Nicknamed the “Gateway to Europe”, the country has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. In the architecture of Portugal, eastern influence is noticeable, this is due to the fact that part of the territories was dominated by Muslim peoples for a long time.
A huge number of attractions and unique natural monuments attract thousands of tourists to the country every year. It is especially pleasant that the prices in the country are relatively low, so the trip can become not only very interesting, but also extremely comfortable. Here you will find entertainment for every taste: from long walks under water to noisy discos in nightclubs.
➤ Castle Obidos
In ancient times, the Romans lived in the lands of Portugal. Many modern palaces and castles were erected on the sites where Roman camps and fortresses used to be. Obidos Castle is one of them. Its history began in the 5th century.
Since then, the fortress has been in the possession of the Visigoths, the Arabs, and, finally, the Portuguese. In the XVIII century, the castle fell into disrepair due to heavy destruction. Its reconstruction ended a century later, and now Obidos is open to tourists. Moreover, there is a historic hotel operating at the base of the castle.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Price: free of charge;
- How to get there:the castle can be reached by bus from Campo Grande station in Lisbon.
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➤ Pena Palace
The palace was built on the very top of the cliff, more than 500 meters above sea level. The building is unique in that it deliberately mixed different architectural trends. Work on the Pena Palace began in the 16th century, and ended only in the 19th.
It is worth allocating a whole day for a tour of the palace, because it will take at least five hours. On the territory of the palace there is a cozy cafe where you can relax, and a small souvenir shop.
- Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 18 pm;
- Price: entrance ticket costs from 12 euros;
- How to get there: bus number 434 goes to the palace.
➤ Alto Douro
One of the valleys, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more than two thousand years, wine of the highest quality has been produced here. This is also facilitated by specific climatic conditions, thanks to which Alto Douro can be divided into three regions.
Each of them has its own characteristics of temperature and humidity. Therefore, the list of cultivated grape varieties is very extensive. The valley looks picturesque, it is completely dotted with green vineyards, between which the white walls of houses loom.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Price : free;
- How to get there: you can take a bus from Porto city.
➤ Santa Maria de Abbey -Alcobasa
Santa Maria de Alcobaza has existed since the 12th century. The monastery was built by order of the Portuguese king Alphonse the First in the city of Alcobaça. It was the first building in the country, sustained in the Gothic style. Over time, the abbey was completed and reconstructed, so Baroque elements were added to the Gothic style. Since the end of the 20th century, Santa Maria de Alcobaza has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 5 pm, during the summer period the abbey is open until 19 pm;
- Price: entrance ticket costs 6 euros;
- How to get there: the abbey is most conveniently reached by car from Lisbon.
➤ Peneda Geres National Park
The protected area of Peneda-Gerês is located on the border with Spain. The name of the park comes from two mountain ranges – Peneda and Geres – that stretch across its territory. The reserve is interesting not only for the opportunity to observe various animals, but also for the fact that there are ancient castles, a dilapidated monastery, as well as the remains of a village that was flooded at the end of the 20th century.
- Opening hours : from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 am to 7 pm;
- Cost: prices for excursions should be checked immediately before visiting;
- < strong>How to get there: The park can be reached from the city of Porto.
➤ Évora Museum City
The history of the city began long before the Romans settled in the city. The first were the Lusitanians, who called their dwelling Ebora. After them, the Romans, Moors, Spaniards and, finally, the Portuguese lived here. The name of the territory often changed, but “Evora” finally settled in the city. The golden age began in the 16th century.
The royal family lived in Évora, a university and key production points were being built. But two centuries later, the city lost its status as the political and economic center of the country. Now it is a museum filled with monuments of history and architecture, open to all tourists who want to better know how Portugal was created and developed.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Fee: free;
- How to get there: Évora can be reached by bus from Lisbon.
< h2>➤ Guimarães Castle
Once the land on which the castle was built belonged to the Arab people. But already in the 9th century they were conquered by the Portuguese. In Guimarães, you can fully experience the atmosphere of luxury in which the rulers of these lands lived.
True, the castle did not always serve as a residence for representatives of noble families. At a certain period there was a prison here, and then the castle grounds were converted for rural needs. Since the 19th century, the fortress has been considered a historical monument and functions as a museum, where you can get in for free.
- Opening hours: every day from 10 am to 5 pm;
- Cost: free;
- How to get there: the most convenient way to get to the castle, – take a taxi.
➤ City of Cascais
Today Cascais – this is a center of youth parties, offering tourists and locals a wide range of all kinds of entertainment: from interesting excursions around the old city to noisy night discos. Here everyone will find something to their liking.
In addition, it is worth noting the wonderful beaches of Cascais. There are many unique caves on the territory of the city, for example, an ancient Neolithic grotto, which was discovered in the very heart of the city, or the famous “Maw of Hell”, which is located in the western part of the city.
