56 Portugal Landmarks You Should Visit for a Stunning Trip

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Are you looking for the best Portugal landmarks? You’re in the right place! With Eric being from Portugal and us having visited a couple of times, we definitely have a good idea of the best Portuguese landmarks. 

You might be wondering what landmarks are in Portugal. Whether you are looking for historical landmarks anywhere from the 12th Century to the 19th Century, more unique palaces or natural landmarks, Portugal has got everything you could think of! 

In this list of Portuguese landmarks, we have included the famous landmarks in Portugal by city, included man-made landmarks and Portugal historical places. We have also included natural landmarks such as natural pools or national parks you shouldn’t miss. Finally, we also included some more under the radar landmarks that are still a bit unknown but that we think are worth visiting. You can have a look at the Portugal landmarks pictures featured in this post to pick which landmarks you’d like to see. 

For each landmark or region, we have also included some recommended stays and tours (with some featuring popular food in Portugal) to ensure you can get the best out of your travel experience!

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

As a travel couple, we love exploring romantic cities and beaches.

Famous landmarks in Lisbon Portugal

What are the most famous landmarks to see while traveling Portugal? Well, some of the best Portugal’s landmarks are located in Lisbon and this post would not be complete without a recap of the most famous Lisbon landmarks! We visited Lisbon in February and absolutely loved the city. Actually some of Lisbon Portugal famous landmarks reminded us a famous American city but we will let you read on to find out which it is! 

Whether you are interest in historical landmarks related to the Portuguese royal family or gorgeous photo spots, Lisbon will not disappoint! 

You can check out our 4 day Lisbon itinerary to make sure to have the best experience in the city! Most of Lisbon landmarks are within walking distance of each other, however, some are a bit out of the city centre. To visit those, we recommend renting electric scooters in Lisbon as a fun, cheap and efficient way to visit the city! 

1. São Jorge Castle, one of the key Lisbon Portugal landmarks

St George’s Castle is a statement in Lisbon and one of the famous buildings in Lisbon you should definitely visit. There are a few things to know about how to get there and how to make the best out of your visit.

How to get there

There are a couple of ways to get to the castle but we loved the route we took both for the views it offered and how picturesque it was.

From Praça da Figueira, walk towards Martim Moniz Square. From there, you can take the electric stairs (escadinhas da Sáude) to go up the hill. You’ll need to take regular stairs to the top to Costa do Castelo.

Once arrived at Costa do Castelo, take a left for one of the best views on the city and on the Miradouro da Graça. Don’t forget to check out the houses with the traditional tiles. Then come back down and follow Costa do Castelo all the way down. Do not go up as, even though it does lead to the castle, it is not the nicest way to get there. While going down, always keep left. This took us a while to figure out as Google Maps wasn’t giving us the right route. A nice local lady actually helped us so trust us when we say to go down.

Once you arrive on Rua Saudad, turn left in direction of the castle. 

The Castle of St George

St George’s Castle is a fortress with several layers of walls. You can visit the castle along with the gardens. The castle features an archeological site and access to the high towers. From the towers, you have an amazing 360° panoramic view on the city. It was truly amazing!

You might find it funny also that some of the locals are peacocks! Actually, there were dozens of them roaming around or just chilling on the trees. They were very beautiful and didn’t seem bothered by tourists at all. 

If you are a bit hungry from your journey (our day started at 3am so we were definitely hungry), we recommend getting Mista crepes at Crepe 28. This is a crepe version of the traditional Tosta Mista (see below). The crepes were huge.

After you’re done at the castle, you can walk around the fortress and look at the small shops there. 

Budget: Entrance to the castle was €10 per ticket and crepes were €5 each.

2. Ponte 25 de Abril, one of Lisbon iconic landmarks

Ponte 25 de Abril is to Lisbon what the Golden Gate Bridge is to San Francisco. It is a long red suspension bridge that connects Lisbon to Almada and the Cristo de Rei statue over the estuary in which the Tagus River ends. The bridge is undeniably worth seeing. Once you arrive to the Alcantara Mar area, you will be able to see it up close. The area resembles the Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles and is great is you need to stop for lunch or a coffee.

Before you head down to the docks, we would recommend heading down to Doca de Sao Amaro where you can have the most amazing views of the bridge. When we visited the area in February, it really was not busy and we were able to take great photos as well. 

Fun fact, the Ponte 25 de Abril was actually planned by the same company that planned the Golden Gate Bridge, hence why the two cities look very similar!

3. Belem Tower

The Belém Tower was built during the 16th century and served as an embarkation and disembarkation point for Portuguese discoverers. It also served as a fortress to protect Lisbon from attacks. It is famous for its architecture and is definitely worth checking out.

You can admire the Belem Tower either from the surrounding park or front the famous wooden bridge that leads to it. As the tower is a bit out of the city, you’ll probably want to take transportation there. You have the choice between taking a tuktuk, hoping on the tramway line, renting bicycles or renting electric scooters. 

4. Jeronimos Monastery

The Jeronimos Monastery has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Designed by a Portuguese architect named Diogo de Boitaca, the Monastery was built to honour Vasco de Gaza’s return from beautiful India. It was actually built on an old chapel where Vasco and his team of sailors prayed before going to India. Although the construction started in the 16th Century, it wasn’t completed before the 17th Century.

At the Monastery, you will find the Church of Santa Maria with the tombs of Vasco de Game and Luis de Camoes, a poet and writer from Portugal. In addition, you will also visit the Cloister with one of its walls dedicated to the Monastery’s history. 

The Jeronimos Monastery is a very impressive monument and one that is quite unique as well. You can either check out the monument from outside or visit the inside. As we were a bit under time pressure during our visit to Lisbon, we didn’t go inside. Note that the queues can be quite long so we would recommend booking tickets online and in advance a supposed to showing up and hoping for the best (speaking from experience lol).

Near the Monastery, you will find the Archeology Museum. The monastery is also really close to the Belem Tower and the Discoveries Monument so it’s easy to walk from one to the other. 

