2024 Portugal Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Portugal, located along the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, is one of Europe’s best travel destinations. Its long history as a proud seafaring nation have imparted a rich cultural and architectural legacy. As home to many ancient empires, Portugal today delights visitors with surprises. In the capitol Lisbon, see the magnificent Tower of Belem or visit the hilltop Moorish castle and palace ruins at Sao Jorge Castle. In the north, Porto charms with its Baroque and Romanesque churches, concert halls, and museums. Nothern countryside vineyards produce some of the world’s best wine. Along Portugal’s southern Atlantic coast, you can see the beautiful seaside cliffs around Lagos. With so much to do up and down the country, a visit to Portugal will leave you with the memories of a lifetime.
Popular Attractions
Belém Tower
National Palace of Pena
Jerónimos Monastery
Livraria Lello
Quinta da Regaleira
Lisbon, Portugal, is all about good food and fun, which are the main themes of this city
Traveling and taking photos in Portugal is a great choice for you.
The colorful houses built on the hillsides🏠, the ancient trams🚌, the ubiquitous taverns🍷, the romantic Fado music🎵... Walking through the streets and alleys, listening to the old ding-ding sound of the trams, the air is filled with the sweet aroma of Portuguese egg tarts, it's like entering a dopamine-filled fairy tale world
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Lisbon is known as the 'City of Seven Hills,' and compared to the tourist-packed Barcelona and Madrid, it has more of a living atmosphere, with a history older than Paris and London, and the key is that the prices are really super beautiful, making it a great destination for budget travelers~
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✅Alfama District: The oldest district in Lisbon, with many historical monuments and landscapes. For tourists, Alfama is the place to experience the authentic Lisbon life. Walking around this old district is the best way to understand the city's rise and fall and its lively atmosphere.
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✅Tram 28: The city's name, Lisbon, is truly embodied by Tram 28. It is one of the oldest trams in Europe. The tram traveling through the streets, hillsides, and in front of churches is one of the most representative postcard images of Lisbon. The more you ride, the more you'll love Lisbon.
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✅St. George's Castle: This is the highest point in the old district. Climbing up to the castle at dusk, with the colorful houses and the glittering sea, playing guitar and singing with a few good friends, waiting for the sunset to reveal dreamy colors, is the most romantic thing I can think of.
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✅Thieves Market: In the Alfama district's Santa Clara Square, every Tuesday and Saturday it turns into a bustling market. For those who like vintage items, or want to find some souvenirs, this is heaven. From tableware, decorations, records, books, cameras... everything is available, and the prices are beautiful and acceptable.
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✅Portuguese Egg Tarts: How can you come to Portugal and not try the authentic Portuguese egg tarts? Although egg tarts are a traditional dessert known to every household, and can be bought in any street or alley, to eat the most authentic and historic egg tarts, you still have to go to the century-old shop Pastéis de Belém in the suburb of Lisbon, Belem.
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✅Fado Music: In Lisbon's seaside, coffee spots, street shops, or anywhere else, you can hear the melodious and touching Fado. With over a hundred years of history, Fado music has been integrated into Lisbon's DNA, including graffiti elements of Fado that fill every corner of the streets.
Winter in Portugal
The winter in Portugal is a bit colder, but it's not as vibrant as the summer in Portugal. Each beach and attraction has a natural majesty. Star Mountain on the southern coast of Portugal, with its bizarre caves, turbulent currents, and cool sea breezes. But you can still challenge paddleboarding against the waves, overcome fear and take risks. Or you can quietly enjoy the sunlight that you don't dare to hope for in winter on the coast, the comfortable temperature of about 20 degrees, which makes people unconsciously slow down. But when you think this is all about Portugal, you must have never been to Star Mountain in the north, with sub-zero temperatures, towering and continuous rocks, making you think for a moment that you have returned to Iceland and Norway, only the natural magic is in front of you. It takes two hours to walk back and forth, but it makes people linger and forget that this is actually Portugal. Winter in Portugal, with the vastness of the sea and the magnificence of the mountains.
Typical of Portugal 🇵🇹
Another Portugal recommendation 🔍 :
If you travel to Portugal you can't miss O Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa, a shop that sells cans of canned sardines.
