Top 10 Must-See Places in Portugal
As you bid farewell to Portugal, you’ll carry with you the certainty of having visited a country that embodies pure passion, saudade (a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing), and light. This corner of Europe is a perfect postcard of breathtaking landscapes: vast white sandy beaches, cliffs that defy the Atlantic Ocean, and charming cities with cobblestone streets, impeccable monuments, and a burst of colors in their iconic azulejos (tiles). From the blue of the sky and sea to the green of its fields and the yellow of the sun, Portugal awakens all the senses. Welcome to this marvelous destination.
Here are the 10 must-see places in Portugal that you simply cannot miss:
1-Pena Palace
Near Lisbon, in the Sintra Mountains, stands this striking and colorful castle, one of the most beautiful palaces in Portugal. Pena Palace was the result of the imagination of King Ferdinand II, who, along with his wife Queen Maria II, decided to restore the former Monastery of Our Lady of Pena starting in 1836. Its romantic architecture and hilltop location make it a magical place.
2-Belém Tower
Located at the mouth of the Tagus River in the Santa Maria de Belém district, this unique tower is one of the most iconic symbols of Manueline architecture. Built in 1514 during the reign of Manuel I, it initially served as a defense for the city, later becoming a customs center and lighthouse. Today, it is a must-visit landmark and an emblem of Portuguese identity.
3-Jerónimos Monastery in Belém
Close to Belém Tower, this monastery is one of Europe’s greatest architectural treasures. Its temple, hallways, and atmosphere will leave you speechless. It is also the resting place of the great poet Fernando Pessoa, whose tomb is adorned with one of his most moving poems.
4-São Jorge Castle in Lisbon
Perched on the hills of Lisbon, this castle is a window into the past. With viewpoints, gardens, terraces, and an archaeological museum, São Jorge Castle is the official monument of the city. Don’t miss the views from the Tower of Ulysses, where a telescope allows you to admire Lisbon in all its splendor.
5-Cabo da Roca
Welcome to the westernmost point of continental Europe. This 150-meter-high cliff offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Mountains. With its lighthouse and tourist shop, Cabo da Roca is a place of overwhelming beauty.
6-Praça do Comércio
Lisbon’s largest and most beautiful square, Praça do Comércio, is a symbol of Portugal’s wealth and maritime ambitions. Here, financiers, merchants, and captains once planned voyages to the far reaches of the known world. Today, it is a place full of history and life.
7-Monument to the Discoveries
This colossal monument, located in Belém, pays tribute to Portuguese explorers. Standing 52 meters tall, it is an impressive work that represents Portugal’s adventurous spirit.
8-Livraria Lello
In Porto, one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities, you’ll find one of the oldest and most beautiful bookstores in the world. Opened in 1906, Livraria Lello is famous for its architecture and for inspiring J.K. Rowling in creating the world of Harry Potter.
9-Santa Justa Lift
This unique vertical elevator in Lisbon connects the Baixa district with Chiado. Although it has lost its practical function, it remains one of the city’s main tourist attractions, offering spectacular views from its viewpoint.
10-Quinta da Regaleira
In Sintra, this palace is one of the most enigmatic and surprising in Portugal. With its mysterious gardens, lakes, grottos, and buildings, Quinta da Regaleira is a place filled with symbolism related to alchemy, Freemasonry, and the Knights Templar.
Portugal is a country that captivates with its diversity, history, and natural beauty. From the imposing cliffs of Cabo da Roca to the intricate details of Pena Palace, every corner of this country has something special to offer. Its cities, brimming with life and culture, and its landscapes make Portugal an unforgettable destination.