Lisbon offers the perfect blend of city life and beach scenery in one day trip, perfect for taking advantage of vintage tram rides to soak in all of Lisbon’s sights, sampling Portuguese custard tarts at a patisserie, or listening to mournful fado singers perform on patio restaurants. Find out the best info about cities to explore in Portugal.
Serra da Estrela offers stunning landscapes and an insight into an increasingly unsustainable traditional way of life, along with being home to an iconic high-country trail and some breathtakingly beautiful villages.
The Algarve
Algarve’s stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and mysterious caves draw visitors year-round. Boat tours allow visitors to spot wild dolphins up close, while championship courses challenge golfers when autumn rolls around. Visit Sagres Peninsula to witness ss bird migration.
Benagil Cave, a fantastic sandstone cavern formed through erosion, is an unforgettable site. Take a motorboat tour from Carvoeiro or opt for kayaking for an even more tranquil experience.
Foodies will delight in the region’s fresh seafood dishes. Cataplana – an exquisite seafood stew served in a copper cooking pot designed to be shared – is one of the region’s signature dishes and should not be missed! Also, some local wine!
The, Setubal Peninsula
Just south of Lisbon lies a beautiful peninsula encompassing breathtaking natural wonders such as Arrabida Natural Park and Sado Estuary that will delight nature enthusiasts, and white sand beaches with clear water are the ideal place for relaxation.
The Setubal region is famous for both etualsetubalreathtaking beaches and wine. Setubal’s vineyards produce one of the finest Portuguese dessert wines: Moscatel.
Guimaraes provides an ideal cultural experience, offering beautiful medieval buildings such as old palaces and charming squares to explore over its 2,000-year history. Museums, arc2,000-year sites, and castles such as Guimaraes Castle in the 10th century with panoramic city views await your discovery here.
Sintra
Within an hour’s drive from Lisbon, this picturesque mountain town feels like something out of a fairy tale. Surrounded by dense woodland, its wooded hillsides boast castles, magical gardens, and centuries-old mansions reminiscent of something from a fairy tale book.
Discover Moorish design and 19th-century Romanticist architecture at Pena and Quinta da Regaleira Palaces or relax on beaches such as Praia da Adraga or Magotio to get some sun.
Discover a UNESCO-listed landscape with a local guide during a full-day tour from Lisbon. Experience top attractions like Sintra National Palace and Moorish Castle before traveling to Roca Cape – mainland Europe’s westernmost point – for some incredible hiking. Or perhaps enjoy one of many unique trails throughout this picturesque region!
Braga
Braga exudes peace, security, and tranquility due to its religious heritage and exquisite architecture. Plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities include translucent kayaking lakes and rappelling down waterfalls – perfect for peaceful relaxation.
Bom Jesus do Monte is one of the city’s signature landmarks, featuring a neoclassical church at the end of an intricate 17-flight stairway and offering stunning hilltop views, especially during Easter Week festivities when Festa de Sao Joo takes place.
An exquisite 17th and 18th-century aristocratic palace features a museum full of exquisitely tilled rooms filled with furniture, paintings, and religious art from centuries past. History buffs should make time to visit this splendid collection!
Guimaraes
Guimaraes is the birthplace of Portugal and boasts historic streets lined with corbelled houses and an 11th-century castle that provides panoramic city views. Another top attraction at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is Ducal Palace Museum, where you can admire Flemish tapestries, medieval weaponry, and more!
Citania de Briteiros is one of Portugal’s premier archeological sites, housing 150 single-room dwellings and two huts dating back to the Iron Age period, as well as housing the neo-Romanesque Martins Sarmento Archaeological Museum within an old convent cloister.
Head for the Serra da Estrela mountain range for rugged hiking trails and glimpses into an old traditional way of life, complete with picturesque towns such as Lagos and Tavira surrounded by orange groves.
Obidos
Obidos is a picturesque medieval town full of surprises and hidden gems that are filled with hidden surprises, offering up both history and discoveries at every turn.
Obidos Castle is the star attraction, having once been part of the dowries of Portuguese queens. Its walls offer breathtaking views across the village.
Rua Direita offers cobblestone lanes leading to breathtaking vistas, providing the ideal opportunity to escape the crowds and appreciate its charms.
Pay a visit to Josefa de Ayala Figueira, one of Portugal’s most outstanding female artists from the 17th century. Her home can be the und nearby.
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