16 Must-Visit Destinations in Portugal | Hidden Gems in Europe

When you think of Portugal, you may imagine things like the Age of Discovery, Vasco da Gama, pastel de nata, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal is a small country located at the western edge of Europe, nestled between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal actually has many places where you can feel its history, with a variety of interesting spots to explore. In this article, we will introduce 16 must-visit tourist destinations in Portugal, ranging from the well-known to hidden gems.

1. Alfama District

The "Alfama District," located in the old town of Lisbon, is an area filled with historical buildings such as the Lisbon Cathedral and São Jorge Castle. The district remained mostly unaffected by the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake, and many buildings still retain their original appearance.

With narrow streets, cobblestone walkways, and trams passing through, Alfama presents a glimpse of old Europe. You'll also find local markets and public laundromats, offering a look into the everyday life of Lisbon's residents.

The "São Jorge Castle" atop a hill is a famous tourist spot known for its stunning views, so be sure to visit.

2. Belém Tower

Located along the Tagus River about 7 km west of Lisbon, the "Belém Tower" is a Manueline-style fortress built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's world voyage. In 1983, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title "Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower of Lisbon."

Made of limestone, the white tower is adorned with carvings, giving it a magnificent and beautiful appearance, earning it the nickname "The Lady of the Tagus River."

However, this is primarily a fortress. The basement features a water dungeon built to utilize the location at the mouth of the Tagus River, and cannons are positioned towards the shipping lanes. As a symbol of the Age of Discovery, it’s a must-see.

From Lisbon's city center, it takes about 30 minutes by tram or bus to reach Belém Tower. The nearest station is "Belém," but it can be crowded, so it’s recommended to use the next station, "Pedrouços."

3. Jerónimos Monastery

The "Jerónimos Monastery" is a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture, taking over 300 years to complete. One of its highlights is the southern entrance to the Santa Maria Church, which is adorned with sculptures of the Virgin Mary and 24 saints. It is also known as the entrance where the Tenshō Embassy, sent by Oda Nobunaga in 1584, was welcomed.

The interior is equally grand, featuring beautiful carvings, three sets of stained glass windows, and five panels depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The cloisters are especially stunning, so don’t miss them. Pay attention to the carvings featuring ships and ropes, symbolizing the Age of Discovery.

This monastery is also famous for being the birthplace of the egg tart. It was invented by nuns before the 18th century and is beloved in Portugal under the name "Pastel de Nata."

Next to the monastery is "Pastéis de Belém," a famous bakery known for having the best egg tarts in Lisbon, so be sure to stop by.

4. Pena Palace

Located 40 minutes by train from Lisbon, the town of Sintra is home to four cultural sites registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the "Pena Palace," which is a must-visit attraction.

Unlike traditional palaces, which are often heavy and stone-built, the Pena Palace is distinctive with its colorful and charming appearance.

Representing 19th-century Romanticism, its architectural style is a mix of Gothic, Islamic, and Manueline influences, creating a rich variety. At the same time, traditional Portuguese decorative tiles, "azulejos," are used throughout, contributing to its unique landscape.

From Sintra station, a convenient bus service circulates around the four cultural sites.

5. Quinta da Regaleira

Among Sintra's World Heritage Sites, the "Quinta da Regaleira" is particularly distinctive. Originally built in the 12th century as a royal retreat, it contrasts with the colorful Pena Palace by featuring a mysterious and somewhat eerie exterior that has become very popular.

Inside the palace, you'll find underground caves, mysterious monuments, and revolving doors, offering a sense of being in a fairytale world, making it a fascinating spot for visitors.

6. Cape Roca

Cape Roca is the westernmost point of the Eurasian continent. At the cliff's edge, there is a monument inscribed with the famous line from poet Luís de Camões' work, "Here the land ends and the sea begins," and beyond it stretches the vast Atlantic Ocean.

At the tourist information center, which has a café, you can receive a certificate as proof that you've reached the westernmost point of the Eurasian continent. Why not take the opportunity to get this as a souvenir of your visit to Portugal? Cape Roca is about 40 minutes by bus from Sintra, making it possible for a day trip from Lisbon.

7. Águeda Umbrella Festival

The "Águeda Umbrella Festival," which started in 2012, is an art festival held annually from July for two months. Águeda is a small town located about 3.5 hours north of Lisbon by train. During the festival, the town attracts many tourists from both Portugal and abroad.

Umbrellas of various designs are hung throughout the town, which is one of the main attractions. With many cafés and restaurants throughout, visitors can take a break while enjoying the whimsical scenery.

