Portugal talks proudly about its extraordinary features, and it’s time to explore and see what it holds! A grand list of magical sights, rich culture, mouth-watering treats and lastly, some interesting things to do in Portugal are all up for you to discover
Portugal is amazing, and it’s your time to see what it holds as an all-rounder experience! See what awaits you as you start exploring the things to do in Portugal!
10 unmissable things to do in Portugal
1. Go canoeing at Furnas Lake
You’re about to experience something out of the ordinary as you come across the blue and green waters of Furnas Lake. As an added advantage, you will be treated to mud volcanoes and hot springs as well.
Want to explore this magical water-filled landscape? The perfect way appears to be canoeing! Get your cameras out as it gets more and more magical as you go on.
2. Tour Bom Jesus do Monte
In Braga, Portugal, there is a church that is said to be the grandest of all religious buildings in the country: Bom Jesus do Monte. This stunning example of architecture sits on a slope among lush woodlands and features a series of staircases.
Some people even come here just to ride the funicular up to the church!
3. Exploring the Castelo de Guimaraes
If you’re a fan of castles and history, then this is one you should really check out.
The castle dates from the 10th century and has been slightly modified over the years. As the birthplace of Portugal’s first monarch, Castelo de Guimaraes is an important part of Portuguese history.
You can also view other parts of the castle as they’ve been left from that time period, and that means you have a lot of exploring to do!
4. Take a stroll along Cabo Da Roca
Alerting everyone with one of the must-do activities! Jot this down on your list of things to do in Portugal!
Cabo da Roca is a coastal walk in Portugal for keen bird watchers and nature lovers.
It is part of the wider Sintra Cascais Natural Park and is known for its pretty scenery that takes you along the Atlantic Coast so that you pass charming beaches, rugged cliffs, and an elegant lighthouse along the way.
5. Thermal Waters at Vidago Palace
With the sun streaming down, a glass of wine in hand, It gets better as Vidago Palace has its thermal stories to tell.
This palace is one of those gorgeous hotels that makes you travel back in time with its stunning beauty.
The spa is built around the thermal waters that first brought fame to this glorious property. The waters have healing properties and are guaranteed to calm your mind and body.
Don’t forget to take advantage of their collagen facial and body treatments.
And if you are thinking about the best time to go to Portugal, anytime you have discovered this spot would be perfect!
6. Time to visit the Ribeira District
This is where your journey begins with great Portuguese street food, drinks and nightlife that will bring out your lively self out.
The area holds charming views of the scenic River Douro, and when you take a stroll to the main road of the Ribeira District, you will come across bars, restaurants, cafes, and pretty monuments like fountains. Looks interesting yet?
It doesn’t matter who you are visiting Porto with; it becomes an answer for all your needs with spectacular dining and nightlife scenes.
7. Get curious at the Benagil sea cave
You’ve probably seen Instagram pictures of people posting from here and wondered about how magical it looks; well, now, there’s no need for that!
When visiting, add this to your list of things to do in Portugal. In Algarve, you will come across this stunning fishing village that has the answer to all your questions.
Now for the main experience, take a boat trip to the Benagil Caves! This cave gives you the opportunity to swim or kayak around from the shore into mesmerising you with its views from one of the cave’s natural openings.
Can you imagine the kind of adventure that awaits you?
8. Now for Ria Formosa Natural Park
This beautiful park offers an array of landscapes such as sand dunes, marshes, salt pans, and small inlets and lakes. It’s one of nature’s journeys you should take to admire the beauty of Ria Formosa Natural Park.
And not just with landscapes but also with some of the best things to do in Portugal like bird watching, windsurfing, hiking, and even canoeing in the lagoon.
After you are done with all of this, get yourself to the little town called Olhão, where you can get your hands on local handicrafts and appetite-stirring Portuguese street food.
Now you know, it’s an experience that has everything included for you!
9. Trip to Porto Moniz
On the lookout for the best views in Portugal? Get ready for Porto Moniz! Perched on top of dramatic volcanic cliffs that rise majestically from the sea, this town is known for its swimming pools hugged by rock formations.
