571 Best Sights in Portugal

Frequently cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, Galapinhos has such white sand and crystalline water that it appears almost Caribbean. Surrounded by the wild nature of Arrábida's hills (wild boar have been spotted taking a dip here during the heat of summer), it's best visited outside the July–September summer season, when things get busy and access to vehicles is restricted. There's parking nearby for the rest of the year, but you'll need to follow a rough path to reach the beach itself. Amenities: food and drink (summer). Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.

Set in a sheltered bay—with very few waves, making it a great choice for families—Porto Pim Beach is a long, narrow strip of gray sand backed by Monte Queimado and next to Monte da Guia. It's very walkable from the center of Horta and with a number of attractions off its western end, including houses belonging to the once-prominent Dabney family that have been turned into low-key museums. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking.

Stretching for about 1 km (a little over half a mile), this black-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean is best known as a prime surfing spot—in fact, World Surf League Qualifying Series events are held here every year. You can take a surfing lesson from the school on the beach or rent a paddleboard here, or just grab a drink in the adjacent beach bar. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; walking.

One of Portugal's most picturesque beaches is framed by steep cliffs and a fast-flowing stream. Strong tides can make the ocean here hazardous, but there are lifeguards on duty in summer. The beach itself bustles with sporting activity, and at night the village bars are lively. Some local houses have an alpine look, thanks to the availability of pine from the forests that blanket the Leiria region—which also makes for lovely fresh air. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

Perhaps the most beautiful sandy beach in the Azores, with black volcanic sand, clear water, and views out to Pico Island. Though the Atlantic water can be a bit cold, with the possibility of waves, Praia do Almoxarife makes a delightful stop for lunch at one of the beachside restaurants before or after a stroll, swim, or snorkel. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

At almost 13 km (8 miles) in length, this surfing beach (one of Portugal's top-rated for surfing) has enough room for the many surfing camps and schools that have sprung up around it. The water is cool and rocky toward the western tip. There are splendid sand dunes with swathes of coastal vegetation all around, too. The beach lacks basic facilities like garbage cans, so take extra care with your litter on this special beach. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: surfing, windsurfing.

Surfers can always be seen braving the waves here regardless of the season. The undertow can be dangerous, and even accomplished swimmers have had to summon lifeguards. If you prefer something more sedate, this beach—with the Serra da Sintra serving as a backdrop—is an ideal spot to watch the sunset. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; windsurfing.

One of the longest beaches in the Vila Nova de Milfontes area, Malhão is popular with surfers, anglers, and a small colony of nudists on the beach's northern end. It's about 5 km (3 miles) north of Vila Nova de Milfontes, inside the coastal national park. The sheer size of these vast sand dunes ensures a sense that you have the place to yourself. Amenities: lifeguards; parking. Best for: surfing.

Calm and clear water, a workout station, and a diving platform make the western stretch of Sesimbra Beach a favorite with families and athletic young folk. Boats docking here in the summer whisk beach-hoppers off to hard-to-reach strands, but with the pine-covered hills stretching right down to the sand and a café-bar doing a brisk trade in wine, ice cream, and seafood, there's plenty of reason to stay put. The beach has wheelchairs and an access point during the July–September high season and has won national awards for accessibility. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (summer); parking (fee); showers; toilets (summer). Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

The stunning cove-like Praia dos Três Irmãos has lots of little rocks in the water, which means it can either be great for snorkeling or bad for unwitting toes, depending on the tide. Beyond the little ones under feet, this beach has a range of interesting rock formations to check out, too. If the beach gets too crowded, there's always space to spare on one of the beaches either side. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: snorkeling; walking.

Less than 15 minutes' scenic drive from the bustle of Coimbra, this gorgeous river beach attracts sunbathers and swimmers in the June through September summer season. Crystal clear waters sit against a backdrop of deep green hills, and a cafe-bar on the sands provides ample opportunity to relax with a drink and petiscos after a swim. There are lifeguards, plenty of parking, and barbecue facilities for those who fancy grilling a fresh-caught fish. It's a Blue Flag beach, meaning it meets the highest environmental and safety standards. Amenities: lifeguards; food and drink; parking. Best for: swimming. 

Known to locals as the Terreiro do Paço after the royal palace that once stood on this spot, Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) is lined with 18th-century colonnaded buildings fronted by expansive esplanades. Today, trendy restaurants and cafés fill the arcades, while down by the river, the renovated waterfront promenade attracts joggers, cyclists, and sunbathers who catch rays on the steps during summer.

The equestrian statue in the center is of Dom José I, king at the time of the earthquake and subsequent rebuilding. In the northwestern corner of the square, a wall plaque recalls the day in 1908 when King Carlos and his eldest son, Luís Filipe, were assassinated as the family passed through in their carriage. (Two years later his second son, Manuel, fled the country after a republic was declared from the balcony of Lisbon's city hall, just round the corner on Largo do Município.) Throughout the year, the square hosts major events from New Year's Eve celebrations to food festivals, while kiosks—including one with an expansive terrace overlooking the river—serve potent caipirinhas and other drinks. The tourist information center and the Lisbon Story Centre museum occupy prime spots under the arcades.