- Clock work: around the clock;
- Fee: free;
- How to get there: Cascais can be reached by train or bus from Lisbon.
➤ Praia da Marina Beach
Not far from Lagoa there is a picturesque beach included in the TOP 100 beaches in the world. It is located relatively far from residential buildings, but despite this, Praia da Marina will appeal to lovers of comfort. The beach area is equipped with everything you need.
There are toilets, convenient parking, several cafes. The beach is regularly staffed by lifeguards and diving equipment rentals. The beach is well protected from the wind, making it especially popular with tourists.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Price: free;
- How to get there: the most convenient way to get to Praia da Marina – go by taxi or private car.
➤ Quinta da Regaleira
Most often, the estate is called by the abbreviated name – Regaleira. The reconstruction of the palace was completed only at the end of the 20th century. The atmosphere of antiquity and magic reigns here. The white walls of the outbuildings are covered with moss, around – a sea of greenery.
Not much is known about the estate. It appeared at least in the 17th century and was called Quinta da Torre. Curiously, these records referred to the estate, which was allegedly built here even before the palace. But the researchers failed to find its physical remains. The estate still keeps many secrets.
- Opening hours: every day from 10 am to 6 pm, in summer the homestead is open until 8 pm;
- Price: entrance ticket costs from 3 euros;
- How to get there: the estate can be reached from Lisbon with several transfers or comfortably reached by private car.
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➤ Sanctuary of Bon Jesus do Monti
The city near which the sanctuary is located, considered the religious center of ancient Portugal. In Russian, the name of the sanctuary is translated as “the church of the good Jesus on the mountain.” It all started on Mount Espinho in the 14th century with a small cross and a chapel built next to it.
The construction of the sanctuary began only in the 18th century. A particularly interesting element of the sanctuary – the so-called steps to Christ. The staircase consists of several flights: the stairs at the portico and the stairs of the Five Senses. True pilgrims must cover this path on their knees.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Price: free;< /li>
- How to get there: Bon Jesus do Monti is located near the city of Braga.
➤ City of Aveiro
Aveiro is popularly called the Portuguese Venice. And there is indeed a lot in common. What is the opportunity to take a boat ride along the long canals of the city. There were times when Aveiro was considered the most prosperous city in the entire country, but there were also periods of decline.
All this is reflected in the architecture of buildings. In Aveiro, pompous buildings are combined in an amazing way with small houses of the fishing district. If you come to Aveiro, be sure to visit the Ria de Aveiro – a unique swamp area where you can observe its inhabitants in their natural environment.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Price: free of charge;
- How to get there: There are many ways to get to Aveiro from Porto.
➤ Cristo Rei
The symbol of Portugal, which is easily recognized by residents of different countries of the world. Jesus, spreading his arms, stands on a huge pedestal. The second name of the monument – Christ the King. The construction appeared thanks to the patriarch of Lisbon, who was very inspired by the monument to Christ he saw in Rio de Janeiro.
The construction was completed in the second half of the 20th century. The statue of Christ with a height of almost 30 meters, and the entire monument – over 100 meters. Therefore, it is perfectly visible from almost anywhere in the city.
- Opening hours: every day from 10 am to 19 pm;
- Price : entrance ticket costs from 6 euros;
- How to get there:from Lisbon it is best to take a taxi or a private car, from Almal you can take bus number 753 or the metro.
➤ Puppet Museum
The puppet museum isn't big, but it's amazing. It will be especially appreciated by those who have loved puppet shows since childhood, because this is a unique opportunity to go “behind the scenes”.
The first collection of the museum was exhibited at the end of the 20th century by the community, which sought to restore the former glory of puppetry. It included actors, singers, artists and everyone who was related to performances. There are now more than a thousand different dolls from all over the world on display.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm;
- Price: entrance ticket costs from 2 euros;
- How to get there: The museum is located in Lisbon and can be reached by bus or tram.
➤ Vasco da Gama Bridge
The Vasco da Gama Bridge is considered the longest cable-stayed bridge in Europe. It connects the two banks of the Tagus River. It was built as a response to a serious congestion problem on another bridge. Construction began in the 20th century. The total length of the Vasco da Gama bridge is more than 17 kilometers, of which only 10 pass directly over the river.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- < strong>Price: The ticket costs from 3 euros;
- How to get there: the bridge is located between the cities of Lisbon and Alcuchet.
➤ Cais da Ribeira promenade
Ribeira is located in the Portuguese city of Porto. The area is located near the Douro River, on which small boats and ships, including sightseeing ones, now ride. Once this river was of great commercial importance in the field of port wine. And now it is one of the favorite places for tourists. While walking along the promenade, you can enjoy the colorful architecture of the surrounding buildings.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Price: free;
- How to get there: the seafront can be reached from anywhere in Porto.
