571 Best Sights in Portugal

This vast Art Deco building will delight architecture buffs, while the interior is a riot of colors and scents. In the center patio of the market, vendors sell orchids, bird-of-paradise flowers (the emblem of Madeira), anthuriums, and other blooms, alongside enormous piles of fruits and vegetables. The bustling lower-level seafood market displays the day's catch. (Note the rows of fierce-looking espada: their huge bulging eyes are caused by the fatal change in pressure between their deepwater habitat and sea level.) On the upper floor—where you can stand and watch the colorful market scene below—you will find handicrafts and a handful of cafés and coffee shops that offer a chance to refuel with a bica (espresso) and a sandes de carne vinho e alhos (pork, wine, and garlic sandwich).

For a spot with such impressive views, it's remarkable how few people visit the scenic overlooks at Miradouro do Paredão. One side overlooks the Curral das Freiras and its jagged peaks, while the other looks towards the ocean. The road to reach Miradouro do Paredão is narrow and winding, which scares off the bus tours. You'll be rewarded with almost empty observation decks and some of the most dramatic views on the island from high above the clouds.

Visible from many locations around Pico—unless it’s shrouded in fog and clouds, as is often the case—and even more visible from across the water in Faial, 7,713-foot Mt. Pico is the highest mountain in Portugal. Past eruptions have occurred on its flanks rather than from the summit, the most recent back in 1720. If you want to hike up Mt. Pico, you can start at the Casa da Montanha at 4,035 feet. Though it’s not a difficult climb, it can still be quite challenging as the path is steep with uneven rocks; depending on your experience level, consider hiring a guide to accompany you. Come early or book online to be guaranteed a hiking spot, as hikers are limited to 120 per day. Bring photo ID to register.

This extinct volcano on the far west side of Angra, which can be seen from all over town, is now a deer-filled nature reserve with many trails winding throughout the area. Whether you drive or walk from town, you’ll first come across the Fortaleza de São João Baptista, a late-16th-century fort that’s still in use by the Portuguese army. You can only enter the fort itself by taking a free tour, which runs nearly every hour and is led by a soldier stationed there. Farther up the mountain, the best lookouts to stop at are Pico das Cruzinhas, Pico do Zimbreiro, and Pico do Facho, the highest point on Monte Brasil. There are picnic tables where you can rest, as well as a children’s play area.

The motto at this family-run winery is "think global, drink local." It's one of an increasing number of Algarvian vineyards producing organic wines—and it does so using old-fashioned methods that respect the land and the seasons. Guided tours and wine-tasting sessions are available by appointment, with a minimum of two people. There's lovely accommodation too, should you wish to bed down.

This colorful garden is known around the world, and for good reason. Tiled panels recall the adventures of Portuguese explorers, pagodas and gateways lend touches of Asia, and cannons pour their salvos of water from a stone galleon in a lake. The garden was once part of a luxury hotel that closed in 1943 and languished for years. Fortunately, millionaire entrepreneur José Manuel Rodrigues Berardo bought the property in 1987 and transformed it into the garden you see today.

Dedicated to "Saint Mary of Victory," this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built to commemorate a decisive Portuguese victory over the Spanish on August 14, 1385, in the Battle of Aljubarrota. In this engagement the Portuguese king, João de Avis, who had been crowned only seven days earlier, took on and routed a superior Spanish force. In so doing he maintained independence for Portugal, which was to last until 1580, when the crown finally passed into Spanish hands. The heroic statue of the mounted figure in the forecourt is that of Nuno Álvares Pereira, who, along with João de Avis, led the Portuguese army at Aljubarrota.

