Portugal

Travel Guide
Aveiro showing a bay or harbor
Sunbathe on gorgeous golden beaches, feast on incredibly fresh seafood and explore medieval castles and cobblestone towns in this sunny Iberian country.

From the rumble of Lisbon’s streetcars to the crashing of waves on the shores of the Algarve, the sights and sounds of Portugal will capture your imagination. Discover remnants from its time as a powerful global empire, explore perfectly preserved medieval towns and doze on pristine beaches.

For a glimpse into Portugal’s past, head for the history-filled capital, Lisbon. The city is home to famous Moorish-influenced monuments including the intricately designed Jeronimos Monastery. The 16th-century Belém Tower was originally built to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. Towering above the city are the Moorish fortifications of Castelo de São Jorge. Join one of the daily guided tours to learn more about this castle and its galleries, which display historical relics.

Take a daytrip from Lisbon to Quinta da Regaleira, a decorative palace and gardens set on a hillside in Sintra. Visitors can inspect various ornate rooms, statues, fountains, underground tunnels, a chapel and even an aquarium.

Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto, is also worth visiting. Stroll over the Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame, which spans the Douro River and connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. Sample the region’s namesake Port dessert wine.

For sun, sea, sand and golfing opportunities, head for Portugal’s sunny, southern coastal region, the Algarve. View the magnificent rock formations at Ponta da Piedade, south of Lagos. Famous for its jagged multicolored sandstone cliffs, caves and grottoes, this headland is remarkably photogenic.

Portuguese cuisine is built around local ingredients. In all coastal regions, seafood is a staple of the diet. Don’t leave without trying Belem’s pastel de nata (egg custard tart) and the famous sweet Porto wine.

Summer is peak season across Portugal, particularly in beach regions. Visit during September when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds fewer. The country is served by four main airports: Lisbon, Faro, Porto and Funchal. Enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of this warm and welcoming nation.

Popular cities in Portugal

Lisbon featuring a city and heritage architecture as well as a large group of people
Lisbon District
Known for Historical, Art and Museums
Walk cobblestone streets, listen to the soulful tunes of local musicians and enjoy fresh seafood in the capital of Portugal.

Reasons to visit

  • Castle of São Jorge
  • Rossio Square
  • Lisbon Cathedral
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring night scenes, street scenes and a bridge
Porto
Known for Rivers, Ports and Cafes
Portugal’s second-largest city captivates visitors with its rich history, award-winning wines and grand architecture.

Reasons to visit

  • Ribeira Square
  • Porto Cathedral
  • Livraria Lello
Madeira
Funchal
Known for Dining, Sea and Gardens
The capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is a beautiful city on the southern coast offering beaches, historic buildings and marine wildlife adventures.

Reasons to visit

  • Funchal Farmers Market
  • CR7 Museum
  • Madeira Botanical Garden
Albufeira which includes a sandy beach and landscape views as well as an individual male
Albufeira
Known for Beaches, Dining and Bars
Relax on the beaches, explore the old town and eat tasty seafood in one of Portugal’s most popular vacation destinations.

Reasons to visit

  • Albufeira Old Town Square
  • Albufeira Marina
  • Rocha Baixinha Beach
Faro Island Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach
Faro
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Marinas
A gateway to the Ria Formosa nature park, this city has a walled core of historic buildings surrounded by scenic sandbars, beaches and marshlands.

Reasons to visit

  • Faro Cathedral
  • Carmo Church
Vilamoura featuring food and drinks or beverages
Loulé
Known for Friendly people, Relaxing and Bars
Explore relaxing Loulé: its bars, adventures, ruins, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Vilamoura Marina
  • Quinta do Lago Golf

Search things to do