From dazzling beaches backed by enormous cliffs to ancient castles perched on top of towering hills, there’s plenty to discover in Portugal. Check out this ultimate road trip or take a well-organised day trip to experience the best of Portugal’s nature and history.
Don’t forget to stop for a famous Pasteis de nata at this renowned patisserie! They’re simply divine.
Monte Sanctuary
Atop the Tenoes mountain is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a pilgrimage complex with a stunning Baroque stairway. The shrine is dedicated to Christ’s Passion, and the stairway symbolizes Christ’s path to death.
You can visit the sanctuary by yourself or with a guided tour. But be sure to budget enough time for your trip! This place is truly special. Between the funicular ride, the church and basilica, the grottoes, small ponds with handmade rowing boats, a little shopping, a light lunch and more, it’s easy to lose track of time here!
If you’re staying in Porto, you could join a full day tour that visits the historic city of Braga and the UNESCO-city of Guimaraes, including a visit to Bom Jesus do Monte. Alternatively, a half-day dolphin watching boat tour from Sado is another way to spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Punta de la Piedad
It’s one of Portugal’s oldest protected areas and home to some awesome kayaking opportunities as well as natural swimming pools. You can also explore the area on foot along the hiking trails that connect to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region including Praia de Batata, Praia do Canavial, and Praia Porto Mos.
You’ll find a number of otherworldly sea caves and grottoes around here as well as towering pillars that rise from the ocean. They’re known as Ponta da Piedade (Point of Mercy) and are so beautiful that they give the coastline its name.
Enjoy sweeping views over Nazare from the top of this headland, and watch the sunset while sitting at the cliff-side restaurant called O Camilo. Be sure to try the local dish of arroz de pato which is made from duck and combines some of the best flavors of the region.
Cabo da Roca
The westernmost point of mainland Europe is a nature reserve that offers a spectacular coastline and stunning beaches. It is also home to a lighthouse and cafe. Visitors can take a short stroll along the cliffs to enjoy the views and listen to the sounds of the crashing waves.
If you’re not afraid of heights, you can also take one of the challenging hiking trails that connect to pristine cove beaches such as Praia da Ursa and Praia da Adraga. The area is often visited by organized tours, but you can escape the crowds by visiting the park at sunrise or sunset.
Afterwards, head to the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian and admire the collection of masterpieces from around the world, including pieces from Greco-Roman art, the Islamic Orient, Armenia, and the Far East. Finish your day with a delicious meal at Moinho de Don Quixote. Try the arroz de pato, a popular dish featuring duck.
Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Discover the amazing collection of ancient and modern art in this museum located far away from the historic center of Lisbon. This cultural complex includes the Museum of Modern Art, a park with a beautiful fountain, an auditorium, and more. It is a monument that anticipates, in the midst of the dictatorship of Estado Novo, the cultural modernisation of Portuguese society, and expresses a synthesis of influences and cultures that reaches beyond conformation to International Style.
The Foundation’s founder, Calouste Gulbenkian, dedicated all his life to collecting unique pieces from all over the world and built this museum as a showcase for them. Buy a combo ticket for both the museum and Lisbon Zoo to save money. This way you can visit both attractions in a single day.
Sado Estuary
One of the 10 largest wetlands in Europe, Sado Estuary is home to an important community of dolphins. Join a tour and hop aboard a boat to look for these wild creatures.
Known locally as “roazes corvineiros” (gnawers of corvina sea fish), these dolphins are a symbol of the estuary. They are easily spotted from the shore and from one of the many boat tours available.
The area is also a favourite among bird-watchers, particularly in winter. The estuary is home to over 250 different species, including flamingos that visit in flocks of thousands. Become an Atlas Obscura member and enjoy fewer ads!
