Portugal is a beautiful country offering high-end experiences, golden beaches, mountains, volcanic beauty and many more. Let’s not forget the vineyards, medieval castles, Moorish architecture (a fusion of Islamic design principles with local influences like Roman, Byzantine), and UNESCO sites .
Warm hospitality and a laid-back vibe make it easy to feel at home and it’s ideal for year-round travel because there are over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Where to start your journey?
Airports
– Lisbon Airport Humberto Delgado (LIS)
– Porto Airport Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO)
– Faro Airport Algarve (FAO)
– Madeira Airport Cristiano Ronaldo Intl. (FNC)
– Ponta Delgada Airport João Paulo II Azores (PDL)
Train stations
– Lisboa Oriente Lisbon Main intercity hub
– Rossio Station – Lisbon
– São Bento Station – Porto
Top Places to Visit
- National Palace of Pena – one of the most photographed landmarks in Portugal, located high in Sintra Mountains, this Romanticist palace looks like in a fairytale and is surrounded by Pena Park.
- Cape Roca (Cabo da Roca) – The westernmost point of mainland Europe 40 km west of Lisbon. Have panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean from 140 meters high cliffs, and unforgettable sunsets. It’s a breathtaking spot to watch the waves crash and feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. Check out also the Lighthouse nearby.
There are also hiking paths which connect this place with Sintra and Cascais.
One more thing: near the lighthouse there is Cabo da Roca Tourism Office, where you’ll find a souvenir shop which sells a handwritten and beautifully designed and personalized certificate to commemorate your visit to the edge of Europe.
- Belém Tower – A symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, this fortified tower in Lisbon once housed cannons and defensive artillery and besides a fortress was also a ceremonial gateway to the city. Once sat on a small island in the Tagus River—now connected to the shore due to changes in the river’s course.
It is a Unesco site, as is also the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, check out its fascinating museums.
- Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês – Portugal’s only national park, filled with rugged mountains, waterfalls, and ancient villages (Pitões das Júnias and Tourém) located in the the country’s far north (near Braga). It is ideal for hiking, wildlife spotting, and reconnecting with nature.
- Ponta da Piedade – near Lagos in the Algarve, these stunning coastal rock formations, caves, and grottos are best explored by boat. It’s one of the Algarve’s most breathtaking natural wonders that photographers dream of.
Combine your visit with a stop at Praia do Camilo or Praia Dona Ana beaches for sunbathing and swimming
- National Palace of Sintra (Palácio da Vila) – oldest surviving royal palace in Portugal (it has the 33 metrs high iconic twin chimneys visible from a long distance). Its roots stretch back to the Moorish era.
- Castelo de Silves – This hilltop red sandstone (taipa) fortress is located in Silves, a historic town in Portugal’s Algarve region. it is over 2200 years old.
- Porto – Famous for port wine, wine cellars and scenic Douro River views
Stroll through Ribeira district and cross the Dom Luís I Bridge or visit Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores
- Douro Valley – Europe’s oldest wine region, it has terraced vineyards and for a serene experience you can stay in vineyard guesthouses or go on a river cruise.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, currency is Euro and best time to visit is March to October for beach days and festivals
Here are some common sentences in portuguese to impress the locals:
Olá – Hello
Bom dia – Good morning
Boa tarde – Good afternoon
Como está? / Tudo bem? – How are you?
Por favor – Please
Obrigado / Obrigada – Thank you (male / female speaker)
De nada – You’re welcome
Quanto custa? – How much does it cost?
Onde fica…? – Where is…?
Pode recomendar um restaurante? – Can you recommend a restaurant?
After you get an answer to the previous question, here is a list with what to eat:
Bacalhau (Salted Cod): Portugal’s national obsession—said to have over 365 recipes, one for each day of the year. Try Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes) or Bacalhau com Natas (cod with cream).
Grilled Sardines (Sardinhas Assadas): Especially popular during summer festivals, served with bread or potatoes.
Arroz de Marisco: A rich seafood rice stew, similar to paella but with a Portuguese twist.
Francesinha: A decadent sandwich from Porto layered with meats, cheese, and drenched in a spicy beer-based sauce.
Cozido à Portuguesa: A hearty stew of meats and vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection.
Porco Preto: Iberian black pork, often grilled or served as cured ham (presunto).
Caldo Verde: A comforting green soup made with potatoes, kale, and chouriço sausage.
Açorda: A garlicky bread soup often enriched with poached eggs and shrimp.
Pastel de Nata: The famous Portuguese custard tart—crispy, creamy, and best enjoyed with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Bolo de Bolacha: A layered biscuit cake with coffee and buttercream.
Arroz Doce: Creamy rice pudding flavored with lemon and cinnamon.
What to drink
Port Wine: A rich, sweet fortified wine from the Douro Valley—perfect as a dessert drink or paired with cheese.
Vinho Verde: Literally “green wine,” it’s young, slightly fizzy, and incredibly refreshing—ideal for warm days.
Madeira Wine: A fortified wine from the island of Madeira, known for its longevity and caramelized flavor.
Ginjinha (Ginja): A sweet cherry liqueur often served with a piece of fruit—especially popular in Lisbon and Óbidos.
Amarguinha: A bitter almond liqueur, typically served over ice with lemon.
Poncha: A traditional drink from Madeira made with rum, honey, and lemon juice.
Aguardente: Portuguese “firewater,” a potent distilled spirit made from grapes or medronho (wild strawberry tree fruit).
Sagres & Super Bock: Portugal’s two most popular lagers.
Mazagran: A unique iced coffee with lemon—perfect for hot afternoons.
Capilé: A refreshing summer drink made from maidenhair fern syrup and orange blossom water.
Sumol & Compal: Popular fruit sodas and juices found across Portugal.
