A panoramic view of Lisbon, Portugal, showing colorful buildings with red roofs, a white church, and the Tagus River under a blue sky—a perfect scene for discovering things to do in Portugal.

Europe

Top 14 Things to Do in Portugal

From hiking subtropical volcanic archipelagos to sampling world-class food and wine, here are the best things to do in Portugal.

Known for its cinematic coastline, charming cities, vibrant culture, and world-class food and wine scene, Portugal provides a picture-perfect backdrop for any European getaway. And there’s so much to this varied destination that’s sure to surprise and delight even the most seasoned of travelers, whether that’s exploring a volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic or visiting rural regions where an old way of life still exists. From one of the most beautiful train rides in the world to exploring one of the planet’s largest whale sanctuaries, here are the best things to do in Portugal—before, during, and after embarking on one of WT’s many Portugal hiking trips.

Five hikers with backpacks and trekking poles stand on a rocky path next to a stone building, overlooking terraced hills and a scenic valley—perfect for those seeking unique things to do in Portugal.

1Hike the best parts of the Camino Portugués

There’s hardly a better way to connect with a new place than by taking a long walk. And on the Camino Portugués, part of the famed Camino de Santiago, you’ll enjoy both simple pleasures and the region’s highlights. Explore Portugal’s rugged coastline and seaside villages, savor day-of seafood and Albarino wines, and discover the region’s Moorish and Christian medieval architecture on this spectacular thousand-year-old pilgrim trail. The 385-mile path starts in the city of Porto and winds along the coast to Santiago de Compostela, but go with WT to experience its most distinct sections.

Trips to Book: Hiker’s Journey to Portugal, Spain to Portugal Private Journey

2Enjoy a glass of wine after every adventure

No day is complete without capping off your adventures with a glass of vino from one of Portugal’s wine regions. Whether you’re hiking high above the famed vineyards of the Douro River Valley, one of Europe’s oldest wine regions, before enjoying a tasting of Port, or sampling Madeira’s famous fortified wines after spectacular hikes across the island, there are plenty of opportunities for aprés adventure.

Trips to Book: Hiker’s Journey to Portugal, Spain to Portugal Private Journey, Hiking in the Azores, Hiking the Isle of Madeira

3Embark on one of Europe’s most beautiful train rides

Many travelers cruise Portugal’s waters, but for an experience that’s just as relaxing and scenic but much more flexible, hop aboard the Linha do Douro. Considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe, the trip brings you along 125 miles of river valley, steeped terraced vineyards, and traditional villages aboard a quaint, retro-styled train. Disembark at any town along the route for a meal at a riverside restaurant or a Port tasting at a winery.

Trip to Book: Hiker’s Journey to Portugal

4Go whale watching in a renowned sanctuary

The waters off of the coast of Portugal are a marine paradise, and those that surround the archipelago of the Azores are one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries. Not only can you can spot more than 20 whale species here—a mix of year-round residents and migratory fin, blue, and sei whales that make their way from their winter breeding grounds near the equator to their summer feeding areas in the North Atlantic—but there are also plenty of dolphins! WT makes the most of this on its Madeira and Azores itineraries with private boat expeditions.

Trips to Book: Hiking in the Azores, Hiking the Isle of Madeira

A woman sings passionately while two men play guitars in a rustic restaurant with traditional decor—a perfect glimpse into authentic things to do in Portugal.

5Experience the feeling of saudade through fado music

Even if you don’t understand a word of Portuguese, the haunting melodies of the country’s iconic fado music are an unforgettable experience. Performed by singer and a guitar, fado’s evocative songs often tell stories of love, loss, and the distinctly Portuguese feeling of saudade, or melancholy. Many local restaurants host these performances, and WT knows the best performers for a truly authentic evening of fado music.

Trips to Book: Hiker’s Journey to Portugal, Hiking the Isle of Madeira

6Taste Portugal’s most coveted snack

It’s almost a requisite to have a pastéis de nata, also known as a Portuguese custard tart, for every day you’re in Portugal. With buttery crusts, a creamy, egg-based custard filling, and usually a sprinkle of cinnamon, these tarts can be found in most bakeries and make for a perfect snack on any adventure.

