Famous Landmarks in Portugal You Must Visit!
Sightseeing is a beautiful way to learn about a new culture, and there are many famous landmarks in Portugal. Schedule in time to visit these natural and historic landmarks when you travel there.
Natural Landmarks in Portugal
Below is a list of the most famous natural landmark you’ll find in Portugal.
Looking for more famous landmarks around the world? Check out all our articles here or start with these posts:
Mount Pico
Mount Pico is a stratovolcano found on Pico Island in the Azores. Mount Pico is one of the tallest mountains in Portugal, measuring 7,713 feet above sea level.
Tourists flock to this natural landmark for the ultimate hiking experience. Hikers must register at the visitors’ center at Cabeco das Cabras. The hiking trail is clearly marked, and the ascent can take between two and four hours. The views from the summit are sensational.
Tourists are permitted to tackle Mount Pico on their own, but there are guides you can hire. You should hire a guide if you want to begin your hike after dark to catch the sunrise in the morning.
Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is considered one of Portugal’s top seven natural wonders. This beautiful natural area is a protected habitat for various wildlife.
Tourists will appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of this coastal lagoon. Some islands and sandbars protect a shallow lagoon system, and the tides regularly flood this system.
This park offers many things to do, so it will be challenging to choose. Tourists have several beaches to choose from if they want to spend the day lounging, and they can also choose to enjoy nature by birdwatching, hiking, cycling, boating, or kayaking.
Fisgas de Ermelo
The Fisgas de Ermelo is a must for tourists that love hiking. Hikers will see a breathtaking view of the cascading waterfall. You will find the Fisgas de Ermelo waterfall in the Alvão Park.
There are many lookout points where you can enjoy the waterfall or choose a quieter spot with pools of water where you can swim.
These waterfalls are impressive in the winter and the spring after a rainfall. They have a remarkable drop of 170 meters.
Benagil Cave
If you are visiting Portugal, you must add Benagil Cave to your itinerary. This natural landmark is stunning in its uniqueness. Benagil Cave is a vast sea cave in the south of Portugal. This cave is renowned for its two openings facing the sea and a giant opening in the ceiling. Inside the cave, you can enjoy a beautiful beach.
The safest way to get to Benagil Cave is by boat or kayak. You can explore the cave by yourself or book a tour. The best time to visit the cave is early morning. You should always check on the tides before planning your excursion. Low tide will guarantee that you have a sandy beach to enjoy.
Sete Cidades
You can find Sete Cidades to the West of São Miguel Island. This area is renowned for the stunning beauty of the blue and green lakes. Tourists can visit the small city and spend hours enjoying the beautiful landscape.
Tourists can stroll through roads covered with hydrangea as they find their way to the village. You can enjoy the scenery by bike, horseback, or even moto.
Hikers will find themselves in heaven. Trails are plentiful and breathtaking scenery is guaranteed at every one of them. You can search for the best viewpoints of the eleven fabulous lakes in the area.
Historic Landmarks in Portugal
Here are some of the most famous historic landmarks in Portugal.
Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery is on the list of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, and this massive monastery is a must-see for its cultural and architectural uniqueness.
King Manuel I sought permission from the pope to build this monastery as a tribute to the Virgin Mary because he believed that she guided the voyagers safely. The monastery was built over a century. Eventually, the Hieronymite monks lived in the monastery.
The Jerónimos Monastery is considered one of the most outstanding examples of Manueline architecture.
The church of Santa Maria is part of the monastery, and this church is another spectacular example of Manueline architecture. The church’s proudest historical artifacts are the tombs of Vasca de Gama and Luis de Camões.
Belém Tower
The Belém Tower was built in the early 1500s and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. This imposing tower is located on the bank of the Targus River. The tower was perfectly positioned to defend the city. Later, it became a lighthouse and a customs building.
The ground floor has 16 windows, and each window has its own cannon. There are five floors, and each floor is named for its purpose. A narrow spiral staircase connects each floor.
The tour will also include the pits and the holes where prisoners were thrown.
Sanctuary of Fátima
The Sanctuary of Fátima is the largest group of religious buildings and structures. This sanctuary is the most important pilgrimage site globally, attracting between four and five million people per year.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is a church built in 1928 in the Neo-Baroque style. Tourists will also see the Chapel of Apparitions.
Across from these buildings is the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. This modern building was built in 2004 to accommodate the visiting tourists. This is one of the biggest churches in the world, able to seat 8,000 people.
São Jorge Castle
São Jorge Castle (Castelo de S. Jorge) is one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks. This castle is located on the top of São Jorge Hill, the highest hill in Lisbon.
The Visigoths built this fortress in the fifth century, and the Moors enlarged it in the eleventh century. Alfonso I of Portugal transformed the fortress into a Royal Palace, and the Palace was inhabited by the Kings of Portugal and the Pope.
It would be best to plan an entire morning to tour the castle. The site is enormous, with eleven towers, a museum, a restaurant, and a bar.
Pena Palace
The Pena Palace is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it is regarded as one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders. The Romanticist castle offers an exciting blend of architectural design. It is located in Sintra, about two and a half miles away from the Sintra National Palace.
Pena Palace was built as a summer house for the King. After his death, the castle was eventually sold to King Louis.
Tourists will enjoy the colorful terraces and decorative battlements. The interior of this castle is done with tiles presenting uniquely painted walls.
Tourists are encouraged to visit the castle early in the morning to avoid overcrowding the site.
Final Thoughts – Famous Landmarks In Portugal
There are so many fantastic landmarks around Portugal that you will be able to fill your schedule quickly. However, you will not have enough time to visit everything you would like to see, so you might have to take another trip to Portugal to visit the spots you missed.
Whether you are interested in the natural or historic landmarks of Portugal, you will find many sights that will amaze and delight you. It is best to take the time and research the attractions you would like to visit so you can plan your excursions wisely.
