Where to go in Portugal

The capital of city of Lisbon sits atop seven hills alongside the banks of the Tagus River near the Atlantic. The sun is almost always shining and beautiful beaches can be reached in minutes for enjoying the pleasant weather. In town, alleyways snake between vibrantly painted, centuries-old buildings with elegant St. George’s Castle and its 18 towers peeking out above the skyline.

One of the most memorable ways to explore is to catch the famous Tram 28, a historic tram that travels through the historic streets, pasing gorgeous gardens on the way to the shopping districts of Chiado and Baixa before reaching the castles in the Alfama and Graca communities. It’s like a step back in time, with many trams used during the Second World War. The Time Out Market is a great place to sample some of Lisbon’s best eats all under one roof, including budget-friendly bites of dishes prepared by Michelin-star chefs.

The so-called “Floating Garden of the Atlantic,” Madeira is a fertile island oasis in the North Atlantic. The archipelago is made up of four islands located off the northwest African coast, about 250 miles north of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The main island carries the same name, lush and green with colorful garden, pebbly beaches and high cliffs. Funchal, its capital and largest city, is home to fortresses, historic churches, fortresses, restaurants, resorts, and the popular tree-lined Lido Promenade.

It’s known for its picturesque harbor and also hosts an elaborate New Year’s Eve fireworks show. It’s an outstanding place for kayaking, with opportunities to paddle to marine caves and secluded bays that can only be reached by watercraft, as well as for hiking. Trails lead to volcanic rock formations, colorful wildflowers, wildlife and panoramic ocean views in the Ponta de Sao Lourenco nature reserve on the island’s easternmost peninsula.

Braga is often called the spiritual heart of Portugal as for centuries the archbishops held both spiritual and temporal power. It’s best-known for its magnificent Baroque-style churches, such as the 17th-century Igreja de Santa Cruz with its intricate stone façade and the Cathedral of Braga. The cathedral is a Roman Catholic church with artistic significance and a long, rich history that makes it one of the country’s most important buildings.

Located in the historic center, the sprawling cathedral dates back to the 11th-century and was influenced by a combination of Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Braga is also referred to as the ‘Portuguese Rome because of its links to the Roman Empire which can be seen in the numerous ancient ruins and monuments that are spread throughout the city. It was founded over 2,000 years ago by Roman Emperor Cesar Augusta, known as Bracara Augusta in ancient times, situated on one of the Iberian Peninsula’s most important Roman roads. The most visited attraction sits high on a hilltop to the east. Bom Jesus do Monte is a pilgrimage site that’s attracted religious devotees since at least the 14th century and offers jaw-dropping views over Braga.

Located in northern Portugal just a short drive from Porto, the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest wine regions, producing wine since 1756. It’s also one of the most beautiful, characterized by granite bluffs, terraced vineyards carved into mountains, 18th-century wine cellars, and whitewashed estates known as quintas. The wines and ports are what draw visitors from across the globe, along with postcard-perfect villages, picturesque winding roads, and outstanding local eateries.

Many quintas offer intimate tours that provide a first-hand look at what goes into making varieties of port and other wines. Some also host their own restaurants for enjoying lunch complemented by the local wine. Beyond the wine are ancient history and age-old traditions where people have been creating skilled handicrafts for generations Douro wine villages, along with remains of Iron Age settlements, Roman bridges and roads, palaces, and monasteries.

Aveiro is a hidden treasure along the Atlantic coast known as the “Venice of Portugal,” with its lovely setting that includes pretty canals dotted with colorful gondola-like boats called molceiros, linked by picturesque bridges. Trips can be taken in a moliceiro providing a unique perspective of the town and its impressive architecture. The city is home to several spectacular Art Nouveau-style buildings, many of which lie right along the main channel.

There are many highlights to discover here like Aveiro Cathedral, founded in the early 15th-century. It has a magnificent fade and an imposing bell tower, providing a stunning example of Portuguese architecture. Other highlights include the São Gonçalinho Chapel and the Convento de Jesus. The cuisine is fantastic too, with local cafes and restaurants serving mouthwatering local delicacies, including Portuguese coffee, fresh seafood, and sweets like ovos moles de Aveiro, a delectable pastry.