Remember, should you choose to visit Portugal; your holidays spent in the country will stay in your memories forever. Let us share with you some of the best destinations you can’t miss when visiting the country. Take note!
Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal is a must-see place. Historic and melancholic, the city is an ideal point to start your holidays in Portugal. Wandering through its narrow lanes you will enjoy the best viewpoints - or miradouros - of Lisbon and the dreamlike panoramas you will discover. Remember to visit the Belém tower and Jerónimos monastery – two noted examples of Manueline architecture and two of the most popular Lisbon attractions. If you decide to spend more than one day in the city and are wondering where to stay in Lisbon, keep in mind that Iberostar offers one of the best 5 star hotels in Lisbon at your service. Check out our offers, book a room and get ready to comfortably explore all of the points of interest in Lisbon.
Sintra
Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra is another location you can’t miss during your short breaks or holidays in Portugal. It hosts several famous points of interest in Portugal such as the famous Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) and Pena Palace. The former is a fortress built by Arabs dated back to the 9th century and the latter; Pena Palace is a true pearl of Sintra. It is a colourful palace constructed in 1836, where Portuguese kings lived and is not only beautiful but also offers spectacular views as a bonus. Other Sintra sights worth visiting are the Quinta da Regaleira estate and the Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra). Of course, the proximity to Lisbon and the two cities - Estoril and Cascais – which connect Sintra with the Portuguese Riviera, offer a wealth of other things to see and do during your stay in Sintra.
Porto
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and is certainly worth a visit. Located on the north of the country, it is yet another of the most outstanding places in Portugal. Beside the spectacular Dom Luís I Bridge, an engineering prodigy from the year 1880 which is considered the most iconic construction in the city, Porto also stands out thanks to other places of interest. You definitely need to include a visit to the striking São Bento railway station, Porto Cathedral (or Sé do Porto in Portuguese), the Church of São Francisco, the Lello & Irmão bookstore that appeared in the Harry Potter movies, the Stock Exchange Palace and the relaxing Crystal Palace gardens to your itinerary. Additionally the historical centre of Porto was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1996 and of course, it would be impossible not to mention the extraordinary Porto wines – an excellent touch, helping make holidays in Portugal even more relaxing! So, remember to visit Porto as it is one of the best destinations in Portugal!
Aveiro
Are you looking for unusual places to visit in Portugal? The so-called Portuguese Venice, Aveiro, has everything necessary impress travellers. Although it is famous for its small network of canals carrying traditional boats (moliceiros), Aveiro also has a large number of churches and convents to astonish you with. Moreover, it is situated very close to Costa Nova - a charming seaside town dotted with brightly coloured wooden houses. Any time spent here will certainly be a highlight of any of your trips to Portugal!
Évora
Évora is the only Portuguese city which is a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network and is also is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most emblematic monument is the Roman Temple of Évora, also referred to as the Templo de Diana, a Roman building dating back to the first century BC which was modified in the second and third centuries AC. The historical centre of the town was declared a world heritage site in 1986 making Évora a good choice if you would like to get in touch with history during your holidays in Portugal.
Algarve
Should you prefer a destination for sun and beaches; the province of the Algarve is one of the best places in Portugal. Offering beautiful beaches with turquoise waters, one can enjoy the outstanding beaches near Albufeira, Praia da Rocha, Lagos, Tavira, Portimão, and the towns of Faro and Silves. Silves is the most popular location, but any of the mentioned places offer a great choice of hotels. When visiting the east of the Algarve, nature lovers must try exploring the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. So, go ahead and arrange your Portugal holidays in the Algarve and relax by the sea.
Madeira
Why should you visit Madeira? Because it is a real paradise for lovers of nature! This island in the Atlantic Ocean has majestic mountains, beautiful beaches, quiet bays and green meadows. Rent a car and explore Madeira while enjoying its beauty, forget all your worries diving into its rich nature! That is why when planning your holidays to Portugal, don’t forget about Madeira – one of the best holiday destinations in Portugal.
Azores
This archipelago of nine islands, in the middle of the Atlantic, 1,400 kilometres west of Lisbon is another of those unmissable places in Portugal. Famous for its rich flora and fauna, as well as for its pleasant climate throughout the year, the Azores are considered a high-class rural tourism destination. São Miguel and Terceira are among the most visited islands in the Azores, so if you are still trying to decide upon the best places to visit in Portugal, the Azores should certainly be on your list, especially if you are planning to travel with family.
