The best things to do and see in Portugal
Portugal is a very popular yet a cheap destination in Europe that receives more than 27 million tourists in a year. Visitors adore its beaches, historic towns and its hospitable culture. Portuguese beaches are numerous, and there are many activities to be performed in the country starting with surfing Atlantic coast and visiting the old towns. Visitors can easily have a combination of beaches, food, history and nature in a single trip because of the short distance in travelling and the availability of transport.
1. Explore, camp and surf in Ericeira
Ericeira is a surf town that can not be missed and the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe. There are over 30 countries that send surfers on an annual basis. It is affordable to budget travelers as the sites and hostels are also camping sites. There are safe beaches and surf schools even among the beginners. The best activities in Portugal to consider as an outdoor lover are visiting cliffs, beaches, and local cafes, among others.
2. Surf day and sunset picnic on the cliffs of Arrifana
Arrifana Beach is renowned with colossal waves and steep cliffs. About 70 per cent of the tourists go to watch the sunset and to surf. Surfing in the day and picnic on the cliffs during the sunset will be possible to you. This is one of the cheapest experience to carry out in Portugal, particularly among couples and those who travel alone.
3. Watch the big waves in Nazare
Nazare is known the world over because of massive waves which can exceed 30 meters, which is a magnet to both surfers and spectators. The top observation points in the lighthouse are complimentary. It is a high season and the largest waves happen during winter. The best must see in Portugal experience is watching these great waves which are very exciting and memorable.
4. Explore the coastline with a hike
Portugal boasts over 300 kilometers of coastal walks which are marked especially the Algarve and the Rota Vicentina. Cliffs, beaches and viewpoints are accessible free of charge in hiking. It is perfect among the low-end travelers and nature enthusiasts. Breezes and beaches make this one of the most healthy and gratifying activities in Portugal and exercise plus views are combined with air.
5. Explore Cascais’ old town
The old town of Cascais is charming, beach-filled and history-filled. The tourists visiting Lisbon almost 60% of them visit Cascais as a day trip. You will be in a position to explore the small streets, spend some time in beaches around and go to cheap cafes around. Cascais is a wonderful place to visit in Portugal without hurrying as it is very relaxed and an easy way of accessing it is by train.
6. Explore the caves of the Algarve
There are Algarve caves which have over 5 million visitors annually. Tours of boats and kayaks will enable you to see catacombs that are well-known along the sea. Tours are cheap and can be enjoyed by everyone. These natural formations rank among the best activities to undertake in Portugal especially by photographers and first time visitors.
7. Explore the history and fairytale that is Sintra
Sintra is located in the UNESCO World Heritage site and it attracts over 2 million visitors annually. The palaces, castles and gardens are colorful giving it fairytale appearance. Visiting Lisbon is easier since the place is easily accessible by using the easy trains. Sintra history and architecture are one of the most common and famous must do in Portugal experiences.
8. Sunset at Cape St Vincent
The south west extreme of Europe is known as Cape St Vincent. There are hundreds of tourists who visit the sunset behind the dramatic cliffs on a daily basis. As there is no entrance fee, it is a cheap tourist destination. The breathtaking view of the ocean and its calmness are also positive factors to the fact that, the process of sunset here is one of the most memorable things in Portugal.
9. Have seafood and watch the kitesurfers on Guincho beach at bar du Guincho
Guincho beach is a renowned strong wind and fresh sea food beach. Over 40 per cent of the tourists come to watch or to have fun with kitesurfing. Dining at Bar du Guincho provides the opportunity to dine with the views of the ocean with surfers going by. It is among the best things to do in Portugal because of such a mixture of food and activity.
10. Explore the gorgeous city of Lisbon
Each year, Lisbon receives a number of tourists exceeding 4 million. There are old-fashioned areas, panoramic views, trams, and cheap food in the city. There are numerous free/low cost attractions. Strolling along Alfama or riding the Tram 28 can allow the visitors to feel the culture without any difficulties. Lisbon is a great solution to where to travel in Portugal.
11. Cabo da Roca
The western edge of mainland Europe is referred to as Cabo da Roca. It is also free and offers fine oceanic and cliff landscape. There are sunny days and these are good days to take photos. Most travelers can easily access it since it has small walking paths. Cabo da Roca is a simple and yet important tourist attraction site in Portugal that could be explored by nature and geography lovers.
12. Go surfing!
Portugal has over 900 kilometers of shoreline thus boasting of the best surfing destination in Europe. The amount of surf schools is great and can be approached by beginners. Lessons are cost effective and waves are suitable to all capabilities. Surfing is also one of the most popular and fun activities in Portugal even to a first time surfers.
13. Hang out in Lagos
Lagos is one of the most visited towns in the Algarve since more than 50 percent of Algarve tourists come to visit it. It offers night life, history, beaches and cliffs. It is the most suitable destination owing to young tourists owing to free beaches and low-cost food. Taking a rest on the beach or exploring the old avenues make Lagos one of the most suitable activities which may be done in Portugal.
14. Drink Port in Porto
Port wine is a well-known product in Porto and it takes approximately 1.5 million visitors to the cellars annually. The wine tastings are cheap and informative. The walk along the Douro River is an addition to the experience. The cultural and tasteful experience of enjoying the Port wine in Porto is one of the best must do activities in Portugal as it is one of the most classic ones.
15. Explore the unique villages
The Portuguese villages are small and they provide local life and traditional architecture. A visit to them is cheaper and does not involve the people. Numerous villages would have free attractions and inexpensive local food. The discovery of these tourist secrets makes travelers feel the real culture. It is ideal to slow down travelling and one of the most productive things to do in Portugal.
FAQS
What are the best things to do in Portugal?
The most appealing activities to be performed in Portugal are surfing, touring Lisbon and Porto, visiting Sintra, coast hiking and sea foods.
What should I not miss when visiting Portugal?
Some of the best must do in Portugal experiences that one cannot afford to miss are Lisbon, Porto wine tasting, Algarve caves, Sintra palaces and coastal sunsets.
What are the top things to do in Portugal for first-time visitors?
To have a taste of the best in Portugal, newcomers have to visit Lisbon, Porto, Sintra and beaches of Algarve and sample the food.
What are the most fun things to do in Portugal?
Surfing, hiking along the coast, boats tours, wine tasting and town adventuring along the beach are some of the best things one can do in Portugal.
What is Portugal famous for?
The beaches where the surfing takes place, the Port wine, the old cities, low-cost travelling, friendly natives and the picturesque coastline are what are reputed to be famous in Portugal.
What are the best cities to visit in Portugal?
Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, Cascais, and Sintra are the Portuguese cities that are the most recommendable to visit in regards to culture, the beach, and the food.
How many days do you need to explore Portugal?
A 710 days trip will not be in a hurry to see the cities, coast, and culture of Portugal.
