Things to Do in Portugal
Want to know some of the standout things to do in Portugal? Then have a look through our handpicked suggestions below...
1. Belem Tower, Lisbon
Situated in the Belem district of Lisbon, this ornate tower was built to commemorate Vasco de Gama’s exploratory voyage. A gorgeous example of Manueline architecture, it displays many typically ornate motifs from the period.
2. The Castle of Guimaraes, Guimaraes
Built in the 10th century, the Castle of Guimaraes functioned as the royal residence in pre-medieval Portugal. Widely considered one of the finest national monuments, the castle is also known as the ‘Cradle of Portugal’.
3. Pena Palace, Sintra
The town of Sintra is home to two beautiful buildings included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Of these, the 19th century Pena Palaca (notable for its typically Romantic use of color) is still used on state occasions, although it remains open to the general public.
4. Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, Porto
An addition to Portugal’s Contemporary Art Museum, the Serralves Museum houses an impressive exhibition of national and international artists, and is also home to the Serralves Foundation.
5. Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
A strip of land that runs for 60km along the coast of the Algarve, this popular ecotourism destination offers wonderful hiking and wildlife spotting. The terrain includes lagoons, sand dunes and water fields, and is the natural home of a diverse array of bird species.