Portugal Vacations

Overview

Historic and hilly Lisbon is Europe’s second-oldest capital city. Here you will find UNESCO World Heritage Sites Jerónimos Monastery, the final resting place of explorer Vasco de Gama, and nearby Belém Tower, the city’s most iconic monument and symbol of the Age of Discovery. Seaside Cascais is located near Lisbon on the Portuguese Riviera and is renowned for its sandy beaches. Porto, Portugal’s second city, is beautifully located along the Douro River and famed for Port wine and the picturesque Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is known for its alluring coastline, breathtaking beaches, and Faro, its capital, which boasts cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Madeira is an archipelago and autonomous region of Portugal located off the northwest coast of Africa renowned for its wine, subtropical climate, awe-inspiring natural scenery, and beaches. 

What to See

Lisbon and Cascais – Castelo de São Jorge towers over the Portuguese capital from its highest hill and is a National Monument. Other must-see sights in Lisbon include the Alfama, the oldest district of the city famed for its narrow cobblestone streets and traditional houses that wind all the way up to Castelo de São Jorge; and the Monument to the Discoveries, located on the banks of the Tagus River, which is an immense stone caravel and ode to Portuguese exploration. Cascais is all about beaches, and some of its best include Praia da Conceicao, Praia da Rainha, and Praia do Tamariz. 

Porto – Meander through the maze of La Ribeira's medieval cobblestone streets. Porto's picturesque and colorful La Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also boasts a riverfront promenade on the Douro, Cais da Ribeira, which is lined with pastel-colored houses and eclectic eateries. Porto's 13th-century cathedral is also a must-see sight, as well as Avenida dos Aliados, the city's main thoroughfare where you will find a plethora of ornate buildings, boutiques, and cafes. 

The Algarve – Portugal's southernmost region is world-famous for its beaches, surfing, rugged coastline, and golf resorts. Explore a cornucopia of ecosystems at Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, which boasts a labyrinth of canals, islands, marshes, dune islands, and a plethora of bird species. The Algarve's capital, Faro, is a culturally rich city teeming with historic attractions. 

Madeira – Take one of the world's most awe-inspiring hikes to the top of Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak at 6,000 feet. Ride the Funchal Cable Car in the capital, where the views become more breathtaking the higher you climb and at the top you will find the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, which is home to thousands of plant species, peaceful ponds, and the Monte Palace Museum. Ride back down the mountain in a traditional wicker toboggan, a custom dating back to the 1850s. On Porto Santo Island, visit the Christopher Columbus House Museum, which displays portraits, maps, and more.