by Top 25 Please to Visit in Portugal
I recently returned from the beautiful country of Portugal and want to share my favorite places with you, so here’s my “Top 25 Please Visit in Portugal”. Portugal is home to some of Europe’s most standing landscapes the country is full of intriguing history incredible coastline and the world’s biggest waves. From the lush Islands of the Azores to the scenic Algarve Coast. Portugal has so much to offer let’s start this blog “Top 25 Please Visit in Portugal” off to Praia Do Ursa.
Praia Do Ursa
Located on the Sintra coast about 50 minutes from Lisbon. This is properly my favorite beach in all of Portugal. One reason I like it so much is its Rock formations. There are several of them and they look like wizard hats. Now to get to the beach it’s a decent height it only to us 20 or 30 minutes to get down. it is just a little step descent but it’s nothing you can’t handle. When you reach the beach I was just amazed by the rock formations they’re just huge and really fun to walk around the water was a little bit chilly but would be so nice on a hot day.
Now if you can it’s an amazing place to go for sunset the beach lights up with an orange globe and the chest is hard to beat couldn’t recommend this beach enough.
Cabo Da Roca
Another cool spot above the beach is Cabo Da Roca. There’s a scenic lighthouse up there and there are a lot of trails that you can walk around to get amazing views of the sea cliffs there are some others which are you can Hike down to. I mean this area is amazing you definitely gotta check it out.
Pena palace
While we are still in Sintra, let’s head over to the Pena palace. It’s this standing colorful castle that sits on top of the central mountains. the palace was completed in 1854 and today it stands as one of the seven wonders of Portugal. Now to get there you can take a taxi to the top or you can also Hike up from the town of Sintra and that’s what we did. It’s a Really beautiful Hike where you go through some gardens. When we reached the palace I was just amazed by the architecture and colours. It was so vibrant and I love the contrast between the red and yellow structures. I will say it was extremely packed like there were so many people so if you do go I recommended visiting early right when it opens or avoiding going in August.
Castle of the Moors
Right next to the Pena palace is the Castle of the Moors. It was built all the back way in the 8th and 9th centuries. I like this place a lot better than the Pena Palace. There was a list of people and there was just so much history. I was fascinated by how well it was preserved. One of my favorite things that you can do is you can walk around the perimeter of the fortress and get a little taste of what it must have left like to live in Portugal during Medieval Times.
Quinta Da Regaleira
Another historical nearby place is the Quinta Da Regaleira. It’s home to this inverted down which has a fascinating history regarding the initiation ceremony for the templar knights. In this blog “Top 25 Please to Visit in Portugal”, I have tried to visit all the places. So that you do not have any problem in planning your trip here.
Lisbon
Afterward, we are going to visit the city of Lisbon. Now if you’re coming into Portugal chances are you’ll fly into this airport. It’s a great starting point for your Portugal adventures now being one of the oldest cities in Europe lesbian is just full of so much culture and history one of my favorite features of Lisbon is the Sanctuary of Christ the King monument it remains me of a mixture of Rio de Janeiro and San Francisco with that massive Bridge that goes over the Tagus River. Commerce Square is another beautiful spot to explore.
The Balam Tower is another cool monument that served as a point for embarking on Portuguese exploration. Lisbon is to historic City and I have to say it’s one of the most beautiful capitals in all of Europe.
Óbidos
Afterward, we are going to visit the medieval town of Óbidos. Now located about an hour’s drive from Lisbon. Óbidos is this romantic medieval town protected by an impressive stone wall. Around the year 713 A.D., the Morse established a fortification and in the 12th century the king of Portugal reclaimed the land all he does was later gift to the queen, and for the following centuries, Óbidos received special treatment from the queens of Portugals. He remodeled and enriched the village throughout the middle age.
Today Obidos is one of Portugal’s most well-preserved medieval towns.
Now one of my favorite features of Óbidos is the world that surrounds it. When you enter the town’s gates there are stairways on your left and you will work around on the top of the medieval wall. I climb to the top of one of the lookout towers and just got amazing views of Óbidos in the surrounding area. I mean just blues my mind how well everything is preserved even though everything like 600 years old.
After we just had a great time wandering through the alleyways. I mean if you are really into medieval destinations you got get all videos a visit.
Nazaré
Afterward, we are going to visit one of the most gnarly coastlines in the world Nazaré. Locate just a 90 minutes drive from Lisbon Nazaré is this historical coastal town that is famous for being home to the biggest surfable wave on the planet. Every winter season the waves can be over 100 feet in height. The reason the waves get so big is that there’s the underwater canyon write before the swell hits the beach and just creates the massive wave.