The arcade-lined square in the center of the old walled city is named after Évora's liberator, Gerald the Fearless. During Caesar's time, the square, marked by a large arch, was the Roman forum. In 1571 the arch was destroyed to make room for the fountain, a simple half sphere made of white Estremoz marble and designed by the Renaissance architect Afonso Álvares. Nowadays, it's a lovely spot to take in the scenery over coffee or cocktails at one of the many cafés with tables on the square. On the eastern side is a narrow cobblestone pedestrian thoroughfare called Rua 5 de Outubro that leads to the cathedral.

A 10-minute walk along the main road past the tourist office takes you to one of Sintra's most intriguing privately owned mansions. Quinta da Regaleira was built in the early 20th century for a Brazilian mining magnate with a keen interest in Freemasonry and the Knights Templar (who made their 11th-century headquarters on this site). The estate includes gardens where almost everything—statues, water features, grottoes, lookout towers—is linked to one or the other of his favorite subjects. Spookiest of all is the 100-foot-deep Poço do Iniciático (Initiation Well)—an inverted underground tower. Audio guides in English are available at reception.

Wine-loving locals flock to this scenic family estate to stock up on its wonderful red and white table wines. It’s hidden down a long dusty track, but well worth the trip: you can take a seat at one of the outdoor tables and enjoy those excellent wines by the bottle or glass, along with the Quinta’s equally delicious homemade cheeses and preserves. Friendly goats, piglets, and ponies keep younger visitors entertained while the adults enjoy the food, wine, and beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards and the Arrábida hills.

One of the oldest wine estates in the region, Quinta do Vallado is on the right bank of the Rio Corgo, a tributary of the Douro, and has stunning views of terraced vineyards along both valleys. It has been in the Ferreira family since 1818 and encompasses 158 acres, some with vines more than 70 years old. There are usually at least three guided winery visits (from €35) in English a day—ending in a tasting with one white wine, three reds, and one port—but you must make a reservation. Like several other Douro quintas, Vallado has rooms for guests, both in the traditional 18th-century manor and in the sleek, modern 21st-century wing. Doubles cost about €300 per night in summer.

Before it fell into disrepair, this handsome 19th-century building was once an exclusive social club for the area's wealthy elite. Since being rescued by a group of local artists, this revived cultural center has lively art openings, interesting concerts, and a sociable small-town bar—for everyone.

This 45-km (28-mile) delta of the Rio Vouga was formed in 1575, when a violent storm caused shifting sand to block the river's flow into the ocean. Over the next two centuries, as more and more sand piled up, the town's prosperity and population tumbled, recovering only when a canal breached the dunes in 1808. Today the lagoon's narrow waterways are dotted with tiny islands. Salt marshes and pine forests border the area, and the ocean side is lined with sandy beaches. In this tranquil setting, colorful moliceiro boats glide gracefully along, their owners often harvesting seaweed. The best way to see the lagoon is in one of the boats that depart from the canal across from the tourist office. A number of operators line the waterfront, most charging around €13 for a 45-minute tour.

The formal name for this grand public square is Praça Dom Pedro IV, but locals still call it Rossio. A gathering place since at least Roman times (it was the site of a hippodrome), it was formally laid out in the 13th century as Lisbon's main public space. Crowds socialize beside baroque fountains beneath a statue of Dom Pedro atop a towering column and amid dramatic wave-pattern cobblestones, famously reconstructed on the beach promenades of Rio de Janeiro.

On nearby Largo de São Domingos, there's a memorial to Jewish victims of a massacre in 1506, when Dominican friars egged on the mob; just three decades later centuries of more organized persecution began with the creation of the Portuguese Inquisition, which had its headquarters where the Teatro Nacional Doña Maria II now stands, on the north side of Rossio. The atmosphere today is more peaceable: locals come here to relax with a newspaper, have their boots polished by the shoe shiners, or sip a drink at one of the ginjinha bars—the one on the southern side of the square is probably Lisbon's oldest.

This narrow alley of Santa Maria in Funchal's Old Town is worth walking down for the atmosphere alone: diners eat at small sidewalk cafés (though many of them are touristy), restaurant owners beckon you in for a glass of poncha (a citrusy alcoholic drink), and the smell of grilled fish fills the air. But this street holds an even greater lure, as there's colorful artwork that covers almost every door. There are more than 200 paintings, depicting everything from bookshelves to musicians, created by local artists in an attempt to revitalize the area. Go early if you want to capture the paintings on camera as the street can get busy towards the afternoon.

