Once a global superpower, Portugal is home to beautiful architecture, rich history, delicious seafood, oceanfront resorts and world-renowned wine (think: Port, Madeira and Vinho Verde). One of Europe’s most beautiful and affordable destinations, it’s become a must-see hot spot in recent years. With more flights available to Lisbon Airport, it’s also easier than ever to get to Portugal. Find great deals on tours throughout the country. With its close proximity to Spain, there are also a variety of multiday tours that include cities in Spain for an ultimate Iberian vacation. Whatever your traveling plans, here are some of Portugal’s top destinations you won’t want to miss!

#1 LISBON

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Portugal’s capital city is a fascinating mix of new and old. Its famous port once welcomed ships from around the globe and was the point of departure for famous expeditions led by Vasco de Gama and Magellan. Today, Lisbon is once again booming and is heralded as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Discover its ornate architecture, rich history, mosaic sidewalks, Art Nouveau cafes and vintage trolleys. Experience a small group walking tour which takes you through its famous quarters including Principe Real, Bairro Alto, and Baixa, Lisbon’s famous shopping district. Take a stroll through the charming Alfama, Lisbon’s sailor district which dates back over one thousand years. You can also explore the city at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off tour. Be sure to visit the ornate Sao Roque Church and Museum; the Solar do Vinho do Porto (for the world’s largest selection of Port wines); the beautiful Monastery of Jeronimos; the Gulbenkian Museum, featuring over 5,000 years of art; and the Café A Brasileira, for an unforgettable espresso in beautiful surroundings. You also can’t miss Lisbon’s famous one-and-a-half mile suspension bridge which looks a lot like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge (they were even built by the same company!).

Recommended Day Trips from Lisbon:

OBIDOS

This postcard-worthy village is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Portugal. Located about one hour north of Lisbon, Obidos features narrow streets full of whitewashed houses, charming handicraft shops and the famous Ginjinha, a local liqueur made of cherry. Within its city walls lies the Castle of Obidos, a well-preserved castle with stunning hilltop views. There are a variety of day trips which combine Obidos with stops at Aveiro, Fatima and more.

SINTRA

Located just north of Lisbon, the resort town of Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of architectural wonders. Discover Quinta da Regaleira, one of the most romantic places on earth featuring a palace, lush gardens, lakes and grottoes. Explore the National Palace, where the Portuguese royals of the 15th and 16th centuries spent the summer months. Then visit the Pena Palace at the top of the Serra de Sintra. Much more than a castle, this UNESCO-listed attraction is situated approximately 500 meters above the sea and is something out of a fairytale. There are day trips to Sintra that also include stops at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, and Cascais, a picturesque, seaside village.

HOLY SITES: FATIMA & NAZARE

One of Europe’s most visited pilgrimage sites, Fatima is where the figure of Our Lady was said to present herself to three shepherd children in order to communicate a set of revelations. Experience a small group half-day trip which visits the famous Sanctuary of Fatima erected on the spot, as well as the historic homes of the three children, Francisco, Jacinta Marto and Lucia. There are also day tours which include stops at the 600-year-old Batalha Monastery and Nazare, Portugal’s first pilgrimage site. Here you can also try some of the best seafood in the country, in famous restaurants owned by local fishermen.

#2 PORTO

Located North of Lisbon, Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. Brimming with charm, its old quarters are full of red-tiled roofs, flowering balconies, Baroque churches, outdoor cafes, riverside districts and shopping streets. While here, be sure to visit the gothic-style Porto Cathedral, the Sao Bento Train Station (one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world), Clerigos Tower, the Crystal Palace Gardens and the Livraria Lello, a stunning early-1900s bookstore that inspired the Hogwarts library in the Harry Potter series. Enjoy a hop-on, hop-off tour that gives you ample time to explore Porto’s many unforgettable attractions at your own pace. Or, experience a guided day tour that includes Port wine tasting and a sumptuous dinner accompanied with a Fado show—traditional Portuguese music not to be missed.

Recommended Day Trips from Porto:

DOURO VALLEY

An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alto Douro Wine region has been producing wine for nearly two thousand years. Since the 18th century, its main product has been its high-quality Port wine. Enjoy visiting two world-famous wineries on a guided day tour from Porto. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience a panoramic cruise on the Douro river.

AVEIRO AND COSTA NOVA

This seaside region represents some of the best of Portugal’s maritime culture and strong nautical traditions. Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro offers picturesque canals, pedestrian bridges, Art Nouveau buildings, fish markets and the colorful moliceriors fishing boats which have become synonymous with the region. Find a number of day tours here from both Porto and Lisbon.

#3 ALGARVE

Considered the “Land’s End” of Europe, the Algarve region is located on Portugal’s southern coast. Discover warm sandy beaches, beautiful orchards, quaint villages and the freshest seafood. Albufeira is a popular resort town boasting beautiful beaches and fun nightlife. Try a hop-on hop-off tour to explore the area. There are also a variety of boat tours which depart from here including whale-watching and even a pirate ship cruise! Or, head to Lagos for more beautiful beaches and popular sunset cruises on the Mediterranean which include local wine and cheese tasting.

#4 MADEIRA

Home to the world-famous Madeira wine, this autonomous region of Portugal is located off the northwest coast of Africa. Its capital Funchal features botanic gardens, a variety of hotels and a scenic harbor. Experience a hop-on hop-off tour in a scenic double decker bus with stops at the Estrada Monumenta for variety of top restaurants and shops. For spectacular views of the city, ride the cable car (or Teleferico). Wine lovers will delight in a Madeira wine tour from Funchal that includes the Camara de Lobos vineyards, the main Viticulture municipality of Madeira, and San Vicente, the second largest grape grower in Madeira.

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