571 Best Sights in Portugal

The 12th- to 13th-century cathedral, built on the site of a Moorish mosque, saw service as the principal cathedral of the Algarve until the 16th century. The 1755 earthquake and indifferent restoration have left it rather plain inside, but its tower—complete with gargoyles—is still a fine sight.

This huge cathedral was originally Romanesque but is now an impressively cohesive blend of styles. The delicate Renaissance stone tracery on the roof is particularly eye-catching. Access for visitors is from Rua do Cabido, or from the side entrance, next to Rua D. Diogo de Sousa; in the Cloister reception area you can buy tickets for tours of different parts of the complex. The cathedral's Treasury museum has a fascinating collection, including a 14th-century crystal cross set in bronze. From the magnificent coro alto (upper choir), which you can cross as part of a guided tour, there are views of the great baroque double organ. Across the cloister, you'll see the Capela dos Reis (Kings' Chapel), a 14th-century chapel containing the tombs of Afonso Henriques's parents, Henry of Burgundy and his wife, Teresa.

About 400 meters north of the castle lies Portalegre's cathedral, a 16th-century church and the town's most prominent landmark. The 18th-century facade is highlighted with marble columns and wrought-iron balconies. Inside are early-17th-century azulejos depicting the Virgin Mary.

Renowned for its ceiling with intricate geometric designs of inlaid ivory, Funchal's cathedral dates from 1514 and reveals an Arabic influence throughout. Don't miss the elaborately carved and gilded choir stalls in the side entrance and in the chancel (they depict the prophets and the apostles), or the intricate tile work at the side entrance and in the belfry.

This 17th-century cathedral was patterned after the baroque church of Il Gesù in Rome, as were many such churches of the day. It took a century to build and shows two distinct styles as fashion changed from classical cleanliness to the florid baroque. Three enormous and elaborate gilded altarpieces are the highlight of the interior, flanked by 17th-century choir stalls moved here from Sé Velha (Old Cathedral). There's a pair of organs, both from the 18th century. A small and slightly bizarre ecclesiastical museum displays religious figurines in glass boxes.

The city's top children's attraction, this well maintained aquarium is at the western end of Avenida da Boavista. Sharks, jellyfish, rays, and giant turtles are among the 5,600 or so animals on display, representing hundreds of species. Other highlights include Portugal's only Ocean Tunnel, which gives a peek into underwater life for the colorful creatures that inhabit the main tank. The nearby Parque da Cidade, a large landscaped park dotted with trees and lakes, is a lovely place for a picnic.

To catch a glimpse of what was once hailed as "the most picturesque fishing village in Portugal," either climb the precipitous trail or take the Ascensor da Nazaré, a scenic funicular (€2.50 one way, €4 return), to the top of a 361-foot cliff to visit the settlement called Sítio (literally, "Place"). Clustered at the cliff's edge overlooking the beach is a small community of fishermen who live in tiny cottages and seem unaffected by all that's happening below. On this promontory stands the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, a predominately baroque church with a tiled and gilded interior that houses a figure of the Virgin Mary said to have been carved by Joseph himself in Nazareth—hence the town's name. Its cloisters harbor a free museum with naive paintings of local miracles; in the shrine itself, for €1 you can go through the old sacristy for a close-up look at the image.

The royal complex in and around Mafra includes 1,200 hectares (2,965 acres) purchased in 1744 by João V, who then enclosed the land with a 21-km (13-mile) stone wall in order to hunt at leisure. Two-thirds of this area is now the protected National Hunting Grounds of Mafra, a forest teeming with indigenous species: around 30 mammals, from fallow and roe deer to tiny shrews, 70 kinds of bird, and more than 20 different amphibians and reptiles, along with various macrofungi and 100 or so other types of plant. For most of the year visitors may simply walk (or rent a bike) along one of the marked trails; at weekends and in summer various experiences are on offer, such as demonstrations with birds of prey, tours in an electric minibus or, on weekends, a miniature train. The entrance is a 10-minute drive from the palace at Mafra.