8. Costa Nova

"Costa Nova," a beach resort near Águeda, is known for its photogenic scenery. The main street is lined with houses featuring striped patterns, earning the town the nickname "Pajama City."

The renowned Portuguese pottery brand "COSTA NOVA" originated here. Its blue pottery, reminiscent of the Atlanitc Ocean, is a great souvenir from Portugal.

9. Ribeira

Located about 3 hours by train from Lisbon, Porto is Portugal's second-largest city. The historic district of Porto, including the "Ribeira" area, is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many visitors with its charming streets and historical significance.

Visitors can enjoy shopping and dining along the Douro River or take a boat cruise. While cruising down the river, you can view the iconic "Dom Luís I Bridge" from below.

Ribeira is also a great place to buy traditional Portuguese goods such as hand-embroidered items and azulejos (decorative tiles).

10. Livraria Lello (Lello Bookstore)

Located in the historic district of Porto, the "Livraria Lello" is a historic bookstore that opened in 1869. Initially known as "Lello & Irmão," it is famously connected to the "Harry Potter" series.

The bookstore is housed in a neo-gothic building, where a retro and magical world unfolds inside, far beyond what the exterior suggests. A large spiral staircase, known as the "Staircase to Heaven," stands at the center, and the ceiling is adorned with colorful stained glass. Bookshelves that cover the walls are packed with a wide range of books, from cookbooks and guides to children's books and academic works.

J.K. Rowling, the author of "Harry Potter," lived in Porto while working as an English teacher. During that time, she frequented Livraria Lello and is said to have developed the concepts for her series while relaxing in the bookstore's café on the second floor.

11. Dom Luís I Bridge

A beloved landmark of Porto, the "Dom Luís I Bridge" was completed in 1886. It was designed by Théophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind the Eiffel Tower. The bridge has a road below and a railway above, both of which feature pedestrian walkways.

The bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Porto's skyline, making it a popular spot for tourists. At night, the bridge is beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere that enhances both the view of the bridge itself and the nighttime cityscape of Porto.

12. Capela de Almas (Chapel of Souls)

The "Capela de Almas" is a unique building covered with vibrant blue azulejos (decorative tiles). The tiles feature scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine of Siena, offering a thematic narrative.

In total, 15,947 tiles were used in both the exterior and interior of the chapel. Visitors can enjoy admiring the detailed depictions on the tiles as they explore this fascinating place.

13. University of Coimbra

Located in the central Portuguese city of Coimbra, the "University of Coimbra" was founded in 1290, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Known for its prestigious tradition and history, the university was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014 as "University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia."

One of the university's most notable features is the Joanina Library, built in 1724. Although photography is prohibited inside, visitors are struck by the gold leaf decorations, sculptures, and the fresco paintings on the ceiling, giving the library the grandeur and beauty of a cathedral. The library is home to over 250,000 books, including many historically significant works.

14. Temple of Diana

The city of Évora, located near the Spanish border, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its entire old town. Known for its white-walled buildings, the city is home to several landmarks, including the Igreja de São Francisco (Church of St. Francis), Évora Cathedral, and the Évora Aqueduct.

The Temple of Diana is a symbolic monument of Évora. Built to honor Augustus, the first Roman emperor who ruled the region, it is popularly referred to as the Temple of Diana, named after the Roman goddess of the moon.

The temple's ruins are remarkably well-preserved, with 14 columns still standing.

15. Ponta da Piedade

The Algarve region in southern Portugal is known for its sunny climate and is one of Europe's top resort destinations. Lagos, a prominent beach town, is located here and is about a 4-hour train ride from Lisbon.

The Ponta da Piedade is a stunning headland known for its brown cliffs and emerald-green sea. It offers a range of activities, including boat tours through mysterious caves, sunset excursions, kayaking, and cave exploration.

16. Óbidos

Located about an hour north of Lisbon by bus, Óbidos is often considered one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal. Surrounded by medieval castle walls, this small village is home to white-washed houses, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.

One of the village's specialties is Ginja, a cherry liqueur, which is famously served in a chocolate cup, making it a unique and delicious treat. The alcohol content is a bit high, but when combined with chocolate, it's quite enjoyable. It also makes for a great souvenir to take home from your visit to Óbidos.

◎Summary

Portugal offers a wealth of charm with its beautiful landscapes, delicious food, lovely crafts, and warm-hearted people. The country is dotted with attractions from north to south, and thanks to its small size and well-developed transportation system, it's easy to explore in a short period. Portugal is also known for being one of the safer European destinations, making it an ideal spot for a girls' trip. Often referred to as a hidden gem in Europe, Portugal is definitely worth a visit.