What are the best things to do in Portugal? Take a look at 25 Portugal attractions, we think they're the best of all.
The Algarve’s west coast faces the full brunt of the Atlantic, whose crashing breakers and cooler waters have largely deterred the developers and home to some of the best beaches in Portugal. Nevertheless, the rocky coastline is punctuated by fantastic broad beaches accessible from the small villages of Carrapateira, Odeceixe, or, a little further inland, Aljezur. If you are in search of a beach holiday, visiting the Algarve coast is the best thing to do in Portugal for you.
This is popular territory for surfers, campervanners, and hardy nudists who appreciate the remote beaches, but be warned: the sea can be dangerous, and swimmers should take great care.
The designation in 1995 of the stretch of coast from Burgau to Cabo de São Vicente and up through the Alentejo as a nature reserve – the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina—has afforded the rugged scenery a certain amount of protection, though it also means that accommodation is scarce, and it certainly helps to have your own transport.
The easiest way to reach the Algarve’s west coast is by flying into Faro Airport and renting a car. It’s the best option if you want the freedom to explore more remote stretches like Praia da Bordeira.
There are public buses between bigger towns like Lagos and Sagres, and in summer, some local buses run to smaller coastal villages—but schedules can be a bit unpredictable, so double-check times if you’re relying on them.
May through June or September into early October are good windows for pleasant weather without the summer crowds. July and August mean hot beach days and packed coastlines, along with steeper prices on places to stay. Winter is much quieter and the waves are stronger—good for surfing or just enjoying the coastline without anyone else around, though swimming is usually off the table.
Monsaraz—known locally as Ninho das Águias (Eagles’ Nest)—is perched high above the border plains, a tiny village nestled into fortified walls close to the Spanish border. With a permanent population of only a few hundred, Monsaraz has just two main streets that run parallel to each other, Rua Direita and Rua de Santiago.
The Igreja Matriz lies at the heart of the village, just off the main square that’s home to a curious eighteenth-century pillory. The village does its best to attract visitors with a series of little galleries, craft shops, and restaurants, but it’s really the castle,tle, the higgledy-piggledy streets, and magnificent views from the walls that keep people coming.
You’ll need a car to get to Monsaraz easily—it's around 2 hours from Lisbon or about 45 minutes from Évora. Buses do run from Évora on occasion, but you’ll need to plan ahead.
The drive through the Alentejo is part of the experience, with vineyard views and old farmhouses scattered across the hills. There are a few nice places to stop along the way if you feel like stretching your legs.
Spring (April–May) is a great time to see wildflowers across the plains. September and October are also nice, with fewer visitors and mild weather. Summer evenings bring amazing sunset views over the Alqueva reservoir, but the afternoons can get pretty hot.
The substantial inland town of Aveiro lies south of Porto on the edge of a system of coastal lagoons that stretches for around 40km both north and south. Until the mid-1500s, it was a vibrant coastal port, but the local economy was devastated when the river mouth silted up and the hinterland turned to swamp.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, however, canals were dug to open up the town and drain the marshes, creating saltpans and facilitating the harvesting of seaweed, and the town began to flourish once more. Today, Aveiro’s economy depends increasingly on tourists, with visitors attracted to the “Venice of Portugal” by boat rides on the canals, Art Nouveau buildings, and the nearby Vista Alegre factory.
It’s a quick train ride from Porto—under an hour—or about 2.5 hours from Lisbon. The train station is within walking distance of the canals, so you won’t need a taxi. Local buses can get you to nearby beaches and towns. If you're driving, just take the A1 and follow signs to the city center—parking is usually manageable.
Spring and early autumn are good times for a boat cruise and wandering around the city’s Art Nouveau buildings. In July, the Festas da Ria brings boat parades, live music, and lots of seafood.
Moliceiro boats mooring alongside the central channel at Aveiro, Portugal © trabantos/Shutterstock
Évora is one of Portugal’s most historic and unspoiled cities: indeed, its Roman temple, Moorish alleys, circuit of medieval walls, ensemble of sixteenth-century mansions, and ochre-trimmed, whitewashed houses have resulted in its being awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. You will find lots of historical attractions here, and that's what makes visiting Évora the best thing to do in Portugal for architectural enthusiasts.
