Add Portugal straight to your bucket list! There are many reasons you should visit this beautifully historic country. Here you can unwind with a large glass of port wine from the vineyard below whilst you set your eyes on the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Portugal has everything you would ever need, rich history, beautiful architecture and of course some of the best wine in the world.
Lisbon
Lisbon's history dates back centuries. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it holds an abundance of rich history. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this vibrant city has blended itself into a vintage-era southern European capital with a modern edge.
Immerse yourself in Lisbon's stunning historic architecture by visiting Praça do Comércio. It sits in one of Europe's largest squares often called 'Palace Square' although no palace has been here since 1755 due to an earthquake which destroyed the royal residence.
Straight out of a fairytale, the Belem Tower is a fortress guarding Lisbon's harbour. As Lisbon's most iconic landmark, it has a uniqueness with its Gothic architecture and stonework. Venture to the terrace where extraordinary views of Tagus estuary and many other must-see landmarks emerge from the skyline.
Douro Valley
A wine lover's dream! The Douro Valley is one of the prettiest wine regions in the world, with idyllic views of the many vineyards in the area. The Douro River lays between the terraced vineyards and nurtures the land. You can take a river cruise along the 550-mile river which winds through Spain and Portugal.
If you would like a break from the incredible wine tasting experiences, then head to Alto Corgo to view the most scenic stretch of the river. The Douro Valley is a World Heritage site with the region's vineyards being some of the oldest in the world. Definitely worth a visit!
You can experience the Douro Valley on our Portugal and the Douro holiday.
Sintra
This romantic town sits on the Portuguese Riviera only 40 minutes from the capital, Lisbon. Sintra is the perfect place for a day trip and, with a blend of natural beauty and architectural wonders, it is often seen as otherworldly.
The history of Portugal has been well preserved across the country, Pena Palace is a prime example of that. With its ornate 19th-century romanticist architecture, it was the summer residence of King Ferdinand II and now receives around 18 million visitors each year.
The Moorish castle's interior is extravagant with Victorian and Edwardian styles. You can visit on a guided tour of the castle and learn about azulejos and the history of the palace. If you enjoy all things history, then our Lisbon, Porto and The Douro Valley package is a perfect fit.
For walking enthusiasts, the trails of the Sintra Cascais Natural Park have amazing views. The Sintra mountains cover the park, and sightseeing tours are available whilst visiting this natural park.
Porto
Although a very intimate city, Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. Explore the narrow, cobbled streets filled with colourful buildings, leading yourself to the Ribeira and Porto Riverbank.
Enjoy all of these restaurants, cafes and craft shops in this thriving foodie neighbourhood or savour world-famous port wine. Another way to view the city is by taking a ride on Porto's cable cars. A unique journey over the multicultural city.
Vila Nova de Gaia is renowned for its port wine. It is from here that all the port wine in the world has originated since the 17th century. Visitors from around the world still come here to experience tasting tours to sample a glass of the famous port wine. It is one of Portugal's biggest attractions.
The Algarve
There are a variety of reasons to visit the Algarve region, one being its incredible sandy beaches which are accompanied by golden cliff faces that create the perfect escape. Enjoy the picturesque ocean by taking a trip on a boat to see wild dolphins gliding through the warm waters, then visit the Benagil cave along the coast of the Algarve.
Alongside being the sunniest region in Portugal, it is also internationally acclaimed for its golf courses which bodes well for a fantastic golfing climate. The Royal Golf Course is one of the most popular out of the 25 available in the region.
Cascais
Cascais is a traditional Portuguese fishing village turned cosmopolitan resort, with a Mediterranean atmosphere. Covered in beautiful stretches of golden beaches, the king became a regular visitor in the 19th century, turning this town into a revered summer retreat.
The old town remains untouched with intricate cobbled streets, in which you can explore the Portuguese community and their culture. One unmissable event is a Jazz Festival called Festas. It is held once a year in July to celebrate Portuguese music, crafts, arts and fireworks. Festas festival is the best way to experience Portugal.
Lamego
Among the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley lies Lamego, known for its sparkling wine and port wine-growing region. Viseu Cathedral is a prime example of stunning Gothic architecture from more than 800 years ago. Its stained-glass windows and beautiful gardens attract thousands of visitors every year.
A true highlight of the cathedral is the 700 steps leading up to its doors, perfectly painted with blue and white tiles. With incredible views, you can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine overlooking the valley it came from.
Guimarães
This charming medieval city is often named Portugal's birthplace. Guimarães is just a stone's throw away from Porto and is perfect for a day trip. As the cradle of the nation, its 10th-century charm amazes visitors.
Renowned for its well-preserved buildings and hilltop castle, it holds UNESCO status. Visit the Duke of Braganca's Palace, now a museum showcasing historic furniture, tapestries and weapons. Don't forget your camera, as Guimarães' vibrant squares and mesmerising city views are a must-see.
Óbidos
This quaint town sits behind vast castle walls, in which you can walk along and take in the view of the castle and the whitewashed homes below. If you plan on staying the night, the Castelo de Óbidos has been preserved and transformed into a 700-year-old castle hotel.
You can truly take in the rich history and live like royalty for a night. Follow your way into Praca de Santa Maria, the main square in Óbidos. Here you can enjoy some much-needed holiday shopping and take in the Portuguese atmosphere.
Setúbal Peninsula
With an extensive history in the fishing industry, once specialising in exporting sardines Setúbal Peninsula still honours its past at the farmer's market. The lively market provides an authentic Portuguese experience with fresh seafood and small cafes and bakeries loved by locals.
Pop on your walking boots to visit the Parque Natural da Arrabida park on the coast, which has stunning ocean views. This park is very popular with avid walkers, the serene surroundings aren't one to miss.
Évora
Visiting Évora is like jumping back in time, the Roman Temple holds the rich heritage of those who lived before. The temple was erected to pay tribute to Emperor Augustus, who was worshipped as a God. Although, a lot of the temple has experienced wear and tear, 14 original Corinthian columns made of white marble from Estremoz still stand for visitors to see their magnificent stature.
Another preserved part of the Roman history in Évora is the Roman baths in Évora's town hall which were built in 1882. Visitors can witness the importance of the baths upon society and their social lives in the Roman era.
The Minho
Portugal's best-kept secret is The Minho, with dreamy river scenes and towering mountains. The region is covered with incredible Atlantic beaches surrounded by vineyards that produce a type of 'green wine' known for its youth growing in the lush river valleys.
In this small city, community is at the heart of everything. Weekly markets are held on Thursdays for local producers to sell their goods. A must visit to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture.
The perfect time to visit Minho is when a festival is held. One of the most unmissable festivals is the Feiras Novas in Ponte de Lima which is held in September. This festival is known for its riot of music, fireworks and giant statures and is there to bid farewell to the summer.
Make Portugal your next adventure
When it comes to the best places to go in Portugal, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you're sipping world-class wine in the Douro Valley, exploring the cobbled streets of Porto, or soaking up the sun on the Algarve's golden beaches, there is something for every traveller.
Discover this extraordinary country for yourself on the expertly crafted itineraries of our Portugal holidays.