5. Lisbon Tram Line

The Tram line is one of Lisbon famous landmarks and is, with Ponte 25 de Abril and the hills, one of Lisbon’s features that will remind you of San Francisco. The famous tram is Tram 28 which you will easily notice throughout the city as it is always quite busy with lots of tourists! It is the most popular line as it takes you through the historical centre and lots of the main landmarks of Lisbon. Cool spots to see the tram are near the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and near Sé, Lisbon’s cathedral. 

The trams date back to the 1930s and Lisbon is the only European city using them. This is because the city’s streets are too narrow and winding for modern tramways. In the Alfama, you can observe how drivers change tracks and allow for the trams to take sharp turns. It is quite a cool thing to watch! Of course, riding the tram is even funner than just looking at it! You can ride the tram for €3 per person. 

6. Santa Justa Elevador, a unique landmark in Portugal

One of the landmarks in Lisbon you shouldn’t miss is the Santa Justa Elevator. It is located in the historical centre of Lisbon by Rua do Carmo. 

The lift takes you from the Baixa neighbourhood to the Bairro Alto district, essentially taking you from upper Lisbon to lower Lisbon and vice versa. It is built as a metal structure, in the same style as the French Eiffel Tower and you will definitely notice that when visiting. 

We didn’t ride the elevator as it was closed for a period of time when we visited. However, we did go check it out from under and from the top. The structure is impressive and it’s definitely something unique. We definitely recommend checking it out even if you can’t ride it. At night, it is lit up which is quite cool!

At the bottom of the lift, you will notice a majestic piece of street art which left us speechless. This mural represents two pelicans on a 5×5 meter large painting. What is so impressive is that this is a 3D piece. We had never seen anything like this before! You’ll find it on Rua de Santa Justa. It was painted by Bordalo II.

Budget: A return ticket costs €5.15

7. Praça do Comércio

Praça do Comércio is a large famous square by Lisbon’s waterfront. From this square, you can look at the Arch, also known as Arco da Rua Augusta, take photos of the tramway or stop for a snack at one of the cafés. If you look up you will notice the architecture of the yellow buildings. In the centre, there is a statue of King Joseph I on a horse.

The Plaça is also home to Lisbon’s oldest restaurant, the Marthino da Arcada. 

8. Pink Street, one of the most famous (overrated?) landmarks in Lisbon

Pink Street has become, with social media, one of the most famous landmarks in Lisbon. It is a popular street whose grounds are painted pink. Now, everyone might not agree with us, but we really weren’t too impressed by it. The street is really small and short, with part of it under construction.There are also umbrellas hanging over the street in a similar way as Anne’s Lane in Dublin. But overall, it is essentially a street you go to for drinks or to have dinner. There are lots of bars and restaurants there so it might be a good idea to go later in the evening instead of during the day. 

Overall, it is a cute street especially with the bridge in the backdrop but we think the only reason why it’s been considered as one of Lisbon’s famous landmarks lately is solely due to social media. We probably wouldn’t have given the time of day to this street if it wasn’t for the gram! Just keeping it real here!

9. Miradoura de Santa luzia and the Alfama District

9 minutes from St George’s Castle, you will find the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of the most mind-blowing landmarks of Lisbon Portugal. The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the Miradouros of Lisbon and one you should not miss out on. The Miradouro itself is built in the Portuguese traditions with its decorative blue tiles. The Miradouro also overlooks the Alfama neighbourhood with a view on the estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril. There is also live music there which will immerse you in the culture. 

From this Miradouro, you will also have a premium view on Lisa, a mural painted by Tami Hopf on the walls of the Alfama. We loved this piece with represents a blindfolded woman, standing in front of the sun and releasing white birds. We thought it gave out positive vibes which was perfect as we were having such a good time. 

10. Lisbon Cathedral

Another of Lisbon famous buildings is Lisbon’s Cathedral. Also  known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major or Sé, it is located only a 12 minute walk from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and it’s all downhill. 

On your way to the cathedral, make sure to keep your eyes open as there are beautiful tile covered buildings on those streets. It’s actually funny how we noticed them while no-one seemed to care. Then all of a sudden, while we started taking photos, more people stopped to capture those building!

Lisbon’s Cathedral was a great visit. The entrance is cheap but you get to visit both levels of the Cathedral which is rare enough! We even got to go up on the balcony outside right in front of the rose window! We definitely recommend this one.

Budget: €4 per ticket

11. Time Out Market, a Portuguese landmark for foodies

The Time Out Market, also known as Mercado da Ribeira is located right across Cais do Sodré. This is one of the oldest markets in Lisbon and has become a hub for food, making it the most popular Portuguese landmark in Lisbon for foodies. It is open from 10 am to 12am and has lots of different foods from traditional Pastéis de Nata to soups, donuts and more. 

We ordered two Pastéis de Nata and one coffee for Manteigaria for a total of €4.

12. Discoveries Monument

The Discoveries monument was built to represent Portugal’s discoveries, the courage and bravery of Portuguese navigators who discovered new lands. The monument, which was built in recent years, is shaped has a ship with carvings of some of the most influential discoverers in Portugal’s history. 

We didn’t visit the inside but we thought it was quite a monument and worth stopping by. It is located right before the Belem tower and in the area between the Ponte 25 de Abril and Jeronimos Monastery so you can check out these landmarks together. 

Budget: Tickets range from €1,50 to €6 per person.

13. Cristo Rei statue

Another one of the famous landmarks Lisbon Portugal offers is the Cristo Rei Statue located on the other side of the Tejo Estuary. This is a Catholic sanctuary dedicated to Jesus Christ and will remind you of the famous statue in Brazil. 

To reach the statue, you can drive across the red suspension bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril or take the ferry for a beautiful journey. Near the Cristo Rei statue, you will find gorgeous beaches on end on the Costa da Caparica.

Famous landmarks in Porto

14. Dom Luis Bridge, one of the most famous buildings in Portugal 

The Dom Luis bridge is probably the most famous bridge of Portugal with the Ponte 25 de Abril in Lisbon! 

The bridge is quite unique as it consists of two level connected together with a large made-of-steel arch. Its construction started in 1881 and finished in 1888 and, unsurprisingly, was designed by a fellow of Gustave Eiffel. This 395 meter long and 45 meter high bridge connected the Ribeira district of Porto to the town of Vila Nova de Gaia over the Douro River. 

