Lonely Planet Portugal (Travel Guide)

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You can learn about cultures of the past at Núcleo Islâmico, which houses a small collection of 11th-century pieces from the Algarve’s days under Islamic rule. Wandering the tangle of ancient streets in the historic town of Óbidos is enchanting at any time of year, but come during one of its festivals, and you’ll be in for a special treat. In the evening, why not forego conventional dining for a picnic in the park, at a viewpoint or by the sea. Listen to authentic fado in Lisbon, explore the colourful palaces of Sintra, feast on the freshest seafood in the Algarve – all guided by local experts with fresh perspectives. Some of the most impressive tile art in Porto is inside São Bento train station © photooiasson / Getty Images 8.

Stretching along the sinewy curves of the Douro River, Porto is a city of hilly cobblestone lanes, avant-garde museums and grand architectural monuments that date back to the Middle Ages. At the centuries-old Fortaleza de Sagres, you can walk to the edge of sheer sea cliffs and watch the waves crashing far below while pondering the daring of Portuguese explorers who headed off into uncharted waters. Various surf academies – including Odeceixe Surf School – can help you hone your skills or teach you some new ones.

The central coast of the Algarve is the starting point for one of the loveliest seaside walks in the Iberian peninsula. If you’re considering combining a trip to Portugal with Spain, you may find cheaper rates flying into Madrid or even Sevilla, which is a two-hour train ride away from Tavira in southern Portugal. This southern pocket of Portugal also has castles, historic cobblestone centers and sleepy cliff-top villages overlooking wild stretches of coastline. A former Roman settlement, Tavira wears its history with pride, with its medieval-esque old quarter, a hilltop castle and an elegant seven-arched span over the Rio Gilão, aptly named Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge), which is, in truth, a 17th-century reconstruction of the original work by Ancient Roman engineers.

By contrast, local services can thin out to almost nothing on weekends, especially in summer when school is out. Portugal’s parks and nature reserves are all free to visit, as is the wide array of trails and greenways.You can go on some surprising adventures nearby, including taking a spin along an abandoned railway line with Rail Bike Marvão.

Spring arrives with a flourish, bringing warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine in both the north and the south. For a big night out, you can also head to nearby Albufeira, which is lined with restaurants and bars. Long nights and cooler days can’t dampen the Christmas spirit, with holiday markets, roasted chestnuts and colorfully decorated squares. Inside, the arrestingly minimalist design of the Museu de Arte Contemporânea was the brainchild of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza, bearing his trademark clean lines, playful heights, and natural materials. Enjoying a spectacular natural setting cradled at the foot of the beautiful Vale do Zêzere, the lofty village of Manteigas is a great base for mountain walks.At other times of the year, you can join locals on runs, bike rides or saunters along the seaside promenade, which runs for 2. Many hostels also offer budget-friendly activities, like free walking tours or pub crawls, and free or low-cost rentals of bikes, surfboards and other gear. You can watch the ducks and geese on the ponds at the Parque da Cidade, Portugal’s biggest urban park, or sit beneath an olive tree and admire the view over the Douro from the elegant grounds of the ​​Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. Witness the change of scenery as you drive, from the twists and turns of the road as it cuts through the mountains in Portugal’s north and center to the almost-treeless plains of Alentejo and the golden sand beaches of the Algarve. At night, be cautious walking around empty streets wherever you are: you’re better off taking a taxi.

These festivals started as a way to honor the communities’ patron saints, but nowadays, it’s the perfect excuse to meet local residents, share a meal and dance the night away. You’ll find maze-like neighborhoods that are a delight (mostly) to get lost within and vertiginous viewpoints teetering high above the terracotta rooftops. The beaches nearby draw even more admirers, particularly Praia de Dona Ana, one of the Algarve’s prettiest beaches. With cloudless skies most of the year and little light pollution, the artificial Great Lake Alqueva in Alentejo is one of Portugal's most perfect spots for stargazing.Planning tip: It’s across the river from town, best reached on a five-minute ferry trip from the pier south of the Praça da Liberdade.