A quaint city in Central Portugal, located between Lisbon and Porto, Leiria’s population is under 150,000. Despite its small size, it remains a popular destination for tourists due to its rich history and architecture.
Throughout thousands of years, the area Leiria has been occupied, as traces show archeological evidence going back 5,000 years. Although Leiria has today expanded into an industrial center, it’s no surprise that due to such a unique history, so many decide to visit the city.
If you are spending a few days in Leiria or just stopping by for a few hours on a road trip, let’s take a look at the 5 best things to do in Leiria.
(Updated April 2026)
1. Visit the Leiria Castle
If you can only do one thing in Leiria, make sure to visit the Leiria Castle. Built by D. Afonso Henriques, the Castelo de Leiria is a medieval castle from the 12th century. It was originally built by the King to defend against the Moors as a military fortress.
Along the years, as Leiria became more important, the castle was improved and changed to a royal palace. The castle has four floors, a loggia that has eight arches and offers panoramic views of the city, as well as a Royal Hall with a total of 130 square meters that was used for receptions by royals.
The castle reflects many periods of unique architecture, such as 12th-century Romanesque, 14th-century Gothic Dionysus, early 15th-century Gothic Johannine, as well as restoration trends of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
2. Explore the Museum of the Moving Image
If you’re in the mood for some culture, head to the Museum of the Moving Image. Also known as the m|i|mo, this is a space that hosts exhibitions about cinema and photography focused on art and science.
The museum also regularly hosts creative activities. The museum gained recognition in 2011 from the Portuguese Association of Museology in the category of Best Portuguese Museum. Residents can visit for free on Sundays and holidays.
3. Taste the local cuisine
While northern cuisine might be more well-known, the center of Portugal has delicious gastronomy. These foods are not only explained by the topography and climate but also by the history marked by the passage of the Romans and Moors.
There are a few typical dishes from this region that you must try, produced with locally sourced ingredients such as the olive oil and herbs. Some delicious dishes include rabbit, fish stew, suckling big of Boavista, sopa da pedra (a soup with meats and sausages), and migas (made of cornbread and garlic) more.
Our favorite restaurant in Leiria is Restaurante Hotel Rural Casa da Nora. Featuring thousands of 5-star reviews, this place serves some of the best food in central Portugal and is one of the best restaurants to try out some of these dishes. Other amazing restaurants in Leiria include Casinha Velha, O Convite, and Mata Bicho Real Taverna.
Casa da Nora. Photo by Lara SilvaCasa da Nora. Photo by Lara Silva
4. Afternoon in Fatima
Fatima is only a 25-minute drive from Leiria and is the perfect place for an afternoon of exploring.
This city is a hotspot of religious tourism that welcomes over 8 million pilgrims a year. Known for being the home of the Sanctuary of Fatima, the city is where the miracle of Fatima that was allegedly witnessed by 70,000 people in 1917.
Fátima is not only known as a religious site, but the city is also filled with cultural activities. From lighting a candle at the sanctuary for a loved one to visiting local villages, the city has a lot to offer.
We recommend visiting the sanctuary first, but there are also other activities, such as a cave and a wax museum. Take a look at our guide to Fatima here, which includes the best tours, hotels, and restaurants in the city.
Photo by Tânia Mousinho (Unsplash)
5. Head to the Monastery of Batalha
A 15-minute drive from the center of Leiria, you must head to Monastery of Batalha. The monastery was constructred in commemoration of the 1385 Battle of the Aljubarotta and is the burial church of the 15th-century Aviz dynasty of Portuguese royalty.
In 1983, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architecture and historical significance. The monastery reflects both the Manueline style and Late Flamboyant Gothic architecture. Inside, there are different chapels and cloisters with their own unique styles.
You will find the tomb of King Joao I and his English wife inside with statutes of the two holding hands, representing the relationship between England and Portugal.
Mosteiro da Batalha. Photo by Heribert Bechen (Flickr)
With a growing international community, Porto is a welcoming city for expats, a population that keeps on growing. But any move can be frightening, particularly when it comes to finding a new home. Where should you live in Porto?
This will depend on what’s most important to you: an extremely central location or a larger apartment for a lower price. Whether you have a large family or want the city lifestyle also impacts where you should live in Porto.
To figure out the best scenario for you, let’s take a look at the 6 best neighborhoods to live in Porto.
Located on the riverbank of the Douro, Ribeira is one of the most popular places to live in Porto. Ribeira has both a lively nightlife and delicious restaurants, as well as quieter areas to enjoy a walk.
Ribeira also offers views of the Douro river, Dom Luis I Bridge, and Vila Nova de Gaia, some of the best views in Porto. Ribeira is the most popular area amongst expats so you will find a strong international community here.
The average price per m2 to purchase a house in São Nicolau (the parish to which Ribeira belongs) in early 2026 was 4,000€/m2. To rent, it costs an average of 21€/m2.
Photo by Tomas Evaristo (Unsplash)
2. Cedofeita
Cedofeita is a trendy neighborhood close to the most iconic monuments in Porto. Cedofeita is also located in the art district of Porto, filled with art galleries and concept stores, catering to a younger trendy crowd.
This is the perfect place for a young creative to live in. You will also be close to the Crystal Palace Gardens and other green spaces. Cedofeita also has a great transport system and has seen demographic change with more expats motiving to the neighborhood.
The average price per m2 to purchase a house in Cedofeita in early 2026 was 3,906€/m2. To rent, it costs an average of 21€/m2.
Cedofeita, Porto. Photo by Pedro Menezes (Unsplash)
3. Paranhos
Paranhos is the largest parish in Porto and one that provides affordable housing close to the city center, Known as a university area, Paranhos has loads of student residencies and rooms to rent in this region. However, it is also a great family neighborhood with a large network of markets, stores, and restaurants.
Paranhos is located near the Polo university metro, providing a great public transport network. You will also be a few minutes away from libraries and the hospital, which is incredibly convenient.
The average price per m2 to purchase a house in Paranhos in early 2026 was 3,400€/m2. To rent, it costs an average of 15.3€/m2.
4. Foz do Douro
Foz do Douro is the perfect place to live if you want to be near nature, but not too far from the city. Located in Western Porto, Foz do Douro faces the ocean and features apartments with stunning views of the Atlantic ocean.
There are has numerous green spaces, such as Parque Serralves, as well as some of the best seafood restaurants in Porto. However, Foz do Douro is one of the most expensive areas to live in.
The average price per m2 to purchase a house in Foz do Douro in early 2026 was 4,200€/m2. To rent, it costs an average of 16.5€/m2.
Foz do Douro. Photo by Rui Alves (Unsplash)
5. Vila Nova de Gaia
Located south of the city of Porto, on the other side of the Douro river lies the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Known for its Port cellars, gardens, and astonishing views, Gaia is a great place to live, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, while still remaining close.
Porto has a larger public transportation network than Vila Nova de Gaia. Forget the metro and trams. However, the bus system is still pretty efficient. The cable cars also allow you to commute to certain areas while enjoying beautiful views. Still, having a car here will be very helpful.
The average price per m2 to purchase a house in Vila Nova de Gaia in early 2026 was 2,817€/m2. To rent, it costs an average of 15.70€/m2.
6. Matosinhos
Want to be close to the water but with more affordable prices than Foz do Douro? The beach town of Matosinhos might be the right place for you. Matosinhos is known for having the largest beach close to Porto, as well as delicious seafood.
The morning fish market sells fresh fish every day at the port and you can also taste the finest fish dishes at seafood restaurants.
You will find everything you need and more in Matosinhos, including quality schools, parks, supermarkets, shopping, and more.
The average price per m2 to purchase a house in Matosinhos in early 2026 was 4,245€/m2. To rent, it costs an average of 15.6€/m2.
When we talk about the Middle Ages, a set of gloomy images come to mind: a time submerged in a thick fog, also a metaphor for the cultural and socio-economic doldrums of the time and for the Black Death that in Europe exterminated almost all its population.
Despite everything, in this not-so-idyllic image, another one appears, the representation of imposing castles used to protect populations from the constant invasions, plundering, and wars of conquest and reconquest of the territory, contrasting and demystifying a little the idea of cultural stagnation that always characterized this time.
In this image, although so Eurocentric, Portugal was clearly not left out, and to prove it are the many castles still there to be visited and discovered throughout the Portuguese territory.
They are also proof of this territorial development and the security of its populations, as well as, equally, the construction and identity of a people.
Some historical facts are necessary to better understand the influence of these fortifications. The Treaty of Alcanizes in 1297, signed between the kings of the two kingdoms, until then enemies, defined the borders of the kingdom of Portugal.
However, until then, these castles were crucial in the defense of the Portuguese territory from north to south. Still, it is necessary to go back to before the foundation of the kingdom of Portugal, to understand that in the 9th century, the territory witnessed a constant fight between Christians and Muslims in the historical process of the reconquest.
This process led to a reconfiguration of the Christian monarchs who tried to reorganize themselves to recover the lost territories. Amid all this chaos, castles were born out of a need for protection and became one of the armies’ most significant allies in defending the territory.
Once the expeditions against the Muslims were over, it was now a matter of delimiting the borders between the various Christian kingdoms.
The castle tradition was kept up, building a new one under something older or sometimes making everything from scratch to defend Portuguese territory against the enemy kingdoms of Leon and Castile.
Among the various castles erected in the Middle Ages, we have selected castles in the Interior of Portugal that, being a short distance from each other, can be visited during a weekend. Take a look at 5 castles to discover in Portugal’s interior below.
(Updated April 2026)
1. Penedono Castle
Penedono Castle. Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
When we are in front of this castle, we barely realize that we are facing more than a thousand years of history. A story that begins to be told even before the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal.
The castle that the traveler has in front of them will have been a very simple structure erected in the tenth century for hundreds of years. But this primitive and simple structure will not have resisted the invasions of Almançor, a military and political man from Alandalus linked to the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula started in the 8th century.
Later, still under the government of Leon, Ferdinand I the Great would undertake its renovation. And already in times of the Kingdom of Portugal, the settlement of Penedono in 1195 was stimulated by Dom Sancho I, the second king of Portugal and whose nickname, The Settler, did him justice.
Later, in 1373, King Fernando donated the castle to Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, who became its mayor. His descendants would make the changes we can see during the visit.
During the Ferdinandine wars (1369-1382), the alcaide of Penedono fought alongside the master of Avis in the battle of Trancoso, which would open the doors to victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385). In the 15th and early 16th centuries, the space was totally reformulated to be adapted to a manor house.
With so many reformulations throughout the centuries, it can be said that Penedono Castle as we see it today originated in the 13th century. It is classified as a national monument and is worth the trip to see this beautiful fortification and village where other monuments can also be visited.
This includes the Mother Church of Penedono (late 17th century), Menir of Penedono, the Megalithic Necropolis of Lameira de Cima in Antas, the pillory in front of Penedono’s Castle, as well as secular churches and chapels of the village.
Visiting hours:
Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Price: Free entrance
Please be careful when climbing around the ramparts, especially with children.
2. Trancoso’s Castle
Captured by Araci Almeida
It is quite curious to see that when we speak of the Portuguese Middle Ages, several feminine voices stand out. From Mumadona Dias – the most powerful woman in the northwest Iberian Peninsula (10th century), responsible for building the wall and the Castle of Guimarães – to her niece Dona Flâmula Rodrigues who donated in her will ten fortifications to the monastery of Guimarães.
Among them, in the tenth century, the Castle of Trancoso appears as one of the most impressive.
It is curious to see how a woman in the middle of the Middle Ages owned such an impressive set of fortifications, namelyTrancoso and Penedono.
But it is the one in Trancoso that stands out the most, with its keep dating from the 10th century, which later originated the rest of the castle, suffering subsequent reforms in the 12th and 13th centuries.
As were the others, this tower served to watch over and control the territory of Trancoso. However, this fortification also did not resist the same Almançor invasions that also occurred in Penedono.
By the end of the 10th century, the Muslim flag was raised on its tower. With a shared history, also here, King Fernando the Great of Leon, during the military campaign of 1055, recovered the castle by handing it over to its previous owners, the Monastery of Guimarães.
From that time on, in the 12th century, even before the foundation of Portugal, the construction of the wall began. This would be reinforced by king D. Dinis (who reigned between 1279 and 1325), who ordered the addition of seven walled towers.
This wall was restored in 1173, 1282, 1530, and more recently in 1940, during the Estado Novo regime during the Portuguese World Exhibition.
Visiting hours:
From June 1 to September 30, Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
From October 1 to May 31, weekdays are from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
Closed Easter Sunday, May 1, November 1, December 24th and 25th, December 31, and January 1.
Price: Free entrance
3. Castelo Rodrigo’s Castle
Rodrigo Castle. Photo by Pedro (Flickr).
A few meters from the border with Spain, we find a historic village, once surrounded by medieval walls that, like so many, served to protect its inhabitants from constant barbarian offensives.
Right next to the border, the dispute for this little land lasted more than 130 years. On the one hand, the king of Leon created a defensive line on the right bank of the Côa River, where the castle was integrated, and the name of this village will be related to the name of a count called Rodrigo I, that governed the city between the 11th and 12th century.
The castle, of which few ruins now remain, will have had its foundation in a hill that also belonged to Flâmula Rodrigues. In 1209, Afonso 4º, King of León, promulgated the first charter of Castelo Rodrigo, intending to turn the town into a fortress of the kingdom to prevent the invasive actions of the Portuguese.
At the beginning of the reign of Portugal, the castle underwent several changes, the biggest ones made by D. Dinis, who rebuilt the keep and reinforced the protected fence with multiple turrets.
This castle was also a significant part of Portugal’s history, particularly between 1383-1385, during the dynastic crisis. However, the connections of this land with Castelo made it refuse to receive D. João I as king of Portugal in 1396.
Only a year later, this small fief would be solved, and the doors opened to the master of Avis. During the reign of D. Sebastião, in the 16th century, the castle was donated to a count, Cristóvão de Moura, in the service of Filipe II of Spain.
It would undergo a series of transformations by introducing a sumptuous palace. The restoration of independence in 1640, after 60 years under the rule of the Philippine dynasty, would greatly influence the friendship between the count and the Spanish king.
At war with the count, the mob went to the castle and burned down the palace, explaining the ruins we can see today. And even though the new king of the fourth and last Portuguese dynasty paid attention to renovating the walls, the palace was never recovered.
Visiting hours: October 1 through February 28, 9 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 5:30 pm; March 1 through September 30, 9:30 am to 1 pm and 2:30 pm to 6 pm. Closed December 24 and 25, January and Easter Sunday.
Price: 1.10 Euro
4. Belmonte Castle
Belmonte Castle. Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
Belmonte could go unnoticed as another Portuguese village lost in the Beira Baixa region. But whoever travels through these lands will pass by one of the most important Portuguese villages, whose castle is inseparable from the history of Portugal.
It was there that Pedro Álvares Cabral, the famous navigator who would reach Brazil and make this enormous land known to Portugal, was born.
But if the navigator was born in the 15th century, Belmonte’s Castle is older, dating back to the middle of the 13th century during the reign of Dom Afonso III – the fifth Portuguese king.
The castle replaced an old fortification recorded from 1223, which, common at the time, protected a small population cluster. Its decline was accentuated after the treaty of Alcanizes in 1297, where the sovereign kings of León and Castle Fernando IV and the Portuguese king Dinis established peace in the territory by delimiting the border limits of both kingdoms.
But also, its geographical position did not help in its maintenance. Its proximity to the border was a step closer to having its walls and dwellings destroyed by the enemies, mainly during the dynastic crisis of 1383-1385.
The typical machicolation balconies of the architectural ensemble can be seen there and date back to the late 13th century and early 14th century. But it was in the 15th century, more specifically in 1466, that D. Afonso V donated the castle to Fernão Nunes de Cabral.
He undertook a major reconfiguration in the layout of the walls and ordered the construction of a residential area, turning the castle into a palace. However, in the 18th century, a violent fire destroyed a large part of the palace, ending its habitation.
The Cabral family left the castle for good and moved to the current Casa dos Condes. But even today, when visiting the castle, one can still see the Cabral family coat of arms, something one cannot remain indifferent to.
