Portugal is one of the most visited countries in the world. It is no wonder, considering what the country offer to its visitors.
From its amazing rural experience with cobblestone villages and medieval castles to the dramatic scenery in the Azores with golden beaches and volcanic landscapes, Portugal is an all inclusive travel destination.
Top rated destinations in Portugal is our travel guide for the first time travellers to this amazing country.
7 Top rated destinations in Portugal
Lisbon
Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and one of the top cities in Europe. Located on the shores of the Atlantic, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and a very popular tourist destination. Beside its political, economic and cultural importance, Lisbon is also well known for its impressive nightlife and for being an LGBT hot spots.
Top attractions in Lisbon: Castelo São Jorge, Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Lisbon Oceanarium, Alfama, Museu Gulbenkian, Sintra, Mercado da Ribeira, Jeronimos Monastery and Rossio Square.
Coimbra
Known as the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra is home to the oldest university in the country and second oldest in the world. Located on the banks of the Rio Mondego, Coimbra is a gateway towards Portugal’s largest national park: the Serra da Estrela.
Top attractions in Coimbra: Jardim Botanico, Biblioteca Joanina, University of Coimbra, Igreja e Mosteiro da Santa Cruz, Parque Verde do Mondego, Ponte Pedro e Ines, Cience Museum and Choupal National Forest.
Porto
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. When you talk about Porto, you are not talking only about good wines and high profile cuisine. You are talking about history, about culture, artdeco architecture, you’re talking about astonishing coastal views and amazing surf beaches, you’re talking about a tourist destination which impresses in so many ways. You are travelling to Portugal, you should reserve few days also for visiting Porto.
Top attractions in Porto: Igreja de São Francisco, Douro Valley, Ponte de Dom Luis I, Jardim do Palácio de Cristal, Estadio do Dragao, Rua Santa Catarina, Casa da Música, Mercado do Bolhão, Se Cathedral, Miradouro Da Victoria and Cais da Ribeira
Algarve
Visited by approx. 10 million tourists every year, Algarve is one of the most visited regions in Portugal. Algarve is a unique region rich in charming coastal towns, sandy beaches, wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. No matter in which part of Algarve you’re going, you’ll find the ingredients for a perfect holiday.
Top attractions in Algarve: Algar Seco (Carvoeiro), Museu do Traje, Cape Saint Vincent, Faro, Fortaleza de Sagres, Castelo, Ria Formosa Natural Park, Zoomarine, Ponta da Piedade coastline, Vilamoura and Praia da Rocha Beach
The Azores
The Azores archipelago consists of 9 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean between Lisbon and New York. The largest city and the regional administrative capital is Ponta Delgada located on the São Miguel island. Home to some of the world’s tallest mountains, more than 30 blue flag beaches, 3 UNESCO Biospheres and to some scenery which seem out of this world, the islands are renowned for their natural beauty and were certified as the world’s top destination for sustainable tourism.
Top attractions in The Azores: Caldeira das Sete Cidades, Caldeira, Ilha do Corvo, Ponta Delgada, Furnas valley, Flores lake, Capelinhos volcano, Lagoa da Faja de Santo Cristo, Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes and Jose do Canto Forest Garden.
Sintra
Home of the Portuguese Royalties till the 20th century, Sintra is a fabulous municipality located 28 km away from Lisbon. Sintra is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage centre and is a top tourist destination.
Top attractions in Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira, Adraga Beach, Praia do Magoito, Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Castelo dos Mouros, Palácio Nacional da Pena, Palácio Nacional, Monserrate, Convento dos Capuchos, Praia da Samarra and Museu das Artes de Sintra
Madeira
Madeira is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, the other one being the Azores. The archipelago is made up of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Desertas.
Beside its sandy beaches and unique landscapes which are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Madeira is well known also for being a seafood gourmet paradise.
Top attractions in Madeira: Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Madeira Aquarium, Jardim Botânico, Teleférico do Funchal, Valley of the Nuns, Museu da Quinta das Cruzes, Palheiro Gardens, Cathedral Se