The Portugal Travel Guide

Lisbon, was named the Europe Capital of Culture in 1994 and is Portugal’s largest city at just over 500,000. Slightly off-the-beaten track, It is often one of the last major western European cities travelers visit, but often ends up one of their favorite cities in once they’ve visited. Lisbon is the most inexpensive major city in Western Europe, and is popular with budget travelers. The Alfama Quarter, Lisbon’s trendy district makes a nice base to explore the city and has a great night-life.

• Sao Jorge Castle, Lisbon (One English guided tour daily)
• Se de Lisboa Fortress, Lisbon
• Belem Quarter, Lisbon
  • Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon (UNESCO)
• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon
• Antiga National Art Museum, Lisbon

 

Evora, Portugal (UNESCO; fortified city; narrow, winding lanes)

• Roman Temple, Evora
• Town Square, Evora
• Se Cathedral, Evora (Fortress like, Medieval with a pair of rose granite towers)

 

Cascais, Portugal (seaside resort)

 

Luso, Portugal (spa town)

• Bucaco Forest, Luso (fairytale forest)

 

Viana do Castelo, North Portugal (Jewel of Costa Verde)

• Medieval center, Viana do Castelo
• Praia do Cabedelo Beach, Viana do Castelo

 

Porto, Portugal (2001 European Capital of Culture)

• Riberia District (riverfront)
• Vila Nova Da Gaia, Porto (port-wine region)
• Casa de Musica, Porto

 

Faro, Algarve, Portugal (palm-clad waterfront town)

• Formosa Nature Park, Faro (boat trip through system of lagoons, canals and islands)

 

Tavira, Algarve, Portugal (Arguably the best town in the Algarve)

• Iiha de Tavira Beach, Tavira
• Hilltop Castle, Tavira
• Roman Bridge, Tavira

 

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal (fishing port with cobbled streets, old town and nice beaches)

• Meia Praia Beach, Lagos
• Praia da Luz Beach, Lagos

 

Silves, Algarve, Portugal (Orange rooftops along the banks of the Rio Arade)

• Silves Castle

 

Sagres, Algarve, Portugal (sea-carved cliffs has end of the world feel)

• Cabo de Sao Vicente, Sagres (Europe’s southwestern most point)
• Sagres Fortress (offers great views over sheer cliffs)
• Great hiking, Sagres

 

Salema, Algarve, Portugal

 

Peniche, Central Portugal (working port, fortified old town)

• Iihas Berlengas Nature Reserve, Peniche
• Baleal Island, Peniche (scenic island connected by a narrow causeway, great surfing and beach. Several café/bars line the beach)
• Berlenga Grande, Berlenga archipelago, Peniche (10km off shore, spectacular, rocky, remote island with rock formations)
• Peniche Fortress

 

Obidos, Central Portugal (fortified city)

• Wall walk, Obidos
• Obidos Castle
• City Center, Obidos (labyrinth of cobblestone streets and flowery whitewashed houses)

 

Nazare, Central Portugal (cliffside sea town, huge crowds in July and August, top-notch beaches, )

 

Tomar, Central Portugal (UNESCO; medieval Christian walled monastery)

• Convento de Cristo, Tomar (HQ for the Knights Templar from 12^th to 16^th centuries)

 

Coimbra, Central Portugal (university town)

• Machado de Castro National Museum, Coimbra (built over a Roman forum, great collection and roman architecture)
• Se Velha Cathedral, Coimbra (Portugal’s finest example of Roman architecture)
• Roman Townruins , Conimbriga, Portugal

 

Sintra, Portugal (cliffside sea town)

• Palacio National da Pena, Sintra (amazing castle)
• Quinta da Regaleria, Sintra
• Moors Castle, Sintra

 

Braga, North Portugal (Countries third largest city)

 

Peneda-Geres National Park, Portugal (main town is Vila do Geres)

 

Guimaraes, Portugal (2012 European Capital of Culture)

 

Averio, Portugal

 

Leiria, Portugal

 

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

 

Prado, Portugal

 

Formosa Natural Park, Portugal

 

Serra de Estrela Natural Park, Portugal

 

Vila Real, Portugal

 

Alcobaca, Portugal (UNESCO; fortified city; medieval Christian monastery)

 

Batalha, Portugal (UNESCO; medieval Christian fortified monastery)