A vibrant university helps support a modern town that spreads beyond the old walls, though its current population of around 56,000 inhabitants is fewer than in medieval times, and its compact center is easily explored within a day or two.
Évora’s agricultural roots are recalled on the second Tuesday of each month, with a huge open-air market held in the Rossio, south of the city walls, and in the lively Mercado Municipal on Praça 1 de Maio, where you can sample local produce—beneath the fish section is a wine cellar that offers tastings; it also hosts farmers’ markets most weekends.
The town’s big annual event, the Feira de São João, takes over the city during the last ten days of June, with handicraft, gastronomic, and musical festivals.
Trains and buses run regularly from Lisbon, and it takes around 1.5 hours. Once you're there, everything in the historic center is walkable. You can get from the train station to the old town in about 15 minutes on foot, or catch a local bus if you're carrying bags. Renting a car is a good idea if you want to check out other Alentejo villages or the nearby stone circles.
Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable times to walk around—it's cooler and less crowded. In summer, the city gets lively with university events and the São João Festival in June, but it can be pretty hot in the middle of the day. Winter is a slower season, but that means more breathing room at popular sites and cozy meals in traditional taverns.
Exploring Evoras' old town should be on your list of things to do in Portugal © Shutterstock
If you prefer cycling through the countryside, then you certainly don't want to miss out on this thing to do in Portugal. There are some great cycling opportunities along the entire Algarve coast:
Fly into Faro, then rent a car with bike racks if you're bringing your own gear. If you're not, plenty of rental shops in towns like Lagos and Albufeira can deliver bikes to where you're staying. Some even include helmet and tool kits.
Shuttle services run by local bike tour companies are another option, especially if you’re planning a one-way ride or want to avoid the logistics. Guided tours often include pick-up from major towns, so you won’t need to worry about transportation.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are your best bet—temperatures are manageable, and the trails tend to be in good condition. In winter, the region gets greener, and the trails are firmer after the first rains. It’s a good time if you’re experienced and don’t mind the cooler air.
Mountain biking in the Algarve © Kzenon/Shutterstock
Óbidos is thoroughly charming—a very small town, completely enclosed by medieval walls—and although much was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, it retains a captivating feel with its cobbled alleys and whitewashed houses. To the Portuguese, it’s known as the “Wedding City,” after a custom whereby the ancient kings gave the village to their queens as a wedding present.
Perhaps more curiously still, five hundred years ago the sea reached the foot of the ridge on which Óbidos stands, and boats were once moored below its walls. As the sea later retreated, it left a fertile green plain and the distant Lagoa de Óbidos, with the town now marooned inland. In 2015, it was designated a UNESCO City of Literature because of its literary heritage and contemporary creative scene.
Óbidos is just over an hour north of Lisbon by car via the A8. There’s also a direct bus from Lisbon’s Campo Grande terminal that takes about 80 minutes. The train is another option, but service is infrequent. Because of that, a lot of people either drive themselves or join a day tour from Lisbon, often combining it with stops along the coast.
Spring (April–May) is a great time to go, especially if you want to avoid big crowds. March brings the town’s chocolate festival, which draws in plenty of visitors. July gets festive during the Medieval Festival, with reenactments and vendors in full costume. December has a Christmas market that lights up the streets. Summer is the busiest season, so expect more people and warmer weather.
Medieval Obidos © Shutterstock
An engineering marvel when it opened in 1887, the Linha do Douro (Douro Line) still thrills passengers today. In its heyday, it crossed the border to Spain (for a through service to Salamanca and Madrid) and sprouted some stunning valley branch lines, but even though the branch lines are no more, it’s still some ride—160 km of river-hugging track from Porto to Pocinho, via more than 20 tunnels, 30 bridges, and 34 stations.
Peso da Régua (usually just Régua) was declared the first capital of the demarcated port-producing region in the eighteenth century. While it’s Pinhão, further east, that’s the more interesting place these days, Régua is still a popular stop—not least because it’s the hub of the Douro river cruise trade, with the boats disgorging hundreds of passengers for lunch, train trips, and wine lodge visits.
