24 Best things to see and do in Portugal

updated 7/29/2021

What are the best things to do in Portugal Dropdown content? Take a look at 24 Portugal attractions. We think they're the best of all - taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal Dropdown content, your essential guide for visiting Portugal.

1. Chill out on Algarve beaches

The Algarve Dropdown content has some of Europe’s finest beaches. But few are more impressive than Praia da Bordeira. Discover Algarve as an all-year travel destination Dropdown content. Then see our roundup of best beaches in Portugal Dropdown content.

Spending a day on the beach is one of the best things to do in Portugal. Beach of Camilo, Algarve, Portugal © Shutterstock Dropdown content

2. Stay overnight in medieval Monsaraz

Many medieval houses in Monsaraz Dropdown content are now guesthouses. For an atmospheric stay try Dom Nuno. It's in the heart of the fortified hill town.

Typical Alentejo houses in the Castle of Monsaraz © Joao Custodio/Shutterstock Dropdown content

3. Cruise canals in Aveiro

Canals and lagoons define Aveiro Dropdown content. Sail them on a colourful moliceiro boat. Or book a moliceiro tour with local guides.

Moliceiro boats mooring alongside the central channel at Aveiro, Portugal © trabantos/Shutterstock

Dropdown content4. Stroll through ancient Évora

Take a stroll round Évora Dropdown content. It's Portugal's golden-stoned university town. Don't miss the Roman temple, Moorish alleys and medieval walls. Or catch everything on a private walking tour.

Evora old town © Shutterstock

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5. Go mountain biking in the Algarve

You can cycle just about all of the Algarve coast. Alternatively, take a guided Ria Formosa tour by bike.

© Kzenon/Shutterstock

6. Gift yourself a trip to Óbidos

Visit the walled town of Obidos Dropdown content. It was once the traditional bridal gift of Portuguese kings. Gift yourself an overnight stay at Pousada Castelo de Obidos.

Obidos © Shutterstock

7. Journey along the Rio Douro valley

Catch a boat or train from Peso da Régua up the Douro valley Dropdown content. It's one of Portugal's loveliest journeys. Or take a Douro Valley wine trip with experts.

Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Portugal Dropdown content or Portugal Itineraries Dropdown content offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips Dropdown content can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Portugal expert.

Douro valley © Shutterstock

8. Visit Velha Universidade in Coimbra

Historic Coimbra Dropdown content boasts Portugal’s most famous university. It's also known for lively student nightlife. Check into Tivoli Coimbra at the heart of everything.

Coimbra© Shutterstock

9. See Mosteiro da Batalha in Estremadura

Explore extraordinary “Battle Abbey” Mosteiro da Batalha Dropdown content. It's one of Portugal's greatest architectural works. Book Mosteiro da Batalha tickets and skip the line.

Batalha, Portugal. City panorama and view to Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória. (Batalha Monastery) © Altosvic/Shutterstock

Dropdown content10. Kayak on the Mondego river

Kayak novice? The Mondego river Dropdown content is gentle enough for beginners. It's also enchanting. Still not sure? Take a guided Mondego River kayaking tour.

Even beginners can kayak on the gentle Mondego River © Techtonic/Shutterstock

Dropdown content11. Get lost in the narrow streets of Alfama

Alfama Dropdown content is a village at the heart of Lisbon. And its steep, narrow streets deter most cars. Stay at Old Fence Studios for Alfama atmosphere.

Exploring Alfama, one of the best things to do in Portugal © S-F/Shutterstock

Dropdown content12. Soak up the atmosphere of scenic Sintra

Hilltop Sintra Dropdown content is one of the most scenic towns in Portugal. Find it close to Lisbon and even closer to the west coast. Take a day trip to Sintra for the full effect.

Sintra © Shutterstock

13. Immerse in nature at the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês

Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês Dropdown content is Portugal's only national park. Expect alluring trails, gushing streams and alpine scenery. Pousada Mosteiro de Amares sits on the park's southern edge.

Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês © Armando Frazao/Shutterstock

Dropdown content14. Don't resist Pastéis de nata

Pastéis de nata are irresistible. And one of Portugal's traditional delicacies Dropdown content. They're flaky custard tartlets. Best served warm, dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar. Try them at Lisbon's Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. They've been baked here for over a century.

Having at lest one piece of traditional pastry like Pastéis de Nata is a must thing to do in Portugal © Shutterstock

15. Marvel at the Mosteiro Palácio Nacional de Mafra

Gigantic monument to religious devotion? Obscene royal frippery? Visit João V’s mighty monastery in Mafra Dropdown content and decide. Or indulge in a private tour of the Palace instead.

Mafra's barroque palace © NunoGplus/Shutterstock

Dropdown content16. Visit Guimaraes

Portugal's first capital, Guimaraes Dropdown content is still beguiling. Look forward to cobbled streets and historic buildings. Or book EMAJ Boutique Hotel for an historic sleep.

Oliveira square, Guimaraes © Shutterstock

17. Watch dolphins in the Sado Estuary

Take a boat trip on the Sado Estuary. It's near Setúbal Dropdown content and prime dolphin spotting territory.

See dolphins up close in the Sado Estuary near Lisbon is one of the best things to do in Portugal © Granadeiro/Shutterstock

18. Stay up late to party in Lisbon

Legendary Lisbon’s nightlife Dropdown content begins in Bairro Alto. Stay at Akicity Bairro Alto Night and indulge.

© Shutterstock

Dropdown content19. Take a walk to the Rota Vicentina

Walk to the Rota Vicentina Dropdown content. It's one of Portugal's best long distance paths. Look out for pretty villages, wild beaches and tall cliffs.

20. Experience the Knights Templar history at Convento de Cristo

Discover the Convent of Christ at Tomar Dropdown content. Once a stronghold of the Knights Templar, it's extraordinary. Want more depth? Take a Knights Templar day tour from Lisbon.

Entrance and main Church in the Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo). Tomar, Ribatejo, Portugal © Andrei Nekressov/Shutterstock

Dropdown content21. Hit the surf in Peniche

For consistently good surfing, hit Peniche Dropdown content. It's blessed with the greatest Atlantic waves. Stay awhile at Urban Art Camping close to the beach.

22. Feira de Barcelos

Head to Barcelos Dropdown content. The markets here are marvellous. And prove Portugal's rural traditions still thrive.

23. Hike the Serra da Estrela

Serra da Estrela Dropdown content is Portugal's highest mountain range. It conceals windswept uplands and remote communities. Plus the hiking trails are plenty challenging. Take a mountain village tour with local guides.

24. Relax at the riverfront in Porto

Ribeira in Porto Dropdown content is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay at the heart of the historic district. Try Exmo Hotel in Ribeira.

Porto Ribeira, traditional facades, old multi-colored houses with red roof tiles on the embankment in the city of Porto, Portugal © Vector99/Shutterstock

Ready for a trip to Portugal? Read more about the best time to go to Portugal Dropdown content, the best places to visit Dropdown content and best things to do in Portugal Dropdown content. For inspiration use the Portugal Itineraries Dropdown content from The Rough Guide to Portugal Dropdown content and created by our local travel agents in Portugal Dropdown content. A bit more hands on, check out the map of Portugal Dropdown content and learn about getting there Dropdown content, getting around the country Dropdown content and where to stay in Portugal Dropdown content once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance Dropdown content before you go.

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