Portugal is a scenic European country on the Iberian Peninsula, on the Atlantic Ocean, and is well known for its influential culture, dishes, seafood, and beaches which are a major attraction for visiting tourists. The vintage architectural designs and the amazing landscape is something you will behold once you visit this amazing country for a holiday. Be prepared to visit a number of amazing attractions and also partake in the beach action that never seems to die here. Here is a great list of activities you can indulge in while taking a vacay in this amazing country so don’t stay bored in the hotel room. Scroll below for the best things to do over the summer holidays in Portugal.
1. Have a fun-filled surfing session (from USD 88.0)
Have you always wanted to learn how to surf? Well here’s your chance! Now you can fulfil your wish with a surfing lesson in Matosinhos Beach taught by qualified instructors in four different languages. The Surf School is a popular choice for those who want to learn how to surf. It’s a perfect place for beginners and you are provided with the necessary gear just for your surfing safety. Head down to this place and check out everything that you can learn about the surfing world.
Private Surf Lesson for one in Matosinhos Beach
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
2. Take a scenic tour in the historic Belem neighborhood (from USD 21.69)
Take a majestic a three-hour walking tour of the historic Belém neighbourhood that dates back from the Paleolithic times. We guarantee a delightful experience as you witness military outposts, modern symbols, gorgeous squares, and beautiful architectural designs. Make sure to check out the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém which are popular tourist attractions. You’ll also see the quarter façade of the Tower of Belém on the banks of the Tagus River which were built from limestone in the early 16th century.
Belém: Lisbon 3-Hour Walking Tour
Duration: 3.0 hour
3. Sample the amazing collections of the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Considered as one of the best museums in Portugal, the Gulbenkian Museum boasts of having the finest artefacts that date back from the ancient Egyptian era to the present day. These collections will teach you more about the evolution of humans over the ages to the high-intellect beings that we are today. Make sure to have a conversation with the attendants for more information about the collections, you’ll be surprised what you’ll discover about some of the artefacts!
Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Address: Av. de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 15 USD
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4. Have a fun-filled train tour across the 25th of April Bridge
The 25th of April Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in Europe and has one of the deepest foundations on the planet. Underneath the bridge is a dock and marina which are well-known and have some great restaurants, bars, a museum, and an observation deck which gives you an unmatched view of the bridge and the surrounding area. You can see the bridge from many viewpoints and you can even take an amazing tour across it or cruise under it.
The 25th of April Bridge
Address: Ponte 25 de Abril, Lisboa, Portugal
Opening hours: 24 hours
Price: 30 USD
5. Visit the pristine Castelo de Guimaraes
Immerse yourself in a guided trip to the Guimarães, a UNESCO world heritage castle built in the 10th century to defend the city of Guimarães against attacks from the Moors and Normans with perfectly preserved military architecture. It features turrets and towers reminiscent of fairy-tale castles. If you have some time left, you can visit Braga, where you can learn more about Roman history from an informative tour guide.
6. Take a majestic tour of the Ria Formosa Natural Park (from USD 43.37)
Ria Formosa Natural Park is a scenic blend of freshwater lagoons, sandy islands, and lush salt marshlands. It is best known for its varied landscape and diverse bird life which make it a haven for visitors. With its scattered islands and landscape, this park is best experienced by boat for scenic views or bikes which will take you through the park’s many coastal trails.
From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour
Duration: 4.0 hour
7. Explore the majestic marine world at Oceanario de Lisboa (from USD 27.11)
This is one of the most amazing underwater marine parks you’ll ever come across. It’s home to over 8,000 sea creature such as filigree sea dragons, big ocean sunfish, Portuguese sardines, jellyfish, frolicsome sea otters, and garden eels. Even better, there is a recreated rainforest, coral reef and Magellan penguins on ice. Don’t expect any marine entertainment shows but you’ll definitely learn a lot from this tour as this facility deals majorly with marine research and reproduction.
Lisbon: Oceanarium Of Lisbon Entrance Ticket
8. Experience royalty at its finest at the Mosteiro Palacio Nacional de Mafra (from USD 38.0)
This Monastery and National Palace of Mafra is situated 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Lisbon and offers the most amazing sightseeing experience. This lavish palace was built under the order of King João V to commemorate the birth of his heir King José I. It has some of the most incredible dimensions where it covers 40,000 square meters (9.8 acres) with 1,200 rooms which are perfectly adorned with the finest decor of the time.
Mafra 8-Hour Private Tour from Lisbon
9. Strolling across the stunning Cabo da Roca (from USD 85.09)
Cabo da Roca or Cape Roca is a cape in the Portuguese municipality of Sintra. It is in the southwest of Lisbon which forms the westernmost extension of the Serra de Sintra. While here, you will have the best views of the Atlantic Ocean. Also, take a stroll down the charming streets of the historic centre and enjoy the local dishes. You can also climb the beautiful mountain roads to the gorgeous Pena Palace where you’ll get up close to a fairytale castle, built in a romantic Portuguese style.
Sintra, Pena Palace, Cape Roca & Cascais Tour from Lisbon
Duration: 8 hour
10. Enjoy a fantastic day at Furnas and Lake Fire (from USD 48.0)
This is one of those tours you don’t want to miss if you are the kind of traveller that loves adventure. It offers visitors a relaxing stroll, having direct contact with nature as they enjoy the flora and fauna of this beautiful place. You’ll also pass through the Lagoa do Fogo, a pond of very blue waters, surrounded by lush vegetation and the lagoon which is the highest in the island of Sao Miguel. Furnas, on the other hand, is well known for its beautiful valley, amazing green scenery, and a city that has a lot to offer like cooked meals on hot volcanic soil. Now that’s something that will blow your mind away!
Half day tour - The lake of Fire
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Visit Portugal for the most unforgettable holiday experience
If you are looking for a country to visit, Portugal will give you all the amazing vacay experience you need. Travel to this scenic country and check out its amazing wonders as you unwind in one of the most amazing countries on the planet!
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