Although it’s not a particularly pretty place and is dominated by a motorway bridge, for most of the year there’s an agreeable hubbub along the waterside promenade, where ornamental barcos rabelos lie anchored on the river. What’s more, wine-trade patronage has resulted in some excellent local restaurants and enticing quinta accommodation in the vicinity.
One of the most scenic ways to reach the Douro is by train. The Douro Line runs from Porto to Pocinho, with stops in towns like Régua and Pinhão. You can also take a river cruise—these range from half-day to multi-day trips. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially if you want to visit small vineyards or follow scenic drives like the N222.
Harvest season in September and October is one of the most interesting times to visit. Vineyards are busy, and the valley turns shades of red and gold. Spring (April–May) is another good window, with wildflowers and green hills. Summer is great if you're into river activities, but it does get hot. Winter brings fog and quiet—it’s peaceful, but expect fewer winery openings and limited cruise schedules.
Douro valley © Shutterstock
The imposing modern structures that make up the main university – mostly built in the 1940s and 50s – give little hint of the riches hidden away behind the white facades of the broad Paço das Escolas square. Accessed via the seventeenth-century Porta Férrea (the “iron gate” that once stood here), the Velha Universidade is housed in the former royal palaces.
You’ll need to buy a ticket to look round it, though you’re free to enjoy the city views from the terrace to one side of the square.
The highlight of the Velha Universidade – and indeed all Coimbra – is the Biblioteca Joanina, a Baroque confection of cleverly-marbled wood, gold leaf, imposing frescoed ceilings and elaborate trompe-l’oeil decorations.
Trains from both Lisbon and Porto run frequently to Coimbra and take about two hours. Once you arrive, it's about a 20-minute uphill walk to the university, or you can take a quick local bus. If you're driving, take the A1 motorway and follow signs for Coimbra. Just note that parking near the university can be tricky, especially during the school term.
The academic year (September through June) is the best time if you want to see student life in full swing. You might hear traditional fado sung by students in black capes or catch events like the Queima das Fitas festival in May. August is quieter, but many campus buildings close or operate on limited hours. If you're interested in the Joanina Library, go early in the day for fewer crowds.
Coimbra © Shutterstock
Eleven kilometers south of Leiria stands the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória, widely known as the Mosteiro da Batalha (Battle Abbey). Built to commemorate a great national victory—the defeat of Castilian forces at the decisive Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385—the abbey in turn became a great national monument and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Successive monarchs lavished funds upon its construction, and over two centuries Batalha became one of Portugal’s most celebrated buildings—a hybrid Gothic and Manueline masterpiece that’s both a royal pantheon and an expression of national pride.
Most visitors see the abbey and leave—to be honest, there isn’t anything attractive about the village itself, though it’s peaceful once the tour buses have left. To complete the trip—and learn more about the history behind the founding of the abbey—it’s also worth driving out to São Jorge, 4km south of present-day Batalha and the site of the actual battle in question, where there’s a useful interpretation center.
Batalha sits roughly halfway between Lisbon and Porto, so it’s an easy drive—just follow the A1 highway, then switch to the IC2. If you’re not driving, there are regular buses from both cities; from Lisbon, they leave from Campo Grande and take about two hours. A lot of people visit
Batalha as part of a day trip that also includes Fátima and Alcobaça. If you don’t want to figure out transport between them, organized tours from Lisbon can be a simple way to do it.
Spring and fall are good times to go—milder weather and fewer people mean you can really take in the architecture. Try to go late in the day if you can. When the sun comes through the stained glass on the west side, the interior lights up with color. In summer, you'll find more visitors but also longer hours. If you’re there on April 14, you’ll catch a unique moment—the sun aligns with the rose window and lights up the altar.
The Mondego is one of the only rivers in Portugal in which it’s possible to kayak comfortably all year round, and the 18km, 3–4 hour kayaking trips are a real highlight of any visit to the region. Penacova-based O Pioneiro do Mondego was the first company to offer kayaking tours and can arrange pick-ups or meeting points at various spots along the river between Penacova and Coimbra.
Once on the river, you’ll be guided downstream with a gentle current—and the odd set of gentle rapids—taking you down pine- and eucalyptus-lined valleys, where black kites fish in summer and grape vines dangle over the river in autumn. You end up on a river beach where you can swim before being taken back to your starting point.
