The heart of Caiscais, 5th of October Square (Praça 5 de Outubro) is a gathering place for locals and visitors. Named for the Portuguese revolution of October 5, 1910, which marked the transition from monarchy to republic, the square’s setting in the center of the coastal resort town reflects the historical importance of the turning point in Portuguese history.
Portugal’s cultural and commercial ties to Asia date back to the Age of Exploration, and the Museum of the Orient (Museu do Oriente) aims to strengthen artistic bonds between the two regions. Part of Portugal’s Orient Foundation, the Lisbon museum showcases Portuguese influence in Asian art and culture, with a vast collection of art, textiles, furnishings, and ceremonial masks from Turkey to Japan.
Named after the Portuguese explorer who discovered an ocean trade route between Europe and India, this aquarium houses a wide variety of aquatic life. In addition to fish-filled tanks, the aquarium also exhibits preserved water-dwelling specimens collected by the marine enthusiast and former king of Portugal, Dom Carlos I.
One of Faial Island’s most famous hiking routes, the 10 Volcanoes Trail stretches from the volcanic reserve of Caldeira do Faial to the lava-carved landscapes of Capelinhos. While the strenuous trail is considered hard because of its multiple ascents, it's worth the effort for its serene atmosphere and spectacular views of land and sea.
Describing itself as Porto’s “biggest and greenest zoo,” Santo Inácio Zoo is home to around 600 animals representing some 200 species, including lions, snow leopards, cheetahs, camels, Humboldt penguins, and more. Close to Porto’s city center, it makes an easy and entertaining day out for the whole family.
One of the standout features in Lisbon’s well-manicured Parque Eduardo VII, Carlos Lopes Pavilion hosts events from dance performances to political gatherings. The structure, which dates back to the 1920s, is a favorite gathering place for architecture and design buffs exploring central Lisbon. The building is primarily rented out for conferences and private functions, but even if the interiors are not accessible, it’s worth going for a stroll in the sprawling park to check out the pavilion’s traditional architecture.
Housed in the 18th-century Chapel of San Sebastian (Capela de São Sebastião), the Museum of Sacred Art (Museu de Arte Sacra) is one of Albufeira’s cultural highlights. It’s the perfect place to escape the scorching midday sun and admire biblical paintings, extravagant altars, and intricate carvings of Jesus Christ.
The Cabeco do Canto hiking trail reveals Faial’s volcanic landscape in all of its lush green glory. While the 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) circular route is considered of medium difficulty, it’s one of the Azorean island’s most popular treks thanks to the rugged beauty of the landscapes it traverses.
You’ll find pastel de nata (sweet custard tarts), the ubiquitous Portuguese sweet treat, at bakeries all around Lisbon, but to taste the original, head to Pastéis de Belém. Since 1837, this bakery-café has been making the original pastel de Bélem according to a closely guarded secret recipe developed by the monks of Jerónimos Monastery.
Faro Story Spot is an immersive, multimedia museum that takes you on a journey from antiquity to the present day. As well as tracing the history of the Algarve, the experience allows you to get acquainted with the flora and fauna of Ria Formosa Natural Park nearby. You can add on a tasting at the end to enjoy the flavors of southern Portugal.
Dating back to 1905, A Brasileira is one of Lisbon's oldest cafés and a much-loved spot for a pastéis de nata (egg custard tart pastries). Located in the city’s Chiado neighborhood, the eatery has a Parisian feel, with art deco elements including mosaic floors and sculpted wood decorations. Stop by for a bica—the Lisbon word for a shot of espresso, which is said to originate from this café.
This sturdy fortress has stood watch at the mouth of the River Arade for hundreds of years, guarding the city of Portimão as it evolved from prosperous port to tourist center. Though the pirates and invaders it was built to fend off are long gone, the structure remains intact, and offers spectacular views of the marina and beach.
Some 40 miles (65 kilometers) north of Lisbon, Mt. Montejunto(Serra de Montejunto) is the highest peak in the Estremadura wine region and can be seen for miles around. A national protected landscape that’s popular with cyclists and hikers, the mountain is also the site of prehistoric settlements and some of Portugal’s oldest ruins.
Step into a painting, hang off the side of a skyscraper, and get into other wacky scenarios at the 3D Fun Art Museum Lisboa. Full of optical illusions, this museum north of central Lisbon has more than three dozen backdrops for endless photo ops, and it’s especially popular for families and as a quick detour en route to the nearby Edward VII Park.
Lisbon’s fascinating history—from the Phoenicians and Romans through the medieval Age Of Discoveries to the devastating 1755 earthquake and the Carnation Revolution in 1974—is condensed into a series of colorful comic strip–style panels at the History of Lisbon Mural. Painted by illustrator Nuno Saraiva, the public artwork is one of Lisbon’s most unique free attractions.
