There are plenty of reasons why everyone is going to Portugal now… Portugal is a paradise with medieval castles, storied cities, golden beaches, cobblestone villages, and friendly locals.
Everything about Portugal is illuminated. It has everything a traveler could ask for dramatic scenery, idyllic landmarks, and great food. The list goes on.
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, then a visit to these 10 most beautiful landmarks is a must.
1. Belem Tower
This UNESCO Heritage Site was built in the 16th century. It served as a mighty fortress and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. The structure was built using lioz limestone.
The Belem Tower is portrayed as a symbol of Europe’s Age of Discoveries. It is also defined as a metonym for Portugal, given its landmark status.
Get ready to get your heart pumped as you climb the narrow spiral staircase to the tower. When you reach the top, you’ll be able to feast your eyes to the idyllic view over Belem and the river.
2. Jeronimos Monastery
Jeronimos Monastery is a stunning Portugal landmark that will surely steal your heart. This UNESCO-listed monastery is a prominent example of Manueline and Gothic architecture, inspired by Vasco da Gama, who is a great navigator of the past buried in this monastery.
The magnificent monument is something not to be missed! Get mesmerized with the delicate architectural design of the cloisters and the detailed carving in the arches. By visiting this captivating building, you’ll get to know more about Portuguese history.
3. Park and National Palace of Pena
The Pena Palace is a Romanticist castle that stands atop a hill in the Sintra Mountains in the town of Sintra. This national monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Young and old can have a great time in the beautiful palace. You will be impressed with the ancient-looking castle. Tourists love visiting this stunning Portugal landmark in the summer where the atmosphere is cool and relaxing. But it’s best to go off-season to avoid large crowds.
4. Castelo de São Jorge
In the heart of Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is the towering Castelo de São Jorge. The mid-8th-century hilltop fortress is picture-perfect in all angles.
According to studies, the first fortifications date back to the 1st century BC.
Walk in its snaking ramparts and vast courtyards to get a superlative view over the city’s red rooftops and the silk-like river.
This iconic castle is open 7 days a week. It’s a great place to plunge yourself to the history of Lisbon. Discover yet unseen sights over the city, stroll across gardens with blooming faunas, and take a break at the Cafe do Castelo.
5. Praca do Comercio
Near the famous Tagus river is the Praca do Comercio, one of the incredible Portugal landmarks and tourist spots. This ancient commerce place is known for its grand 18th-century arcades, vibrant lemon facades, and delicate mosaic cobbles.
The Praca do Comercio (Commerce Square) is one of the biggest squares in Europe. The striking building often displays beautiful sculpture and works of art. The wide square offers space for lazy strolling.
There are lots of good cafes in the surroundings, so you can always take a break from walking and sip a good cup of coffee while overlooking the busy river.
6. Castelo dos Mouros
The famous Castelo dos Mouros is a hilltop medieval castle located in the municipality of Sintra.
It served as a military fortification that was built between the 8th and 9th century. The fortress offers a panoramic view, overlooking the town of Sintra. It served as a watchtower protecting Lisbon and its surroundings.
Perched perfectly on top of a hill, the massive and mighty castle soars 412 meters above sea level. The clouds hide the castle, but when they peel away, the gigantic fortress is impressively stunning, with ramparts like a crawling snake.
7. Quinta da Regaleira
Impressive, crazy, beautiful, magical… these words aren’t enough to describe the stunning Quinta da Regaleira. This large, neo-Manueline villa is captivating with gardens that make it look like a grand medieval castle we see on fairy tales.
The majestic quinta is classified as a World Heritage by UNESCO. The complex is comprised of gardens with grottos, a chapel, and a Palace.
This beautiful spot also hosts concerts, dance, theaters, and other entertainment events throughout the year.
8. Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The dramatic stone art, Padrão dos Descobrimentos (also known as Monument of the Discoveries), erects proudly in honor of Portugal’s Prince Henry the Navigator, It was inaugurated in 1960 on his 500th death anniversary. The monolithic monument is looking like a frozen caravel ship.
The giant limestone monument features Henry at the pros. Behind him are famous explorers Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Diogo Cao.
There’s truly a lot of places and landmarks in Portugal that you must visit, and this monument should not be missed!
9. Rossio
Another famous Portugal landmark is the Rossio Square. Located in the heart of Lisbon, the colorful and vibrant city square is bursting with shoppers, flower vendors, and tourists and locals bustling to and from their work.
The tiled floor is impressive. As you stroll, you’ll appreciate the painstaking artisan work that went into creating the beautifully designed floor.
There you will see the statue of Dom Pedro IV, Brazil’s first emperor, roosted high on a marble column.
The Rossio became an important square in the city during the 13th and 14th century. Having been a significant place in Portugal for hundreds of years, the Rossio has seen it all: witch burnings, rallies, and the Carnation Revolution.
10. Clerigos Church and Tower
The impressive Clerigos Church and Clerigos Tower stick out on Porto’s spectacular skyline. The tower remains the foremost undisputed landmark of Porto and serves as a reference in the city’s history.
The stunning baroque complex was designed by an Italian architect and painter, Nicolau Nasoni in the mid-1700s.
Get ready to get your heart pumping as you climb the 225-step spiral staircase of the imposing tower for phenomenal views over Porto’s bustling cityscape.
