Portugal for First Timers

Every place below is pinned on the interactive map with its exact location. You can browse it for free, and copy the whole map into your own Ikuzo account to adapt it to your trip.

Lisbon

Belém Tower

Iconic 16th century fortress on the Tagus and the symbol of the Age of Discoveries. Buy a timed ticket online or just admire it from outside, the interior is small and lines get long.

Jerónimos Monastery

Stunning Manueline monastery and UNESCO site, the cloister is the highlight. Go right at opening or book ahead, it is the busiest sight in Lisbon.

Pastéis de Belém

The original pastel de nata bakery, running since 1837 with a secret recipe. The takeaway line moves fast, eat them warm with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Alfama District

Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, a maze of steep alleys, laundry lines and fado bars. Just wander without a plan, getting lost here is the whole point.

Tram 28 (Miradouro das Portas do Sol)

The famous yellow tram rattles right past this viewpoint over Alfama's rooftops and the river. Board early in the morning to avoid packed cars and watch your pockets.

São Jorge Castle

Hilltop Moorish castle with the best panoramic view of Lisbon and resident peacocks. Book online to skip the ticket line and come late afternoon for softer light.

Praça do Comércio

Grand riverfront square that was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, entered through the Rua Augusta Arch. Climb the arch for a cheap view down the pedestrian axis of Baixa.

Santa Justa Lift

Neo Gothic iron elevator from 1902 linking Baixa to the Carmo ruins. Skip the long paid ride and walk to the upper platform from Largo do Carmo for the same view.

Time Out Market

Huge food hall inside Mercado da Ribeira gathering top Lisbon chefs and classics under one roof. Go off peak, finding a table at lunch or dinner is a sport.

LX Factory

Old industrial complex under the bridge turned into shops, street art, restaurants and the Ler Devagar bookstore. Best on a Sunday when the flea market is on.

Sintra & Coast

Pena Palace

Fairytale red and yellow palace on a Sintra hilltop, the most popular day trip from Lisbon. Buy timed tickets online days ahead and arrive before 9h30 or the crowds are brutal.

Quinta da Regaleira

Mysterious estate with the famous Initiation Well, tunnels and lush gardens. Many visitors prefer it to Pena, allow at least two hours to explore.

Moorish Castle

Ruined 9th century castle walls snaking along the ridge opposite Pena Palace. Walk the ramparts for the best views over Sintra and the Atlantic.

Cabo da Roca

Dramatic cliffs at the westernmost point of mainland Europe, marked by a lighthouse and a stone monument. Bring a jacket, the wind is fierce even in summer.

Cascais

Elegant seaside town at the end of the coastal train line from Lisbon, with beaches, a pretty old center and the Boca do Inferno cliffs. Pairs well with Sintra on a loop day.

Porto & North

Ribeira

Porto's riverside quarter of colorful stacked houses, cafes and boat quays, a UNESCO site. Come at sunset when the facades glow and grab a drink facing the bridge.

Dom Luís I Bridge

Double deck iron bridge over the Douro, built by a student of Eiffel. Walk the upper deck for the classic postcard view between Porto and Gaia.

Livraria Lello

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world with its famous crimson staircase. Entry needs a paid voucher booked online, redeemable against a book purchase.

Clérigos Tower

Baroque bell tower and the landmark of the Porto skyline. Climb the 240 steps for a 360 degree view over the old town.

São Bento Station

Working train station whose entrance hall is covered in 20000 azulejo tiles telling Portugal's history. Free to enter, five minutes is enough and worth every one.

Vila Nova de Gaia Port Cellars

The south bank of the Douro is lined with historic port wine lodges like Fonseca, Cálem, Sandeman and Taylor's. Book a cellar tour with tasting, late afternoon slots pair nicely with sunset on the quay.

Foz do Douro

Seaside district where the Douro meets the Atlantic, with a lighthouse, promenade and beach bars. Take the historic tram line 1 along the river from Ribeira to get here.

Guimarães Castle

Tenth century castle in the town known as the birthplace of Portugal. An easy train day trip from Porto, combine it with the Ducal Palace next door and the medieval old town.

Douro Valley

Miradouro Casal de Loivos (Pinhão)

One of the finest viewpoints in the Douro Valley, looking down on Pinhão and the terraced vineyards along the river bend. A short drive above the village, best light is late afternoon.

Peso da Régua

Main hub town of the Douro wine region and the classic base for exploring it. Arrive on the scenic train line from Porto, then take a boat or drive on to Pinhão through the terraces.

Center

Óbidos

Perfectly preserved medieval walled village of whitewashed houses and cobbled lanes. Walk the walls, try a shot of ginjinha cherry liqueur in a chocolate cup, half a day is enough.

Praia do Norte (Nazaré)

Home of the biggest surfed waves on the planet, watched from the red lighthouse fort on the cliff. Giant swells hit between October and March, in summer it is a beautiful wild beach.

Aveiro Canals

Canals crossed by colorful moliceiro boats have earned Aveiro its Venice of Portugal nickname. Take a short boat ride, admire the Art Nouveau facades and try ovos moles, the local sweet.

University of Coimbra

One of Europe's oldest universities, crowning the hill above Coimbra with a UNESCO listed courtyard. The baroque Joanina Library is the star, entry is by timed ticket so book the slot first.

Sanctuary of Fátima

One of the world's major Catholic pilgrimage sites, built where three shepherd children reported visions in 1917. The vast esplanade holds huge crowds on the 12th and 13th of each month.

Chapel of Bones (Évora)

Small 17th century chapel lined with the bones of some 5000 monks, built as a meditation on mortality. Évora itself, a UNESCO walled town with a Roman temple, deserves the rest of the day.

Algarve

Benagil Cave

Sea cave with a natural skylight above a hidden beach, the most photographed spot in the Algarve. Swimming in is no longer allowed, book a small boat or kayak tour from Benagil beach early in the day.

Ponta da Piedade

Golden cliffs, arches and sea stacks just outside Lagos, arguably the Algarve's most dramatic coastline. Walk the clifftop boardwalks for free or descend the staircase to explore the grottoes by boat.

Praia da Marinha

Regularly ranked among Europe's most beautiful beaches, framed by ochre cliffs and clear water. Start the Seven Hanging Valleys clifftop trail here, it passes right above Benagil Cave.

Lagos Old Town

Walled old town of cobbled lanes, tiled facades and lively squares, the best base for the western Algarve. Everything is walkable, with Ponta da Piedade and town beaches a short stroll away.

Faro Old Town

Compact walled quarter entered through the Arco da Vila, with a quiet cathedral square and storks nesting on the rooftops. Worth a couple of hours before or after a flight, plus a boat into the Ria Formosa lagoon.

Fortaleza de Sagres

Clifftop fortress at the wild southwestern tip of Europe, tied to Henry the Navigator and the Age of Discoveries. Combine it with nearby Cabo de São Vicente for a famous end of the world sunset.

Madeira

Pico do Arieiro

Madeira's third highest peak at 1818 m, reachable by car with a view above the clouds. Come for sunrise or hike the spectacular ridge trail PR1 toward Pico Ruivo if the weather is clear.

Monte Palace Garden & Cable Car

Ride the cable car from Funchal's old town up to Monte and its exotic tropical garden with koi ponds and azulejos. Descend the traditional way, in a wicker toboggan steered by straw hatted carreiros.

Cabo Girão Skywalk

Glass floored platform hanging over one of Europe's highest sea cliffs, 580 m above the ocean. Free to visit and a quick stop from Funchal, mornings are usually clearer.