The upper level of the Dom Luis bridge is used by Line D of Porto’s subway while the lower levels is reserved to cars. Both levels are accessible to pedestrians. This bridge has been noticed quite a bit on social media as it is a great spot for photos.

For the best viewpoints (and photos) of the bridge, head to the top to capture the city in a unique way. From the lower level, you’ll be able to capture more of the bridge and play with the structure!

15. Sao Bento Train Station

On our trip to Porto, the 1916 Sao Bento railway station was one of our first stops and we loved it! Although it might seem weird to go and visit a train station, this one is a bit special. Known as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, it features over 20,000 azulejo tiles on its walls. The tiles tell Portugal’s lifestyle and history. When in the train station, you will want to raise your head and look up at the beautiful scenes on the walls and the architecture of the building. 

16. Port Wine Quays

One of the most famous landmarks in Porto is the quays, particularly the quays across the Douro River that are home to numerous Port wine cellars. In addition to providing you with one of the greatest views on Porto town and the Dom Luis bridge, the quays, also known as the Avenida de Diogo Leite, offer numerous options of Port wine bars and a lovely promenade. 

This is the perfect place for a Port wine tour of for a stroll and a drink at sunset after a long day exploring the city. 

17. Harry Potter Library – Lello library

Before visiting the Livraria Lello, we had never been to such a unique library. Located in Porto’s city centre, the Lello library is first and foremost famous for inspiring the Hogwarts sets in the Harry Potter books by JK Rowling (and then in the movies). This is probably one of the most common reason for people to visit the library as there are lots of Harry Potter fans and movie enthusiasts out there!

But the library is fantastic even beyond its role in one of the most popular series of all time. Indeed, it was built in a neo-gothic style and has quite a unique ceiling. The red staircase that splits in two from the second floor is quite impressive and definitely transports you to some kind of fantasy dimension! 

Of course, the selection of book she is also impressive, with old, new and used books, guides and foreign literature, you’ll find quite an eclectic range of manuscripts. 

18. O Porto dos Gatos Cat café, the cutest Portuguese landmark

One of the cutest landmarks in Portugal is located in Porto and that is the O Porto dos Gatos Cat café. Who said that all landmarks had to be historical or natural right? This is obviously a man-made and living breathing landmark that we just couldn’t skip in this list. The cafe is super cute and offers vegan food and drinks. While you are enjoying your order, you can sit on the terrace and play and snuggle with the cafe’s cats! We had an amazing experience here and would definitely recommend stopping by for breakfast or an afternoon snack! You can read our full guide on Porto cat café here. 

19. Clerigos Church and Tower 

Are you willing to climb more than 200 steps to get some of the best panoramic views of Porto? If you are, then you are ready for one of the most popular Portugal tourist attractions in Porto. 

Built in the 18th Century by the Clerigos Brotherhood, the Clerigos tower is the tallest bell tower in Portugal with a height of 75 meters. It is located in Porto’s city centre right next to the famous tram line. The church which sits right next to the tower is of course, a bit less impressive but remains a historical landmarks as one of the first baroque churches of Portugal with marble interiors. 

20. Tram Line

The tram line in Porto is almost as famous as the Tram 28 in Lisbon. One of the most famous landmarks in Porto is the tramline on Rua da Assunção near the Torre dos Clérigos (the Clerigos tower and church). The view of the traditional and historical yellow tramway coming up the street with the tower nearby makes for a very picturesque view that tourists love! 

21. Sé Cathedral

Porto Cathedral, also known as Sé do Porto is one of the famous Portuguese landmarks and is listed as one of the UNESCO sites. The cathedral dates back from the 12th Century and has since then been renovated in three different styles: roman, gothic and baroque which are all very popular in Portugal.

The Cathedral is quite enormous with two stone towers and a large door in the middle. Above the door, you will notice a beautiful rose window. Inside, you will find the cloister built in a gothic style which allows you to check out azulejos dated back to the 17th Century. The visit to the Cathedral is free but entrance to the cloister is €3.

The Cathedral sits at the top of the city and the surrounding areas and streets offer a gorgeous view on the city and the traditional orange roofs of the city. We would recommend taking your time while going down back to the docks to take in the views!

22. Majestic Cafe, listed as one of the most beautiful cafés in the world

The Majestic Cafe is one of the most beautiful cafes in the world and one of Porto’s popular landmarks. Dating back to 1921, the cafe is located in the pedestrian area on Santa Catarina Street. When looking at it, one could think they are in Paris! This cafe used to be the headquarters of the elite (which used to be the café’s name!) of Porto including writers and politicians. Between the gorgeous façade and the indoor architecture, it is a landmark to at least come see once!

Note that the café is often very busy with long lines to get in. We appreciated getting a peak from outside and thought this was quite enough for us. However, if you have time, we would recommend getting in and grabbing some drinks and food as we have heard the menu is quite good!

23. Câmera Municipal, Porto’s city hall

At the top of Avenida dos Aliados, you will find one of the most impressive landmarks of Porto: the city hall. The building dates back from 1920 and looks over the avenue like the guard of the city. The building also features a clock tower which is 70 meters high. When the bells ring, it is meant to remind the citizens of the important of civic life. 

The building and the avenue are one of the nicest landmarks in Porto and it is definitely worth walking up or down the avenue!

24. Chapel of souls – Capela das Almas

Another of the famous Portugal landmarks is the Chapel of souls also known as Capela das Almas in Portuguese. This church is the perfect Portuguese landmark as it is covered in azulejo tiles on the outside. You can absolutely not miss it while wandering the streets! The tile mural was added to the building in 1912 and is made of close to 16,000 tiles which tell the story of the death of St Francis of Assisi and the martyrdom of Santa Caterina. The Chapel of Souls is absolutely stunning and such a unique landmark that you won’t find anywhere else!

Famous Sintra landmarks 

Sintra landmarks are among the most unique and fascinating in Europe. In this list you’ll find the main Portugal famous buildings in Sintra. If you want to spend a full day in Sintra, we recommend you head to our Sintra itinerary so you don’t miss a thing!

