Things to See and Do In Portugal

Visiting Portugal is a great choice, particularly if you like all things maritime related, as Portugal stretches for 800 kilometers along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is graced with Lisbon as its capital city which sits at the entrance of the majestic River Tagus.

Much of the country is a mix of rugged and scenic landscape coupled with rolling stretches of Mediterranean landscape. As it lies along the coast you will find some beautiful beaches here in addition to picturesque coves, quaint villages, and a thriving cultural scene in Lisbon.

Portugal also has a range of islands on its coast for you to enjoy such as Madeira which is known as the Garden Isle thanks to its lush vegetation, or the secluded and serene Azores archipelago. Wherever you choose to go, Portugal is bound not to disappoint and you will be amazed at how much you can pack in when you visit this small but exciting country.

Here are the best things to do in Portugal:

1. Visit the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
Located in Lisbon, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is one of one of the most important buildings in all of Portugal.

The church and the adjoining monastery are built in the Manueline style and much of the interior is ornately decorated, particularly the section known as the South Portal.

There are also graceful cloisters and you will also find monuments here such as the tomb of Vasco de Gama and the famous Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes.

2. Marvel at the Oceanario de Lisboa
The oceanarium in Lisbon is one of the best places to come in the city if you are travelling with children and it is dedicated to educating the public on marine conservation.

The aquarium is full of a variety of creatures and you will find four separate ecosystems that are divided geographically to represent the Antarctic, Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.

Just some of the critters you will find here include sharks, rays, sea otters, and penguins.


3. Visit Palacio Nacional de Sintra
The National Palace of Sintra sits on its scenic central square and you will know it as soon as you see it thanks to the massive round chimneys that sprout from the top.

The palace dates from the 14th century and has the claim to fame of being the oldest palace that still stands in Portugal.

It spans several ornately decorated floors, each of which have a different theme and one of the signature features is the Sala dos Brasoes which is the main hall topped with a sparkly dome.

Also make sure to check out the 72 coats of arms on display here.

4. Sunbathe on Matosinhos Beach
Matosinhos Beach sits to the north of Porto and is made up of a long strip of golden sand that is flanked by a promenade.

Locals flock here, especially in the summer months, and you will find lifeguards on duty which means that this is a good choice for families with young children who can bathe here with peace of mind.

Beach activities include soccer and volleyball and you will also find lots of opportunities for water sports.

When the swell is good you can even go surfing here.

5. Climb the Torre de Belem
Located in the Belem district in Lisbon is this iconic tower which was built in 1521. The aim of the fortification was to guard against an invasion via the River Tagus and the building is considered a master class in how to build a successful fortress.

The tower is designed in the Manueline style and is covered with a picturesque facade.

Make sure not to miss the maritime touches carved into the stone such as ropes and an armillary sphere.
for its blue waters tinged with green that sits of hills covered in mud volcanoes and hot springs.

If you like brooding volcanic landscapes then this is not to be missed and you can go hiking past the calderas or take to the waters and go canoeing which allows you to get up close to the amazing multi-hued waters.

7. Enjoy the Convento do Cristo