➤ Don Luis Bridge
< p>The bridge combines three functions: it is designed for trains and cars, and it also has a pedestrian zone. The bridge consists of several tiers, each of which has its own meaning. For example, the lower tier leads from Porto to the wine warehouse in Vila Nova de Gaia, while the upper tier connected Porto to the upper part of Vila Nova de Gaia. The total length of the bridge is more than 350 meters, and the height – almost 45 meters.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Price: free;
- How to get there: You can drive from Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto.
➤ Madeira Island
The island was discovered during the period of the Great geographical discoveries. For a short time, Madeira passed from the control of Portugal to Britain, but then it was recaptured.
Madeira is of key importance for the country, because here is the most important port of the archipelago. The island is very popular among tourists. Here you can relax in comfort, enjoying a wonderful combination of beautiful nature, delicious food and pleasant alcoholic drinks.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Cost: free;
- How to get there: You can get to Madeira from Lisbon by bus or plane.
➤ Monte Tropical Garden
A tour of the tropical garden includes not only a cozy walk, during which you can enjoy the wonderful view of various plants, but also a cable car ride, as well as a tasting of local wines. In the center of the sama is a palace, the construction of which dates back to the 18th century. The building of the palace currently houses a museum.
Ponds and waterfalls lurk among the greenery. Near the central pond there is an interesting place – ceramic panels telling tourists about the history of Portugal.
- Opening hours: every day from 10 am to 18 pm;
- Price: entrance ticket costs 10 euros;
- How to get there: you can get there by transport from anywhere in Madeira or take the funicular from the city center.
➤ Vilamoura
Vilamoura is deservedly considered the most developed tourist center. Here everyone will find entertainment to their liking. The area is dotted with restaurants, bars, clubs and a variety of recreational areas. If you don't like noisy parties, then you can go on a tour of the grottoes of Vilamoura or enjoy a relaxing holiday on the beach.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Fee: free;
- How to get there: You can drive to Valomoura from Faro Airport.
➤ Cape Roca
At almost 150 meters above sea level rises the famous windy Cape Roca. The raging ocean and strong gusts of wind give an indescribable feeling of wild freedom. The vegetation of the area is interesting. Due to the terrain, tall plants did not take root on the cape, but there are many bright succulents.
A lighthouse over 20 meters high is located on the cape, which annually attracts tourists. In addition, there is a small restaurant and several souvenir shops where you can buy a certificate of visiting the cape.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- < strong>Fee: free;
- How to get there: The cape can be reached by bus from Sintra or Cascais.
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➤ Lello Bookstore
The bookstore was opened at the end of the 19th century by José Lello, who was the head of a book publishing company. The store grew, the company became more and more prestigious, and the old building was no longer enough. Then the bookshop was moved to Carmelitas street.
Until now, members of the Lello clan carefully take care of their offspring. The building is regularly restored, and the store continues to develop. Most of the products displayed here are written in Portuguese.
- Opening hours: every day from 10am to 7pm;
- Price: free;
- How to get there: You can get to the shop by metro from anywhere in Porto.
➤ Azores
The Azores are an independent region of Portugal. The name of the islands is translated into Russian as “blue”, and according to another version – hawk islands. The islands are home to the Pico Volcano, which is occasionally active.
- Opening hours: 24/7;
- Price: free ;
- How to get there: you can get to the islands from Lisbon.
➤ Marinha Beach
This place is not particularly convenient for those who only like to swim, because there are a lot of sharp stones and algae at the bottom of the bay. Also, this place is not recommended for families with small children, because the beach is wild. But it is popular among divers, because its underwater part is truly amazing.
The water in the bay is almost always cool, due to the fact that the ocean warms up slightly, but quickly loses heat. So even if it's over 30 degrees outside, the water is rarely warmer than 20 degrees.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Price: free;
- How to get there: private car.
➤ Cabo Girão
On the rock of Cabo Girão is one of the most popular viewpoints of the island of Madeira. A suspension bridge made of transparent materials leads to the site. It is not surprising that lovers of tickling nerves flock here from all over the world. The bridge is over 550 meters above sea level.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Price: free ;
- How to get there: the rock can be reached from anywhere in Madeira.
➤ Chapel of Bones
Near the Church of San Francisco is the famous Chapel of Bones, which houses the remains of Franciscan friars. What is curious, if you carefully examine some of the skulls, you can see the date of death of a person on them.
The entrance to the chapel is crowned with a Latin inscription, which in translation means “Our bones are waiting for your bones.” From the inside, the chapel is divided into three sectors, each of which is a little more than 10 meters wide and a little over 18 meters high. The chapel was built in the 16th century by the Franciscans as a symbol of the transience of human life.