Penacova, where most Mondego River kayak trips start, is about 15 miles (25km) northeast of Coimbra. There’s no direct public transport to the launch points, so most people arrange a shuttle through a kayaking company. If you're driving, head out on the N110 from Coimbra. Several kayaking operators have base camps right by the river in Penacova, and many include return transport at the end of your trip downstream.
Kayaking’s possible all year, but May through October usually has the best conditions for stopping to swim or just relax along the river. Summer weekends can get busy, especially with local families out enjoying the water. If you're after a quieter experience or want a better shot at seeing wildlife, go midweek in spring or fall. Winter brings a slower pace and misty mornings—worth it if you don’t mind the chill.
Even beginners can kayak on the gentle Mondego River © Techtonic/Shutterstock
The Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest and most atmospheric quarter, a labyrinthine maze of narrow streets, steps, and alleys wrapped around the steep lower slopes of the Moorish castle. Walking around the area is a must for any Lisbon visit.
It’s the street life that’s of interest here, much of it continuing in the same way as it has for centuries, with children playing in the squares and alleys and families cooking fish on tiny grills outside their houses.
Appropriately, in an area that is home to many fado clubs, there is also a museum dedicated to this classic Portuguese genre, while around the Alfama are further distractions in the form of the city’s cathedral, two historic churches containing national pantheons, a fantastic market, and museums dedicated to a Roman theater, decorative arts, and—further east—Portuguese tiles.
You can get to Alfama easily using Lisbon’s public transport. Tram 28 is the classic choice—it snakes through the old neighborhood’s narrow streets. You can also take the metro to Santa Apolónia station, which sits at the eastern edge. For a scenic approach, take the ferry across the Tagus and walk up the hill into Alfama, or hop on the 737 bus from downtown.
Go early in the morning if you want to see the neighborhood just waking up. It’s a good time to wander without the crowds. June is the liveliest time, when the Santo António festival brings music, decorations, and parties into the streets. Evenings are all about fado—Alfama has a number of small venues where you can hear it live. Spring and fall are good seasons for walking around comfortably without the summer heat.
Exploring Alfama, one of the best things to do in Portugal © S-F/Shutterstock
The attractive, verdant town of Sintra warrants at least a day of anyone’s itinerary, though two or three days would allow you to make the most of its fabulous surroundings.
The cooler air of the hilltop town made it the preferred summer retreat for Portugal’s royalty; over the years it has also attracted the rich and famous and inspired countless writers, including Lord Byron (who begins his epic poem Childe Harold in “Cintra’s glorious Eden”) and Gothic-novel writer William Beckford.
It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995 because “the cultural landscape of the Serra and the town of Sintra represents a pioneering approach to Romantic landscaping that had an outstanding influence on developments elsewhere in Europe”.
The town’s historic center spreads across the slopes of several steep hills. Dominating the center of Sintra-Vila are the tapering chimneys of the Palácio Nacional, surrounded by an array of tall houses painted in pale pink, ochre, or mellow yellow, many with ornate turrets and decorative balconies peering out to the plains of Lisbon far below.
The easiest way to reach Sintra from Lisbon is by train—there’s a direct line from Rossio Station that takes around 40 minutes. You can also take a bus from the city center. Once you’re in Sintra, tourist buses loop between the major sites, or you can grab a tuk-tuk for a quicker ride. Driving gives you more freedom to explore the area, but parking can be tricky, especially in summer.
Plan to go on a weekday in spring or autumn if you want to skip the crowds but still enjoy good weather. Try to arrive early—before 9am—or wait until later in the day to avoid tour groups. In winter, the mist gives everything a quiet, otherworldly feel, and you'll have more of the town to yourself, which some people really enjoy for photography.
Sintra © Shutterstock
Portugal’s first and only national park, the magnificent Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, was established in 1971, and its 700 square kilometers help protect a natural world and a way of life that’s all but disappeared from the rest of the country’s mountain regions.
In the lush valleys, oak and laurel line the riverbanks, replaced by holly, birch, pine, and juniper at higher elevations; a total of eighteen plant species—including the Serra do Gerês iris—are found nowhere else on earth.
