns and cities, including along the Algarve coast and in the capital of Lisbon.
Visit Sintra Palace and gardens
The 19th century Sintra National Palace and Pena National Palace are truly incredible buildings earning their spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Positioned just over an hour drive outside of Lisbon, at the foot of Sintra mountains, the area is a must see. Would highly recommend taking half a day to explore the gardens and national park.
Courtney Gahan is a serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC
