Portugal is a country full of history, gastronomy, and secrets from end to end. If you’re planning a visit and want to go beyond the traditional sights, such as tram riding or eating pastéis de nata, get ready for a “Portugal – ultimate bucket list” that shows the most authentic and unforgettable activities and places in Portugal. Bring your notepad and make your trip (or move) to Portugal memorable.
If you love nature and hiking, the Paiva Walkways are a must. This wooden path along the Paiva River, in the Arouca Geopark, offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to be in direct contact with unspoiled nature. It takes around 2 and half hours to walk the whole way.
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is one of Portugal’s hidden treasures. Among its wonders are the hidden lakes, such as Poço Verde, accessible only by hiking trails. These crystal-clear waters are the perfect refuge for those seeking peace and natural beauty.
Still in Gerês, the Tahiti Waterfall is one of the most impressive falls in the region. Getting there involves a challenging hike, but the view and the opportunity to swim in its natural pools make it worthwhile.
Located off the coast of Peniche, the Berlengas Islands are a nature reserve with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving. The main island, Berlenga Grande, has a historic fort and hiking trails that offer spectacular views. All you need to do is catch a boat in Peniche!
Madeira is a paradise for hiking lovers, with its trails through mountains, forests and levadas (irrigation channels). Walks such as Vereda do Areeiro offer spectacular views and the chance to explore the island’s unique biodiversity.
Lisbon’s Feira da Ladra is the perfect place for those who love antiques and curiosities. This open-air flea market offers everything from old books to vintage clothes and handicrafts. It’s a real treasure trove for rarity hunters. Further north, in Porto, there’s also the Vandoma Flea Market. It also has the same concept and offers the chance to haggle overprices.
Portugal is a country full of festivities from north to south, especially in the summer. The Santos Populares happen in June – Saint Anthony, Saint John and Saint Peter, in Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Póvoa de Varzim and many other places. These all-night (and all-month) festivals are a great way to experience true Portuguese hospitality, with music, dancing and, of course, plenty of typical food, like sardines.
In addition, there are the “festas da terrinha”, held in the interior of the country and in smaller villages, where the music is provided by concertinas and popular music ensembles. The Minho Region is a mandatory stop for this. Feiras Novas (Ponte de Lima), Festas das Cruzes (Barcelos) or Nossa Senhora da Agonia (Viana do Castelo), should be on your itinerary.
The Alentejo is well-known for its wines, and a visit to a local winery in Évora or Beja offers the chance to learn about the production process and, of course, taste some of the region’s best wines. It’s an unmissable experience for wine lovers.
Fado is the soul of Portugal, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than in Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. The restaurants and Fado houses offer live performances that are sure to touch your heart.
The Douro Valley, known as one of the oldest wine regions in the world, is a paradise for wine lovers. Sailing along the Douro River and visiting its wineries offers a perfect combination of scenery and unforgettable oenological experiences.
Start your day like a true Portuguese with a traditional breakfast in a local café. Fresh bread, cheese, ham and coffee are the basic elements of this simple but delicious meal. Some typical combinations: tosta mista and meia de leite; torrada and galão, Ucal or Compal (two popular Portuguese drinks – chocolate milk and juice)
At popular festivals and fairs, like the Santos Populares mentioned above, don’t miss out on the fartura or churro. These fried sweets, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, are a delight that brings back childhood memories for many Portuguese people. P.S. Try the stuffed churros too. You won’t regret it! (And it’s nothing like the Spanish churro)
Queijo da Serra is one of Portugal’s most renowned cheeses, produced in the Serra da Estrela region. Creamy and tasty, this cheese is perfect for enjoying with good bread and wine. If you like strong cheeses, of course.
Matosinhos, near Porto, is famous for its fish restaurants (pescarias), due to its closeness to the sea. A visit to this city is a real feast for the senses, with fresh and delicious dishes such as the typical “ameijôas à bulhão pato”, barnacles, lobster, seabrim, crab, among other delicacies.
Aveiro, known as the “Portuguese Venice”, enchants with its small canals and colorful boats, called moliceiros. Still, the big draw is the delicious ovos moles and the famous tripa, which can be stuffed with whatever you like and is typically eaten on the beach.