Shepherds and farmers inhabit remote granite-built villages, tending primitive domestic animals—cachena and barrosa cattle, bravia goats, garrano ponies, and the powerful Castro Laboreiro sheepdog—that are long extinct elsewhere. In distant forested corners, remnants of the wildlife that once roamed all of Europe still survive too, from wild boar to wolves.
The easiest way to reach Peneda-Gerês is by car—about 90 minutes from Porto or 45 minutes from Braga. Driving gives you the most flexibility, especially if you want to reach remote areas or do some hiking.
Public buses connect from Braga, Viana do Castelo, and Montalegre to villages inside the park, though schedules can be limited. If you’re not driving, joining a tour from Porto is a straightforward way to get a good overview without dealing with transport logistics. Some rural roads can be rough, so a car with decent clearance helps.
Spring (April to June) is a great time to see wildflowers and full waterfalls thanks to the winter rains. Summer is good for swimming in the rivers and natural pools, but July and August are the busiest months. In fall, the landscape shifts to warm colors and the trails are quieter. Winter has a peaceful feel and occasional snow at higher elevations, though some areas may be harder to reach.
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês © Armando Frazao/Shutterstock
In most restaurants, the dessert menu rarely goes further than fruit salad, ice cream, or things like chocolate mousse and rice pudding. Anything described as a doce de casa (house dessert) is invariably a heart-stopping wedge of sugar, cream, and egg (our favorite Portuguese recipe begins with “Take sixty egg yolks…”).
In cake shops, cafés, and tea rooms, you can seriously indulge yourself in pastries (pastéis), buns (bolinhos), rolls (tortas), tarts (tartes), and cakes (bolos). There are hundreds of local specialties, starting with the classic Lisbon pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and then continuing in glorious profusion by way of queijadas de Sintra (Sintra “cheesecakes,” not that they contain any cheese).
You’ll find pastéis de nata almost everywhere—any local bakery or café will have them. For the classic version, head to Antiga Confeitaria de Belém in Lisbon, where they’re known as “pastéis de Belém.” Many cities also have their own popular bakeries. If you're into food experiences, you can join a tasting tour in Lisbon or take a baking class to learn how to make them yourself.
They're typically eaten any time of day, but locals often grab one with their morning coffee. For the freshest ones, go early—between 7 and 9am—before the trays are picked over. Around 4 or 5pm is also a popular time for a quick sweet and espresso break. During holidays or festivals, you might come across limited-edition versions with seasonal ingredients.
Having at least one piece of traditional pastry like Pastéis de Nata is a must thing to do in Portugal © Shutterstock
Construction of the Mosteiro Palácio Nacional de Mafra started in 1717, and it was originally planned to be a modest Franciscan monastery, built to honor the birth of the king’s first child. But Dom João V’s reign coincided with Portuguese holdings in Brazil producing vast mineral wealth, and this bonanza changed everything.
The simple monastery became a lavish palace, with hundreds of monks in residence to care for the royal souls. The resulting building was a magnificent, over-the-top Baroque statement of intent, completed in just thirteen years by the grueling labor of thousands (of whom hundreds died).
The oft-quoted figures tell a tale of grandiose excess—a 200-meter-long facade, 1200 rooms, over five thousand doorways and windows, 156 staircases, and two soaring bell towers over the basilica containing 98 bells, the largest carillons in the world.
Mafra Palace is an easy day trip from Lisbon. Buses leave regularly from the Campo Grande terminal and take about 45 minutes. If you’re driving, it’s about 40 minutes via the A8. A visit to the palace pairs well with a stop in Ericeira, a nearby coastal town, or Tapada de Mafra, a large walled park that used to be royal hunting grounds.
Aim for a weekday visit in spring or fall if you want to avoid large crowds. In summer, look out for evening concerts in the basilica—the sound of the six massive pipe organs playing together is pretty unforgettable. Winter is quieter, and the interiors are a nice break from colder weather. Plan to spend at least three hours, and go in the morning if you want to catch the best light inside the basilica.
Mafra's barroque palace © NunoGplus/Shutterstock
Guimaraes never misses an opportunity to remind you of its place in Portuguese history. Indeed, it was here that the country’s first monarch, Dom Afonso Henriques, was born in 1110, and the city became the first capital and court of the fledgling kingdom of “Portucale.”