But that’s not all of it!
You will also find Madeira Aquarium and Joao Baptista Fort here, making Porto Moniz a great place to spend time with your loved ones or even friends and family.
In the end, when you have finished exploring this beautiful resort town, you’ve seen many magical sights that are unforgettable.
10. Hiking the Fisherman’s Trail in the Alentejo
Maybe coastal hikes are your thing, and you never knew! Now that you’re exploring Portugal, there is no way you can escape from falling in love with the Fisherman’s Trail along the Atlantic coast.
You get to hike through miniature villages and untamed seashores that will have you admiring every step you take.
Also, this is for the adventure-seekers out there! Take the challenge of a 120-kilometre hike that traces the Atlantic coastline of Portugal.
Keep a lookout for dolphins jumping gracefully, giving you a magical sight to be mesmerised upon. Are you ready to take the hike and fill your mind and memory with enchanted stories from the Alentejo?
The Portuguese dishes to try
I mean, who wouldn’t love some traditional Portuguese food? Mainly concentrating on fish, meat, olive oil, bread, tomato, herbs, and spices mostly, these dishes take you to paradise on the first bite.
Before exploring the destination, prioritize finding some great food on your list of things to do in Portugal.
These flavours are so fresh and mouth-watering; It makes you go in search of more Portuguese street food in your spare time.
Here are some of the Portuguese dishes that will have your tastebuds asking for more – Bon appetite!
- Caldo Verde – This iconic Portuguese soup can be enjoyed all year long! The green soup is full of flavours and a combination of potato puree, slices of chorizo sausage, local olive oil and some magic.
- Francesinha Sandwich – Even though each restaurant prepares it in its tasteful way, this dish doesn’t stand back in making your taste buds go crazy with its bread, ham, sausages, and steak. Oh, and the melted cheese and egg go on top! Are you drooling yet?
- Polvo à la Lagareiro – Being famous for its seafood specials, this delicious octopus dish is cooked using a generous amount of olive oil, along with potatoes and the octopus being roasted and baked. It looks appetising and tastes even better!
- Pastel de nata – This popular Portuguese dessert is loved by many. Its sweet, creamy and made out of a foodie’s dream! This egg tart does its spell with flour, butter, eggs, cinnamon, and sugar.
And these are just the beginning of your food journey in Portugal; you have a long way to go when you start exploring Portuguese street food.
See the beaches of Portugal
Don’t get caught in the thoughts about when would be the best time to go to Portugal, as this destination’s temperate Mediterranean climate is all you need to have the best beach days.
Keeping all kind of beach lovers in mind, Portugal favours all of them. If you consider the remote beaches or even the busy ones luring surfers from all around the world, there is always a perfect match for you!
Put your sunscreen on as we are going to discover the stunning beaches of Portugal now!
- Camilo Beach – With sandstone cliffs and rock formations making the landscape look majestic, take the wooden staircase that leads you to the turquoise waters that await swimmers and snorkelers.
- Carcavelos Beach – This beach doesn’t let you sit still as its filled with opportunities to make your day lively. Calling in all surfers as this is the spot for you! and not just that, but many other water sports that make you stay in the water all day.
- Canto Marinho Beach – Giving you a little time to sit back and enjoy the serenity-filled beach vibes, this gem is about calming your mind with its natural beauty. Also, its shallow pools are suitable for paddling and beachcombing.
- Porto Santo Beach – The golden sand and volcanic rocks come together to have therapeutic properties in the sand that helps to get rid of any aches and pains—also giving you access to restaurants, cafés, and boutiques.
But that’s not all of Portugal’s beaches; there is more to admire when it comes to the beaches of this destination.
With all of these features in its possession, Portugal makes sure it makes your holiday a beautiful one. When on the journey of falling in love with this destination, make sure to admire all its corners filled with many exciting things to do in Portugal. This spectacle is already a personal favourite for many; when will it be yours?
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