Portugal is becoming one of the premier travel destinations in Europe for a number of reasons. First, Portugal offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, from its stunning coastal towns to its historic cities. Second, Portugal is relatively affordable compared to other European countries, making it an attractive option for budget-minded travelers. Finally, Portugal is home to a growing number of luxury hotels and resorts, providing visitors with an upscale experience. Whether you're looking for a beach vacation or a cultural getaway, Portugal has something to offer everyone. So why not consider Portugal for your next trip?
Here are our top 10 picks for things to do in Portugal:
1. Visit the stunning capital city of Lisbon, which is home to a mix of old and new architecture, delicious food, and plenty of culture.
Lisbon is Portugal's capital and largest city. It is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. Lisbon is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The city is located on the banks of the River Tejo and is filled with a mix of old and new architecture. Lisbon's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The center is filled with narrow streets, quaint shops and cafes, and stunning views of the river.
2. Wander through the charming streets of Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city.
Porto is one of the most charming and fascinating cities in Europe. It is Portugal's second-largest city, with a population of over 1.3 million people. The city is located along the Douro River, and is known for its beautiful bridges, narrow streets, and colorful buildings.
Porto is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as the Clerigos Tower, the Livraria Lello Bookstore, and the Porto Cathedral. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.
If you're looking for a charming and historic European city to explore, be sure to add Porto to your list!
3. Take in the stunning coastal views at Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern most point in Europe.
The southwestern most point in Europe, Cape St. Vincent is a stunning place to take in the coastal views. The rugged cliffs and crashing waves make for an impressive sight, and the area is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore in the area, as well as restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the views.
4. Explore the beautiful Douro Valley wine region.
The Douro Valley is a stunning wine-producing region in Portugal that offers tourists a wealth of activities and attractions to enjoy. From charming villages and awe-inspiring landscapes to delicious food and world-class wine, there's something for everyone in the Douro Valley. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking and biking through the picturesque countryside, while history buffs can explore centuries-old vineyards and churches. Wine lovers will want to spend time touring the many wineries in the area, and foodies can taste some of the best regional dishes. Whatever your interests, the Douro Valley is sure to delight.
5. Sample some of Portugal’s famous Port wine.
Port wine is a famous and well-loved export from Portugal. It's been around for centuries, and in that time has built up quite a following. People love the sweet, strong flavor, and the way it pairs with food.
What many people don't know, though, is that Port wine is a great activity to do while touring Portugal. There are plenty of wineries in the Porto region where you can sample different types of Port wine and learn about how it's made. You can also buy bottles to take home with you as souvenirs.
If you're looking for a fun, unique activity to do while touring Portugal, be sure to check out some of the local wineries and sample some delicious Port wine.
6. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra, home to a number of fairytale palaces and castles.
The city of Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Portuguese Riviera. It is known for its many fairytale palaces and castles, including the Pena Palace, which is considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. Other popular attractions in Sintra include the Monserrate Palace, the Quinta da Regaleira, and the National Palace of Sintra.
Sintra is a major tourist destination, with over 1.5 million visitors per year. Visitors can explore the city's winding streets and medieval architecture on their own, or participate in a number of guided tours that are available. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes in Sintra, as well as shopping opportunities.
If you're looking for a fairytale destination to visit in Europe, be sure to add Sintra to your list!
7. Soak up some sun on Portugal’s picturesque beaches.
Portugal is well known for its stunning beaches. From dramatic cliffs to pristine sands, the country has something for everyone. The Algarve region is especially popular with tourists, thanks to its world-famous beaches and warm climate. Lagos, in particular, is a favorite destination, with its dramatic coastline and lovely sandy beaches. Visitors can also find plenty of activities to keep them busy, from swimming and sunbathing to surfing and windsurfing.
8. Discover the history and culture of Moorish-era Portugal in Évora.
Évora is a city located in southern Portugal that is known for its rich history and culture dating back to the Moorish era. Today, the city is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to explore its ancient architecture, museums, and restaurants. One of the must-see attractions in Évora is the Roman Temple of Évora, which is considered to be one of the best-preserved temples in all of Portugal. Other notable sights include the Cathedral of Évora, built in the Gothic style, and the Chapel of Bones, which is decorated with thousands of human bones. Évora is also home to a number of excellent restaurants serving up traditional Portuguese cuisine. Whether you're interested in history and culture or just looking for a great place to eat, Évora is definitely worth a visit.
9. See some of Europe’s oldest standing architecture in Braga.
The city of Braga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and its architecture is some of the most well-preserved in the continent. There are many churches and other historical buildings to see in Braga, and the city also has a lively nightlife and plenty of cultural events. Additionally, Braga is located close to some of Portugal’s best beaches, so it’s the perfect destination for a summer vacation.
10. Indulge in some of Portugal’s delicious gastronomic offerings.
Portugal is a gastronomic paradise, with something to please every palate. From fresh seafood to succulent meats, from hearty stews to light and refreshing salads, Portugal has something to offer everyone who loves good food. And, of course, no trip to Portugal would be complete without sampling some of the country’s famous port wine. So if you’re looking for a culinary adventure, be sure to add Portugal to your list of travel destinations!
Portugal's mild climate makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the cold winter months, and its position on the Atlantic coast means that there are plenty of opportunities for surfing and other water sports during the warmer months.
Portugal is a bucket list destination for many travelers. If you're looking for more ideas on how to explore Portugal in a more spontaneous way, buy our Travel Deck of cards.
The deck includes 50 different travel ideas, ranging from taking a scenic hike to enjoying a delicious local meal. And best of all, each activity is easy to do and doesn't require any advance planning. So whether you're looking for an adventure or a relaxing afternoon, the Travel Deck of cards is the perfect way to explore Portugal.