Although Guimarães subsequently lost its preeminent status to Coimbra (elevated to Portuguese capital in 1143), it has never relinquished its sense of self-importance, something that’s evident from the omnipresent reminder that Portugal nasceu aqui (Portugal was born here), which is the town’s motto.
With a carefully preserved kernel of medieval monuments, cobbled streets, delightful squares, and honey-colored houses, the old center retains both a grandeur and a tangible sense of history that’s helped earn it UNESCO World Heritage status.
But it’s far from a museum piece—its contemporary attractions were showcased during its stint as the 2012 European Capital of Culture, while the local university lends it a youthful exuberance and lively nightlife, which is at its best during the end of May student week festivities.
From Porto, Guimarães is about 30 miles (50 km) away and easy to reach. Trains from São Bento station run regularly and take about an hour. Buses run often too, with similar travel times. Driving takes around the same, following the A7. Once you’re in the city, the old town is compact, so it’s easy to get around on foot.
April and May bring comfortable weather and fewer tourists—good for wandering the medieval lanes. The city gets more lively in late May with student festivals that spill into the streets. Fall brings soft afternoon light, which makes the stone buildings glow. For a quieter experience, go on a weekday when the city center is less busy.
Oliveira Square, Guimaraes © Shutterstock
From Alcácer do Sal, the minor EN253 follows the banks of the Sado estuary to the nearest stretch of coast at Comporta, 26km west. It’s a lovely drive and worth it, as the beach—signed just to the north of the village off the EN253-1 – is simply magnificent, a giant stretch of soft sands served by a couple of seasonal beach café-restaurants, popular hangouts for wealthy Lisboetas.
You can continue up the EN253-1 onto the Tróia peninsula for the ferry to Setúbal. Setúbal is a bustling and fairly industrial port, though its historic, pedestrianized center is both lively and highly attractive, set round a series of squares and narrow alleys filled with decent shops and restaurants.
It’s a pleasant place to spend some time—take a dolphin trip or look around the remarkable Igreja de Jesus—while its ferry link over the wide Sado estuary gives easy access to miles of long sandy beaches.
The easiest way to reach the Sado Estuary is through Setúbal, about 30 miles (50 km) south of Lisbon. Trains run regularly between Lisbon and Setúbal and take just over an hour. If you're heading out to see dolphins, most boat tours leave from the marina in Setúbal. Another option is to drive the scenic EN253 route through Alcácer do Sal toward the coast near Comporta. You can also take the ferry from Setúbal to the Tróia Peninsula—it's a relaxing crossing, and there's a good chance you'll see dolphins on the way.
Dolphin sightings are most frequent in summer (June through September), when the sea tends to be calmer. Morning tours usually give you the best chance for clear views since the water is less choppy. It’s also quieter on weekdays if you want to avoid the weekend crowds. The resident bottlenose dolphins are around all year, but the warmer months are more comfortable for boat trips.
See dolphins up close in the Sado Estuary near Lisbon is one of the best things to do in Portugal © Granadeiro/Shutterstock
Lisbon’s nightlife is legendary, though don’t expect to see any action much before midnight. There are some great bars where you can get a drink at any time of the day, but clubs may not open much before 11 pm.
Bairro Alto has an intriguing blend of student bars, designer clubs, fado houses, and restaurants. The Cais do Sodré district is currently the “in” place, while neighboring Santos also has a trendy reputation. Bars and clubs in Alcântara and the docks tend to attract a slightly older, wealthier crowd than those in the center. Our Lisbon travel guide highlights five of the best bars—for awesome views, top tipples, and the greatest atmosphere.
Bairro Alto sits on a hill in central Lisbon and is easy to reach by the Elevador da Glória funicular from Restauradores Square. You can also get close by metro—Baixa-Chiado or Restauradores stations are both nearby. For a more scenic route, tram 28 loops around the area. After midnight, when the bars start to fill up, you’ll find plenty of taxis and ride-shares available. If you don’t mind the uphill walk, it’s manageable on foot from downtown.