The most spectacular thing about the store is the decoration and the atmosphere it conveys, because even if you don not like sardines, you will want to go in.
There is a wall where there are different cans of sardines with different years and it is very typical to buy a can of sardines with your year of birth.
Enjoy travelling! ✈️
1st, 2nd & 3rd photos: Shop of cans of canned sardines
#mytripvlog #portugal #foodie #urbanexplorer #food #foodietravel
Beautiful Artwork in Portugal
It is not difficult to see these beautiful blue tiles on historic buildings in Portugal. On my trip to Porto, they were on almost at every major sights, including the very famous Chapel of the Souls, Sao Bento Station, and the Cathedral of Porto to name a few. There is always a story to tell - whether biblical or historical, and usually quite well preserved.
Another type of art often seen in Portugal is the cobblestone pavements. In Lisbon, they are on almost every street, while the more intricate or elegant designs are on the larger squares. They are beautiful to look at, and add to the charm of the city, but definitely not friendly for high heels !
#urbanexplorer #portugal #porto #lisbon #artaddict
Popping to Porto!
Lovely place to explore, sipping beers by the sea. Visited the old town. Highly recommend during the train and saves the walk! Weather was good, food great. Very clean and tidy place. Stayed in a apartment with flights from Uk.
Portugal
Portugal adalah salah satu negara yang terletak di benua Eropa bagian selatan. Masyarakat mengenal Portugal karena prestasinya yang luar biasa di bidang olahraga sepak bola. Dan di negara inilah salah satu bintang sepak bola dunia bernama Cristiano Ronaldo lahir.
Tidak mau kalah dengan negara lainnya di Eropa, Portugal juga memiliki banyak destinasi wisata yang seru dan menarik, mulai dari bangunan bersejarah dengan arsitektur yang mewah hingga jalanan kota yang sangat mengagumkan.
Berkunjung ke Portugal tidak hanya tentang Lisbon. Perluas pengalaman berliburmu di Portugal dengan menjelajahi beragam kota cantik selain ibu kota. Nah, di bawah ini terdapat lima rekomendasinya.
#themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches
Speaking of the westernmost country on this map, you have to mention that from the 16th to the 18th century, Portugal became the most powerful global empire that influenced the world!
Portugal country, worth savoring slowly:
Character capital Lisbon Lisbon
> Uptown Bairro Alto
> Alfama District Alfama
> Belem District Belm, the glory of the great voyage
> Lower town Baixa / Chiado
Western Europe's End of the World & fairy tale town
> Cabo da Roca
> Quinta da Regaleira
> Sintra
The best tourist city of the year Porto Porto
Personal favorite city is still Porto, especially the Foz estuary in the east! At the mouth of Foz, near the sea, standing on a low rock, you can fly it, it is highly recommended!
Let's embark on a journey to explore the southern part of Portugal.
✨ Today, let's embark on a journey to explore the treasure land of southern Portugal - Algarve, and enjoy the breathtaking cliff coast scenery. 🌊 Algarve not only has the vast sea and steep cliffs dancing together, but also has warm sunshine and soft sand embracing each other. Every step is a reflection of history, and every frame is a feast of scenery.
🎈Day 1️⃣ Arrive at Faro Airport
After arriving at Faro Airport, you can choose to rent a car or take public transportation to your accommodation. Put down your luggage and take a stroll around the old town of Faro, where the cobblestone streets and historic buildings seem to tell stories of the past.
🎈Day 2️⃣ Explore Faro
After breakfast, head to the city center of Faro. Faro Cathedral and Bishop's Palace are waiting for you to feel their solemnity and sanctity. Then stroll through the narrow streets of the old town of Faro and admire the traditional architecture and unique style. In the afternoon, relax on Faro Beach and enjoy the embrace of the sun and sea breeze.
🎈Day 3️⃣ Explore Lagos
Drive to Lagos in the morning, a charming seaside town full of history and charm that will leave you wanting more. Visit historical sites such as the Lagos City Walls and Lagos Slave Market to feel the sediment of time. In the afternoon, head to the beautiful Camilo Beach or Praia do Camilo and immerse yourself in the beach and sunshine.
