Portugal attractions

Dating back to the 16th century, the Convent of the Capuchos is set deep in the forests of Serra de Sintra National Park. It’s known for being the former home of a small group of Franciscan monks who lived in tiny quarters until the site was abandoned in 1834. Since then, it’s been carefully restored so that visitors can explore the interiors and learn about monastic life.

The Ah Amália - Living Experience tells the story of fado singer Amália Rodrigues, who is the best-selling Portuguese artist of all time. Immersive exhibits take you through her personal and professional journey, from watching holograms of her performances to seeing her life story told through virtual reality.

Nestled on a sun-soaked stretch between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra, Praia do Castelo encapsulates the best of the Algarve’s rugged coastline. Flanked by ochre cliffs topped with lush greenery and whitewashed villas, this Blue Flag beach is a wonderful place to swim and snorkel once the summer sun has warmed the refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

One of Funchal’s prettiest streets, Santa Maria Street (Rua de Santa Maria) is a quaint and cobbled road in the heart of Madeira’s capital. Its star attraction is its painted doors, which depict everything from natural landscapes to mythical creatures. It’s also full of cafés and restaurants serving hot drinks and local specialties.

Begin your Madeira excursions at the Madeira Story Centre, a modern multimedia museum that tells the archipelago’s story, from its volcanic origins 14,000 years ago to the present day. Open since 2005, the museum’s family-friendly exhibitions are complemented by a large gift shop, a terrace restaurant, and a rooftop viewing deck.

Blending neo-Gothic and Romantic styles, the gorgeously grand Palacio Seixas is an architectural symbol of Cascais, a sophisticated seaside resort just outside Lisbon. Built in the late 19th century, the palace is notable for its carved stone facade and wooden interiors, surrounded by a lush garden filled with statues of mythological figures.

Constructed for the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition, the Belém Lighthouse (Farol de Belém) is a remnant of one of the main exhibition buildings. Designed as a folly rather than a functional lighthouse, it’s now closed to visitors, but its location along Belem’s riverfront promenade makes it a worthy photo stop—the distinctive spiral design on the red-and-white brick makes a photogenic contrast to the blue water of the Tagus River.

Famous for its elaborate, gilded interiors and dazzling golden altar, the Church of St. Michael (Igreja de São Miguel) is one of the most impressive churches in Lisbon’s Alfama district. Dating back to the 12th century, it was completely rebuilt in the early 18th century and houses a series of paintings by Portuguese artist Bento Coelho da Silveira.

Set inside an old sardine canning factory, the Museu de Portimao traces the city’s history from its prehistoric origins to the canning and fishing industries in the 20th century. Art installations occupy the building’s old cistern, while archaeological exhibits explain the city’s ancient history, and disused factory machinery shows how the cannery once worked.

Through a rich collection of photography, artifacts, and other artisan objects, the Museu Regional do Algarve paints a picture of life in the Algarve before it became a popular holiday destination. Before then, it was a rural region that relied on fishing and agriculture. This cultural spot pays homage to the Algarvian way of life in the first half of the 20th century.

Occupying a prime perch on Funchal Bay, Santa Catarina Park (Parque de Santa Catarina) is one of Madeira’s most popular outdoor spaces. At 387,500 square feet (36,000-square meters), it’s home to lush trees and flowerbeds, sculptures commemorating Prince Henry the Navigator and Christopher Columbus, and the Chapel of Santa Catarina.

Home to the chic Hotel do Chiado, as well as 40 stores and 15 eateries, the Armazéns do Chiado building is a popular local shopping destination. Its heritage facade and art deco signage belie the modern interior, which opened in 1999 after a fire destroyed the original department store.

Though the name Praia da Coelha translates from Portuguese as “Beach of the Rabbit”, you won’t find any of the fluffy creatures here. What you will find is a secluded bay far from the crowds of Albufeira’s more urban beaches; Praia da Coelha is at the end of a short walking trail shrouded in olive and carob trees, so it’s somewhat of a secret spot.

Near to the luxurious resort of Vilamoura in eastern Albufeira, Praia da Rocha Baixinha is a long stretch of the Algarve’s trademark golden sand. Stretching for 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), the Blue Flag beach is backed by cliffs that transform into sand dunes the further along you go. The terracotta-colored rocks contrast beautifully against the turquoise of the Atlantic Ocean.

The small but charming Funchal Natural History Museum (Museu de História Natural do Funchal) is the oldest museum in Madeira and full of well-preserved characters—its collection includes thousands of plant and animal species native to the archipelago. The museum is located in a historic manor with a garden.