Now the best place to see the wave is from the 16th-century fort of Saint Michael the Archangel. It’s located right on the cliff and I am surprised it hasn’t collapsed into the ocean after being bettered by the sea for so many centuries.
Now I was here during this summertime so there were like hardly any waves but I would love to come back between October too much to witness the World record swells.
Berlengas
Afterward, we are going to visit the Berlengas Islands. Located about 10 km off from Portugal’s waste cost. The Berlengas islands are an Archiplego full of history. over the edges, many shipwrecks took place here. so in the 16-century monks built a monastery and settlement to aid shipwrecked sailors but was eventually abandoned in the 17th century fort was constructed on the monastery ruins to build a coastal defense against threats such as a pirate. You can take a 40-minute ferry ride from the town of Peniche. And just spend a day exploring the great Berlengas Island. You can go snorkeling and just walk around. Is a great day trip if you are in the area.
Tomar
After we’re going to visit Tomar. Tomar is an idyllic Portuguese City full of charm and was the last town commissioned for construction by the Templar knights. The crowing feature of the city is the Convent Of Christ. It was completed in the 12th century by the Templar knights. The monastery was integral in defending the Christian Kingdom against the Moors. I am just a globe away by how big it is The stone wall that surrounds a castle must have to ages to construct.
Castle Of Leiria
Fascinating a medieval place to visit is the Castle Of Leiria. Located about a 50 minutes drive from Tomar. The castle Of Leiria was constructed in the 12th century over the ages the castle Star started to lose its military importance and it was damaged extensively by French invasions. Today it has been restored and I just love how it’s integrated with the city.
Coimbra
Afterward, we are going to visit the University town of Coimbra. Located about 2 hours North of Lisbon Coimbra is one of Portugal’s most culturally vibrant cities. It was originally a Roman settlement but during the middle ages, it become the capital of Portugal from 1131 to 1255. Now the oldest University in Portugal which was originally started in Lisbon was relocated to Coimbra in 1308 and today it’s one of the oldest Universities in continuous operations in the world. I would have loved to study there now while you are in Coimbra you can explore this university grounds and botanical gardens. I mean just such a lovely University town.
Serra Da Estrela
Afterward, we are going to head to the mountains to visit Serra Da Estrela. Now located about 2 hours drive from Coimbra Serra Da Estrela is the highest point in continental Portugal with a height of 1993 meters. The peak is not jagged like something you see in the Alps. It’s the highest point in Portugal but what’s great about it is that you can drive here so no hiking involved and there are some cool observatory towers on top. If you go in the winter time chances are it will be covered in snow and you can ski at the nearby Estrella Ski resort.
Azores
Afterward, we are going to venture into the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to visit the archipelago of the Azores. Now the Azores are a group of 9 Islands like none other remind me of a hybrid of New Zealand and Hawaii with rolling pasture and greenery scenery. I mean it’s the Garden of Eden in real life.
The largest island on the Azores is Sao Miguel. One of the most stunning places on the island is Lagoa Das Sete Cidades. It’s a twin Lake situated in the greater of a volcano. One leg is green while the other is blue. the nearby Santiago Lake is also a unique place.
Pico
Now another one of my favorite islands on the Azores is Pico. it’s home to the highest point in all of Portugal called mount pico. It’s a strata volcano that reaches 2351 meters high and Alas Erupted in 1720. I just can’t believe how huge it is. If you are up for a challenge you can Hike to the top there are also 7 more other islands you can explore. I will do a separate blog soon and include them all.
I mean it’s hard to beat the scenery of this volcanic archipelago.
Algarve
After the Azores, we are gonna hit back to the mainland to visit the reason of Algarve. Now the Algarve region is the Southernmost part of Portugal. it’s famous for good weather high standard of living and incredible coastline.
One of the most beautiful towns in Lagos. It’s an ancient Maritime town with more than 2000 years of history. Today it’s one of the most visited cities in Portugal. Now what I love about Lagos is that it’s located right next to sum of the best beaches. The coast is uniquely shaped sea cliffs filled with hidden coves and sea caves.
One of the most interesting places on the Algarve coast is Bengali Cave. It’s this incredible Grotta with this opening on top you can only access it by taking a Kayak paddle board or Boat tour.
Another Scenic spot on the coast is Ponta Da Piedade. It’s full of countless grottos and sea arches to explore.
Porto
After going to visit the city of Porto. Located on the Coast of Northern Portugal. Porto is the second largest city in the country after Lisbon. It’s one of the oldest European centers as it developed as an important commercial port during Roman Times today its one of Europe’s most vibrate cities I just love how colorful all the buildings and roofs are the Louis First Bridge is one of the most recognizable features of the city as it spans across the Douro River.
