Exploring the Best Things to Do in Portugal

Portugal is one of the most picturesque countries in Europe, boasting rugged coastlines, sun-drenched beaches, and quaint cobbled villages. It is an ideal destination for travelers of all ages, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an adventure-filled holiday or simply a chance to explore a country with a rich culture and history. Here, we explore some of the best things to do in Portugal – from its delicious food and wine, to its captivating culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Surfing in Peniche

If you’re a surfer, then head to Peniche – Portugal’s premier surfing destination. With its pristine beaches and reliable swell, it’s the perfect spot to catch some waves. Beginners can take a lesson at one of the local surf schools, while more experienced surfers can explore the various points and reefs around town. If you’re feeling brave, you can even take on the powerful waves of Supertubos, known as one of the best surf spots in Europe.

Peniche is also home to a variety of other activities, such as stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. If you’re looking for some relaxation, head to Baleal beach for a peaceful stroll or to soak up the sun.

After a day in the water, refuel with some of Portugal’s delicious seafood and wash it down with a glass of local vinho verde (green wine).

Exploring the Azores Islands

Head to the Azores Islands, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands located off the coast of Portugal. Here, you can explore stunning landscapes, from lush forests and cascading waterfalls, to rugged coastlines and black-sand beaches. You can also take a boat tour around the islands to spot whales, dolphins, and a variety of marine life.

On land, you can take a hike to explore the islands’ many trails, visit the ancient monasteries, or take a dip in the thermal pools. Be sure to also try the local delicacies, such as the regional cheese and the famous Azorean scabbard fish.

Exploring the Algarve Coast

The Algarve coast is one of Portugal’s most popular destinations, offering a variety of activities for travelers of all ages. Here, you can explore the stunning beaches, take a boat tour to spot dolphins, go fishing, and visit the quaint fishing villages along the coast. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a tour of the caves at Benagil, or explore the remote beaches of Ponta da Piedade.

The Algarve is also home to some of Portugal’s best golf courses, as well as a variety of water sports, such as windsurfing and kite-surfing. After a day of activities, be sure to refuel with some of the region’s delicious seafood dishes and wash it down with a glass of local wine.

Exploring the Silver Coast

The Silver Coast is an area of Portugal that stretches from Lisbon to Porto. Here, you can explore the charming fishing villages, such as Nazare, and take a stroll along the picturesque beaches. You can also visit the local wineries to sample some of the region’s famous wines, such as the Vinho Verde, and take a boat tour to spot dolphins and other marine life.

The Silver Coast is also home to some of Portugal’s best golf courses, as well as a variety of other activities, such as horse riding, hiking, and kayaking. After a day of activities, be sure to refuel with some of the region’s delicious seafood dishes and wash it down with a glass of local wine.

Exploring Lisbon

No trip to Portugal would be complete without a visit to its vibrant capital, Lisbon. Here, you can explore the city’s winding cobbled streets and discover its unique culture and history. Take a stroll through the old town of Alfama, visit the iconic Belem Tower, and explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and churches.

Be sure to also sample some of Lisbon’s delicious food, such as the famous pastel de nata (custard tart), and try some of the city’s famous wines, such as the vinho verde. After a day of exploring, take the cable car to the top of one of Lisbon’s seven hills for stunning views of the city.

Exploring the Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is a stunning region of Portugal, located in the north of the country. Here, you can explore the terraced vineyards, take a cruise along the Douro River, and visit the quaint villages that line the banks. Be sure to also sample some of the region’s delicious food, such as the local olive oil, and take a tour of one of the local wineries to sample some of the region’s famous wines.

The Douro Valley is also home to a variety of activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. You can also take a cable car to the top of the hill for stunning views of the valley.

Exploring Sintra

Sintra is a charming town located in the hills of Portugal’s coast. Here, you can explore the cobbled streets and discover its unique culture and history. Visit the fairytale-like Pena Palace, take a stroll through the old town, and explore the city’s many museums and galleries. Be sure to also sample some of Sintra’s delicious food, such as the famous pastel de nata, and wash it down with a glass of local wine.

Sintra is also home to a variety of activities, such as horse riding, hiking, and kayaking. After a day of exploring, take the cable car to the top of one of Sintra’s hills for stunning views of the city.

Exploring Porto

Porto is a stunning city located in the north of Portugal. Here, you can explore the city’s winding cobbled streets, discover its unique culture and history, and sample some of its delicious food, such as the famous francesinha sandwich. Be sure to also take a boat tour along the Douro River and visit one of the city’s many wineries to sample some of its famous wines.

Porto is also home to a variety of activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. After a day of exploring, take the cable car to the top of one of Porto’s hills for stunning views of the city.

Exploring Coimbra

Coimbra is a charming city located in the center of Portugal. Here, you can explore the city’s winding cobbled streets, discover its unique culture and history, and visit the famous University of Coimbra, the oldest university in the country. Be sure to also sample some of Coimbra’s delicious food, such as the local sardines, and take a stroll through the city’s many parks and gardens.

Coimbra is also home to a variety of activities, such as horse riding, kayaking, and hiking. After a day of exploring, take the cable car to the top of one of Coimbra’s hills for stunning views of the city.

Exploring the Alentejo Region

The Alentejo region is a stunning area of Portugal located in the south of the country. Here, you can explore the rolling hills, take a stroll through the charming villages, and visit the local wineries to sample some of the region’s famous wines. Be sure to also sample some of the region’s delicious food, such as the local olive oil, and take a boat tour to spot dolphins and other marine life.

The Alentejo is also home to a variety of activities, such as horse riding, hiking, and kayaking. After a day of activities, take the cable car to the top of one of the region’s hills for stunning views of the countryside.

Exploring the Madeira Islands

The Madeira Islands are a stunning archipelago of four volcanic islands located off the coast of Portugal. Here, you can explore the stunning landscapes, take a boat tour to spot whales and dolphins, and visit the local wineries to sample some of the region’s famous wines. Be sure to also sample some of the region’s delicious food, such as the regional cheese and the famous Madeira scabbard fish.

The Madeira Islands are also home to a variety of activities, such as horse riding, hiking, and kayaking. After a day of activities, take the cable car to the top of one of the islands’ hills for stunning views of the surrounding ocean.

Exploring the Algarve Beaches

The Algarve is home to some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, such as the famous Praia da Rocha, Praia de Marinha, and Praia de Benagil. Here, you can take a stroll along the picturesque beaches, take a boat tour to spot dolphins, and visit the quaint fishing villages along the coast. Be sure to also sample some of the region’s delicious seafood dishes and wash it down with a glass of local wine.

The Algarve is also home to a variety of activities, such as windsurfing and kite-surfing. After a day of activities, take the cable car to the top of one of the region’s hills for stunning views of the coastline.

Exploring the Northern Coast

The Northern Coast of Portugal is a stunning area of the country, stretching from Lisbon to Porto. Here, you can explore the charming fishing villages, such as Nazare, take a stroll along the picturesque beaches, and visit the local wineries to sample some of the region’s famous wines. Be sure to also sample some of the region’s delicious seafood dishes and wash it down with a glass of local wine.

The Northern Coast is also home to a variety of activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. After a day of activities, take the cable car to the top of one of the region’s hills for stunning views of the coastline.

Conclusion

Portugal is an incredibly diverse country, offering travelers a variety of activities and experiences to enjoy. From its stunning beaches and rugged coastlines, to its delicious food and wine, there is something for everyone in Portugal. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled holiday, a romantic getaway, or simply a chance to explore a country with a rich culture and history, Portugal is the perfect destination.