Just minutes from the beautiful beaches of the Algarve, Slide & Splash provides even more fun ways to cool off and unwind while vacationing on Portugal’s south coast. This popular water park near Portimão has something for all ages, offering big-thrill water slides, dozens of attractions, and private cabanas for when you want a break from the Algarve’s rugged coastal beaches and wily surf.

Connected to Praia da Conceicao on the scenic and sun-soaked coast of Cascais, Praia da Duquesa boasts a prime location near the center of the resort. Year-round calm waters mean the beach is ideal for families and swimmers, while golden sands that offer parasol and sunbed rentals are perfect for relaxing.

Dating back to the first and second centuries AD, when the Roman Empire occupied the Algarve, these sun-parched ruins include the remains of a villa, a bath complex, a necropolis, and granaries. Exhibitions at the site also include excavated finds from the Visigoths and Moors, both of whom occupied the site after the Romans.

A wine estate backed by the rolling foothills of Serra de Montejunto, Quinta do Gradil is one of the oldest estates in the Lisbon region, with a history dating back to the 15th century. The estate comprises an 18th-century palace surrounded by bountiful orchards, forests, and vineyards growing peaches, pears, and 12 varieties of grapes. You can explore on a wine-tasting tour or even go bird-watching in the surrounding nature.

Quiet, shaded trails lead through the grounds of Marechal Carmona Park in the south of Cascais. The park is bordered by grand old buildings, including the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, but at its heart lies sheltered areas with picnic tables, sculptures, and open lawns. Chickens, ducks, and peacocks wander about the park—as do tourists seeking views of Santa Marta Beach.

Fringed by palm trees and spiky aloe vera plants, Praia de Santa Eulália is one of Albufeira's chicest stretches of sand. Sheltered by the Algarve’s trademark ochre cliffs, this Blue Flag beach is a calm place to swim and snorkel in translucent turquoise waters. It’s backed by a 5-star hotel with a spa if you’re after a taste of luxury.

Dating back to the early 19th century, Arco da Vila is a grandiose gateway in the Algarvian town of Faro. With its coffee-and-cream-colored facade and bell tower, it’s a stunning example of Italian neoclassical architecture. You can still see vestiges of the original Moorish entranceway, built hundreds of years ago in the 8th century.

Though compact, Cascais’ Museu do Mar (Museum of the Sea) hosts a rich collection of exhibits exploring Portugal’s maritime history. Surrounded by manicured gardens in the affluent coastal resort near Lisbon, this museum displays everything from boat models and marine fossils to artifacts salvaged from shipwrecks.

At the western end of Praia do Peneco is Gruta do Xorino, a small cave with a big history. The cave is said to have been used as a hiding place by the Moors during the Christian conquest of Albufeira in the 13th century. While there’s no signage at the cave, it’s an interesting addition to a visit to Albufeira’s most popular beach.

When Columbus set sail for the New World in 1492, he did so on the Niña, the Pinta, and his flagship vessel, the Santa Maria. While the original Santa Maria did not survive the voyage, this recreation has been a highlight of Funchal and the Madeira region since its debut in 1998, and welcomes visitors aboard for sailing trips.

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.

Formed by volcanoes and now home to endemic flora and fauna, Morro de Castelo Branco is a natural reserve on the lush Azorean island of Faial. It takes its name (meaning “White Castle”) from the dome-shaped structure that rises from the Atlantic Ocean, a hot spot for hikers and bird-watchers.

Visit this family-friendly Quarteira water park to zoom down slides and experience thrill rides and water-based attractions. Float down a lazy river or soak in a steaming Jacuzzi, or—if you’re feeling brave—plummet down the park’s 105-foot (32-meter) high free-fall slide. Parrot, bird of prey, and reptile shows round out the park’s entertainment options.

The Medeiros e Almeida Museum (Casa-Museu Medeiros e Almeida) is a 19th-century mansion filled with fine and decorative arts. The 25-room home includes over 2,000 pieces dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries collected by businessman Antonio de Medeiros e Almeida. This house-museum is a must-visit Lisbon landmark for art and design enthusiasts, and guided tours are offered by appointment in several languages.

Located in the heart of Funchal’s Old Town, Armazém do Mercado is a commercial hub that combines traditional and contemporary Portuguese culture. Home to everything from art galleries and museums to boutiques and restaurants, the market provides an alternative to standard malls and souvenir shops.