7Visit a bookstore out of Hogwarts

One of Porto’s most popular stops, the enchanting Livraria Lello bookstore looks straight out of the world of Harry Potter, with its towering bookshelves, elaborate staircases, stained-glass windows, and intricate art-nouveau design. Book a ticket to peruse more than 100,000 books, purchase Livraria Lello’s own specialty printings, or simply take in the enchanting atmosphere.

8Stroll through the fragrant forests of Peneda-Gerês National Park

The north of Portugal is home to the country’s only national park, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês. Established in 1971, the park covers a mountainous border region of about 173,000 acres, has over 600 different plant species, and is the last place where Garrano horses, a Lusio-Galician breed, live in the wild. Exploring Peneda-Gerês National Park feels like going back in time, with paths and bridges that date back to the middle ages and vestiges of agricultural life.

Trips to Book: Hiker’s Journey to Portugal, Spain to Portugal Private Journey

9Visit Lisbon’s breathtaking Sintra Palace

From luxurious summer estates to urban mansions, Lisbon is filled with stunning palaces worthy of a visit. But if you only have time to experience one, make it the less-visited Sintra Palace. Located on the city’s outskirts, Sintra is the sister palace to the nearby, more opulent Pena Palace. It’s one of the oldest palaces in Portugal, dating to the 10th or 11th century, and is known for its conical chimneys, mix of architectural styles, and tile paintings illustrating scenes of royal life. For visitors spending a few days in Lisbon ahead of a WT adventure, Sintra National Palace is a worthwhile detour.

10Wander the streets of Lisbon

For the perfect day in Lisbon, start in the historic Alfama neighborhood, filled with pastel houses, azulejo-tiled churches, and excellent tabernas. Linger at a cafe with a bica, or espresso, and a bifana sandwich. Hike up a nearby hilltop to Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval castle with sweeping views of the city and a small archaeological museum. Then, relax at one of the city’s beaches like Guincho or Meco, go shopping along Avenida Liberdade, or head to the district of Belém, on the Tagus River, to visit the circa-1515 fortress and Jerónimos Monastery.

Trips to Book: Enticing Douro, Flavors of Portugal and Spain

11Cruise the Douro River

The best way to take in the incredible beauty of Portugal’s Douro region is from the water, which offers nonstop views of its lush landscapes, steep vineyards, and idyllic towns perched on hillsides and by the water. While on a Douro River cruise, stop along the way at UNESCO-listed Alto Douro, the charming community of Pinhao, and quintas, or wine-producing estates, to sample regional specialties and vintages. While WT offers two Douro river-cruise itineraries, our northern Portuguese hiking journey also features a boat ride on the Douro.

Trips to Book: Hiker’s Journey to Portugal, Enticing Douro, Flavors of Portugal and Spain

People wade and swim in a natural pool surrounded by dense tropical forest, with a small waterfall and lush greenery—one of the unforgettable things to do in Portugal for nature lovers.

12Soak in iron-rich thermal pools

It’s no surprise that the archipelago of the Azores, home to 26 active volcanoes, is a thermal water paradise. After a week of hiking multiple islands on WT’s Azores hiking tour, we stay in the picturesque town of Furnas on São Miguel and soak in thermally heated pools fed with iron-red waters—a soothing finale to a grand adventure.

Trip to Book: Hiking in the Azores

13Discover otherworldly volcanic landscapes

A visit to the islands that make up Madeira and the Azores is a study in geology. Both were formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions beneath the Atlantic, resulting in landscapes filled with calderas, crater lakes, fumaroles, lava fields, and hot springs. While Madeira’s volcanic history is in its past, the Azores offer plenty of opportunities to witness active geothermal areas. WT’s hiking adventures trace these diverse formations and their bounty, from the famed fortified wines of Madeira to the deep red geological formations of the Azores.

Trips to Book: Hiking in the Azores, Hiking the Isle of Madeira

14Visit one of the only tea plantations in Europe

The north coast of São Miguel in the Azores is home to one of only two tea-growing regions in Europe. Climate and soil conditions have allowed tea to thrive far from its native terrain in Asia. Tea production on São Miguel started in the 19th century with seeds and techniques brought from China. Visit one of the two main tea plantations on São Miguel, the Porto Formoso Tea Factory and the Gorreana Tea Factory, and you’ll find yourself overlooking vistas of terraced tea bushes and tasting a cup or two in a distinctly Azorean setting.

Trip to Book: Hiking in the Azores

Learn More

Talk to an Expert

Our Europe Specialists know every detail about our Portugal Tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Choose A Trip