Alto Alentejo
Near the centre of town stretches this marble-edged water tank, called the Lago do Gadanha after its scythe-wielding statue of Neptune.
Must-see attractions in Portugal
Tavira
Built in 1520 when Dom Manuel I made Tavira a city, this stone archway is one of the few surviving sections of the former city walls.
The Minho
This 14th-century edifice inside the fortaleza, with its neoclassical facade, is one of Valença's best preserved churches.
Trás-os-Montes
Small, whitewashed 18th-century church within the walls of Bragança castle, with a barrel-shaped ceiling depicting the Assumption.
The Douro
The nave of this baroque church is decorated with beautiful 17th-century blue-and-yellow azulejos (hand-painted tiles).
Trás-os-Montes
Drive half an hour south of Mogadouro through the village of Fornos to find this remote viewpoint overlooking the Douro gorge.
The Beiras
One of several city gates, the Porta da Erva was constructed in the 13th century. It was originally known as the Estrela Gate.
Trás-os-Montes
Baroque architecture and azulejos are on view at the Igreja de São Pedro, one block north of Capela Nova.
Braga
Built in the 17th century, Braga's Holy Cross Church features a mix of baroque and Mannerist architectural styles.
The Minho
This 1st-century Roman milestone inside the fortaleza is a remnant from the old Braga–Astorga road.
Viseu
North of the cathedral along Rua Silva Gaio is the longest remaining stretch of Viseu's medieval town walls.
Sagres
Near the turismo stands this statue of Henry the Navigator, map in hand, pointing out to sea.
Cascais
The modern Marina de Cascais houses a postcard-perfect lighthouse, sleek yachts and lounge bars.
Trás-os-Montes
Originally built in 1539, this church is covered with azulejos (hand-painted tiles).
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
This 30m waterfall crashes down through a rocky cleft about 2km south of Pitões das Júnias.
Baixo Alentejo
The municipality’s collection of ecclesiastical art is housed in this 17th-century church.
Alto Alentejo
Portalegre’s castle, off Rua do Carmo, dates from the time of Dom Dinis. There is a temporary exhibition gallery on the 1st floor. Unfortunately, the…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
Built at the end of the 19th century and occupying the former cellar of Jose Eduardo Raposo de Magalhães, this museum is an important part of Portugal's…
Sagres
Built in 1632 on the site of an older fortress, Fortaleza do Beliche is 4.8km northwest of the town centre, and 1.2km southeast of the lighthouse at Cabo…
Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres e Museu Episcopal
Baixo Alentejo
Several museums of religious artworks opened in Beja some years back. So great was the wealth of the Catholic Church that no single space can display all…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
Opposite Leiria's cathedral stands the wonderfully tiled Pharmácia Leonardo Paiva – the beautiful azulejos depict Hippocrates, Galen and Socrates…
Baixo Alentejo
For a dip into history, take a stroll through the corridors of this once grand hospital. It opened back in the early 1500s (only closing to patients in…
Évora
Inside the walls of the 16th-century Palácio de Dom Manuel is the Galeria das Damas, an indecisive hybrid of Gothic, Manueline, neo-Moorish and…
Alto Alentejo
This photogenic cafe – built in art-nouveau style between 1908 and 1909 – is worth seeing for both the exterior and interior (don’t overlook the upstairs…
Viana do Castelo
This elegant parish church – also known as the sé – dates from the 15th century, although it has since been through several reincarnations. Check out its…
Alto Alentejo
Originally this 16th-century pelourinho (stone pillory) stood in the nearby Praça da República. It was dismantled and partially destroyed in 1872. The one…
Alto Alentejo
The 16,000-sq-metre palace square is ringed by the Paço Ducal, an enormous palace, the heavy-fronted Agostinhos Convent and graceful Chagas Nunnery. In…
Baixo Alentejo
Castro Verde’s old milling traditions are immortalised in a windmill that dates from the 1800s. The photogenic structure is about a 10-minute walk…
Alto Alentejo
Though this church was originally built in the 12th century, only the Romanesque-Gothic portal remains from that time. The interior was altered over the…
The Douro
This burned-out skeleton of an old manor house situated above Rua Cândido dos Reis, near the train station, has been left in ruins – a stark and…
Tavira
Quaint displays at this tiny tuna-fishing museum include a diorama of the complex tuna-netting system, mannequins in period dress, model boats and black…
Monsaraz
Opposite the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Lagoa, this 16th-century church was once part of the Hospital do Espírito Santo complex.
Alto Alentejo
Dating from the 17th century, this Jesuit church is notable for its gilded chancel (the area surrounding the altar), complete with coffered ceiling. It's…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
Leiria's high, impersonal, blocky cathedral was started in the 16th century, and the cloister, sacristy and chapter houses date from 1583 to 1604.
The Minho
Behind Torre de São Paulo is the rather staid, mostly 15th-century igreja matriz (parish church), sporting a pretty Romanesque doorway.
Viana do Castelo
A Renaissance fountain built in 1554. The fountain is topped with Manueline motifs of an armillary sphere and the cross of the Order of Christ.
Baixo Alentejo
Just inside the old walls in the upper part of town, this ageing mansion dates from the 16th century, and remains in sore need of restoration.