25. Quinta Da Regaleira, one of the major landmarks in Portugal

Quinta Da Regaleira is in our opinion an absolute must see on a Sintra Portugal day trip, compared to some of the other castles. For example, you can find medieval castles like Castelo dos Mouros in a lot of European cities. However, Quinta Da Regaleira is very unique and we have never seen anything like it in Europe. 

Designed in the 1900s, Quinta Da Regaleira is very different from Mouros Castle and Pena Palace. The site is really big and you could honestly spend a whole day here.

There are lots to do at Quinta Da Regaleira. The main landmarks are the gothic mansion which looks like it was taken straight out of the Jungle Book, and the Initiation Well. There are also a few gothic buildings, caves, ponds, and lush gardens making the whole site look like you have just been transported to Bali. 

When you buy tickets, you are given a map which is very helpful. It is important to note that you cannot purchase tickets solely for the Initiation Well and separately from the Quinta Da Regaleira. They both come on one ticket. Tickets are about €18 per person.

To get to Quinta da Regaleira, you can either take the bus, take a tuktuk or order a Uber. If you feel like it, you can walk there but it might take you a while as the paths are quite steep!   

26. Pena Palace, one of the most unique Portugal attractions and landmarks

Pena Palace is one of the most popular Portugal attractions and landmarks and one of the most unique building we have ever seen and looks nothing like any medieval or French Loire castles you would have visited before. To be honest, Pena Palace is a little bit of a castle that seems to have been taken straight out of a Disney movie! 

The palace used to be a monastery during the Middle-Ages. In the 1800s, the King of Portugal decided he needed a bit more room (don’t we all though) and expanded the castle to turn it into his summer residence. So Pena Palace was essentially the King’s vacation home. In 1910, it became a national monument and a museum.

There is a lot to do at Pena Palace. The palace is furnished and it is possible to visit the rooms. The most interesting part in our opinion is the terraces, and the outdoors of the castle which is where you really can see the unique styles of architecture, the bright colours, the towers, the blue tiles and sculptures. The palace is located on top of the mountain in the centre of a large park with gardens, ponds, forests and paths. 

From the walls of the palace, you get unbelievable views on the country but also on the Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros). 

There are two types of tickets you can purchase:

– Tickets for the park and the terraces: These are the tickets that we purchased. They give you access to the gardens and to the terraces of the castle. The only part that you don’t have access to is the rooms of the castle. But you do have access to the towers, the inside courtyard and everything outside the rooms. We really recommend those tickets if you are visiting Sintra for one day as they are cheaper and get you to see everything that is worth seeing. We have read that the rooms are really nice but if you have visited castles before, you won’t be missing out. 

Budget: €7,50 per person

– Tickets for the parks, terraces and the rooms. These tickets provide you with access to the grounds, the terraces and the rooms

Budget: €14 per person

We spent about 2 hours on site just exploring the terraces. 

To get to Pena Palace, you can either take the bus or a tuktuk from the train station. On your way to the palace, don’t forget to have a look at Chalet Biester. This house was used in Roman Polanski’s movie “The Ninth Gate” released in 1999 and starring amazingly talented Johnny Depp.

27. National Palace

The National Palace is recognisable kilometres aways by its unique mix of architecture styles. Inside you will find the famous blue tile living room and the painted Swan room. Just like for the other visits, we recommend purchasing tickets to the National Palace online. You can spend  about 2 hours there.

Budget: €9,50 per adult

28. Castelo dos Mouros, one of the most important Sintra landmarks 

Also called Moorish Castle, Mouros Castle of Castle of the Moors, this castle is essentially just walls dated back from the 8th Century and rebuilt many times. You can visit the walls and the towers. It is located a short walk from Pena Palace and is one of the important landmarks in Portugal. You will need to go back to the main entrance of Pena Palace and head to Estrada Da Pena North and then up to the Moorish Castle.

Budget: €8 per adult

29. Conveto dos Capuchos

The Convent of the Capuchos was first built in 1560 by the King of Portugal  and used to be a place of worship and pilgrimage. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. The convent is an interesting visit as it mixes the human construction with granite boulders and lots of vegetation. 

Budget: €7 per adult, €6,65 if you purchase tickets online.

30. Palacio de Monserrate, one of the important landmarks in Portugal

If you are looking for a bit of Morocco in Sintra, you’ll find it in the Monserrate Palace. The construction follows the codes of Arabian design in an English garden. Often overlooked by visitors, it is quite a unique visit.

Budget: €8 per adult

Other famous landmarks in Portugal 

Portugal is quite a rich country when it comes to mind blowing landmarks. Although it is undeniable that there are famous landmarks in Lisbon Portugal and Porto, the country has a lot to offer all along the coast and inland. In this section, we cover some gorgeous and unforgettable Portuguese landmarks beyond the main cities.

31. Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga

Braga is a gorgeous city located about 45 minutes from Porto and is definitely one of the famous places in Portugal you should visit if you’re in the North of Portugal. 

In Braga, you will find one of Portugal landmarks attractions, and the main reason that bring tourists to the town,  the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte. At first, the sanctuary looks like a very nice church with gardens and flowers all around. But it’s not exactly what it is. The sanctuary has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019 and for good reasons! This Catholic sanctuary was built on the Bom Jesus sacred hill in the 14th Century in a baroque style and took about 37 years to be completed. As we like to say, “we don’t make them like that anymore!”. Originally, the site was a pilgrimage site with thousands of people coming to climb the hundreds of steps on their knees to show their devotion to God. There are still people doing it like this although it has become more rare.

The main feature of the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is called the Sacred Way. It is a set of three staircases the Via Crucis, the Staircase of the Five Senses, and the Virtues Staircase. The staircases go in zigzag all the way to the top of the hill and are made of 577 steps! On your way up, you’ll be able to see fountains, allegoric statues, and the carvings and decorations based on the bible. Don’t forget to also visit the chapels and the gardens. If you’re not too fond of climbing stairs, you can also take the road of the hydraulic funicular. 

Entrance to the Basilica is free and tickets to the elevator are just a couple of euros. You can learn more about it here. 

Take this incredible tour to Guimaraes and Braga and enjoy an exclusive guided visit of Guimaraes Castle, Braga Cathedral, and the Ducal Palace. 

32. Castle of Guimarães

Guimarães is a city in the North of Portugal which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001 based on its beautiful architecture, and historical importance. Although the town is worth a vist, it is mostly famous for hosting one of the historical Portuguese monuments, the Castle of Guimarães.

The Castle of Guimarães dates back to the 10th Century. At that time, a Portuguese Countess named Mumadona Diaz decided to build a monastery on the land at Guimarães. However, the area would be constantly attacked by Vikings and Moors and the monastery was too unprotected to remain. She therefore decided to build a fortress around the monastery to guarantee that monks would be safe and able to take refuge at the monastery. That’s how the castle came around.

The castle resembles what you would think of when thinking of a medieval castle, with ramparts and seven towers built all around. The castle is said to have been the birth place of the first king of Portugal. From the 12th Century to the 14th Century, the castle became the residence of King Alfonso I. After that the castle was abandoned and fell into ruins before it was restored to its 17th Century style. The castle is now open to visitors for less than €5 per adult which is great if you are traveling on a budget!

In the area, you can also visit the Church of S. Miguel and the Paço dos Duques from Bragança.

Take this incredible tour to Guimaraes and Braga and enjoy an exclusive guided visit of Guimaraes Castle, Braga Cathedral, and the Ducal Palace.  

33. Alcobaca Monastery, one of the important historical landmarks in Portugal

One of the important historical landmarks in Portugal is the Alcobaca Monastery. Located in Alcobaça, the monastery was built by the first king of Portugal named Alfonso Henriques and is about 800 years old. The monastery of Alcobaca and the famous Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon have completely different architectural styles. The Monastery of Alcobaca was built around the 12th Century in a gothic style. The main entrance is built like a Roman Catholic building with a big arched wooden door, a rose window and two towers with bells. On the side, the building are more traditional with white wall, very few decorations and small windows. The main facade features a lot of detailing and sculptures. Most of the statues and the two towers were actually added in the 18th Century, years after the first construction. 

Inside the monastery, you will find a lot of gothic architecture with arched corridors and very detailed carvings on the walls. In the centre of the monastery, you’ll find the gardens.highlights of the visit include the Cloister of Silence, and the tomb of Ines de Castro who was the Portuguese King’s wife and who was murdered. The tomb is surrounded by four gargoyles. 

The Alcobaca Monastery, due to its ties with the first king of Portugal, is one of the most important Portugal landmarks. The city and the monastery make for a great stop on your way from Porto to Lisbon. 

Take this tour from Lisbon to discover Alcobaça Monastery along with Tomar and Bathala Monasteries!

34. Coimbra University, one of the famous landmarks and buildings in Portugal and in the world

Coimbra University might not be the first Portuguese landmark that comes to your mind when planning a trip to Portugal. However, it is quite a famous landmark and one that has a big hirstorical significance. 

The University was established back in 1920 which makes it the oldest university in Portugal but also one of the oldest universities in the world still in operation. Still to this day, it is considered one of Portugal cultural landmarks, often compared to Oxford or La Sorbonne.

When at the university, you’ll love the beautiful white and orange architecture and, of course, the main clock tower that proudly stands in one corner and which you can visit as well. The walls and arched are carved with beautiful sculptures and there are lots of details. The buildings of the university will remind you those of the Alcobaça Monastery. 

Near the university, you can enjoy a visit of the São Miguel Chapel, the Joanina Library and the medieval prison. Rua da Sofia which is located nearby is also a must-see and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. 

We recommend this walking tour of Coimbra University. 

35. Fort of Sao Joao Baptista, one of the most underrated Portugal landmarks

If you are looking for one of the most unique lanyards of Portugal, we recommend that you head to the Berlengas Islands to see Fort of Sao Joao Baptista.

The fort sits on a big rock formation on the sea and is connected to the main island by a stone bridge. The fortress was originally a monastery. The monks of Portugal has identified the island as being a key spot to bringing shelter to seafarers. Unfortunately, they suffered from numerous attacks from France, Algeria, England and eventually had to abandon the fort. In the 17th Century, the fort’s construction started, initially, as a mean to defend the island and a strategic military position. 

Although you might have heard dozens of historical stories like this one, the construction is quite impressive and its location, obviously unusual. This is a great spot to explore if you are looking for more under-the-radar Portuguese landmarks.

We recommend this tour to the Berlengas Islands and the Fortress of Sao Joao Baptista. 

36. Monsanto Village, one of the most famous Portuguese landmarks

Known as the most Portuguese town of Portugal, Monsanto is one of the most famous Portuguese landmarks. If you’ve ever been to the south of France or even to Bonifacio in Corsica, you will know that some of the most beautiful villages in the world are built on cliffs or into rock formations. This is also the case for Monsanto. 

Monsanto village is built on and into giant boulders in the North of Portugal. Houses of the village are built traditionally and made of local stones. The village creates quite a unique setting with lots of narrow and winding streets leading to the top of the village and offering vincredible views on the Portuguese countryside. 

Historically, the village was a strategic military spot for the open view it offers. The consequence of its unusual location is that the village hasn’t changed in centuries so it is a great testimony of Portugal’s history. 

37. Convento do Cristo, Tomar

The Convento do Cristo is a famous Pourtuguese landmark known as being the headquarters of the Templar Knights. Back in the 12th Century, the Templar Knights were the Pope’s army and were feared by the sovereigns. However, the Portuguese King decided to provide them with shelter along with renaming them to the Order of the Christ. The Templar Knights made the Convento do Cristo their home.

The convent was built in 1160 and is located between Porto and Lisbon which makes it a great road trip stop. The architecture of the convent is quite impressive with arched windows, religious paintings, and carved and painted pillars. The ceiling is also quite impressive. The style is quite dark and also encompasses tapestries and ironworks. When stopping by the Convento do Cristo, don’t forget to visit the Manueline-styled chapel. 

We recommend this day tour to Tomar and Constancia to discover the history of the Knights Templar!

38. Capela de Ossos, Evora

If you are visiting Portugal during Halloween, this Portugeuse landmark is right on theme! This is by far one of the most unique landmarks in Portugal and probably in the world.

“Capela de Ossos” literally translates to “Bones Chapel” which, if you haven’t guessed it yet, is exactly what this landmark is. This is a chapel that is completely made out of human bones. The walls are femurs on top of each other and glued together with mortar. There are skulls on the corner of the pillars and in the walls as well.