For sweeping views of the town, board this cable car that whisks you up to the top of Mount Penha in 10 minutes. The journey ends with a nice view from the gardens that overlook the city. The climb down is steep, so it's best to come back down by the same means.

Time Out Market Porto follows the same model as the wildly popular Lisbon original, bringing together top local chefs and producers under one roof. Housed in the redeveloped south wing of São Bento station, it’s a buzzy, central spot for shopping, eating, and drinking, with occasional live music and DJ sessions. 

A strange archaeological site on a dirt road has kept people guessing for years. The massive framework of granite blocks is thought to be of Roman origin, but experts are unable to explain its original function or provide many clues about its original appearance. Some archaeologists believe it was part of a much larger complex, possibly a Roman villa, and was subsequently used as a watchtower.

The city's most prominent landmark is this great, blunt, 14th-century castle keep, set in a garden surrounded by ramparts that offer grand views of the town and river. The tower itself houses the Military Museum, part of the Museu da Região Flaviense (Flaviense Regional Museum), the rest of whose collection---mainly local archeological finds---are presented in a free display across the road in the former palace of the Dukes of Bragança. 

This old water tower was converted into a camera obscura of the Leonardo da Vinci fashion in 1931. An oversize photographic camera here takes images of the panoramic views it commands of the town. The visit makes a fascinating exploration into the world of photography and a cool, shady afternoon retreat from the sweltering afternoon sunshine.

From 1555 until its closure by the Marquis de Pombal in 1759, this university was a Jesuit college; in 1979, after a lapse of more than 200 years, Évora University resumed classes. Although enrollment is small, the college's presence enlivens this ancient city. It's worth a visit to the well-preserved buildings: the large courtyard is flanked on all sides by graceful buildings with double-tier, white-limestone, arched galleries in Italian Renaissance style. From the main entrance, you'll see the imposing baroque facade of the gallery known as the Sala dos Actos (Hall of Acts), which is crowned with allegorical figures and coats of arms carved in white marble quarried in the region. Lining the gallery's interior are azulejo works depicting historical, mythological, and biblical themes.

The island's main town is little more than an attractive village clustered round the palm-lined main square, Largo do Pelourinho. From here, it's a short walk to a fantastic swath of beach and the town's elongated jetty, a popular spot for evening walks and gazing out to sea.

Together with nearby LxFactory, Village Underground is a colorful symbol of Lisbon's cool side. Beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril, shipping containers and double-decker buses have been transformed into spaces for eating, drinking, coworking, and partying. DJ sets, vibrant murals, and the chance to eat and drink in a converted bus atop a shipping container are all on offer.

On the west side of Praça do Comércio is an impressive showroom for hundreds of wines, representing Portugal's many demarcated regions. Tastings (three or four wines, from €15 per person, for a minimum of two people) can be adapted to suit personal preferences. Note that the wines that you taste may not necessarily all be on sale, but there are plenty of alternatives; or head round the corner to Rua da Conceição for branches of two major wine merchants, Garrafeira Nacional and Napoleão.

One of the original buildings on Praça do Comércio houses the Café Martinho da Arcada, a literary haunt since 1782, favored by modernist poet Fernando Pessoa. The main rooms contain an expensive restaurant; adjacent to it is a more modest café-bar.

A strange archaeological sight on a dirt track signposted off N18 has kept people guessing for years. The massive, solitary, three-story framework of granite blocks is thought to be of Roman origin, but experts are unable to explain its original function convincingly or provide many clues about its original appearance. Some archaeologists believe it was part of a much larger complex, possibly a Roman villa, which was subsequently used as a watchtower.

The exterior of the baroque Igreja Matriz is covered with blue-and-white tiles, and well-executed azulejos depicting the Stations of the Cross line the inside walls of the small, dimly lighted chapel across the street.