The town's most famous monument is the 18th-century Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, which has a marvelous granite staircase of 686 steps decorated with azulejo tiles. Landings along the way have statues and chapels. At the top, you can rest under chestnut trees and enjoy the views. During the Festas de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, the annual pilgrimage to the shrine, many penitents climb the steps on their knees. The main procession is September 8, but the festivities start at the end of August and include concerts, dancing, parades, a fair, and torchlight processions. Pilgrims use the stairs, but you can always reach the top by car.

Lisbon's answer to Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer was inaugurated in 1959 as a mark of thanks for Portugal's safety during the violence of World War II. Today, it's an important religious site, but most casual visitors come here for the spectacular views from the free lookout or the 262-foot-high viewing platform, reached by elevator.

This stunning 13th-century cathedral, flanked by cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and fragrant orange trees, is one of Faro's most beautiful monuments. Having survived transformations (including a past as a Roman basilica, then a mosque), earthquakes, and fires, the Sé retains a Gothic tower but is mostly of interest for the 17th- and 18th-century azulejos that fill its interior. On one side of the nave is a red chinoiserie organ, dating to 1751. Best of all, however, is the view from the top of the church tower (up some very steep stairs), looking out over Cidade Velha rooftops and across the lagoon.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this breathtaking cathedral was constructed in 1186 from huge granite blocks. It has been enhanced over the centuries with an octagonal, turreted dome above the transept; a blue-tile spire atop the north tower; a number of fine Manueline windows; and several Gothic rose windows. Two massive asymmetrical towers and battlement-ringed walls give the Sé a fortresslike appearance. At the entrance, Gothic arches are supported by marble columns bearing delicately sculpted statues of the apostles. The cloister, a 14th-century Gothic addition with Mudéjar vestiges, is one of the finest of its type in the country; it might look familiar to those who've visited a similar version at Lisbon's cathedral. Housed in the towers and chapter room is the Sacred Art Museum. Of particular interest is a 13th-century ivory Virgin of Paradise, which opens up to show exquisitely carved scenes of her life.

Lisbon's austere Romanesque cathedral was founded in 1150 to commemorate the defeat of the Moors three years earlier. To rub salt in the wound, the conquerors built the sanctuary on the spot where Moorish Lisbon's main mosque once stood. Note the fine rose window, and be sure to visit the rooftop terrace and the treasure-filled sacristy, which contains the relics of the martyr Saint Vincent, among other things. According to legend, the relics were carried from the Algarve to Lisbon in a ship piloted by ravens; the saint became Lisbon's official patron. The cathedral was originally built in the Romanesque style of the time but has undergone several rebuilds and refurbishments over the years; today its rather eclectic architecture includes Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical adornments. Visitors are expected to dress respectfully.

Engaged in an ongoing struggle with the Moors, the Portuguese often incorporated fortifications into their churches---which is why the 12th-century Sé Velha looks more like a fortress than a house of worship. It's made of massive granite blocks and crowned by a ring of battlements, and the harsh exterior is softened somewhat by its graceful 16th-century Renaissance doorway. The somber interior has a gilded wooden altarpiece: a late-15th-century example of the Flamboyant Gothic style, created by the Flemish masters Olivier of Ghent and Jean d'Ypres.

A Jewish community is believed to have existed in Castelo de Vide since the 12th century, and reached its peak in the 15th century, bolstered by Jews fleeing the Inquisition in neighboring Spain. This tiny synagogue is believed to be from the late 13th century. There's a small sign outside, but otherwise, you might miss it—it looks exactly like all the other row houses. The synagogue was adapted from existing buildings, with two separate prayer rooms for men and women. Although its exact construction year is unknown, this is thought to be one of the oldest in all of Portugal.

The sleek Austrian-engineered cable car service travels from Funchal's waterfront up to Monte at 1,804 feet above sea level. The trip takes 15 minutes each way, and there are great views to enjoy as you float silently up and over the city's whitewashed houses. The orange roofs form a patchwork from above, complemented by swooping birds of prey, scampering mountain goats, and new blooms on the trees. A great option is to ride the cable car up, then take one of the renowned snowless "basket toboggans" part of the way back down.

This tiny cable car takes visitors down to the nature reserve of Fajã da Rocha do Navio, tucked away a stone's throw from the shore. The five-minute trip—descending at a sharp incline towards the crashing waves—was intended to help local farmers access their plantations. Today it's more for visitors looking to explore a part of the coastline that is otherwise only accessible by boat. At the bottom there are verdant vineyards and lush banana plantations.

About 12 km (7 miles) south of Porto Moniz is the Achadas da Cruz cable car—an engineering marvel that transports visitors down the almost vertical drop to the windswept farming area of Fajã da Quebrada Nova. Before the cable car was built a few years ago, the only way to get there was by boat. The tiny carriages operate only when needed, so press the button to confirm you're ready to go. At the bottom you'll find a truly beautiful part of Madeira, with wind-contoured fields, black-stone beaches, deafening waves, and a tangle of grape vines used for local wine making.