You are here: Travel guides » All countries » Portugal » Sights of culture

Cultural sightseeing in Portugal

Botanical Gardens above Funchal, Madeira Despite the numerous visits of tourists, many corners of Portugal are still unexplored. The coastal cities of the country are best suited for a beach holiday as the warm seas are very pleasing to tourists. The country’s location is characterized by a fount of natural resources: picturesque roads for hiking and cycling, and a variety of climatic conditions. Lovers of cultural holiday will appreciate the variety of sites of historical and cultural heritage of Portugal. 
Things to do in Portugal - active leisure
The coastal areas of Portugal will delight nature enthusiasts with varieties of flowers. Snorkelers on the other hand will appreciate all the beauties …
Read further
Due to its proximity to the Dark Continent, the southern part of Portugal is often called “Africa in the space of Europe”. Tourists will notice the influence of Arab culture here. Pleasing to the eye with its combination of clear sea shore and snow-white sand, the province of Algarve is suitable for a beach holiday. Lovers of religious sites will find appealing the city of Faro. Here, you will find; the monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin, St. Francis, the Collegiate Church and the churches of St. Peter and Carmo. Admirers of natural beauty will be satisfied with a visit to the sea museum, ethnographic heritage and local history. The natural reserve of Ria Formosa will surprise tourists with its exotic vegetation and rare species of animals.
The inconspicuous fishing village of Albufeira is currently the center of the resort recreation area. It is worth visiting the Tunnel Beach, the local Castle, the Obelisk to the Fishermen and the Park-Oceanarium. Smaller in terms of importance and territory are the towns of Vilamoura with a grandiose yacht club, as well as Portimão with the fortifications of St. Catherine, the destroyed necropolis and villas of the Roman rulers. Not far from the villa is one of the most beautiful beaches – Praia da Rocha.  Copyright www.orangesmile.com
What you need to know about Portugal prior to visit - advices
Staying in a foreign country involves respecting her cultural traditions and rules. Portugal in this sense is no exception. The price of snacks in …
Read further
Fans of bullfighting will like Carvoeiro – a paradise for lovers of thrills and bloody spectacle. For those who love leisurely walks, there is a place called Armacao de Pera with its untouched nature, quiet parks and architectural gems. The city of Évora in the province of Alentejo is famous for its local Aqueduct, the remains of the ancient Roman temple Diana, the Palaces of the ruler Manuel, Vasco da Gama and the Cathedral. There is an operational University and Museum. It is a pleasure to wander through the main square of the city, surrounded by ancient buildings.
The main attraction of Evora is the Aqueduto of silver water “Agua de Prata”. The city has attained the status of a cultural heritage site and is protected by UNESCO. Tourists with a limited time of stay are recommended to focus on visiting small towns that are full of interesting sights. 
What to see and what to visit in Portugal with children
Portugal offers a wide range of entertainment for children of all ages. Adults are given the opportunity to take long walks and appreciate the …
Read further
The city of Aveiro is regarded as the Portuguese Venice. It will delight tourists with a Jesuit monastery built in the 15th century, as well as an ancient Cathedral. For a complete immersion in the atmosphere of the city, it is recommended to book a trip through the canals on a boat – Moliceiro. 
Colores de Oporto The city of Coimbra has the status of the ancient capital of the state. Those who love the cultural program will be attracted by a rich scientific library in the building of the University. Situated near Lisbon, the village of Sintra will delight travelers with the National Palaces Pena and Monserrate respectively, the Moorish castle and the Convent of the Capuchos. The third day of your stay promises no less spectacular beauty of the sights. Also worthy of visiting is Setubal which is located on the Peninsula de Setubal. It is famous for its local Cathedral of a great current significance, as well as for Praça de Bocage square, 16th century castle and Santa Maria da Graca and the St. Julian’s Churches. The Pena Palace is the most impressive palace and park ensemble in the country.
Portugal guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Reference information
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Portugal
♥   Art museum 'Museu Calouste Gulbenkian' Lisbon. On the map   Photos
♥   Art museum 'Museu Colecção Berardo' Lisbon. On the map   Photos
♥   Art museum 'Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga' Lisbon. On the map   Photos
♥   Art museum 'Serralves' Porto. On the map   Photos
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas in Portugal
♥   Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Lisboa. On the map   Photos
♥   Igreja da Memória, Ajuda. On the map   Photos
♥   Sé Patriarcal de Santa Maria Maior, Lisboa. On the map   Photos
♥   Santuário Nacional de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Vila Viçosa. On the map   Photos
♥   Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, Funchal. On the map   Photos
♥   Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, Portalgre. On the map   Photos
♥   Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Santarém. On the map   Photos
Map of all palaces
Palaces in Portugal
♥   Palace 'Ajuda National Palace' . On the map   Photos
♥   Palace 'Beau-Séjour Palace' . On the map   Photos
♥   Palace 'Belém Palace' . On the map   Photos
♥   Palace 'Bemposta Palace' . On the map   Photos
♥   Palace 'Biscainhos Museum' . On the map   Photos
Extreme Guinness-type places in Portugal