Of course, Belmonte has a lot more to tell, namely the important Jewish community that has lived there since the Middle Ages, but for now, the visits are for the castle, considered a National Monument.
Visiting hours: Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Closed January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and December 25th
Price: 2 euros
5. Sabugal Castle
Capture by Araci Almeida
Last on our journey stands one of the best-preserved castles in Portugal, the Castle of Sabugal, whose majestic structure reveals its strategic importance in defending the borders of the Portuguese kingdom.
It was also occupied by King Dinis in the campaign of 1296. This castle was another reinforcement to strengthen the border and was ostentatious of its power during this period.
The castle’s completion took place in 1303, together with other defensive systems – Castelo Rodrigo, Almeida, Castelo Bom, Vilar Maior, Castelo Melhor, and Alfaiates. Also, in this one, we can see its tower keep 27 meters high, with machicolation balconies.
Use your imagination, and imagine yourself being the enemy under those balconies. You could be hit with arrows or boiling oil, a position that would not be at all the most desirable.
Nowadays, with no enemies in the tower, visitors can climb to the top of the building, if they don’t suffer from vertigo, and let themselves be enchanted not only by the castle but also by the surrounding landscape of one of the most beautiful places in Portugal.
Visiting hours: Open every day, from June to August, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm, and from September to May, from 9:30 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm.
In more recent years, surfers from all over the world have been taking notice of Portugal. Along with amazing waves, Portugal’s surf culture has been booming. From waves for beginners to more challenging waves for pros, Portugal has it all.
If you are planning to travel to Portugal for some waves, we have made a useful surf itinerary with the best places to surf in Portugal.
During two weeks, you will drive throughout Portugal to surf the Portuguese coast. The itinerary becomes in the iconic city of Nazare where Garret McNamara conquered the world’s biggest wave to the south of Portugal.
Let’s take a look at our 14-day Portugal surf itinerary for surfing the Portuguese coast in 2 weeks!
(Updated April 2026)
What is the best time of year for surfing in Portugal?
The best time of year for surfing in Portugal depends on your experience. If you are a beginner, we recommend visiting Portugal for surfing in the summer. During this season, waves are smaller. However, popular surf spots could get crowded during this time.
If you are an experienced surfer, the best time of year for surfing in Portugal is between the late winter and early spring, so between September and April. During this time, you will see heavy waves between 2 to 4.5 meters for experienced surfers.
Day 1 – 3: Nazare
We recommend flying to Lisbon airport. However, since you are here to surf, when you arrive, travel directly to the city of Nazare, around 1h30 away. We recommend renting a car at the airport so you can get to remote locations and carry your surfboard easily.
If you want to enjoy Lisbon, you can also cut your Nazare trip by a day. Take a look at our Lisbon travel guide here.
Nazare is home to the largest surfable waves on the planet, particularly Praia do Norte. Nazare became the stuff of surfing legend in 2011 when Garret McNamara conquered the world’s biggest wave at Nazare’s Praia do Norte.
Since then, it has become a place of pilgrimage for the world’s most dauntless surf riders, with Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa outdoing McNamara and setting the world’s Guinness record for surfing the world’s largest 24.4m wave in 2017.
A 45-minute drive away, Peniche is another popular surf town. The sea, the views, the cliffs, the colors, and the flavors make this area one of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in Portugal.
Peniche is known as one of the surf capitals of Portugal, featuring protected surf beaches to the north that are best for beginners and less-protected areas to the south.
Every year, Peniche hosts the Rip Curl Pro on the legendary Supertubos beach. This year, the Rip Curl Pro in Peniche will take place between March 8 to 16, 2023.
Ericeira is an hour’s drive away from Peniche. A seaside town in Mafra, Ericeira is known to many as the surfing capital of Europe. The only World Surfing Reserve in Europe, Ericeira has the perfect coastline conditions for surfing.
Being labeled a surfing reserve, Ericeira is a protected surfing area covering 3 kilometers of great wave quality. The official Ericeira World Surfing Reserve spots are Cave, Pedra Branca, Reef, Crazy Left, Ribeira D’Ilhas, Coxos, and Sao Lourenco.
