20 Things to do in Portugal 2023

Portugal is a country located on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It is the westernmost country of mainland Europe and is bordered by Spain to the east and north. Portugal is a member of the European Union and the United Nations, and it is a founding member of the Latin Union. The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, and the country has a population of about 10 million people.

Portugal has a rich history and culture, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant cities. Lisbon, the capital and largest city of Portugal, is known for its colorful streets, historic landmarks, and lively nightlife. The country is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as France Sinha and Pastel de Nata.

Tourism is an important industry in Portugal, and the country is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. Some popular tourist attractions in Portugal include the beaches of the Algarve region, the historic city of Porto, and the beautiful palaces and gardens of Sintra. Here we discuss about 20 best things that you can do in Portugal.

1. Visit the beaches:

Portugal has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches, such as Praia da Rocha and Praia do Vau in the Algarve region and Costa Nova Beach in Aveiro.

2. Explore the capital city, Lisbon:

Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, and it is known for its colorful streets, historic landmarks, and lively nightlife. Some popular attractions in Lisbon include the Jeronimus Monastery, the São Jorge Castle, and the Belem Tower.

3. Visit the Douro Valley:

The Douro Valley is a region in northern Portugal known for its picturesque vineyards and wineries. You can take a boat tour along the Douro River or visit a local winery to taste some of the region's famous port wine.

4. See the Algarve coast:

The Algarve is a region in the south of Portugal known for its stunning beaches and cliffs. Some popular attractions in the Algarve include the Grotto of Benagil and the Lagos coastline.

5. Visit the historic city of Porto: 

Porto is a city in northern Portugal known for its historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some popular attractions in Porto include the Porto Cathedral and the Clérigos Tower.

6. Visit the ancient city of Coimbra: 

Coimbra is a city in central Portugal known for its beautiful university, which is one of the oldest in Europe. Other popular attractions in Coimbra include the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and the Old Cathedral.

7. Go hiking in the Serra da Estrela: 

The Serra da Estrela is a mountain range in central Portugal that is popular for hiking and skiing. The range is home to the highest peak in Portugal, Torre.

8. Visit the Castelo de São Jorge: 

The Castelo de São Jorge is a castle located in the center of Lisbon that offers panoramic views of the city.

9. Take a boat tour of the Ria Formosa: 

The Ria Formosa is a coastal lagoon in the Algarve region that is home to many species of birds and is a popular destination for boat tours.

10. Explore the historic city of Evora: 

Evora is a city in southern Portugal known for its well-preserved Roman and medieval landmarks, such as the Temple of Diana and the Evora Cathedral.

11. Visit the Palácio da Pena: 

The Palácio da Pena is a colorful palace located in the town of Sintra, near Lisbon. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its ornate architecture and gardens.

12. Go skiing in the Serra da Estrela: 

The Serra da Estrela mountain range is also home to several ski resorts, such as the Ski Parque and the Ski Park.

13. Visit the historic town of Obidos:

 Obidos is a medieval town located in central Portugal known for its well-preserved fortifications and historic center.

14. Go surfing in the Algarve: 

The Algarve region is known for its good surf conditions, and there are many surf schools and rental shops along the coast.

15. Explore the city of Braga: 

Braga is a city in northern Portugal known for its historic center and beautiful churches, such as the Braga Cathedral and the Bom Jesus do Monte.

16. Visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga: 

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art) is a museum located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is housed in the Palácio dos Condes de Alvor, a beautiful 18th-century palace that was built for the Count of Alvor. The museum features a collection of Portuguese and European art from the 12th to the 19th centuries, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and other decorative arts.

17. Take a boat tour of the Atlantic islands: 

Portugal has a number of Atlantic islands, including the Azores and Madeira, that are popular destinations for boat tours. These islands are known for their stunning landscapes, warm climate, and unique flora and fauna.

18. Go golfing in the Algarve: 

The Algarve region is home to many golf courses, such as the Vale do Lobo Golf Course and the Penina Golf Course.

19. Visit the historic town of Sintra: 

Sintra is a town located near Lisbon that is known for its beautiful palaces and gardens, such as the Palácio da Pena and the Quinta da Regaleira.

20. Visit the Convento de Cristo: 

The Convento de Cristo is a convent located in the town of Tomar that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The convent is known for its ornate architecture and gardens.