portugal

Travel Tips for Traveling to Portugal

Portugal is a traveler’s paradise and popular for its long and varied coastline, sunny climate and charming cities. It is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. The country shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain and borders the Atlantic Ocean on both the west and south coasts. In addition to this, Portugal has two archipelagos in the Atlantic, Madeira and the Azores.

It has an area of about 92,212 square kilometers, a population of about 10.33 million, and the official spoken language is Portuguese. Mirandese is also another official language in some parts of the country.

Attractions in Portugal

attractions in portugal

This post talks you through some of the most popular attractions in Portugal. Boasting 800 kilometers of Atlantic Ocean coast, the country takes pride in great beaches and sea activities. Besides, it has a large collection of historical landmarks that illustrate the glory of the 15-16th century Age of Discovery.

Lisbon Oceanarium
lisbon oceanarium

One of Portugal’s most popular attractions, Lisbon’s oceanarium presents a spectacle of ocean life. Here you can see a wide variety of fish and marine animals from the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Antarctic oceans, from small fish to big aquatic wonders like sharks and ray. There is a separate space for each ocean’s ecosystem.

oceanarium in lisbon

Crossing the border from one ecosystem to another makes you feel like travelling thousands of kilometers in no time. This amazing marine show is complemented by landscapes inhabited by penguins, sea otters, puffins and other cute creatures. The landscapes imitate the natural habitat of each bird and mammal.

Serra do Gerês
serra do geres

Set in the vast Peneda-Gerês National Park, the Serra do Gerês mountain range is one of the highest and most beautiful places in northern Portugal. The glorious granite peaks surrounded by lush valleys and pristine lakes are the defining landmark of the park, being popular with nature lovers and hikers.

peneda-geres national park

You can take one of the many nature trails of varying grades to explore the rare flora and fauna and the breath-taking views. Depending on your physical condition, you can go for a short energy-saving stroll or a challenging uphill hike.

National Palace of Sintra
sintra

Set in a picturesque mountainous landscape, Sintra is a popular day trip destination, being loved for its nature beauty, peaceful atmosphere and historical attractions. The town’s romantic cobblestone alleys lined with pastel-colored houses and pretty old town square dominated by an alluring palace made it a favorite retreat for kings, queens and writers.

national palace of sintra

Built in the 14th century and maintained through ages, National Palace of Sintra is the oldest surviving palace in Portugal. Its defining trait are its immense conical chimneys. Inside, it boasts royal furnishings and unique decorations. A top attraction is Room of Coats of Arms, a sumptuous hall ornated with the coat of arms of King Manuel I in the center of the cupola surrounded by the coats of arms of 72 noble families.

Belém Tower
belem tower

A great way to delve into Portugal’s glorious Age of Discovery is to visit the Belém Tower. The iconic tower was built in 1521 as a point of embarkation for Portuguese explorers and a fortress defending Lisbon. A brilliant example of Manueline style, its façade is made of beautifully carved stone embellished with maritime elements. The Renaissance loggia adds aesthetic appeal and serves as a viewpoint to the Tagus River mouth.

Explore the Lisbon Coast
cascais

Located on the Atlantic Ocean coast, Lisbon offers a wide range of water sports including sailing, kitesurfing and scuba diving. You can take to the sea by kayak or motorized boat to explore the pristine coastal environment. Head further west to enjoy the beautiful beaches, coves and bays near the resort town of Cascais. The town itself is a popular day trip from Lisbon, offering a nice blend of historical heritage and modern lifestyle.

traveling to portugal

If you want to go back in time, you need to travel a few kilometers north or east, where you will see a scenic countryside that still resembles the medieval villages and towns of previous centuries.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Portugal

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