🎈Day 4️⃣ Visit the West Coast
Head to the west coast of Portugal to explore the stunning scenery along the Atlantic Ocean. Head to Sagres and visit Cabo de São Vicente and Fortaleza de Sagres. Stroll along the beaches of the west coast and enjoy the spectacular sea views and reefs, and let your soul be baptized by nature.
🎈Day 5️⃣ Spend a leisurely day
On the last day, relax in some of the resorts in the Algarve region, such as Vilamoura or Cascais. Participate in water sports activities such as surfing, diving, or sailing to challenge yourself. Enjoy the last meal of the trip at a seaside restaurant in the evening and reminisce about the wonderful time of the entire trip.
Portimão, the blue legend of southern Portugal.
Portimão in southern Portugal hides a continuous and fantastic cliff coastline. At the junction of the mountains and the sea, it composes the blue legend of the Atlantic Ocean.
🏝 The coast of Portimão is full of strange stones, cliffs and caves with different postures, but they are scattered and difficult to reach. I chose two easy hiking routes with concentrated essence, which can be completed in half a day.
1⃣ Hiking Route 1:
Starting from Albandeira Beach, walk west to enjoy the sea Elephant Mountain Arco de Albandeira, Praia da Malhada do Baraco, Praia do Pau, Navy Beach Praia da Marinha, and the popular Heart Shape, then return to the Navy Beach along the original route, with a total distance of 3 km.
⛹🏻 The whole journey is a flat dirt road, which is very easy to walk.
📷 This route concentrates the highlights of the Portimão coast. The giant strange stones cut the coastline into a jagged shape, with various shapes. Under the cliff, there is a deserted golden beach, and the seagulls naturally become its owner. The glassy sea water rolls up thousands of snow piles, chanting the desolation and loneliness of nature.
2⃣ Hiking Route 2:
Starting from Algar Seco, walk west to Carvoeiro, with a total distance of 1.5 km.
⛹🏻 The whole journey is a wooden plank road, and you can walk as long as you have legs.
📷 Algar Seco hides many sea caves, with ups and downs of tidal sounds, and a different cave. Carvoeiro is a seaside town with unique Mediterranean-style buildings and is known as the Santorini of Portugal. The check-in machine in Figure 17 is at Alto da Praia do Carvoeiro, overlooking the town bay.
🚍 Non-self-driving transportation:
The bus in Portimão is expensive and the time is sparse. If you don't drive by yourself, you can only take a taxi (Uber or Bolt), even if you take a taxi alone, it is very cheap. Portimão to Albandeira Beach is about 12 euros, Navy Beach to Algar Seco is about 7 euros, and Carvoeiro to Portimão is about 10 euros.
🥘 Food:
Delicious and cheap Portuguese-style seafood!
1⃣ Restaurante O Mata Porcos (Portimão city)
Must eat the southern Portuguese specialty Babysquids in olive oil, fry the whole squid, and chewy in the glutinous. The House wine green Portuguese specialty green wine must be tasted with the meal, which is less astringent than white wine and has more fruity sweetness.
2⃣ Restaurante Casa Algarvia (Carvoeiro)
The ideal choice after the end of the hike! Must eat Octopus a Lagareiro Portuguese-style special octopus leg, the method of boiling and then roasting makes the octopus leg crispy on the outside, but the core is extremely soft, and the taste is amazing. The side dishes are roasted sweet potatoes, roasted garlic slices, and stir-fried vegetables, full of garlic flavor.
Victoria Anderson28 Serene Portugal family-friendly resort.
Recommended family-friendly resort in Portugal
After touring Lisbon, I wanted to find a resort to relax. The all-inclusive hotel I liked was fully booked, so I booked a nearby hotel without meals. The experience was very good.
1. Guests at this hotel can enjoy the facilities of several nearby hotels, as they are all part of the same group. There are more than a dozen swimming pools of various sizes, two of which are water parks for children. You can play for several days.
2. It is a 10-minute walk to the beach, which is very convenient for playing in the sand and watching the sea. (There are beautiful women swimming naked on the beach, and their figures shocked me)
3. The hotel restaurant is priced for tourists, but you can walk 1 kilometer to the city center to enjoy various international cuisines at Portuguese prices, which is really cost-effective.
