Taking a trip to Portugal is something everyone should do at some point in their lives. Back in 2019, Portugal had 27 million visitors, and it’s easy to see why. With some of the world’s most famous beaches and architecture, as well as incredible weather in the summer months, Portugal is a clear choice for a wonderful holiday spent exploring cities, relaxing by the beach or even going skiing! Portugal is a country that caters well to any kind of holiday, and to prove it we’ve put together a list of 6 things you should do when you visit Portugal to have the most unforgettable holiday yet!
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1. Go to the Oceanário de Lisboa
The Oceanário de Lisboa is an oceanarium located in the capital city of Portugal. The aquarium is the biggest in Europe and is home to an estimated 16,000 animals from around 450 different species. They have some incredible exhibits, such as a huge sunfish, some incredible spider crabs and two sea otters. This is a place you can’t miss if you’re a fan of animals!
2. Take in the Quinta da Regaleira
The Quinta da Regaleira is a beautiful estate located near to the centre of Sintra, a town in the Greater Lisbon area of Portugal. The historic centre of Sintra is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an incredibly popular tourist attraction. The estate includes a Romantic-era palace and chapel as well as a huge park with so much to see. Visiting the Quinta da Regaleira is a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon and take in some history at the same time.
3. Go Skiing at the Serra da Estrela
When you think of a holiday to Portugal, you may not immediately think of skiing, however, the Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in continental Portugal and is also home to several ski resorts. If you’re in Portugal and fancy a spot of skiing this is absolutely the place to go, just be sure to check the snow forecasts before jetting off to make sure you’re planning for the best weather possible!
4. Visit Ponta da Ferraria
Located on the Portuguese island of São Miguel is the Ponta da Ferraria. This incredible bucket-list site is a volcanic hot pool where people are able to swim and relax in the warmth of this naturally heated pool in the sea. If you don’t fancy navigating the rocks and safety ropes that have been put up to keep visitors safe, then why not take a short walk to the Spa Termas da Ferraria where you can relax in the waters of the area’s hot springs to provide lots of relaxing medical and spa treatments.
5. Enjoy the sun at Praia Sao Rãfael
The Praia de São Rafael is a beach which can be found on the southern coast of the Algarve. It is a beautiful golden beach which is backed by limestone cliffs and has both toilets and public showers due to its popularity in the summer. If there’s anything Portugal is known for, it’s the incredible beaches across the Algarve, so make sure to spend some time soaking in the sun when you’re there!
6. See Ponte de Dom Luís I
When the Dom Luís I Bridge was first constructed in 1886, it was the longest arch bridge in the world. It spans 172 meters (564 ft) and is an incredible landmark in Portugal. It is located on the River Douro and connects the two cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia and is well worth a visit if you’re nearby!