When Jorge Matias exchanged his dress shoes and a tie for flip-flops and tours, his friends began calling him "pé-descalço" (barefoot), and thus Jorge Barefoot was born. Jorge runs winery tours—he drives so you can drink as much as you like and watch the scenery go by—and you can choose a one-hour trek in Casal de Loivos or a half-day trip to the nearby village Provesende. Jorge also runs historical, walking, and boat tours.

This museum, housed in a stately early-17th-century palace-cum-monastery adjacent to the 18th-century Igreja da Misericórdia (Church of Mercy), is worth a visit. It documents the region's history with a collection of prehistoric and Roman objects, old paintings, arms, and ecclesiastical art.

Inside this 18th-century manor house you'll see a good collection of paintings by one of the country's most distinguished artists, Abel Manta. He was born in Gouveia in 1888 and died in Lisbon in 1982. Today the exhibition has been expanded with the superb modern paintings by Manta's son, João Abel Manta.

Five kilometers (3 miles) west of Santana is a detour where the road quickly turns into a rough mountain track. Along a trail that passes by gorse bushes, hydrangeas, and wildflowers, the route leads right into a wonderful forest. There are picnic tables and toilet facilities at the thatched-roof Casa das Queimadas, which is used by forest rangers. This marks the start of a great levada walk to Caldeirão Verde, a three- to four-hour round-trip hike to a dramatic waterfall.

In the station's vestibule are 100 azulejos (painted tin-glazed ceramic tiles) from the 1930s. The beautiful blue-and-wine tile panels depict Duoro Valley scenes related to its best-known industry—port production. There's also a tiny museum and wineshop here.

On the left bank of the Duoro River, this vineyard sits atop a hill facing the river. The land has been used as a vineyard since the mid-18th century, and today three wines are produced under the Carvalhas brand: Branco; Tinta Francisca; and Vinhas Velhas. The vineyard is quite large, so tours can be done either on foot or by minibus, driving on and off-road. From the mountaintop Round House, a cool 1,800 feet up, the 360-degree view is breathtaking. The staff is friendly and happy to answer questions and make recommendations.

Walking distance from Pinhão train station is the Symington family's Duoro vineyard, which opened to the public in May 2015. The hour-long tour starts in the vineyard's museum, which explains the history of the site and of the Symington family. You'll then see where port is produced and learn about the production process both via an explanation from the tour guide and a short film.

This vineyard offers great value for money with a 30-minute audio-guide tour, available in nine languages, and three Fonseca port tastings, accompanied by explanations. Taste an extra-dry white Siroco, a Bin No. 27, and a 10-year-old Tawny from the comfort of the veranda. Ports by the glass, including an organic selection, can be tasted in the visitor center, and if you're keen on Fonseca vintage port, you can make a reservation for a personalized tasting. Quinta do Panascal also has a restaurant, for which groups of 10 or more should make a reservation.

Tours, tastings, and lunch at this beautiful vineyard through which the Duoro River runs are by appointment only, so you'll have the whole place to yourself. Quinta Vale D. Maria came into the hands of its current owners, Sandra Tavares da Silva, Joana Pinhão, and her husband, Cristiano van Zeller, in 1996, when the vineyards were more than 50 years old, but the farm needed reconstruction. Today the quinta comprises 77 acres of vineyards, about half of which are 60–80 years old. After a thorough tour, you can sit down to sip six wines—three reds, three ports—and then dine with the owners and staff.

Construction on the fortress-like Sé started in 1390 but wasn't completed until 1540. As a consequence, the imposing Gothic building also shows Renaissance and Manueline influences. Although built on a smaller and less majestic scale, the cathedral shows similarities to the great monastery at Batalha. Inside, a magnificent four-tier relief contains more than 100 carved figures. The work is attributed to the 16th-century sculptor Jean de Rouen.