The monastery, a masterly combination of Gothic and Manueline styles, was built between 1388 and 1533. Some 15 architects were involved in the project, but the principal architect was Afonso Domingues, whose portrait, carved in stone, graces the wall in the chapter house. In the great hall lie the remains of two unknown Portuguese soldiers who died in World War I: one in France, the other in Africa. Entombed in the center of the Founder's Chapel, beneath the star-shape, vaulted ceiling, is João de Avis, lying hand in hand with his English queen, Philippa of Lancaster. The tombs along the south and west walls are those of the couple's children, including Henry the Navigator. Perhaps the finest parts of the entire project are the Unfinished Chapels, seven chapels radiating off an octagonal rotunda, started by Dom Duarte in 1435 and left roofless owing to lack of funds. Note the intricately filigreed detail of the main doorway.

Like the monastery at Mafra, the Mosteiro de Alcobaça was built as the result of a kingly vow, this time in gratitude for a battle won. In 1147, faced with stiff Muslim resistance during the battle for Santarém, Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques, promised to build a monastery dedicated to St. Bernard and the Cistercian Order. The Portuguese were victorious, Santarém was captured from the Moors, and shortly thereafter a site was selected. Construction began in 1153 and was concluded in 1178. The church, the largest in Portugal, is awe-inspiring. The unadorned, 350-foot-long structure of massive granite blocks and cross-ribbed vaulting is a masterpiece of understatement: there's good use of clean, flowing lines, with none of the clutter of the later rococo and Manueline architecture. At opposite ends of the transept, placed foot to foot some 30 paces apart, are the delicately carved tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro.

The graceful twin-tiered cloister at Alcobaça was added in the 14th and 16th centuries. The Kings Hall, just to the left of the main entrance, is lined with a series of 18th-century azulejos illustrating the construction of the monastery.

Repeated flooding of the nearby Mondego River forced the nuns of Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha to flee to higher ground. Built in the 17th century, the church honors Queen Isabel of Aragon. Her remains are held on the altar in a silver-and-glass sarcophagus that was originally intended to be displayed beneath an ornate arch at the old monastery. The cloisters are by far the most beautiful in Coimbra; arrive early on a weekday and chances are you'll wander the echoing archways and gardens with just the gardeners for company. During the Peninsular War, the French General Massena used the convent as a hospital for hundreds of troops wounded during the battle of Buçaco. The church's carefully hidden treasures escaped the desecration inflicted on so many Portuguese monuments during this period.

The evocative ruin of Coimbra's 14th-century monastery has undergone extensive restoration to reverse centuries of flood damage. For more than 300 years, the ground floor was completely immersed in water, silt, and mud due to its proximity to the Mondego River. Today, you can safely explore the ruin, observing eerie water stains along the walls. Outside are the excavations of the nuns' private quarters, their refectory, and cloisters, some still with their original tiles visible. There's also a kitchen garden and a contemporary museum displaying relics found during the restoration project.

Founded in 1518, the Monastery of Saint Bernard is a beautiful Renaissance property that includes a tiled church, cloisters with a central garden and fountain, and a mausoleum. The monastery closed after the last monk died in 1878, and since then the building has been used as a seminary, a high school, a municipal museum, and military barracks. It's now used by the National Guard, which opens the building to visitors during selected hours.

If you see only one historic landmark in Belém, make it this magnificent monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a supreme example of the Manueline style (named after King Dom Manuel I), which represented a marked departure from earlier Gothic architecture. Much of it is characterized by elaborate sculptural details, often with a maritime motif. João de Castilho was responsible for the southern portal, which forms the main entrance to the church: the figure on the central pillar is Henry the Navigator. Inside, the spacious interior contrasts with the riot of decoration on the six nave columns and complex latticework ceiling. This is the resting place of both explorer Vasco da Gama and national poet Luís de Camões. Don't miss the Gothic- and Renaissance-style double cloister, also designed to stunning effect by Castilho.  Lines can be especially long here; buy a timed ticket in advance.

