8 Best Things to Do in Portugal

Port wine, usually just referred to as port, is undoubtedly Portugal's most famous export. But you haven't really drunk port until you've tried its myriad forms in Portugal. Visit Porto and tour the producers' cellars, where you will learn about how port is made and sample some of the most famous port varieties, or visit the Douro valley where the grapes are grown. Another great place to try port is at Lisbon's Solar da Vinho da Porto tasting room.

Fado is Portugal's homegrown folk music. There are two main types, the mournful Lisbon style, and the more upbeat Coimbra style, named after the cities they were developed in. Try and see them both! You can book your own spot at many bars around town.​

Portugal's capital is teeming with culture and historical sights and has some great nightlife to suit all tastes. You can hop on the historic tram 28 which takes you past many sites and neighborhoods or wander around the medieval streets of Alfama. Admire the views of Lisbon from St. George's Castle or from one of the ​mirodouros (look-out points). And of course, there's fado to see and port to drink too! Add to that the fact that Lisbon is probably the best-value Western European capital, and you have a top destination to suit all budgets.

Porto is most famous for its port wine, but there is much more than the city has to offer. The Ribeirinha promenade, a historic waterfront area: stop at a cafe or wine bar and take in the beautiful views along the river of Villa de Gaia, where all the port cellars are, and the Dom Luis I bridge.

Southern Portugal's Algarve region has an amazing coastline with stunning beaches, beautiful waters, and striking cliffs with hidden coves. You can find whatever type of beach you are looking for, whether for swimming or sunbathing, secluded or full of fellow sun worshippers. The beaches in the most southwestern point, such as Sagres, provide great surfing conditions. Can't make it to the Algarve? Not too far from Lisbon is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, the Praia da Adraga.

Though port wine takes its name from the city of Porto, the Douro Valley is where the wineries are actually located. Porto is where the wine is aged, bottled, and stored, and is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Even if you have no interest in port or its production process, it is worth a visit to the Douro valley for its scenery alone (picture: rolling vineyards, lush backroads to cruise, and open blue sky).

Bom Jesus do Monte is a religious sanctuary just outside of Braga, about an hour from Porto. Perched on top of a hill is a church and gardens, which you can either take the funicular up to or walk up the amazing zig-zagging staircase. Tip: Take the funicular up to the top and walk down the stairs since each landing has something interesting to see.

Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. You can visit three palaces (Regaleira, Pena, and Royal Palaces) as well as the Moorish Castle. Then stroll along the historic center, relax at the waterfront, or explore its nature parks. If you are trying to pack many sights in, consider booking one of the many organized day trips from Lisbon to Sintra. The trips typically include some time in Sintra as well as a visit to Cabo de Roca, continental Europe's most westerly point, and other points along the beautiful Estoril Coast.