Bairro Alto feels like two different neighborhoods depending on the time of day. During the day (roughly 11am to 4pm), it’s quiet and good for a walk, with cafés and small shops open. At night, especially after 11pm, it becomes one of Lisbon’s liveliest nightlife areas. Thursdays through Saturdays are the busiest, with people drinking in the streets until around 2am before heading to clubs. Spring and fall have a more local crowd, while summer draws more tourists.
The Rota Vicentina is a 340km long-distance footpath that runs from Santiago do Cacém in the Alentejo to Cabo de São Vicente in the Algarve. The northern, Alentejan half has two alternative routes: Porto Côvo is the beginning of the 115 km-long Trilho dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Trail), which follows coastal tracks long used by the local fishermen. Walking here is the best thing to do in Portugal for hikers.
It’s relatively well marked with colored arrows and tracks the coast via Milfontes (a taxing first section, 20km), Almograve (15km further), Zambujeira (another 22km), and into the Algarve at Odeceixe (18km on). It’s tough going, much of it along towering cliffs, but no section is longer than 25 km, which means—in theory—you always have accommodation and a place to eat at the end of your day’s walk.
The inland alternative is the Caminho Histórico (Historic Way), which follows ancient pilgrimage routes from Santiago do Cacém, mostly inland, to Cabo de São Vicente. Be aware that, as with all Portuguese trails, waymarking can be sporadic and poorly maintained, so if you tackle the path, take a good map or GPS system—but it is worth the effort, as the routes embrace some of the loveliest scenery in the country.
You can start the northern part of the Rota Vicentina from Santiago do Cacém or Porto Côvo. Both towns are reachable by bus from Lisbon in about 3–4 hours. The Fisherman’s Trail officially begins in Porto Côvo.
If you're walking multiple stages, you can book luggage transfers with local services. There are also buses between the main towns along the trail, so it's easy to pick and choose the sections you want to hike. Some people arrange car drop-offs or pickups to cover specific parts of the route.
April to May and September to October are the most comfortable months for hiking, with cooler temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Summer gets hot, but it’s good if you want to swim at the beaches along the trail. Winter hiking is doable, though the trail can get muddy when it rains. Try to avoid the busiest summer weekends (July and August) when the coastal towns fill up with holidaymakers. With the right gear, you can walk this route in any season.
Rota Vicentina, Fishermen's trail, Portugal © Cat_s/Shutterstock
The dramatic Convento de Cristo is one of Portugal’s most important historical buildings—serving, unusually, as both a military nerve center and religious foundation. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was built by Gualdim Pais, a knight who had served under Afonso Henriques in battles against the Moors in Portugal.
In 1157 he was appointed Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Templar and moved their base from Soure in central Portugal south to strategically important land overlooking the Rio Nabão at what became Tomar.
When the powerful Templar order was later suppressed—it was seen as a challenge both to European rulers and the Papacy—it was simply re-established in Portugal in 1319 as the Order of Christ, with the castle at Tomar again its headquarters.
The Order was later at the center of Portugal’s emerging maritime empire, and under Prince Henry the Navigator—an illustrious Grand Master indeed—the castle also became both a lavish palace and monastic center.
It’s an enormous complex, and though you could whip around the main highlights in an hour, a longer tour could easily take two or three hours. You’re given a comprehensive English-language guide and floor plan on entry, and there’s a café inside with terrace seating.
Tomar is easy to reach by train from both Lisbon and Porto—about a 2-hour ride from Lisbon. The convent is up on a hill above the town center. You can walk up in about 15 minutes from the main square; the path is clearly marked. If you’d rather not walk, taxis are usually available. Drivers coming from Lisbon can take the A1 and A23 motorways. There’s parking close to the entrance, which makes it straightforward for a day trip.
It’s best to arrive in the morning (from opening until around noon) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather, especially in summer. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for exploring the grounds. Set aside at least 2–3 hours to see everything, since there’s a lot of architectural detail to take in. Thursdays are usually quieter than weekends if you’re looking for a more relaxed visit.
Entrance and main Church in the Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo). Tomar, Ribatejo, Portugal © Andrei Nekressov/Shutterstock
The peaks of the Serra da Estrela are the highest mountains in Portugal, rising dramatically to the southwest of Guarda. The range is basically a high alpine plateau cut by valleys, from within which emanate two of the country’s greatest rivers, the Mondego and Zêzere – the only rivers to begin and end in Portugal rather than crossing the border from Spain.