Mafra National Palace

From the series “The Most Elegant Buildings of Baroque Architecture”
Mafra National Palace isn’t another architectural sightseeing in Baroque, it is the biggest and the most beautiful King’s Palace in Portugal. The palace was built within 13 years and was finished in 1730. Originally this building was quite complex from the architectural point of view. There was an active monastery with monks in residence, a church and some other buildings. A lot of houses were saved, in comparison with the palace they look quite small.

The interesting feature of the palace is the largest collection of bells. You can hear them at a distance of 20 kilometres. At the end of the 19thcentury, the huge reconstruction has finished. After this, the palace became the monument of the nationally significant. In the palace, you can see a great collection of ancient items and art … Read all

Piodao

From the series “Monochromatic Cities - Stunning Views”
The ancient town Piodao has placed on Serra do Açor slope in the centre of Portugal. For a long time, locals built their houses from the shale rock that was produced on the nearby deposits. All windows and doors are made from wood that’s why the town buildings look quite severe and dark. That resemble people about the Medieval times. The ancient Portugal town is rather small. Its area is just 6,3 square kilometres. Its population is about 220 people when a number of tourists are about several thousand more.

Thanks to the location, the town has outstanding ladders. If you want to walk around the picturesque streets, you have to wear good shoes. One of the main town’s sightseeing is the old cathedral that attracts people with its snow-white facade. Tourists who like to spend their … Read all
All unique sightseeing Portugal
 

Culture and monuments in popular cities of Portugal

Lisbon
Lisbon presents a great variety of sights of tourist interest among which one will find as ancient so architectonic constructions of modern art, picturesque squares and parks, established hundreds of years ago. Belem Tower (or the Tower of St Vincent) or Torre de Belem ... Read further »
Aveiro
Diversify your vacation in Aveiro by visiting iconic historical landmarks and museums. One of the most visited by tourists is the Museu Vista Alegre, which introduces visitors to the history of the Vista Alegre Porcelain Factory located near the city. The opening of ... Read further »
Albufeira
Old Town will be surely the most interesting part of the city in terms of excursions and sightseeing. This part of the city is full of numerous notable historic buildings. In 1775 the majority of the buildings erected here were completely destroyed by the earthquake, ... Read further »
Porto
Perhaps, a beautiful cathedral built in the 12th century is the most famous landmark of Porto. The religious site is located in the center of the city and has a very interesting story. More than 8 centuries ago a large fortress was standing on the site of the cathedral. ... Read further »
Funchal
Funchal is known primarily as the center of beach and sports facilities. The resort is famous for its luxurious accommodation and stunning beaches. Fans of excursions would also like the city, as there are interesting historical and natural attractions in its immediate ... Read further »
Lagos
In 1755, Lagos suffered a massive earthquake struck, in which many buildings and monuments were destroyed. However, several historic sites have managed to survive, and now they are representing the cultural heritage of the modern city. At the heart of the historic ... Read further »
Secure Connection
Main Office
Weegschaalstraat 3, Eindhoven
5632 CW, The Netherlands
+31 40 40 150 44


Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | About us
Copyright © 2002 - OrangeSmile Tours B.V. | Incorporated by IVRA Holding B.V. - Registered in The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel KvK, The Netherlands) No. 17237018