Although it may be surprising, the reason for this chapel does actually make sense. In the 16th Century, Evora’s cemeteries became full so room had to be made for newcomers (lol). The bones of people who had long be buried were therefore exhumed. At the time it was believed that the dead were closer to God when in a place of worship and faith. That’s why the chapel was created with the bones and skulls.

There are also legends about the origin of the bones. One states that they are bones from soldiers that were killed in battle while the other claims that the bones belonged to victims of the plague. We don’t know about you but we prefer the official story!

Evora is located East of Lisbon, about one hour and thirty minutes by car and two hours by bus. This is a cool and unique visit for a day trip from Lisbon. 

39. Evora Roman Temple, one of the famous monuments in Portugal

While in Evora, you might want to stop by another of the famous landmarks of Portugal, the Evora Roman Temple. This 2000 year-old temple is located in the historical centre of Evora and is one of the most surprising Portugal historical landmarks. Also known as the Temple of Diana, the temple features 14 columns similar to those you would find in Rome. The reason why it is known as the Diana Temple is because of a 17th Century legend which told that the construction of the temple was in honour of the goddess Diana. However, this was not the case and instead, the temple was built to honour Emperor Augustus so he could be worshiped as a god. 

The Evora Roman Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is the only remain of the Romans in Evora. 

Other things to do near the temple include visiting the Evora Museum and the Diana Garden (Jardim de Diana).

40. Óbidos Castle, one of the best Portugal historical sites

In Eastern Portugal, in the town of Óbidos, you will find Óbidos Castle, a medieval castle standing on a hilltop. The castle was built in the 8th Century by the Moors with some further construction that took place in the 13th Century.

As a medieval castle, it features defensive ramparts, stone walls and a keep. When arriving at the castle, you will note three round towers and one square tower. Inside the castle has been renovated to match the modern times standards so it’s not as interesting from a historical point of view as the outside.

Óbidos town is a very picturesque town as well with lots of narrow cobbled streets taking you to shops and lively squares. Óbidos is located about an hour away from Lisbon which is perfect for a day or half-day trip! We would recommend a visit if you’re looking for a more authentic village.

41. The Torre, Serra da Estrela Natural Park

Sitting at 1,993 meters, the Torre is the highest point on continental Portugal and offers gorgeous views on the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. 

The Torre itself is the highest point and you’ll find two former radar towers for the Portuguese Air Force and a cross on a stone as well. However, on the site you’ll find quiet a few attractions. One of them is the geo museum with passionate guides. There are also a few shops where you can buy mountain products such as cheese. 

As the Torre is located in altitude, the temperature drops quite a bit up there so come prepared. We would recommend bringing at least a sweater during summer. In winter, spring and fall, it is possible to see a lot of snow so you should wear warm clothes. It is also the only ski resort in the country! 

The weather at the Torre changes quite a bit so depending on your time of visit, you might be able to have a completely clear view, have a snowy view or be plunged into a creepy fog. The atmosphere changes quite a bit which is really cool! If it is a cloudy day, you might find yourself above the clouds!

To get to the Torre, you can drive for free or there is also a cable car. 

We recommend to take this private tour around the Serra de Estrela National Park.

42. Covão dos Conchos, one of the most famous landmarks Portugal has to offer

The Covão dos Conchos is one of the most famous landmarks Portugal has to offer and also one of the most unique! Also called “ the eye” by locals, Covão dos Conchos is a man made hole in one of the lakes of Serra da Estrela Natural Park. 

The eye is actually a bell mouth spillway. Bell mouth spillways are usually used near dams to evacuate the water safely when the reservoir is full. In this case, Covão dos Conchos evacuates the water from the mountains and Ribeira das Navers to Lagoa Comprida and is part of the hydro-electric dam of the area. The eye is 4,6 meters high and its circumference is 48 meters. The tunnel itself is over 1,5km long.  

To get there, you will need to hike in the national park. The hike is known for being gorgeous as it takes you through a GeoPark which find its origins in glaciers millions of years ago. During the hike, you’ll be surrounded by giant boulders, trees and greenery. The hike is about 8km long and rated as moderate. It is not a loop so you will come back the same way you came. During the summer, it is possible to swim in the lake and have a close-up look at the eye…Don’t get too close though, you never know! 

We recommend to take this private tour around the Serra de Estrela National Park. 

43. Cabo de São Vicente, one of the most picturesque Portuguese landmarks

Cape St Vincent is a gorgeous Portuguese spot that will make you feel like you are somewhere on the East coast of the USA! Cape St Vincent is known as the most western point of continental Europe. It’s so famous that there are even signs about it in Lisbon and Sintra!

Once at the cape, you will see the beautiful lighthouse whose red contrast with the blue skies and the beautiful green cliffs against the blue water of the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse dates back to 1906 and is still in operation and can be visited on from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm and on Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm. It is closed on Mondays. There is also a monastery on the Cape. 

In the summer, this is a bit of a crowded spot but it is equally as gorgeous at sunrise or sunset when it is less busy. It is actually also known as one of the most romantic places in Portugal for watching the sunset! 

Cabo de São Vicente is also rich in wildlife with sea birds flying around. If you keep your eyes open, you might even be able to spot dolphins and whales in the distance!

44. Arouca Suspension Bridge, one of the fun Portuguese landmarks

Coming from BC, you may know that we have a special love for Vancouver suspension bridges such as the Lynn Valley suspension bridge. So it is no surprise that we would include a Portuguese suspension bridge in this list!

The Arouca suspension Bridge is quite a recent bridge as it was just opened in 2021. It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Europe measuring 516 meters in length and hanging 178 meters above the Paiva River in the Arouca GeoPark of the Aveiro district. It takes about 30 minutes to cross the bridge twice. Of course, you can take your time and admire the canyon and Aguieiras waterfall. 

The Arouca GeoPark is located about an hour and a half from Porto so it is a great day trip from the city. A popular trip from Porto is heading to the Paiva Pathways which is a wooden trail that follows along the river. You can get an entrance ticket that groups the suspension bridge and the trail for about €12. The whole trail takes about three hours. 