The mountains – snowcapped into late spring – soon impose themselves upon any approach, while the lower flanks on either side of the range reveal a patchwork of small villages that retain much charm. The odd Portuguese visitor comes to the serra to ski in winter; many more clog the narrow roads in summer looking for picnic space.
A network of hiking trails covers the peaks and valleys (some of the best hikes in Portugal), though relatively few people take to the paths to explore the region.
You can reach Serra da Estrela by car from Lisbon in about 3–4 hours, or from Porto in around 2–3 hours. If you’re relying on public transport, buses run from Covilhã, Seia, and Guarda to nearby villages in the mountains. Once you’re there, stop by the visitor center in Seia for trail maps and local advice. Some trails are well-marked, but if you’re heading into the more remote parts of the park, it’s worth hiring a local guide who knows the area well.
Late spring (May–June) is a great time for hiking—mild temperatures and lots of wildflowers. Summer brings clear weather but also more people. In autumn, you’ll see colorful foliage and maybe even a few mushroom foragers along the way. If you’re coming for snow, the ski resort usually runs from December through March. Try to avoid weekends, when crowds from nearby cities tend to clog the roads and the more popular trails.
Find beautiful views hiking in Portugal © Vector99/Shutterstock
Porto’s waterfront—known as the Ribeira—has changed dramatically in recent years, from a rough dockside cargo zone to one of the city’s major tourist attractions and one of the best things to do in Porto. The arcaded quayside, the Cais da Ribeira, is one long run of restaurants and cafés looking across the river to the port wine lodges on the other side.
However, come down in the morning—before the parasols and blackboard menus have been put out – and the Ribeira still ticks along in local fashion. Between the postcards and touristy ceramics, you’ll find dusty grocery stores and a warehouse or two, piled high with bags of potatoes.
Meanwhile, behind the arcades and heading up towards the cathedral is a warren of stepped alleys that thumb their noses at the riverside gentrification.
Head to São Bento station on the metro, then walk about 10 minutes downhill to reach the Ribeira. Buses 500, 900, and 901 also run through the area. If you’re further out, tram line 1 follows the river and makes for a scenic ride into the district. There’s also the Guindais funicular, which links the upper part of town to the riverfront.
The riverfront has a different energy depending on the time of day. Mornings before 10am are quieter and give you a glimpse of local daily life. Early evening (5–7pm) is ideal if you want to enjoy the light across the Douro. September and October are usually less crowded but still warm. Weekdays feel more relaxed than weekends. If you're around in June, the São João festival fills the area with live music, dancing, and fireworks.
Porto Ribeira, traditional facades, old multi-coloured houses with red roof tiles on the embankment in the city of Porto, Portugal © Vector99/Shutterstock
Reached via a narrow walkway and jutting into the river, the impressive Torre de Belém (Tower of Belém) is one of the best things to do in Lisbon. It typifies the Manueline style that was prominent during the reign of Manuel, its windows and stairways embellished with arches and decorative symbols representing Portugal’s explorations into the New World.
Built as a fortress to defend the mouth of the River Tejo, it took five years to complete, though when it opened in 1520, it would have been near the center of the river—the earthquake of 1755 shifted the river’s course. Today, visitors are free to explore the tower’s various levels, which include a terrace facing the river from where artillery would have been fired.
You can then climb a very steep spiral staircase up four levels—each with a slightly different framed view of the river—to a top terrace where you get a blowy panorama of Belém. It’s also possible to duck into the dungeon, a low-ceilinged room used to store gunpowder and lock up prisoners.
You can catch tram 15E from Praça do Comércio—it’s the most direct ride from the city center. Buses 727, 28, 729, and 751 also run to Belém. From the Belém train station, it’s about a 15-minute walk along the riverside. River taxis are another option if you want a different view of the city on the way there.
Aim for early morning (before 10am) or later in the afternoon (after 3pm) to skip the biggest crowds. Weekdays are usually much calmer than weekends. October through April tends to have shorter lines, and the weather’s still comfortable for walking around. The tower looks especially striking just before sunset.
Torre de Belém, Lisbon © Shutterstock
written by
Mani Ramaswamy
updated 01.06.2025
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