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Portugal

Portugal Travel Guide

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August 2024: Street scenes, daily life Porto

Kerry Murray for Lonely Planet

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Overview

Medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities and golden beaches: the Portugal experience can be many things. History, great food and idyllic scenery are just the beginning.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Headland

    Headland

    Peniche

    While in Peniche, make sure you do the 8km circuit of the whole headland (walking is hot going, however, as much of it is on the road). At Cabo Carvoeiro,…

  • The Unfinished Chapels - Capelas Imperfeitas of the Batalha Monastery. Portugal. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória

    Estremadura & Ribatejo

    The extraordinary monastery of Batalha was built to commemorate the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota (fought just south of here). Most of the monument was…

  • Aerial view of Alcobaca Monastery in Alcobaca, Portugal

    Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça

    Estremadura & Ribatejo

    One of Iberia's great monasteries utterly dominates the town of Alcobaça. Hiding behind the imposing baroque facade lies a high, austere, monkish church …

  • Gardens and exterior of the Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo), UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tomar, Ribatejo, Portugal, Europe

    Convento de Cristo

    Tomar

    Wrapped in splendour and mystery, the Knights Templar held enormous power in Portugal from the 12th to 16th centuries, and largely bankrolled the Age of…

  • Roman ruins (House of fountains), Conimbriga

    Conímbriga Roman Ruins

    The Beiras

    Set in the lush countryside southwest of Coimbra, this is Portugal’s largest and most impressive Roman site. Ancient Conímbriga was an important city in…

  • cathedral of Braga, Portugal; Shutterstock ID 93397054; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 65050 ; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Cities app

    Braga

    Braga’s extraordinary cathedral, the oldest in Portugal, was begun when the archdiocese was restored in 1070 and completed in the following century. It’s…

  • Santuário de Fátima

    Santuário de Fátima

    Estremadura & Ribatejo

    It's difficult to believe that a century ago, this was rocky pastureland outside an insignificant village. This vast complex is now one of Catholicism's…

  • The Jeronimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery is located in Lisbon, PortugalThe Jeronimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery is located in Lisbon, Portugal
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European Culture, Travel, Tourism, Portuguese Culture, Belem, Convent, Christianity, Religion, Gothic Style, Medieval, History, Spirituality, Ancient, Old, Cultures, Famous Place, Architecture, Travel Destinations, Lisbon - Portugal, Portugal, Europe, Monastery, Church, City, Jeronimos, manueline, hieronymites, UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

    Belém

    Belém’s undisputed heart-stealer is this Unesco-listed monastery. The mosteiro is the stuff of pure fantasy: a fusion of Diogo de Boitaca’s creative…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From wine tasting to stargazing, experience the best of Portugal with this guide to the top things to do.

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Best Places to Visit

Beyond the obvious towns of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal promises vibrant historic cities, incredible beaches and wonderful wine regions.

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Best Time to Visit

Form the Douro Valley to the Algarve, plan your visit to Portugal with our seasonal guide.

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Things to Know

Our Porto insider has got all the top tricks and tips you need before you book that magical trip to Portugal.

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Transportation

From coastal train rides to DIY exploration with a hire car, here's how to get around Portugal.

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Visa Requirements

Here's everything you need to know about getting a visa for Portugal, from how long you can stay to the new visa waiver scheme being rolled out in 2025.

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Money and Costs

From free museums to wonderful medieval architecture, it's possible to get by on as little as €50 a day in Portugal. Here's how.

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Traveling with Kids

Portugal is incredibly family-friendly. Check out our top tips and the coolest experiences for your next adventure with children in tow.

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Best Road Trips

Throw together an Iberian soundtrack, and you're ready to hit the open road in Portugal. Here are our top Portuguese road trips, from the hills to the coast.

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