We recommend this tour to the Arouca Suspension bridge. 

45. Queluz National Palace

One of the most stunning Portugal landmarks is one that actually remains quite a bit under the radar: Queluz National Palace.

Located in Queluz, about 15 minutes from Lisbon and Sintra, this Portuguese monument is often refered to as the “Portuguese Versailles”. The palace was built during the 18th Century and was the residence of Prince Regent Dom Pedro III and his wife. The palace is quite gorgeous with an elegant facade made with light-coloured materials and large windows. It is surrounded by beautiful and well-maintained gardens and faces the large Neptune fountain. 

Inside, you will find many rooms, including the Ambassadors Hall, The Throne Room and the Music Room, which were part of a later extension of the palace. The pavilion and the tiles hallway are also worth checking out. 

We recommend this tour which takes you around Sintra and comprises the entrance to Pena Palace and Queluz National Palace. 

Natural landmarks in Portugal

What is the most famous landmark in Portugal, you ask? Well it might just well be one of the natural landmarks Portugal has to offer. Between the mainland and the several archipelagos off the coast of the continent, the country has lots of natural beauty to offer. You might already known some of the spots included in this section but we have also included some more under the radar places  to make your experience in Portugal just that much more authentic! 

46. Benagil Sea Cave, a famous landmark in Portugal for natural beauty 

The Algarve region of Portugal is the home to several of the best natural landmarks in Portugal. The Benagil Cave is one of them. This has got to be one of the most famous and stunning landmarks Portugal offers. 

Although this region of Portugal is the home to several caves of the same type, this one is particularly unique as it only reachable by the water. To get there, you can hop on a boat, kayak or paddle. Some people swim but that can be quite a journey! If you are going to the cave by a boat tour, note that you might not always be able to disembark and enjoy some time at the beach. 

The cave is created by this huge rock formation that oversees a sandy beach. The top of the cave is open which creates a well of light. The site is particularly beautiful in the early morning during sunrise or in the evening during golden hour. During the day, the site can get crowded so go early or later if you don’t like the crowds. 

Close to the Benagil Cave, you’ll find the village of Benagil where you can rent kayaks, or even take a boat tour to the cave. 

47. Praia da Marinha, Algarve

Marinha beach has got to be one of the most famous natural landmarks of Portugal. Also located in the Algarve, it’s known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Just like other beaches in Europe like Vlychada beach in Santorini, what makes Marinha beach special is the gorgeous cliffs that surround the beach. The large ocre coloured rock formations both on the beach and in the water contrast with the stunning blue waters and the blue skies. The cliffs have been eroded with time by both the water and the wind which has created sculpted rock formations. The best viewpoint is from the top of the cliffs, however you can also get down to the beach. There is quite a number of stairs to get down but it’s nothing impossible. 

The beach remains quite authentic and wild. It is unorganised but you can get food and drinks at the only restaurant on the beach. There is another small beach right on the left cliff after passing through a tunnel. 

The beach is located between Portimao and Albufeira about 10 minutes from the Benagil Cave. 

48. Ponta da Piedade, Algarve

Ponta da Piedade is another iconic beach of the Algarve and one famous Portuguese landmark. The beach is a strand of sand surrounded by numerous 20 meter ocre-coloured rock formations. The rocks and cliffs have been carved by the wind and the sea creating lots of caves, arches, pillars and pinnacles through centuries. 

Just like the Benagil Cave, you can access the beach by boat or kayak. However, you can also take the long staircase to the bottom which is best during low tide so you can get the best experience. 

After exploring the beach, you can head to the Ponta da Piedade boardwalk from the lighthouse to the Praia do Canavial lookout. The whole area is gorgeous and is great as a short road trip spot or as a day trip from Lagos!

49. Algar Seco caves, Algarve

The list of the best landmarks in Portugal wouldn’t be complete without another one of the main landmarks in the Algarve region, the Algar Seco Caves! 

At the end of famous Carvoeiro beach, you will find these beautiful ocre coloured cliffs and caves. From Carvoeiro beach, you can take the boardwalk and head to the caves. On your way you’ll see rock arches, the path carved out in the rocks, and stunning views of the coast on the beautiful blue and green waters. There are also natural pools where you can swim for a bit. We would recommend heading here at sunrise for the more relaxing experience but anytime during the day is nice. 

50. The Douro Valley, one of the most known landmarks in the country

Are you into visiting wineries? If you are then you will love the Douro Valley. The Valley is known throughout Europe for being the renown region where grapes are grown to make the famous Port and Douro wines. The Douro Valley is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site just like a number of the best Portuguese landmarks listed in this post. It is located about 100km from Port in the inner land. 

The Valley gets its name from the River, one of the major bodies of water in Portugal. You can take a ride on the river and admire the vineyards and lush mountains from there which is quite cool! When in the Douro Valley, you should definitely go on one of the winery tours to taste some of the Port wine straight from the producers! Wine producers are usually quite proud and happy to explain how the wine is produced and share their quality products that come from such hard work. It will be a memorable experience! 

51. Peneda-Gerês National Park, a stunning Portuguese landmark

As we’ve seen in the previous section, the Northern part of Portugal houses quite a number of the most famous Portugal landmarks. About 40 minutes from Brage, you will find one of the prettiest natural landmarks of Portugal: Peneda-Gerês National Park. It is the only national park of Portugal with about 72,300 hectares of varied sceneries and stunning areas. From forests to rivers and cute stone bridges, the Pedra Bela trail takes you through the main parts of the park. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife including wild horses, Iberian wolves, otters, deer, badgers and ibexes (wild goats). During your visit, you will also come across numerous mountain villages, and small waterfalls. 

Some of the highlights of the park include Castro Laboreiro, Peneda and its sanctuary, the Vale de Peneda viewpoint, Portela do Homem waterfall, Tahiti waterfall, Ponte do Diabo, and Mata da Albergaria. 

To get to Peneda-Gerês National Park, you can either drive of take the bus from Braga and Porto. There are also private tours that take you through the main highlights of the park. 

52. Sete Cidades, one of the 7 natural wonders of Portugal

Have you ever heard of the lost city of Atlantis? Well, some people believe that the Atlantis was actually in the Azores and more particularly in Sete Cidades.

