Portugal has become one of the best tourist destinations in Europe. The vast and diverse geography is a unique feature in the country. Here are some of the best places to visit in Portugal.
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, is the first destination to visit during a trip to the country. Pleasantly warm in summer, you are likely to find loads of tourists during that time. A great place to visit for a family vacation, you are sure to enjoy your time here. Just exploring the city itself will take you a few days. Praca do Comercio, the main square in the city, is similar to Trafalgar Square and is a great place to start. You can climb the stairs of Cristo Rel, a massive statue of Christ, to take in a spectacular view of the city. Attractions like the Belem Cultural Centre are a must-see if you are an art aficionado. Works of Picasso, Dali, Magritte and Warhol vie for your attention, and you are sure to spend many an hour there. Finally, no trip to Lisbon is complete without a trip to the great beaches there to top up your suntan levels.
Algarve
Algarve has some of the region’s most picturesque villages and beautiful beaches. This destination is especially renowned for the popular golf courses dotting the coast. This region is a popular destination for golf holidays Portugal drawing hundreds of thousands of avid golfers across the globe. There are a total of 35 golf clubs in the Algarve region so be sure to keep some time in hand during a trip here.
Some of the other notable places here are:
– The Fortaleza de Sagres which is a fort established in the 15th century
– Cape of Sao Vicente, a sacred place for the ancient Romans.
– Faro, the capital region which has charming neighborhoods dating back to the 18th century.
Porto
This city provided the whole world with the famous wine known as Port. It is the 2nd largest city in Portugal. Porto is full of ancient narrow streets and alleys having centuries-old buildings. The Cais da Ribeira riverfront in the center of Porto is incredibly picturesque. Sleepily languid during the day, it comes alive in evenings. A multitude of cafes, restaurants, and bars dot the banks of the river Douro. Snatches of music can be heard during a stroll on the riverside, going well with the smell of grilled fish and coffee floating in the air.
Funchal
Madiera is a collection of 4 Portuguese islands a bit further away from the North African coast. Its capital Funchal is a city with a picturesque harbor and a cathedral dating back to more than 500 years. The city is great to walk around during the day, taking in the sights. The pace picks up after sunset in its many restaurants, casinos, and nightclubs.
Funchal is well known for its wine, crafts and white gold (Madeiran sugar) which made it famous. Some of the best places to visit are the Sacred Art Museum, open Worker’s Market and Blandy’s Wine Lodge. Cheap taxis, friendly locals and streets perfect for strolls make this city an ideal destination if you want a laid back holiday.
Portugal is a perfect tourist destination to go throughout the year. With warm, friendly people, fabulous sights and excellent cuisine, you will be sure to enjoy your trip.
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