4. Most of the guests at the hotel are British. They generally don't want to take their sand and water toys home and leave them in the rest area for anyone to take. You don't need to buy toys.
5. The suite with a kitchen and living room is very convenient for families. You can cook simple meals in the kitchen. The TV in the living room can be connected to the Internet. I was able to watch Chinese dramas in Portugal.
6. The hotel has a kids club with different themed activities every day. Children can be left in the care of the club.
Sao Jorge Castle
#traveldiaries
While I was in Portugal I went to sao Jorge castle which was super high up the slopes and super tiring but definitely worth it as it was quite a pretty place to be at. Entrance fee required if you would like to come. Over here can get a Birds Eye view of the city / town and it was nice to take some pictures. Maybe during the sunset would be even better. The place is crowded with tourists exploring the area. Suggest coming during weekdays instead of weekends to avoid larger crowds.
Flea market (Lisbon) outside timeout market
#traveldiaries
When I was at Lisbon I went to timeout market and while I was exiting I noticed this flea market just right outside. There were many stores selling many different souvenirs like t shirts, some porcelains, some fragrances etc and magnets as well as bracelets. All of them looked really pretty and I was in fact very attracted to purchase them. Do drop by if you have time as it’s conveniently located just outside the timeout market which you will definitely visit when in Portugal
Hiking up the giralda tower
#traveldiaries
I hiked up the giralda tower while I was in Portugal and this was part of the tickets that I purchased to enter the church. It was quite a tiring walk up as the slope was a bit steep and there’s about 17 floors up. But the view up there was definitely worth it and I enjoyed my time here. Lots of tourists and it was crowded but still managed to take some pictures. Not for those who are super old as the walk up is indeed quite tough and tiring.
Zara cafe egg tarts
#traveldiaries
I went to the Zara shop at Lisbon and they have a cafe over here and of course I tried out their egg tarts as Portugal is really famous for these. It is not too bad honestly and the crust was good and crispy though I felt it is a bit thick too but still great! And the staff were really friendly over here. Nice to relax here after shopping at the huge Zara! Suggest dropping by for some food after you purchase your items. It’s nice and relaxing
Taking the train from Lisbon to Porto
#traveldiaries
If you are traveling within Portugal from Lisbon to Porto, you can actually get there by the train within about 3-4 hours and it’s a very worthy way to go as prices for the tickets are quite affordable and time spent is also quite short. Suggest going to the train station early and get tickets as there may not be many seats if you choose to go during the peak hour. Train station is clean and nice too , and trains were good and efficient
Bolhao market
#traveldiaries
While I was in Portugal Porto I visited the Bolhao market for some breakfast. Heard it is a must visit for tourists and sure enough I was quite happy to be here. Food looked really good and they have quite a variety as well. Cooked food and seafood were available. Also there’s lots of stores selling souvenirs to bring home for friends and families like magnets, porcelain stuff and even sardines as Portugal is famous for this. Do visit if you are nearby
Crossing the ponte luis bridge
#traveldiaries
A must do activity if you are in Portugal - Crossing the ponte luis bridge. I crossed to the other side , Gaia and crossed back on the same day as I wanted to explore both sides of Portugal. It was fun and not too long. Distance was quite ok and an easy walk. Lots of photo opportunities on the bridge too. And there’s a train that passes by so take some pictures while you’re here. Fun activity in Portugal
Cais do sodre market
#traveldiaries
Was at Cais do Sorde while I was in Portugal Lisbon trying to catch the sunset and take some nice pictures here and came across this market which has plenty of stores selling food and drinks. They are quite affordable and can just buy some to dine here while watching the sunset. It was a wonderful experience! Do check out if you are by the area and better to come in the evening! Though it may be crowded
Pestana cr7 hotel
#traveldiaries
Visited the Pestana cr7 hotel owned by Pestana Hotel Group and Cristiano Ronaldo! It was so magnificent and cool. I did not stay here but just came by to take a look. The exterior of the hotel already looks so beautiful. It is located at Lisbon Portugal. It is a four star hotel. And conveniently located near baixa. Makes travelling around really easy. Do check it out if you’re interested
#summerdestinations the best vacation I recommend
Manteigaria egg tarts
#traveldiaries
If you are visiting Portugal, one of the must try’s would be manteigaria. They sell really good Portuguese egg tarts. It is a bit sweet but delicious, and the crust was so crispy and good! Wasn’t too dry as well overall. Long queues at peak hours but the queues move really fast. Many outlets available in both Porto and Lisbon. Do check them out! The prices are also reasonable and affordable
Unforgettable visit to Livraria Lello Purtogal
Visiting Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal, was an experience like stepping into a literary dream. From the moment I entered the historic bookshop, I was enveloped by its enchanting atmosphere, a magical blend of neo-Gothic architecture and rich literary history. The first thing that struck me was the iconic grand staircase—its winding, red-carpeted curves seemed to defy gravity, leading me to the upper floors in an elegant spiral. It’s not just a staircase but a central piece of art, often said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s vision for Hogwarts while she lived in Porto.