The former monastery cloisters now house this municipal museum and its excellent collection of modern Portuguese art, including important works by locally born modernist painter Souza-Cardoso. He pursued variations of fauvism, cubism, futurism, and other avant-garde tendencies, in 1906 sharing an apartment with fellow painter Amedeo Modigliani in Paris. He returned to Portugal in 1914 and died four years later at the age of 31. The museum also has some interesting archaeological pieces---the star attractions are the diabos (devils), a pair of 19th-century carved wooden figures connected with ancient fertility rites. They were venerated on St. Bartholomew's Day (August 24), when the devil was thought to run loose. In 1870, the Archbishop of Braga ordered them burned because of their pagan function. The São Gonçalo friars didn't go that far, but they did emasculate the male diabo.

While this museum celebrates the city's rich Art Nouveau heritage, the main event is the actual building, known as Casa Major Pessoa, a wonderfully flamboyant example of the genre dating to 1909. Notable among the displays are stunning hand-painted tiles decorated with flowers, birds, and animals. The collection itself has a few items of interest, but the biggest plus is that visitors are given a map of various Art Nouveau landmarks around the city. They're easy to find, marked with silver plaques on the ground.

Set in lovely gardens, this magnificent museum houses the treasures collected by Armenian oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian. The main collection (undergoing refurbishment until July 2026) is split in two; one part is devoted to Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Asian art, and the other to European acquisitions. A walk through the gardens, where there's a café with a pleasant terrace, leads to the Modern Collection (open during refurbishment), where the 9,000 pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries include sculptures, paintings, and photographs. English-language notes are available throughout, and you should plan to spend at least two hours here. 

Portugal has a rich history of using puppets—from cute to creepy—to tell stories, and this fascinating museum is an opportunity to see the marionettes and masks up close. The only one of its kind in Portugal, the Marionette Museum has expanded in recent years to include an impressive collection of African and Asian puppets, and big-ticket visiting exhibitions have included a selection of puppets from Tim Burton's animated movies. The location, inside a former convent, adds an extra dash of drama to the proceedings, and there’s a chance to get hands-on with some of the puppets.

An 18th-century palace between Alcântara and Belém was transformed into Europe’s first museum and five-star hotel under one roof. Opened in 2025, it showcases the vast private collection of Portuguese businessman Armando Martins. The permanent exhibition feature works by big name Portuguese and international artists like Paula Rego and Dan Graham. Themed temporary exhibitions tackle subjects like war, climate, and identity.

Housed in the minimalist Centro Cultural de Belém, the Museum of Contemporary Art showcases one of Europe's most important private collections of modern art. Works from the Berardo treasure trove—which range from Picasso and Warhol to Portugal's own Paula Rego—are on show in a more permanent exhibition that walks through various modern art movements. There are also excellent visiting exhibitions. The complex has several bookstores, cafés, and gift shops.

The curved, white, ultramodern building housing this museum is a striking sight on the banks of the Tagus. Inside you'll find immersive exhibitions from the likes of revered Portuguese street artist Vhils. A relaxed restaurant overlooks the river. The refurbished 1908 power station next door is part of the museum complex and offers enlightening tours.

Near the marina lies the site where Vilamoura was first established—Cerro da Vila—a Roman villa complex dating back to the 1st century AD. Excavations have uncovered mosaic-lined residences, bathhouses, fish-salting tanks, and an elaborate plumbing system. The adjacent recently renovated Museu de Cerro da Vila reveals its 5,000-year history, from Bronze Age graves to rare Roman and Islamic-period artefacts.

This wonderful museum holds a contemporary collection of the tapestries that made Portalegre world famous. The museum is named after Guy Fino, the founder of one of the city's textile factories.

This striking museum was inaugurated a few years after UNESCO named the Alto Douro Wine Region a World Heritage Site in 2001, underscoring its importance in terms of cultural history and tourism. Housed in the former headquarters of Portugal's oldest wine company, the Real Companhia Velha, it also has a contemporary wing that hosts major exhibitions about the region, its history, and its leading figures. The ticket price includes a complimentary glass of port wine, but those with an appetite can stay for lunch or dinner in the restaurant and wine bar, which overlook the river. For a guided tour of the museum in English (€30 per group), book a couple of days in advance, by email to  [email protected] or phone.

