12 Things To Do in Portugal Before You Die

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Want to experience the very best of Portugal? We have got you covered in this article. Portugal’s beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history offer adventures whose memories will stick with you forever. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a wine enthusiast, a foodie, or a history buff, these activities will make your trip to Portugal more fulfilling.

As you probably already know, Portugal has so much adventure to offer. Even if you live in Portugal, you may not have the time to explore all of it. If you were to choose just a few things that will make your trip thrilling and mind-blowing, choose these 12 things; you will not be disappointed.

Ride on Lisbon’s Tram 28

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One of the best ways to see the beauty of Lisbon is riding on the little Tram 28. For starters, the vintage yellow trains are picturesque themselves, and riding them feels like stepping back in time. Then, they ride through the city’s heart, covering many of its attractions. The tram line goes through Alfama District, the oldest district in Lisbon, known for its maze-like streets and traditional Fado houses, and Baixa District, which features grand plazas and neoclassical architecture.

To better experience the charm of this tram ride, go early in the morning or later in the evening. Remember, locals still use it on their daily commute. They, therefore, can get crowded when tourists start flocking in.

If you have no adequate time, consider hopping on and off the scenic Tram 28 route, as you will quickly and conveniently experience the charm of this city, including its main attractions, narrow streets, historic buildings and hilly terrain.

Cruise The Douro River

Taking a boat ride on the Douro River through the Douro Valley is hands down the best way to experience one of Portugal’s most picturesque landscapes. The Douro River flows through the heart of Portugal’s most popular wine-producing region, Douro Valley, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These cruise rides offer unparalleled views of terraced vineyards, rolling hills, and charming countryside.

Moreover, the Douro Valley holds a significant place in history as the world’s first-ever demarcated wine region. With over 2,000 years of wine production, this region offers a lot of history to explore.

Relax on the Algarve’s Beaches

The Algarve region in southern Portugal is renowned for its stunning coastline, featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. With golden sands, clear turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves, lounging on the Algarve’s beaches is something you should do before you die.

Some of the beaches you cannot miss in your Algarve escape include Praia da Marinha, Praia da Rocha, Praia de Benagil, and Meia Praia.

Furthermore, the Algarve’s coastline is dotted with striking rock formations, sea caves, and grottoes, creating a breathtaking backdrop for beachgoers. You will also love that the region enjoys a great Mediterranean climate, with over 300 sunny days a year, making it a year-round beach destination.

Visit the Historic Center of Porto

The historic center of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a captivating blend of old-world charm, architectural marvels, and vibrant culture. One of the most popular spots in Porto is the Ribeira District, a riverside district known for its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere. Exploring this area offers a glimpse into Porto’s rich history.

When visiting, walk along the streets of historic Porto and discover Baroque churches, medieval buildings, and charming cafes. Talking of cafes, do not miss the Ribeira Square, located by the Douro River, known for its beautiful cafes and restaurants. Other unmissable landmarks include the Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), Clerigos Tower, and the Church of São Francisco, which has an elaborate Baroque interior and gilded woodwork.

Walking around the streets of Porto is already a great way to explore this charming city. However, you should also take boat rides on the Douro River to enjoy different perspectives of the city and its architectural marvels.

Experience Fado Music

No trip to Portugal is complete without experiencing the soul-stirring melodies of Fado music. This traditional genre of Portuguese music, known for its expressive and profoundly melancholic character, offers a unique cultural experience that provides deep insight into Portuguese traditions. Whether in a cozy Fado house or a historic neighborhood, the soulful melodies of Fado Music will leave you with a lasting impression of Portugal.

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Fado is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further highlighting its importance in Portuguese culture. This goes a long way in showing how significant these melodies are to Portuguese culture.

For the best experiences, explore Fado houses in Lisbon and Porto. When in Lisbon, Alfama and Bairro Alto districts are known for having the best Fado houses. You may also be lucky to bump into free performances in public squares. You can also explore the Fado Museum in Lisbon to learn about this music genre’s history and evolution and see exhibits on famous Fado singers and composers.

Taste Portuguese Pastries

One of the best ways to experience the culture of a people is to sample their cuisine. Typically, food is made from recipes that have been passed from one generation to another. They are historic and deeply rooted in the people’s culture. Trying different Portuguese pastries is an experience you will forever cherish.

