Portugal is a country in the Southern region of Europe that is located on the Iberia Peninsula. It’s Europe’s oldest country and was once in charge of controlling half of the world from the 15th century.
If you are planning to visit this country that has a rich heritage and many attractions it may seem overwhelming to figure out what to see first. For that reason it’s probably best to visit Portugal during a 2-3 week itinerary. No worries, here’s a top 10 list of the best things to do in Portugal!
Visit the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
This museum is one of the most visited museums in Portugal. It boasts of retaining artifacts that are more than 4000 years old. Visiting this library is one of the things you must do if you are in Portugal.
Visit the Universidade de Coimbra
The Universidade de Coimbra also known as ‘University of Coimbra’ is one of the places you should visit in Portugal. It has such a deep history and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take a tour around the Bom Jesus do Monte
The Bom Jesus de Monte also known as the ‘Church of Bom Jesus’ is one of the biggest religious edifices in the country. For religious travelers who are looking for where to have a pilgrimage, this church is your best choice.
Bask in the glory of the Convento de Cristo
Visiting the Convento de Cristo is on the bucket list of many individuals. The convent has a church; Charola church. The convent was originally the home of Templars. If you have always wanted to connect with histories of Templars, visit this convent.
Go boating at Furnas Lake
If you love canoeing and you are looking for a cool spot to do it, Furnas Lake is your best choice. This lake is covered by hot springs and the after-effects of a volcanic eruption. A good way to get out of the cities and enjoy a bit of nature makes it one of the best things to do in Portugal, other than city strolling.
Climb the Belem Tower
Climbing his 15th-century tower should be on your top pick of things to do in Portugal, the tower popularly referred to as ‘Torres de Belem’ was erected to guard against enemies. It’s easy to get here from downtown Lisbon using public transport, uber, or even just walking.
Enjoy the sands of the Matosinhos Beach
If you are looking for peace, serenity, or a place to let your hair down, walk the golden sands of the Matosinhos Beach.
Sporting activities such as volleyball and football can be played on this beach. If you love surfing, you are in luck. One of the most beautiful beaches in Western Europe makes it one of the most popular things to do in Portugal.
Tour the Palacio Nacional de Sintra
If you are into history and are looking for the perfect thing to do in Portugal, visit the National Palace of Sintra. This 14th-century palace is believed to be the oldest surviving palace in the country.
Visit the Oceanario de Lisboa
Oceanario de Lisboa is an oceanarium located in Lisboa. Visiting this oceanarium is one of the best things to do if you are visiting Portugal. This makes a top choice on the list because the project is aimed at educating the public about the conservation of marine life.
Take a Trip to the Madeira Islands
If you have some extra time in Portugal, you should definitely consider the Madeira Islands. These islands are located in the North Atlantic Ocean, about a thousand kilometers northwest of Africa and about 1400 kilometers southwest of Portugal.
The archipelago is made up of two main islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, as well as some smaller, uninhabited islets. Madeira is the larger and more populous of the two islands, and it’s known for its stunning landscapes and subtropical climate.
The Madeira Islands are a great place to visit if you’re looking for beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and a rich cultural history.
The islands are also known for their excellent wine, so if you’re a fan of vino, you’ll definitely want to check out some of the local wineries.
Madeira International Airport makes it easy to get to the islands from mainland Europe and other destinations around the world. So if you’re in the mood for a relaxing and beautiful holiday, the Madeira Islands are definitely worth considering!
Enjoy a breathtaking scene at the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
The Mosteiro dos Jeronimos located in the city of Lisbon is a building that is of utmost importance in the country. This Church has a monastery that was erected in Manueline architectural design.
The interior of the church is designed with beautiful ornaments. The tombstones of Vasco de Gama and Luis de Camoes are the reasons why this church is a top pick.
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