- Opening hours: every day from 10 am to 6 pm;
- < strong>Price: entrance ticket costs from 1.5 euros;
- How to get there: you can get to the chapel by bus from anywhere in the city of Évora.
➤ Aguas-Librish Aqueduct
The high-rise stone arches of the aqueduct are considered one of the symbols of Lisbon and the technological progress that Portugal achieved in the 18th century. This building is still working for its intended purpose. For this reason, the aqueduct was not accessible to tourists for a long time, until it was opened to the public in the 20s of the 21st century and tours began to be led along it.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Cost: free;
- How to get there: you can get to the aqueduct by bus, it is located in Lisbon.
➤ Gloria funicular
Gloria funicular is located in Lisbon and connects the lower city with the upper one. The length of the path is more than 260 meters, and the elevation angle reaches 18 degrees. If you want to enjoy the panorama of the city – then you definitely need to ride the funicular.
Once the funicular trailer moved due to water traction, then the design was improved, and steam was used as a driving force. But already at the beginning of the 20th century, the funicular was converted so that it could move due to a mechanism powered by electricity.
- Opening hours: every day, it is better to check the opening time in day of visit;
- Cost: The funicular ride will cost 3.6 euros;
- How to get there:you can get to the funicular by bus number 202.
➤ Church of San Francisco
The construction of the church was completed in the 13th century. The building is an excellent example of the Gothic style in architecture, and the interior decoration is striking in luxury and variety. The church was built by the Franciscan monks, who were patronized by King Ferdinand the First.
Interestingly, the original church looked much more modest. Most of the decor was added only in the XVII-XVIII centuries. Nowadays, services are not held in the church, it works exclusively in the format of a museum.
- Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 18 pm, during the summer the church is open until 20 pm;
- Price: entrance ticket to the museum costs 4 euros;
- How to get there: the church can be reached by by tram or walk from the Douro.
➤ Porto Botanical Garden
A wonderful park that will appeal to every nature lover. Interestingly, locals rarely come here, so tourists have an amazing opportunity to enjoy rare plants in a fairly secluded environment.
A mansion is located on the territory of the garden, which at different times belonged to high-ranking members of Portuguese society. Now the territory of the park belongs to the University of Porto. The new owners did not change anything in the appearance of the park, they left the house of the previous owners untouched.
- Opening Hours: every day from 10 am to 6 pm;
- Price: admission price depends on group size;
- How to get there: The botanical garden can be comfortably reached by metro.
➤ Castle of the Moors
The castle was built in the 9th century immediately after the Muslim invasion of the lands that now belong to Portugal. For several centuries, the Moorish castle served as a defensive function and was used as a fortification.
An earthquake, which became a real natural disaster in the 18th century, almost completely destroyed the buildings of the castle and the adjacent church. They were reconstructed only in the 19th century. And in the 20th century, the castle of the Moors was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 6 pm;
- Price: the minimum entrance fee is 6.5 euros;
- < strong>How to get there: bus number 434 runs from the center of Sintra to the castle.
➤ National Museum of Ancient Art
The museum is located in the capital of Portugal. It contains unique exhibits that date back to the XIV-XIX centuries. Here you can find not only paintings, panels and tapestries, but also sculptures, dishes and household items. In addition, the museum is famous for its collection of carpets and furniture, as well as a collection of porcelain.
- Opening hours: from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm;
- Price: Entrance ticket costs 5 euros;
- How to get there: You can get to the museum building by bus or train.
➤ Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The city rises on the ocean and specializes mainly in agriculture.
Tourists are attracted here by the opportunity to visit the aquarium, which was built on the site of São João Batista, an ancient fortress. The building of the aquarium exactly repeats the appearance of the fortress. In addition, the highest waterfall on the island, Veu da Noiva, is located near the city.
- Opening hours: 24/7;
- Cost: free;
- How to get there:the city can be reached by bus from anywhere in Madeira.
➤ Funchal Cathedral
There are many interesting religious monuments on the island of Madeira. One of them – Funchal Cathedral, built in the 16th century. Previously, there was already a church building here, but not a single part of it has survived to our time. Interestingly, Funchal, a Portuguese city, became a city just during the construction of the cathedral, in honor of which they held a festive mass.
- Opening hours: every day from 7 am to 6 pm;
- Fee: free;
- How to get there: can be reached by bus.
- Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 18 pm;
- Price: We recommend checking the price of the entrance ticket before visiting;
- How to get there: by bus from anywhere in the city of Porto.
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➤ Exchange Palace
Until the 19th century, there was a monastery on the site of the Exchange Palace, but it was destroyed due to a fire. They decided not to reconstruct the monastery, but to build a palace in its place. It is now open to tourists who want to learn more about how Portugal traded throughout the centuries of its existence.