8 Best Things to Do in Portugal for an Unforgettable Trip

Portugal is more than just a travel destination; it’s an experience. From sun-drenched beaches to medieval cities, rolling vineyards, and hidden mountain villages, this country is packed with attractions that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, the ocean, or the adventure, there are countless things to do in Portugal that will leave you in awe.

If you’ve been dreaming of a European getaway that offers stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and world-class hospitality, let this guide be your ticket to discovering Portugal’s must-visit places. Get ready to uncover charming towns, taste mouthwatering delicacies, and dive deep into the heart of this incredible country.

Also read: How to Open a Bank Account in Portugal

1. Experience Fado in Lisbon or Coimbra

To truly understand Portugal, you have to feel it. And nothing captures the country’s soul better than fado, the melancholic yet beautiful music that tells stories of love, loss, and longing. Imagine sitting in a dimly lit tavern in Lisbon’s Alfama district, sipping on a glass of local wine as a singer’s voice echoes through the room, backed only by the soft strumming of a Portuguese guitar.

Coimbra, another historic city, offers a slightly different fado experience, performed exclusively by men dressed in the traditional student cloaks. Whether in Lisbon or Coimbra, witnessing a live fado performance is one of those bucket list experiences you simply cannot miss when visiting Portugal.

Learn How To Easily Send Money Overseas

2. Explore The Benagil Caves

Portugal’s coastline is famous for its dramatic cliffs and golden beaches, but the Benagil Caves stand out as one of the most breathtaking places in the country. This natural wonder, located in the Algarve, is only accessible by sea, and stepping inside feels like entering a hidden world carved by time and tides.

Take a boat tour from Lagos or Portimão, rent a kayak, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, paddleboard your way inside. Once there, you’ll find a spectacular cavern illuminated by a natural skylight, with the sound of waves gently crashing against the rocks. It’s a place that must be seen to be believed.

Learn How to Easily Transfer Money to Various Countries

How to Transfer Money to United States
How to Transfer Money to China
How to Transfer Money to Malaysia
How to Transfer Money to Japan

3. Portugal’s Conventual Sweets

Portugal’s culinary scene is known for its seafood and wines, but the country’s dessert tradition is just as legendary. Many of its most beloved sweets have origins in convents, where monks and nuns used egg yolks and sugar to create rich, decadent pastries.

The most famous is pastel de nata, a flaky custard tart that’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven at Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon. But don’t stop there—head to Aveiro for ovos moles, a delicate egg-yolk confection, or Torres Vedras for pastel de feijão, a delicious bean-filled pastry. Pair any of these with a strong Portuguese espresso, and you’ve got the perfect mid-day indulgence.

4. Surfing the Monster Waves of Nazaré

If there’s one place in Portugal that has captured the world’s attention, it’s Nazaré. This small fishing town is home to some of the biggest waves ever surfed, with walls of water reaching over 80 feet in the winter months.

Even if you’re not a surfer, watching the fearless pros take on these giant waves from the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo is an unforgettable experience. If you’d rather get in the water yourself, the beaches around Peniche and Ericeira offer world-class waves for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.

5. A Road Trip to Estrada Nacional 2

Portugal’s answer to Route 66, the Estrada Nacional 2 is a road trip that takes you through the heart of the country, covering 740 km from Chaves in the north to Faro in the Algarve. Along the way, you’ll drive through medieval towns, lush vineyards, rolling plains, and stunning mountain landscapes.

Stop in Lamego for a taste of the region’s famous sparkling wine, explore the historic streets of Évora, or take a detour to Monsaraz, a hilltop village with breathtaking views over the Alqueva Lake. Whether by car or motorbike, this journey is one of the best ways to truly discover Portugal beyond its tourist hotspots.

6. Stargazing at Alqueva

For those who love nature and tranquility, Great Lake Alqueva in Alentejo offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in Europe. As a certified Starlight Tourism Destination, this area has minimal light pollution, making it perfect for spotting constellations, shooting stars, and even the Milky Way.

Book a stay at a rural farmhouse, take a nighttime boat tour, or visit the Alqueva Observatory for a guided session with professional astronomers. It’s an experience that reconnects you with the wonders of the universe.

7. Stand on the Cliffs of Cabo da Roca

Standing on the cliffs of Cabo da Roca, you’ll feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world. This rugged spot is the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where the land dramatically drops into the Atlantic Ocean. The views are breathtaking, especially at sunset, when the sky turns shades of orange and pink over the crashing waves.

It’s an easy day trip from Lisbon and can be combined with visits to Sintra, where fairy-tale palaces and misty forests create an almost magical atmosphere.

8. Douro Valley & Beyond

No visit to Portugal is complete without indulging in its world-class wines. The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the birthplace of Port wine and offers some of the most scenic vineyard landscapes you’ll ever see. Take a river cruise along the Douro River, visit historic wine estates (called quintas), and sample bold reds and sweet Ports paired with local cheeses and cured meats.

For something lighter, try a crisp Vinho Verde from the Minho region, or head to Alentejo for full-bodied reds that are winning international awards. Wine tourism in Portugal is a journey in itself.

Download Transfez App

Transfez App can help you transfer money abroad more quickly and efficiently. Transfez Business can also help your business in making transactions abroad. For those of you who want to send money to relatives who are abroad because they are studying, working, or traveling, Transfez will be ready to help. This app is available on Android as well as iOS.

Portugal is a country that captivates the heart with its mix of old-world charm, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring historic cities, indulging in sweet pastries, or surfing record-breaking waves, there’s always something exciting to discover.

And while you’re planning your adventures, don’t forget to make your travels easier with Transfez where you can send money to more than 70 countries in a quick, secure, and affordable manner.