Places to See

From cosmopolitan cities and sunkissed beaches to cobblestone villages and medieval castles, Portugal promises a variety of unforgettable experiences.

Most Portugal trips begin or end in lively Lisbon. Sightseeing tours here highlight the Belem district and its 16th-century tower, built as a fortress to protect the city, and Jeronimos Monastery, an outstanding example of Manueline architecture with its intricately carved stonework. The nearby Monument to the Discoveries on the Tagus River pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of a ship featuring more than 30 statues of historical figures.

Just outside of Lisbon is Sintra, a lovely mountain village known for its fairytale castles, manicured gardens and winding streets. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries.

On Portugal’s southern coast, the Algarve region offers a spectacular backdrop of towering cliffs, glittering beaches and charming fishing ports. Visit the resort town of Lagos, once the home of Henry the Navigator, and Cape St. Vincent, the site of many sea battles centuries ago.

Medieval Evora, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is also a popular stop on Portugal itineraries. See the city’s elaborate Gothic cathedral, Roman temple, Sao Francisco Church and the Chapel of Bones. North of Evora is Obidos, a fortified hilltop town where whitewashed houses with cascading bougainvillea and painted doors of every color line narrow cobblestone lanes.

Continue northward through Portugal’s scenic countryside to Fatima and Tomar. Fatima is one of the world’s most important Catholic shrines and is famous for its 1917 Virgin Mary sightings by three young shepherds. Explore the Sanctuary of Fatima before heading to the Templar city of Tomar. The historic Convent of Christ was originally built here as a Templar stronghold in the 12^th century.

Coimbra is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. The University of Coimbra was founded in 1290 and is said to be the inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter book series. Amble along the city’s winding streets and riverfront filled with restaurants and bars.

Located on Portugal’s northern coast and at the mouth of the Douro River is Porto, a center for the port wine trade. Sample the fortified beverage in one of the wine caves in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto’s city center. Visit the Sao Bento train station to see one of Porto’s artistic treasures -- beautiful panels of blue and white tiles called “azulejos” that depict scenes from Portugal’s past. They were installed in the Beaux-Arts building in the early 20th century.

Douro River cruises traverse the northern part of Portugal, exploring the wine regions and pretty towns of the valley. Travelers typically begin their Douro itineraries in either Porto, where they embark, or in Lisbon, where they enjoy a hotel stay and sightseeing before transferring by motorcoach to the ship.