Everywhere I looked, intricate wooden carvings decorated the shelves, ceiling, and walls, each nook filled with the scent of old paper and bound books. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass skylight above, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the shelves below, creating a warm and almost ethereal glow. The skylight, inscribed with “Decus in Labore” (Dignity in Work), further highlighted the store's devotion to literature and craftsmanship.
What made the visit truly unforgettable was the diversity of books available. From rare Portuguese literary treasures to modern global bestsellers, each book seemed to carry a unique weight. I remember leafing through a first edition of José Saramago’s Blindness, feeling the connection to the country’s literary soul. The shop’s dedication to preserving both local and global literary heritage made it feel like more than just a bookstore—it was a living museum of stories.
Even amidst the gentle hum of tourists and fellow book lovers, there was a quiet reverence that filled the space. Livraria Lello was not just a place to buy books; it was a portal to worlds both real and imagined, making the experience unforgettable and deeply inspiring.
#awesomepic
Discover the hometown of Cristiano Ronaldo! Madeira Island, a hidden gem in Portugal that you can't miss.
**Portugal·Madeira Island Travel Guide**
**I. Recommended Attractions**
1. Volcanic Landforms: The volcanic landforms of Madeira Island are the source of its unique charm. The strange peaks and rocks, and the crisscrossing gullies provide tourists with an excellent place to explore natural wonders.
2. Swimming Bays: There are many bays on the island, many of which are suitable for swimming. The blue sea and delicate beaches are ideal places for you to enjoy the fun of the beach.
3. Green Valleys and Cliffs: The green valleys of Madeira Island are lush and full of vitality; the cliffs are even more magnificent, providing excellent shooting and exploration locations for photography enthusiasts and adventurers.
**II. Climate and Seasons**
The climate of Madeira Island is mild and pleasant all year round. No matter when you visit, you can feel the pleasant climate and rich natural scenery.
**III. Recommended Food**
On Madeira Island, you can taste a variety of Portuguese cuisine and local specialties. It is recommended to taste local seafood, barbecue, and wine.
**IV. Travel Tips**
1. Best travel time: suitable all year round, but the climate is most pleasant in spring and autumn.
2. Transportation: You can choose to fly directly to Madeira Island, or take a cruise to visit the Atlantic coastline.
3. Precautions: Please respect local customs and habits, protect the environment, and do not litter.
Madeira Island, as the "Pearl of the Atlantic", is worth a visit whether it is natural scenery or humanities and history. I hope you have a pleasant and unforgettable trip on Madeira Island!
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Portugal showcases contemporary works and is a great place to visit in August 2024.
The Museum of Contemporary Art – MAC/CCB, located at Praca do Imperio, 1449-003 Lisbon, Portugal, features a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum houses many interesting paintings, including famous artworks and pieces by local artists. It is a very interesting and diverse museum with a wide variety of modern art, making it well worth a visit.
Lisbon / Porto
#myhiddengems#portugal🇵🇹 #travel_2024 #portugaltravel There is no need to add many words, just enjoy the pictures, a trip to Portugal, Lisbon and Porto, the views are so amazing, the people, the culture, and most importantly, the peace and quiet everywhere we were
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🗓️Itinerary Scheduling:b
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Attractions - benagil albufeira, porto,
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Portugal