A tour of the capital should start from the oldest district of the city, Alfama. This is the only part of the city that survived the 1755 earthquake. It was founded by the Arabs, and a trace of their presence is preserved in its name, as in others beginning with «Al».

Alfama is located on a hill with great views of the surrounding area. There are many winding and narrow streets, small and cozy cafes where you can sit and have a drink to cool off after a long sightseeing tour.

  • It is here that you will see the famous yellow tram lifts. And don’t miss one of Lisbon’s most important sights, the 12th-century Se Cathedral, built by the first king of Portugal, Alfonso the Conqueror, on the site of a former mosque.
  • The cathedral houses a baptismal font in which Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Portugal, was baptized in 1195. Also worth a look at the castle of St. George, which offers a beautiful view of the surroundings. In the castle, you can walk along the defensive walls and admire the panorama of the city with a suspension bridge in the background.
  • A must-see is the Jerome Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive building is an example of the Manueline style, which was characterized by motifs and symbols associated with the sea and shipping. Here you can see the tomb of Vasco da Gama.
  • Near the monastery you can admire the monument to geographical discoveries with Henry the Navigator in the foreground.
  • On the banks of the Tagus River, not far from the monument, rises the Belém Tower, built by Manuel I and considered the greatest defensive structure in Portugal. While in Lisbon, it is also worth visiting Sintra.
  • In Sintra, 50 km from the capital, there is a Bavarian castle with Arab minarets, Gothic turrets, Manueline windows and a Renaissance dome. It was built by a German architect and served as a royal residence until 1910.

While in Sintra, be sure to visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe. Above the 140-meter cliff rises a lighthouse and a small obelisk. Upon arrival, you can receive a souvenir certificate stating that you have reached the westernmost tip of Europe.

Algarve

Approximately 300 km south of Lisbon. It can be reached via excellent motorways. The Algarve is a 200-kilometer strip of coast surrounded by picturesque mountains.

Here you will find magnificent beaches, majestic cliffs formed by wind and water, and a mild climate. There are many hotels, seaside resorts and tourists. The climate here is much warmer, and the sun shines almost all year round.

  • Be sure to visit nearby towns such as Sagres with its 18th-century fort. From here you can also see the 60-meter cliff of Cape St. Vincent. The city of Lagos is also interesting, where in 1411 the first slave market in modern times took place.

Also worth noting is the baroque church of St. Anthony. In the provincial capital of Faro, the abandoned market square with the Bishop’s Palace and the tower of the nearby cathedral, which offer panoramic views of the city, attract attention.

Evora

This city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Surrounded by walls, it hides a real cultural wealth. It is worth seeing the Praca de Giraldo town square with a medieval fountain, a 12th-century granite cathedral and a Roman temple of Diana.

Castelo di Vidi

The city is located on the northwestern hill of the Nature Park. In the old part of the city is the Jewish quarter with its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and a 13th-century synagogue.

Fatima

Located on the west coast, the city attracts Catholics from all over the world. This is a year-round place of veneration for Mary.

Coimbra

Considered the most beautiful city in Portugal. Its attractions are the old town, the monastery of Santa Cruz with the sarcophagi of the kings and the Cathedral of Se Vella.

Braga

The city was founded by the Romans in 27 BC. and is one of the oldest in Portugal. To this day, the city remains the religious center of the country. Every year, thousands of believers come here to take part in the celebration of Easter.

The suburbs of Braga are known for their many sacred buildings, such as Bom Jesus, which is one of the most exquisite baroque structures in Portugal.

Porto

The biggest attraction of the city are 4 impressive bridges: 2 modern and 2 bridges from the 19th century. In the city center there are many interesting architectural monuments, including the Se Cathedral, the Church of St. Francis, Bolsa — the stock exchange.

  • However, what is most striking is the contrast between a modern fitness center surrounded by wealthy suburbs and the old part of the city with its many narrow streets and arcades.

In the suburb of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, there is a port wine factory. Most of the cellars that store wine were built in the 18th century, and almost every one of them organizes a free tasting.