Visiting Portugal is walking along the cobblestone past, exploring Gothic architecture, reading handwritten ancient scriptures and attending a service in the world’s most expensive church; things to do in Portugal are dynamic. There are picturesque gardens, majestic mountains, winding rivers, exotic valleys and vineyards to discover the nature. Have smoked fish, potato and meat stew, grilled beef sandwiches, different kinds of pastries and the world renowned Portuguese wines to increase your appetite. Here are some adventurous things to do in Portugal.
Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon
Hieronymites Monastery is the 16th century Manueline Gothic architecture with baroque sculptural themes. Its limestone magnificent cloisters have carved pillars that display a world of ocean; sea monsters and motifs, corals and rope spirals.
Douro Valley, Porto
In Iberian Peninsula, the third longest River Douro makes a 112 km natural border between Portugal and Spain. The valley provides tranquility and breathtaking scenic views. The sloped vineyards are covered with succulent fruits and winding roads create a unique landscape.
Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon
Along the Tagus River this 10th century Castle of St. George is a grand stone architecture. It has now turned into a restaurant and an underground archeological museum. Many birds including geese, ducks and peacocks stroll in the gardens while the Tower of Ulysses have a periscope Câmara Escura to observe the city.
Biblioteca Joanina, Coimbra
Joanina Library was designed in Baroque style and built in the 18th century. Its ceilings are painted with sophisticated allegories and three wide salons are decorated with beautiful wooden book stands and splendid tables. Library has a large collection of over 250,000 printed and handwritten books from 15th to 19th century.
Palácio da Bolsa, Porto
This former stock exchange has an extraordinary Neoclassical façade and impressive interior. Built in the 19th-century, the edifice has a Pátio das Nações having glass panels, which highlight its iron architecture. The building is decorated with paintings and sculptures by the celebrated artists.
Igreja e Museu de São Roque, Lisbon
This 16th-century Jesuit church is the world’s most expensive chapel. Gold, silver, ivory, marble, alabaster, stones & gems of lapis lazuli, agate, crystals of porphyry and Florentine azulejos are used for its lavish interior. This dazzling church has a museum, which displays finest collection of art, relics and Baroque silver.
Parque e Palácio de Monserrate, Sintra
This 19th century dazzling palace surrounded by lush and artistic gardens. It is a unique blend of Portuguese, Arabic and Indian architecture and stained glass lavish interior.
Praia da Rocha, Algarve
At the coastline of Atlantic ocean this beach is famous for soccer tournaments. Soft sandy shore at the foot of red cliffs and azure sea is a famous summer holiday destination.
Livraria Lello & Irmão (Livraria Chardron), Porto
This is one of the oldest and most beautiful bookstore in the world that dates back to the 20th century. Marvellous Art Nouveau interior, stained glass ceiling, wooden walls, red stairway and Neo-Gothic façade make it an enigmatic edifice.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
This is the country’s only national park where 300-million-year-old granite peaks offer magnificent trails for hiking and walks. There are routes for cyclists, valleys, oak forests, ancient castles, monasteries and other relics that date back to the Middle Ages.