Sete Cidades is one of the three volcanoes located on São Miguel, the main island of the Azores archipelago. It is famous for being home to two stunning lakes: Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. The lakes are sitting in the middle of gorgeous lush mountains and wildflowers. The water of the lakes goes from blue to green depending on the natural light and contrast against the lush mountains surrounding the crater. 

The legends says that the two lakes were formed from the tears of a princess and a shepherd who had an impossible love. 

To get the best view of the lakes, you can head to the Vista do Rei lookout, and the Boca de Inferno lookout. You can also rent e-bikes to discover Sete Cidades. Sete Cidades is considered one of the 7 natural wonders of Portugal and definitely worth a stop if you are in the area! 

53. Mount Pico, Azores

Pico island, one of the Azores islands, is also home to the highest peak in Portugal, Mount Pico. With an altitude of 2,531, you can easily spot the mount from the island. Mount Pico is a former volcano, which last erupted in 1720. This Portuguese landmark can be admire from the ground level as it is quite imposing. However, there are also a couple of trails to climb it for those who feel like it. The hike to the top takes about 8 hours and is quite difficult with some climbing sections. We would not recommend this hike for beginners or Sunday hikers (like us lol). If you decide to go for it, we would recommend getting your own professional advice as to what you need, what equipment to bring and who to bring with you as a guide. People who have gotten to the top have reported gorgeous views on other islands like Faial, São Jorge and Graciosa. We’ll just take their word for it! 

54. Pico Ruivo, one of the best Portuguese landmarks

Madeira is quite the gorgeous place and is the home to many of Portugal’s landmarks. Standing at 1,862 meters high, Pico Ruivo is the highest peak on the island of Madeira making it one of the Portugal landmarks you shouldn’t miss when visiting the island. 

The peak offers stunning and unique views on Madeira Island, the surrounding range of mountains and the lush scenery. 

There are two trails to get to Pico Ruivo. The first trail called the PR1.2 trail is the shortest and takes you from Achada do Teixeira near the car park to the summit. The route takes about 2 hours  total for a round trip of 5,6km. This is the easiest route and most popular one. The second trail is the PR1 trail which followed the Vereda do Arieiro. The Vereda do Arieiro is the famous path that connect Pico Ruivo to Pico do Arieiro. This is a much hardest trail which takes about 6 hours to complete for 15km. However, it is also the most dramatic of the two when it comes to views and the scenery, making it a favourite of a lot of people! On that route, there are tunnels so it is advised to bring torches.  

Whichever route you decide to take, it is recommend to come prepared with good hiking shoes, and appropriate clothes as the weather can quickly change on the route. If you are unsure about directions and equipment, we recommend embarking on this guided hike from Pico do Areiro to Pico Ruivo for incredible views.

55. Porto Moniz natural pools, one of the natural Portugal famous landmarks

Porto Moniz natural pools are one gorgeous Portuguese landmark and one not to miss when visiting the island of Madeira. You will find them sitting right on the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by rock formations. 

The pools were created by volcanic lava about 6,000 years ago! It’s quite incredible what nature can do and this spot is definitely one of the most unique natural spots in Portugal. The pools are made of stone which fill up with the high tide and the waves. The water is therefore salted. Although the Atlantic Ocean’s water can be quite cold, as it sits in those pools it has got time to warm up with the sun, especially in the summer. The space is quite big with an area of 3800 meter square.

There are a couple of pools in the area including Piscinas Naturais, Aquario, Cachalote and Valhas. Entrance to the pools is free and access is easy especially to the Piscinas Naturais. On site, you will find changing rooms, bathrooms, a car park, sun loungers, and even a snack bar during summer. 

56. Pico do Arieiro, one of the famous natural landmarks 

Another beautiful natural landmark on Madeira is Pico do Arieiro. It is the island’s third-highest peak with a height of 1,818 meters. It offers stunning views on the mountain range around the peak, the lush greenery and the ocean. This spot is extremely popular especially at sunrise, where the light touches the mountains and offers gorgeous pink views on the clouds and the surrounding areas. To get to the peak, you can easily drive from Funchal, the main city on Madeira. The drive takes about 40 minutes.

Another thing to do near Pico do Arieiro is the Pico Ruivo trail which is about 12 km long and more on the difficult side. 

Portuguese Landmarks Q&As

What is Portugal’s famous landmarks?

Portugal has a lot of famous landmarks both man-made and natural. Some of the most famous Portuguese landmarks include the Douro Valley, known worldwide for being the producing region of Port, St George’s Castle in Lisbon and the Dom Luis Bridge in Porto! If you are wondering what are the worlds most recognizable landmarks in Portugal, the Algarve and its ocre coloured rock formations are also at the top of the list and definitely gaining huge visibility on social media!

What is famous for Portugal?

Portugal is famous for a number of things which include Azulejo (the blue tiles), pasteis de nata (the delicious custard tarts), and Port wine. If you are wondering what is the most famous thing in Portugal, these are probably it!

What is the landscape like in Portugal?

The landscape in Portugal varies between the inner land and the coast. In the countryside, you’ll find a lot of lush mountains with lakes and greenery. On the coast, you’ll find long sandy beaches bordering the Atlantic Ocean. In the South of Portugal, you will find the Algarve region, with is recognisable by its ocre coloured cliffs and rock formations that surround the beaches in the area. 

What is the best part of Portugal to visit?

It is hard to pick one part of Portugal to visit as the country is quite beautiful all around. However, some of our favourite parts include the Algarve for unique beaches and cool sea caves, and Lisbon for a stunning city break in the European San Francisco. 

Is Portugal nice to visit?

Portugal is very nice to visit. The country is beautiful and people are very nice and welcoming. Food and accommodations can also be a bit cheaper than in other European countries so it is a good option if you are on a tighter budget, especially during shoulder season.  

Who are the famous people in Portugal? 

Cristiano Ronaldo is probably one of the most famous people in Portugal. He is one of the best contemporary soccer players in the world. Vasco de Game is another famous person from Portugal. Vasco was an explorer who was the first European explorer to reach India by sea. 

Any questions on Portugal landmarks ? Drop them in the comments or on insta and we will get back to you asap.