The Batalha Monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture, built to commemorate the victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota. It is impressive for its grandeur and detailed beauty, very close to Nazaré and just ~2 hours away from Lisbon.
Located on a small island in the Tagus River, Almourol Castle is one of Portugal’s most picturesque castles. To access it, you must get on a boat on Vila Nova da Barquinha or Praia do Ribatejo, It’s worth it!
The Convent of Christ in Tomar is a fascinating testimony to the history of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Its impressive architectural structures make it a must-see destination for history buffs, especially since it was built over the span of five centuries! A true testament of time.
The Roman ruins of Conímbriga, near Coimbra, are some best preserved in Portugal. Exploring these ruins offers a fascinating insight into life in Roman times, with mosaics, houses, and even an amphitheater.
Sintra is an enchanting town known for its fairytale palaces and castles. The Pena Palace is the most famous – and rightfully so -, but there’s also the Moorish Castle, the Quinta da Regaleira, with its famous spiral stairs and the beautiful Park and Palace of Monserrate.
The Azores are known for their volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs. Swimming in one of these springs, such as Poça da Dona Beija on the island of São Miguel, is a relaxing and invigorating experience, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. And no, the smell isn’t strong at all.
The first major landmark of Portuguese surfing is actually the surfing spots. One of them is Nazaré, famous worldwide for its giant waves, which attract surfers from all corners of the globe. Garrett McNamara started the story. Will you be next? Besides Nazaré, there’s Peniche. One of the best places to surf in Portugal, known for its consistent waves and famous Supertubos beach. In every major beach in the country, there should be a surf club where you can rent a surfboard and surf suit.
The Dão Ecopista is a cycle path between Santa Comba Dão and Viseu, that follows the old railway route, offering a peaceful and scenic ride through the beautiful landscape of this region. It’s perfect for lovers of cycling and nature.
The Sado estuary, near Setúbal, is one of the few places in Europe where you can observe bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Boat trips offer the chance to see these magnificent animals up close.
The Trevim Swing, located in the Serra da Lousã, is a wooden swing that offers spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. It’s a perfect spot for photos and for simply relaxing and enjoying nature. Due to its off-the-beaten-path location, not too many people go here.
Few words are needed to describe this historic destination. Explore its medieval streets, take pictures in the Largo do Toural, take a look at the imposing Guimarães Castle and visit the tombs in the Paço dos Duques. Discover the cultural heritage that gave birth to Portugal!
The city of students. Known for its historic university (must see place!), one of the oldest in Europe, and its academic traditions. Stroll through the Old Town, visit the Joanina Library and enjoy the views of the Mondego River. This is the “lost capital of Portugal”. Funny enough, it is quite dead during the summer, since students are on break, so try visiting during the fall or spring!
Mercado de Bolhão, also in Porto, is a traditional market where you can find a variety of fresh and typical Portuguese products. It is quite touristy nowadays, but still a great place to experience local life and try some snacks.
Lisbon is known for its viewpoints, which offer incredible panoramic views of the city. But don’t go to the most famous ones (of course you can), there are others that are equally wonderful and… with fewer people! Miradouro de Santo Estevão, Miradouro da Penha de França or Miradouro da Rua Rodrigues Francisco Lobo are just a few examples to discover.
“Azulejos” (tiles) are a trademark of Portuguese architecture. Scattered all over the country, especially in Porto, these colorful and detailed tiles decorate churches (Capelas das Almas or Igreja do Carmo), train stations (you can’t miss São Bento) or even the façades of houses, telling stories and embellishing urban landscapes.
In addition to all the suggestions mentioned above, there are other activities, places and experiences that you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit or learn about history.
From natural wonders to historical treasures, from gastronomic delights to cultural festivities, this ultimate bucket list for Portugal has something for everyone.
So, the next time you plan a trip (or a permanent move) to Portugal, consider adding some of these adventures to your wishlist and discover a different and authentic side to our fascinating country.
English • Portuguese • Spanish • German