Mértola has a handful of fine museums all within walking distance of one another on the town's hilltop, which together make a wonderful afternoon of sightseeing. The Núcleo Islâmico has impressive displays of jewels, metal items, and a collection of ceramics from the 9th to 13th centuries, when Mértola was ruled by the Moors. The Casa Romana is a restored, Roman-era house in the basement of the city hall. You can walk through the house's foundations and view a small collection of pottery and kitchen tools excavated nearby. The nearby Museu de Arte Sacra has religious statues and carvings from the 16th through 18th centuries, borrowed from Mértola's various churches. The museum group's oldest collection is housed in the Basílica Paleocristã and includes funerary stones and other artifacts excavated from the site of the town's paleo-Christian basilica and nearby cemetery.

Portugal’s National Ancient Art Museum is housed in an opulent 17th-century palace, built at the behest of the Count of Alvor and later occupied by the brother of the Marquis de Pombal. Try not to spend too much time gaping at the dramatic painted ceilings, stucco detailing, and baroque doorways or you’ll miss the collection of more than 40,000 works, including the unsettling 1501 triptych Temptation of Saint Anthony by Hieronymus Bosch, one of the most important pieces in the country. A café set in lovely gardens is the perfect place for a bite.

The first major fortification on what was the island of Peniche was built in the 16th century, and the Fortaleza de Peniche has played an important role in Portuguese history ever since. In the mid-20th century, the hulking fortress served as a prison for leading opponents of the New State dictatorship; in 1960, it was the site of a spectacular jail break, when Communist Party leader Alvaro Cunhal and a few of his comrades escaped from the high-security wing. This museum---created to tell the story of the prison in the context of the dictatorship, and to memorialize the resistance against it---opened in April 2024, half a century after the revolution that toppled that regime. A tour of its austere spaces and hard-hitting, informative displays will leave no one indifferent. 

Plans for an underground car park in front of the city's courthouse were canceled in 2006 when remains of the long-lost Roman baths, dating back to the 1st century AD, came to light—steam still rising from the hot spring. This free museum opened in 2021, to showcase an ancient therapeutic complex that is one of the largest unearthed in Europe, with two large pools and seven smaller ones, and a hydraulic system that still works today.

Set inside an old factory complex (not to be confused with the much larger LxFactory), this is an open air cultural space hiding in plain sight on an unassuming side street. A discreet entrance leads to a highly Instagrammable spot filled with food trucks, bars, street art, and performance spaces.

More than 2,500 years of history are on display beneath a bank on one of Lisbon's busiest streets. A subterranean network of tunnels occupies almost a whole block in Lisbon's historic center and was unearthed in the 1990s during excavation works carried out by the bank Millennium BCP, which revealed homes and artifacts from the Roman, Visigoth, Islamic, medieval, and Pombaline periods. Much of the space was used as a major-scale Roman fish-salting factory. It was later used as a Christian burial ground, and there's even a well-preserved skeleton to be seen. Free 50-minute guided tours (book in advance) in English or Portuguese lead through the underground walkways.  

East of most of the city's sights in the sprawling Parque das Nações, home to Europe's largest indoor aquarium, which wows children and adults alike with a vast saltwater tank featuring a massive array of fish, including several shark species. Along the way you'll pass through habitats representing the North Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, where puffins and penguins dive into the water, sea otters roll and play, and tropical birds flit past you. You then descend to the bottom of the tank to watch rays float past gracefully and schools of silvery fish dart this way and that. To avoid the crowds, come during the week or early in the day.

The white monolithic Monument of the Discoveries was erected in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator. It was built on what was the departure point for many voyages of discovery, including those of Vasco da Gama for India and—during Spain's occupation of Portugal—of the Spanish Armada for England in 1588. Henry is at the prow of the monument, facing the water; lined up behind him are the Portuguese explorers of Brazil and Asia, as well as other national heroes. On the ground adjacent to the monument, an inlaid map shows the extent of the explorations undertaken by 15th- and 16th-century Portuguese sailors. Walk inside and take the elevator to the top for river views.