Now while we are on the top of the river. I recommended taking a Boat or car to the Duoro Valley some of the best wine countries in the World. One has been made in this Valley for over 2000 years the region is full of endless terraced vineyards that line the powerful Douro River.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
Now afterward we are going to visit the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Now located in Northern Portugal right on the Spain border about an hour’s drive from Porto Peneda-Gerês is the only National Park in all of portable and I have to say it’s just absolutely beautiful here it’s full of granite mountains pristine waterfalls and scenic lakes, there’s also beautiful town and village in the area.
I like this one town called Lindoso. It has a medieval castle with these interesting little stone huts called Horreos. They are used to store grain and have been used since the 13th century.
Guimarães
Afterward, we are going to visit the nearby Guimarães. Now located about 40 minutes from Porto Guimarães is one of the best-preserved medieval sentiments in Portugal. It was founded back in the night century and is often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal because it is believed that Portugal’s first king Alfonzo Enriquez was born here. Today Guimarães has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s easy to see why one of my favorite features of the city is the Guimarães Castle. It was built in the 10th century to defend the monastery from Marsh and Viking attacks. It stands as a national symbol and is also referred to as the Cradle of Portugal.
Maderia
After exploring Northern Portugal we are going to head back to the Atlantic Ocean to visit the Madeira. I just got done spending a week on this Island and I just love it so much. it’s located right on the Northwest coast of Africa. The island was claimed by Portugal in 1419. Now Maderia is known for its idol climate and just-standing coastline.
Ponta Do Sol
One of my favorite beaches in Maderia is Ponta do Sol. It’s this beautiful town that reminded me of Italy’s Amalfi coast the beach there was not Sandy instead it has smooth rocks and this swimming was spectacular in the crystal clear waters. The main reason I wanted to go here was to do some Cliff jumping. On The East side there’s this Pier area with the super cool arch bridge and then there are some little cliffs off I sent a few jumps and it was Just freaking fun the water failed so nicely and was such an enjoyable spot. after relaxing on the beach and doing some more swimming and just enjoying the sunset a place you got a visit another amazing spot in Maderia the Fanal Forest.
Fanal Forest
Now this has to be one of the most magical places in Maderia. It’s his force located in the highlands of the island and one thing that makes it so special is that it’s often covered by the clouds. Something that I just love about the forest was its trees somewhere over 500 years old and they look like giant bonsai trees I mean it feels like you are in a fairy tale forest just waiting to run into some mythical creature even though I didn’t see any unicorns there I run into some photogenic cows just gracing away.
Now one of my most enjoyable memories of Maderia was just walking around for hours exploring the forest it was just pure peace and blessing. I mean I Just freaking love this place.
São Vicente
If you are into Scenic churches there’s a really beautiful hilltop Chappell in the town of São Vicente. The church was built in 1948 to celebrate the end of world war 2. Now it’s pretty easy to get to recharge you drive up to the bay base and then there are these stairs you can hike up. Now the view up there was very outstanding and discharge is just pretty cool too.
Pico Do Areeiro
Our final destination we are going to visit my favorite place not just in Maderia but all of Portugal Pico Do Areeiro. I love this spot so much, I came up four times. now it’s located about a 40 minutes drive from Funchal. Pico Do Areeiro is the third highest point on the island with an elevation of 1818 meters. which is pretty well considering the house Mount Maderia is. Now since it’s so high up you will often be in or above the clouds which creates the most Epic landscapes.
Now to reach Pico Do Areeiro you don’t need a hike you can drive a car to the top and from there you can go explore the mountains. I was surprised by how well-maintained the trail was. it’s a stone path with card wires for the majority of the way and which is so nice.
Ninho Da Manta
If you hike for about 15 minutes you will reach the first lookout point called the Ninho Da Manta. Now the views where are just absolutely incredible. it has a phenomenal total Vantage point. We went up here for sunrise and sunset and both were amazing but I did say sunset was my favorite because there was like hardly anyone up there and basically had the whole place to ourselves and we just faith like a dream up there with the clouds and the setting sun. it gave me such a rush it was a good reminder of why I love traveling I just love this country so much.
That is it for my “Top 25 Please to Visit in Portugal”. let me know where your favorite place is in Portugal in the comment below.
There are so many places that I wish I could include in this blog “Top 25 Please to Visit in Portugal”. So maybe I will have to make a part 2. Let me know where your favorite place in Portugal is.
I wish everyone to explore this beautiful world and learn the things to make our world a better place to live. With this, if you enjoyed reading this blog, do comment and share it with your friends and family and keep following Nomad Rahgir..
