Lisbon and Central Portugal

Lisbon, Sintra and Coimbra.

Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL · CC BY-SA 2.0

The Short List

Must-See

Must-See
Cities · UNESCO

Lisbon

Old trams on steep hills, tiled houses, Belém and fado, with custard tarts on every corner.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Heritage · UNESCO

Sintra

The colorful Pena Palace and mysterious estates, in misty hills near Lisbon.

Guide Coming Soon

Worth a Detour

Worth a Detour
Heritage · UNESCO

Batalha, Alcobaça and Tomar

Three great monasteries, including the Knights Templar's headquarters.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Beaches · Surfing

Nazaré

The world's biggest surfed waves, in a fishing town.

Guide Coming Soon

If You're Nearby

If You're Nearby
Cities · UNESCO

Coimbra

An ancient university with a baroque library.

Guide Coming Soon
If You're Nearby
Spiritual · Pilgrimage

Fátima

A major Catholic pilgrimage shrine.

Guide Coming Soon
If You're Nearby
Cities · Walled towns

Óbidos

A whitewashed walled town, with cherry liqueur in chocolate cups.

Guide Coming Soon
If You're Nearby
Mountains · Hiking

Serra da Estrela

Mainland Portugal's highest mountains, known for cheese.

Guide Coming Soon

On the Map

Grey pins: guides still being written.