Looking for some recommendations? The most loved and delicious Portuguese pastries you cannot afford to miss include Pastel de Nata, Travesseiros de Sintra, Queijadas de Sintra, Bola de Berlim, and Pasteis de Tentúgal. This is not just an experience reserved for foodies. Anyone who wants to immerse themselves in authentic Portuguese culture should not miss out on these delicious pastries when exploring Portugal.

Tour the University of Coimbra

Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Thanks to its long history and architectural marvels, this university was inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a destination you should not miss when exploring Portugal.

Some unmissable highlights include the Baroque Joanina Library, which has over 250,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts and books dating as far back as the 16th century, and the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, known for its seamless blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Manueline architectural styles; Capela de São Miguel, a beautiful 16th-century chapel featuring stunning azulejos (ceramic tiles), intricate woodwork, and a beautiful altar. To gain deeper insights into the rich history and architectural heritage of the University of Coimbra, consider having guided tours through the campus.

Read also: Portugal’s Stunning Castles

Surf in Nazare

Adrenaline seekers, Nazare is a destination you need to explore. This seaside city is renowned for its massive waves, making it a world-famous surfing destination. It attracts professional surfers and thrill-seekers from around the globe who come to challenge the record-breaking swells. The records of the biggest waves ever surfed were broken in Nazare, which goes a long way in showing you how massive the waves are here.

In case you are wondering why the waves are so big here, an underwater canyon off the coast of Nazaré creates massive swells that reach heights of over 100 feet. No, you do not have to surf these waves if you are not a professional surfer. Sitting back and watching surfers in action or just seeing the force with which the waves crash is already a thrilling adventure. You could also join one of the surf schools in Nazare and begin your surfing journey.

However, if you are a pro surfer who likes to challenge massive waves or would like to break a world record, this is the destination for you. Surfing in Nazare offers an unparalleled adrenaline rush and the opportunity to witness some of the most impressive waves on the planet.

Go Island Hopping in the Azores Archipelago

The Azores Archipelago, a group of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its natural beauty and endless outdoor adventures. These islands are generally characterized by dramatic volcanic formations, lush greenery, and pristine lakes. However, they each have individual personalities and attractions, which is why you have to visit all of them.

Start in São Miguel Island, known for its beautiful volcanic lakes. The highlight of exploring this island is the twin Sete Cidades lakes, one blue and another green. You can then proceed to Pico Island, which has Portugal’s highest peak and the best whale-watching opportunities, and Faial Island, which has Capelinhos Volcano, the site of the Azores’ last volcanic eruption.

Go ahead and explore the beautiful landscapes of Terceira Island, São Jorge Island, and Flores Island, known for its numerous waterfalls; Graciosa Island, Santa Maria Island and Corvo Island. Make sure you research the islands and choose one that suits your travel preference best. However, if you have time, we would highly recommend you visit all the 9 islands.

Sample Madeira Wine

Portugal is widely associated with Port wine, which is truly iconic. However, if you are a wine enthusiast, you want to give Madeira wine just as much attention as you would give Port wines.

Produced on Madeira Island, these wines are known for their unique production processes and rich flavors. Even more interesting, Madeira wine is known as the wine used to toast the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. It is clear that its greatness has been known far and wide for such a long time.

To get a better taste of Madeira wine, you can visit the wineries located in Funchal, the island’s capital; learn about the history of the wine production at Madeira Wine Museum, or join wine-tasting tours that take tourists to wineries and vineyards across the island.

Sampling Madeira wine is not just about tasting the wine but also immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Madeira. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, the experience of savoring this unique wine in its place of origin is unforgettable.

Discover Sintra’s Palaces

Sintra is renowned for its breathtaking palaces, each offering a unique glimpse into Portugal’s rich history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Several of Sintra’s palaces have served as royal residences and are deeply intertwined with the country’s history. Thanks to their rich historical and cultural value, Sintra’s landscape, which hosts these palaces, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some notable Sintra palaces include Pena Palace, National Palace of Sintra, Monserrate Palace, Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira. These palaces not only let you explore different periods of history but also different architectural styles.

Visit Europe’s Most Westerly Point

There is some sense of adventure that comes with standing at the continent’s edge and just observing the ocean crashing into cliffs. Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point on Europe’s mainland, is a spot you should visit at least once before you die.

When visiting, stand back and take in the beautiful views of the rugged cliffs and the panoramic views of the ocean. Do not forget to explore the 18th-century Cabo da Roca lighthouse, a perfect spot offering insights into the region’s maritime history.

Beyond the natural landscape and the rich history, you will love Cabo da Roca’s magical sunsets.