Zoomarine Algarve
Zoomarine Algarve Located in Guia, just west of Albufeira, Zoomarine Algarve is southern Portugal’s answer to SeaWorld in Orlando, providing endless days of family fun. This eight-hectare, marine-themed park is designed to be educational as well as entertaining; attractions include everything from
Valenca do Minho
Valenca do Minho Valenca do Minho, in Portugal across the border formed by the Minho River, was originally a fortress town built to protect the frontier from Spanish incursion. Now, Spanish incursion is encouraged; indeed, Spaniards cross into this little town to purchase its renowned textiles, es
University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra)
University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra) Portugal’s most famous and prestigious university, the University of Coimbra is one of Europe’s oldest colleges and has become a popular tourist attraction in its own right. First established in Lisbon in 1290, the university moved to its current loc
Tram 28
Tram 28 The fabled Tram 28 is rightly one of Lisbon’s leading visitor attractions, the perfect way to introduce the charms of the city and its intriguing maze of steep cobbled streets, hills, vast churches and mirador viewpoints. The route was inaugurated in 1914 and is one of the few still to ope
Slide and Splash Aqua Park
Slide and Splash Aqua Park Located in the vibrant beach town of Lagoa, the Slide and Splash Aquatic Park is a fantastic destination for visitors traveling with children. At over 16,000 acres (64 square kilometers), it is one of the largest water parks in western Europe, open since 1986. The park f
Slide & Splash
Slide & Splash Lying close to Lagoa on the Algarve’s Mediterranean coast, Slide & Splash is the biggest water park in Portugal, covering seven acres and offering around 20 water rides and three entertaining shows with birds and reptiles. Open since 1986, the park has been constantly updated an
Silves
Silves With its imposing Moorish castle and smattering of whitewashed, orange-roofed houses lining the Arade riverfront, the ancient town of Silves is an arresting sight. It’s more than just a pretty face though – Silves was once the capital of the Algarve and it remains one of the region’s most i
Sesimbra
Sesimbra Along the winding Portuguese coast lies Sesimbra, a small fishing village with a 17th-century fort overlooking the sea. Its 12th-century Moorish stone castle is perched up on jagged cliffs that drop down into calm Setúbal Bay. There is a small historic monastery within the castle walls, a
Santa Catarina Fortress
Santa Catarina Fortress Standing watch over Portimão at the mouth of the Arade River, the once-mighty Santa Catarina Fortress now lies in ruins, but retains much of its former grandeur, with its stone-brick curtain walls still largely intact.Portimão’s maritime fortress was built by Alexandre Mass
Restauradores Square
Restauradores Square Restauradores Square in Lisbon commemorates Portugals liberation from Spanish rule. The Spaniards controlled Portugal for 60 years until Portuguese nobility started a revolt on Dec. 1, 1640, which began the 28-year Restoration War. In the center of the square is an obelisk tha
Quinta Do Gradil
Quinta Do Gradil Backed by the rolling foothills of the Serra de Montejunto in the Estremadura/Lisboa wine-producing region, the history of the Quinta do Gradil wine estate dates right back to 1492, when it was mentioned in royal documents. By the 18th century it was thriving in the hands of the M
Praia Gale
Praia Gale Just steps away from the resort town of Gale, and a handful of kilometers west of Albufeira, stretches one of the region’s favorite beaches, Praia Gale. It’s a favorite because of its eastern rocky and cave- and cove-filled coastline, and probably even more so for its western stretch of
Praia dos Salgados
Praia dos Salgados Golf, nature and a seaside resort — these are all things you’ll find just steps away from the sandy stretch that is Praia dos Salgados. This beach is where you’ll want to come for a seemingly endless and calm shoreline that offers all the amenities, including showers, lifeguards
Praia de Faro
Praia de Faro Endless beaches seem to become reality at Praia de Faro, a near circular strip of sand that surrounds the island-like Faro peninsula, also called Ilha de Faro. One side faces a shallow inland lagoon, where moored fishing boats bob in the water; meanwhile, the other side looks upon th
Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha Portimão’s main beach ranks among the Algarve’s most popular holiday resorts, and its easy to see why, with its stretch of golden sand, scenic promenade and seafront boulevard lined with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. With calm swimming waters, Praia da Rocha is a top choice for
Portela
Portela The Miradouro Portela, or Portela Lookout Point, situated between Porto da Cruz and Machico, allows visitors to observe one of the most beautiful landscapes in Madeira. The coastal lookout point boasts a panorama of mountains, villages and the sea as well. Time spent here is worthwhile, es
Ponte de Dom Luis I
Ponte de Dom Luis I The imperious, double-decker metal spans of Ponte de Dom Luís I stretch across the Douro River from Porto to Villa Nova de Gaia, and were designed by Téophile Seyrig, the student of Gustave Eiffel who also drew up the plans for the nearby Donna Maria Pia Bridge. When the Dom Lu
Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint
Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint The city of Funchal on the Island of Madeira rises gently from the coast back into the hills. As such, just a short way back from the shore there are fantastic views not only of Funchal, but the surrounding mountains and the sea. As any local can readily tell a visitor,
Paul da Serra Plateau
Paul da Serra Plateau To the south of the Laurel Forest lies the Paúl da Serra Plateau, a favorite destination for hikers, nature lovers, and those wishing to seek out the famous levadas of Madeira, several of which are located in nearby Rabaçal, at the western tip of the plateau.Levadas are a net
Parque Nacional Da Peneda-Gerês
Parque Nacional Da Peneda-Gerês The Peneda-Gerês National Park (or Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, or simply Gerês) is the only national park in Portugal (although many natural parks, protected landscapes, and reserves exist across the nation). It’s located in northern Portugal, falling within th
