With most of its coastline facing west, Portugal is a country that proudly guarantees a stunning sunset every single day. Its delectable cuisine, multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stunning landscape and thriving tourism industry make it a great country to visit if you’re planning a trip to Europe.

Portugal is also a hotspot for adventure activities like bungee jumping, sky diving, surfing, and scuba diving, which means that the country can offer a myriad of experiences that will stay with you for life.

Plan a trip to Portugal for a vacation that is exciting and memorable, and you’ll never regret this decision! Keep reading to know more about what this gorgeous country has to offer.

Spring and fall offer the best combination of good weather, long days, and plenty of tourist and cultural activities. However, the country does not have a particular holiday season – it is an all year round destination and everything depends on what the visitor wants to see and how they want to spend their time in Portugal.

The origin of Portuguese cuisine can be traced back to a combination of main ingredients which include the meat of cows, goats and pigs; seafood and hearty peasant food. Every Portuguese meal begins with a soup, the most popular being caldo verde. Another staple is bacalhau (salt cod) that can be cooked in a thousand ways. Fish dishes are also common and delicious they mostly revolve around sole, sardines, salmon, trout, mackerel, frogfish and a variety of turbot. These are boiled, grilled, fried and served in a number of sauces. Fresh seafood is also easy to find with lobsters, mussels, oysters and clams being the main attractions. Portuguese grilled chicken is world famous, and so is Mealhada’s suckling pig roast specialities enjoyed widely by tourists. Red wine, white wine and port wine are the most famous beverages in Portugal and should not be missed.

Often referred to as a Mecca for shopping enthusiasts, Portugal has a range of markets, boutiques, shopping malls and other shopping outlets for its tourists. Some popular places in Lisbon include the Amoreiras Shopping Center, El Corte Ingls (for premium, high-end brands), The Atrium Saldhana, Colombo Centro Comercial (Portugal’s largest shopping centre) and Armazens do Chiado.Forum Algarve Shopping Mall and The Marina shopping complex are huge shopping complexes in Algarve with all kinds of goods from souvenirs to everyday items.

Portuguese, an Indo-European Romance language, is the official Portugal language, spoken by 99% of the population. English is the second most widely spoken language in Portugal.

1. LISBON

Portugal’s hilly capital, the coastal city of Lisbon is the westernmost capital of Europe. Colourful and historic, the city is teeming with life in every corner, and every person and structure has a story to tell that will reveal secrets to the lively Portuguese culture. Lisbon’s culture and history mix with the contemporary urban life and cosmopolitan nature in a unique way to produce one of the most interesting experiences across Western Europe. The landscape of Lisbon is truly exotic, comprising of both hills and golden sand beaches.

Places to visit in Lisbon: Ajuda National Palace, LX Factory, Time Out Market, Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Belém Tower, Alfama, Lisbon Cathedral, Rossio Square, Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém

2. PORTO

Porto, the vibrant second city of Portugal, is a city with a unique charm. Located on the Douro River, the city is filled with cobbled streets, colorful houses, and is home to some of the world’s best fortified wines.

Porto offers a wealth of experiences for tourists. One of the highlights is the Ponte Dom Luis I, a stunning double-decker bridge that offers breathtaking views of the city. Other attractions include the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, the Church of Sao Francisco, the Clerigos Tower, and the Porto Cathedral.

Places to visit in Porto: Ponte Dom Luis I, Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, Church of Sao Francisco, the Clerigos Tower, the Porto Cathedral, beaches of Matosinhos

3. FARO

Faro, the capital city of the beautiful Algarve region in Portugal is a must-visit destination for all travellers. Located on the south coast of Portugal, Faro is known for its stunning beaches, charming old town, and historic landmarks. Its picturesque coastline is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and other beach activities.

The highlight of Faro is its old town, which is surrounded by a wall and a moat. It is a great place to explore and discover the city’s history. There are several attractions here like the Faro Cathedral, the Castle of Sao Francisco, and the Church of Santa Maria. The city is also known for its traditional Portuguese dishes and wines. Faro also offers some great activities like boat tours, beach sports, and golfing.

Places to visit in Faro: Faro Cathedral, the Castle of Sao Francisco, Church of Santa Maria, Faro Marina, Ria Formosa Nature Park, Faro Island

4. SINTRA

Sintra, Portugal is a small town located 28 km from the capital, Lisbon, in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains. It is a mesmerizing place full of historical monuments, royal palaces, lush green gardens, and cobblestone streets, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The main reason to visit Sintra is for its gorgeous landscape and enchanting monuments.

Places to visit in Sintra: Ancient ruins of the Pena National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Moorish Castle, Atlantic Ocean

5. CARVOEIRO

Carvoeiro, Portugal is an ideal spot for a holiday. Nestled in the Algarve region, it offers a stunning landscape of golden beaches, lush green hills, and dramatic cliffs. Carvoeiro is known for its picturesque fishing village, with cobbled streets, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great spot for a relaxing beach holiday, with plenty of activities to keep the family entertained. The most popular attraction in Carvoeiro is its stunning beaches.

Places to visit in Carvoeiro: Praia de Carvoeiro and Benagil Beach, 17th century fort, the historic town of Lagoa, Algar Seco, Calçadão de Carvoeiro, Alfanzina lighthouse

6. MADEIRA

The Madeira Islands are a stunning archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic — a place of lush greenery and rugged mountains 1,000km from the European mainland. Where you can hike in the morning, surf in the afternoon, and finish your day in a fine restaurant where the breathtaking view is complemented by unforgettable Mediterranean or traditional Madeira cuisine.

Places to visit in Madeira: Monte Palace Madeira, Monte Palace Madeira, Botanical Garden, Cabo Girao

7. LAGOS

Located in the Algarve region of Portugal, the coastal city of Lagos is a paradise for travellers in search of sun, sea, and sand. Just an hour away from Faro Airport, the city is known for its stunning beaches, delicious seafood, and rich culture. The main reason to visit Lagos is its picturesque beaches, which are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Places to visit in Lagos: Dona Ana and Meia Praia Beach, Ponta de Piedade lighthouse, Castelo dos Governadores

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