Portugal is easily dwarfed by its much bigger neighbor Spain. However, there’s nothing little about the wonders and history of this hot tourist destination. There is so much to do in Portugal. After all, the country is nearly 900 years old. We have put together a list of the 10 things you must see to help you plan your itinerary.
Portugal boasts of an incredible climate. If you’re not looking for a beach holiday, you should consider visiting in the spring. The weather is mild, and you can avoid the tourists. Fall is the best time to see the giant waves in Nazaré which was recently featured in HBO movie 100 ft Wave.
Jeronimos Monastery
Located near the Tagus river in Lisbon’s up-market Belem neighborhood, the opulent Jeronimos Monastery stands as an ode to Portugal’s great seafaring past. It was here in 1497 that the explorer Vasco da Gama and his crew spent the night before undergoing their fabled journey that linked Europe to India via sea.
When you arrive at the monument, you’ll notice the impressive Manueline architecture, a Portuguese style that’s composed of rich ornamentation. Lose yourself in the ornate cloisters and walk historic halls where you’ll find tombs of Portuguese kings and brave explorers.
Your visit ends at the enormous main chapel, which features a high vaulted ceiling and numerous panels depicting events in the Bible. Once you’ve had your fill of architectural wonder, visit the National Museum of Archeology and the National Naval Museum, both of which are located in the monastery. Yes, it’s that big.
Nazaré
Nazaré is a municipality located in the Oeste region and Leiria District of Portugal. It is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Silver Coast. The town has the claim of having, the highest waves in the world and some have been measured at 80 – 100ft. They are like the Northern Lights of the sea and timing is key to see them. The Big Waves season in Nazare – Portugal, is between October and March (winter season in Portugal, but September and April also work in some years.) The waves are best viewed from the municipal lighthouse grounds.
The surrounding town is charming and to explore on foot. There’s a local market in town as well as supermarkets, many quaint restaurants featuring super-fresh seafood, and charming cafés. Nazaré may not have any major landmarks or famous tourist sights, but the combination of the scenery, the beach, and local traditions makes it one of the must-see places in central Portugal
Douro Valley
Up in the North of Portugal, away from the masses of tourists, lies the magical Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest wine regions and home of the famous Port wine. Here you’ll find quaint manor houses dotted around the riverbank, built by the British families that gave name to many of the world’s port brands.
When visiting, make sure that you book a tour of one of these vineyards. You’ll get a taste of local life and learn the region’s history. Most tours end with a wine tasting, which will give you an insight into the wide variety of ports available. There’s almost always something to suit everyone’s taste. If the season is right, you’ll also get to do some fun grape treading!
In the evenings, you should take advantage of the winding roads, which bend in and out of the valley and make you fall in love with the magnificent river views.
Medieval Town of Obidos
An hour from Lisbon, you’ll find the gorgeous town of Obidos, nestled in Portugal’s picturesque silver coast. The magic of this place is owed to the fact that the majority of the town is located within the walls of Obidos castle.
You’ll find yourself walking the cobbled streets thinking of times gone by. There’s an array of shops selling crafts, medieval replica goods, and even a bookstore in a beautiful converted church. For those brave enough, you can walk the entire perimeter of the castle walls, which at times gets uncomfortably tight.
To complete your trip, take a ride in a horse and carriage before grabbing a drink of the town’s famous cherry liqueur in Obidos’ main square.
Peneda-Geres National Park
The nature of Peneda-Geres is jaw-dropping. You can choose from a variety of trails that will take you to hidden magical waterfalls and pools of crystal clear water. You’ll encounter wild Garrano ponies, breathtaking lakes, roman bridges, and dolmans left by ancient inhabitants.
If activities are your thing, Peneda-Geres has plenty. Book any of the available experiences, including water skiing, rock climbing, horse riding, and kayaking.
Pena Palace in Sintra
A stone’s throw from Lisbon, you can visit a real-life fairytale palace that will have you reliving childhood memories. Pena Palace was built on the foundations of an ancient monastery that sat atop Sintra mountain. The poet Lord Byron fell in love with its magic in the early 1800s, stating that ‘the village of Sintra is the most beautiful, perhaps, in the world’.
The palace is the perfect embodiment of 19th-century romanticism, painted in vibrant colors that can be seen from miles away. Inside you can visit what was the summer home of the Portuguese royal family, with medieval and Islamic elements.
The trip continues outside in the palace’s magnificent gardens and surrounding forest, which features an array of trees and flowers from different parts of the world.
Fado in Lisbon
Fado, which means destiny, is a Portuguese music genre that was born in Lisbon in the 1800s. It became a staple of neighborhoods such as Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto, where working-class families would come together for a night of music and good food.
The music is mostly based on Saudade, a Portuguese term that describes a melancholic feeling of longing for something/or someone you love. Visit a fado restaurant where they will typically have two or three professionals performing, while also offering traditional local food. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more authentic experience, there are fado bars that only feature amateurs.
Convent of Christ
Almost completely hidden from the typical tourist routes, you will find the Convent of Christ in Tomar, built in the 12th century by the Templar Knights. The oratory located in the main dome structure is nothing short of spectacular. You will struggle to find words as you gaze up and see the power of the Knights in full display. Surrounding the oratory are large painted panels, some of which were stolen during the French Napoleonic invasions.
The convent features eight cloisters built between the 15th and 16th centuries. For those familiar with Manueline-style architecture, you will find the famous window outside the chapter house, depicting the achievements of King Manuel I.
Safe Travels.
