| Reviews and photos of Portugal attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Portugal sightseeing. Map |
 | Portugal Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 937 |  |
 Castelo de Sao Jorge by Bwana_Brown
It's reign at the top came to an end in 1511 when King Manuel I built something more fitting for Royal use in what is today's busy Baixa area down by the Tagus River. For many years thereafter, the old castle served variously as a military base, arms depot and theatre. However, the great earthquake of 1755 totally destroyed its walls and towers, along with much more of the city. It was not until 1938 that the present version of the castle was restored, during the long dictatorship of Antonio Salazar.
It is interesting to walk on its walls and through its grounds and you get one of the best views of Lisbon from up there too! Leave a Comment Directions: Alfama district, on the eastern edge of the tourist area of Lisbon.
|
 | |  |
Visiting Portugal?
Read reviews about Portugal Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 A Quaint Street in Obidos by Bwana_Brown
This quaint village had its surrounding walls built in the 1300s, after the village was given by King Dinis as a wedding gift to his new wife, Isabel of Aragon. Originally, the importance of the town was due to its role as a port. However, siltation over a 200-year period gradually made it unuseable for this.
Nevertheless, it has spectacular walls and the former Queen's castle has been converted to a Pousada if you have the $$$$ to stay there! In addition, its narrow streets, with their white-washed walls, flower pots and Moorish chimneys make for a very pleasant stroll. Being less than 2-hours from Lisbon, this is a popular spot and we noticed the difference in the number of tourists as compared to the northern regions of the country!
This scene is on the edge of the village's main square, showing an 18th century manor house known as the Solar da Praca de Santa Maria. The yellow (and sometimes blue) trim is characterictic of the houses in this part of Portugal.
We did not have as much time here as we would have liked - the clock was ticking and this was our last day if we wanted to make the boat trip to the Berlenga Islands! Leave a Comment Directions: Take the superhighway north along the coast from Lisbon - straight to Obidos.
|
| | |
 by ncfg
You can wander around the beautiful Jewish quarter and lovely streets admiring the medieval houses and Baroque manors.
If you like open air markets, it take place every Thursdays a big fair in Barcelos.
Barcelos is located on the north of Portugal, not far from the Braga town and the Esposende town. It worth a visit for sure!!! Leave a Comment Address: Barcelos - North Portugal
|
 The Castle Walls Snake Above
Sintra by Bwana_Brown
After this castle was finally conquered by Dom Alfonso Henriques in 1147, it gradually fell into disrepair over the succeeding centuries. It was not until almost 700 years later, ~1860 that the walls were restored to their present day state by Dom Fernando II, the consort king of the Queen of Portugal. It has been a great gift to the world as well in this UNESCO World Heritage town. Our hike up here on a footpath through the forest was also an amazing experience!
What a place and what great weather to start off our two weeks in Portugal. Leave a Comment Address: Sintra, Distrito de Lisboa
|
| | |
 Monument to Discoveries in
Belém, by River Tejo by micas_pt
When visiting Belém you cannot miss:
. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – one of the most beautiful monasteries in Portugal, a symbol of national Manueline style and architecture
. Padrão dos Descobrimentos – a monument to honour the Portuguese Discoveries overseas. Apart from enjoying the architecture you may go up and enjoy one of the best views over Belém, Lisbon and River Tejo
. Torre de Belém – another monument celebrating the Discoveries, a beautiful tower by the River
And after all this, sit down at the café and enjoy the famous Pasteis de Belém, a typical pastry. So tasty, I highly recommend it!! Last, but not the least, Belém is situated by the River, meaning that it provides beautiful views and pleasant walks.
For further information see my Belém page. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
Visiting Portugal?
Read reviews about Portugal Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
Braga or "Bracara Agusta" is a beautiful town on the north of Portugal; it is the capital of the Minho region. The Romans dedicated it to their Emperor and called it Bracara Augusta, making it their Galician head-quarters in 216 BC.
It is a town with lots of history and the youngest town in Portugal, where lives more young people, so you will find a great nightlife there ;-)
And if you are like me (crazy about football) you have the team Braga that is playing on the first league.
You will find lots of churches and on the hill Bom Jesus sanctuary and Sameiro Sanctuary.
Actually it's said that " while Porto town works, Coimbra town study Braga prays".
Don’t miss ! Leave a Comment Address: Braga - Minho Region- North of Portugal
|
 Amarante by ncfg
You can admire the beautiful bridge built in 1790, the impressive monastery of São Gonçalo dating back to 1540 and the town’s museum is dedicated to the life and work of locally-born Cubist artist Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso (1887-1918), one of Portugal’s leading 20th-century artists.
Don’t miss! Leave a Comment Address: Amarante - North Portugal
|
 Fort de Sao Joao Baptista by Bwana_Brown
Berlenga is uninhabited in winter (and has no roads) but it hosts biologists, some fishermen and tourists during the summer months. The islands are actually one of the main Herring Gull colonies in Europe and the sound of gulls calling is constant.
The original permanent establishment was Fort Sao Joao Baptista, built in 1651 as part of the Portugese defensive network against Spain. However, in 1666 it was blown up after 28 defenders were overwhelmed by 1500 Spanish attackers and a bombardment from 15 ships. The fort was rebuilt later that century and actually was turned into a very fancy Pousada (hotel) during the years of the Salazar dictatorship. Now, it can be booked for overnight stays during the summer as a sort of glorified 'indoor' camping spot!
We caught the last boat-ride of the day from Peniche, a 4-hour round-trip (including your own free-time on the island) costing E15 each (US$18). It was one of our best experiences in Portugal as we walked the island enjoying its cliff top views, sea caves and the old fort itself! See my 'Ilha da Berlenga' page for details! Leave a Comment Directions: Off the coast from Peniche, a half-hour boat ride.
|
| | |
 Palacio da Pena by Bwana_Brown
In collaboration with a German engineer, they built this hodgepodge of architectural styles as a gift for the Queen during the Romantic age. It really is quite an amazing display and, with the coming of the Republic in Portugal, it has become a museum since 1910. The wide swath of forests and mountains surrounding the castle is protected as a park.
This view of Pena Palace, taken by zoom from the Moorish Castle, was as close as we got to it - no more walking! Our 7E entrance fee to the Castle would have also allowed us entry to the Palace but it was just too far on this day! Leave a Comment Directions: Sintra, in the Pena Park above the town.
|
| | |
 Padrao dos Descobrimentos by Bwana_Brown
Built in 1960, this monument was inaugurated by the long-standing (1932-1968) regime of Antonio Salazar to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator. Although Henry was not one of the main explorers, he set up a school of sailing in the Algarve at Sagres and greatly supported the early Portugese expeditions along the North African coast.
The concrete monument with its limestone sculptures stands 52-m (170-feet) high and is located on the bank of the Tejo (Tagus) River only a short walk from the Pink Palace. It is designed to resemble a Portugese caraval sailing ship heading out on a voyage of discovery. Along both its sides are huge statues of the famous explorers and those who supported them, with Henry leading the charge!
You can go inside the monument and take an elevator to its top for a great view of the waterfront of Lisbon. Well worth a stop! Leave a Comment Directions: Belem area of Lisbon
|
| | |
|
|