The great thing about surfing in Ericeira is that the conditions cater to all, including newbies and those advanced. For beginners, we recommend booking a surf class! The best beaches for beginners are Foz do Lizandro and Praia do Sol. Beaches like Sao Lourenco and Ribeira D’Ilhas are more suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.
A 40-minute drive from Ericeira, Carcavelos is located between Lisbon and Cascais. Carcavelos is a lively area with a long stretch of sandy beach. In the winter, the Carcavelos beach is filled with surfers due to its large waves. In the summer, this is a great time for beginners to take surfing lessons at the beach.
Only a 20-minute drive from Carcavelos or a 10-minute train, the town of Cascais is another popular surf town. Cascais is known for its three stunning bays and boasts delicious upscale restaurants, luxurious hotels, and amazing beaches.
However, the best beach in Cascais for surfing is not in the center of Cascais. Rather, it’s the larger Praia do Guincho, a 25-minute bus ride from the center of Cascais or a 15-minute drive.
For day 9, it’s time to head to the south of Portugal! Your first trip will be Arrifana in Aljezur, a 3:30 hour drive from Lisbon. On the way to your next destination, feel free to stop at places like Vila Nova de Milfontes for a quick swim or surf.
The Arrifana beach has a south-westerly orientation that provides consistent waves, even in the summer. This beach is great for surfers of all levels, as the beach break features a sandy bottom for beginners, as well as areas with larger waves.
Arrifana also boasts many surf shops, such as Aljezur Surf Shop, as well as inviting bars and restaurants.
A 40-minute drive from Arrifana, Lagos is one of the most popular towns in the Algarve. Lagos is a beautiful city in the Algarve that welcomes thousands of tourists yearly, many coming for the surf. This is an all-year surf destination for all surf levels.
The town also features plenty of surf shops, schools, hostels, bars, and restaurants. In the summer, it has a very lively atmosphere and can actually get quite busy with tourists.
It’s time to go home! You can either drive close by to Faro airport and fly back to your home country or take the 3-hour drive to Lisbon airport. Depending on the season of the year, prices will vary, but during the winter, flights from Faro tend to be cheaper.
Traveling with kids can be stressful. Luckily, Lisbon is a very child-friendly capital and your trip to Lisbon can be stress-free if you plan accordingly. Lisbon gets over 4 million tourists a year, many of which are little ones. This cosmopolitan city with great cultural heritage, architecture, and cuisine caters to those of all ages, despite what most might think.
From fun family activities like the “hippo” amphibious sightseeing tour to independent activities for just the kids, the options are endless. Let’s take a look at the 7 best things to do in Lisbon with kids to make your trip memorable.
1. Ride the “Hippo” Amphibious Sightseeing Tour of Lisbon
Our top activity to do with kids in Lisbon is this “Hippo” tour, an amphibious sightseeing guided tour of Lisbon. The tour starts off in a vehicle that appears to be a bus, covering top attractions such as the Commerce Square and Avenida da Liberdade.
The “Hippo” bus later on rides onto the Tagus River, transforming into a boat! This trip is thus set to shock your kids in a positive way. Sailing through the Tagus River, you get a unique view of Lisbon from the water, passing by the Belem Tower and the Monument of the Discoveries.
There is an English and Portuguese guide available that will tell you all about the places you see and the history of Lisbon. However, keep in mind that only children over 2 years old are allowed on this tour.
The Oceanário de Lisboa in Parque das Nações, the city‘s aquarium, is one of the largest in Europe. This place has over 8,000 creatures from 500 species, making it the perfect activity for a date or family day. Over 17 million visitors from 140 countries have visited the aquarium since it opened in 1998. Every year, over 1 million people visit the aquarium.
The Oceanário de Lisboa is divided into 4 separate bodies of water, representing the North Atlantic, Antarctic, Temperate Pacific, and Tropical Indian Ocean. From cute otters to sharks, this aquarium has every animal you want to see. Buy your ticket here to skip the line at the entrance and enjoy free cancellation.
Lisbon Oceanarium. Photo by Max Kukurudziak (Unsplash)
This is one is especially fun for those who get easily bored at museums but need an activity in Lisbon on a rainy day. Your kids are set to get excited when they see the picturesque tuk tuk that will ride on! Book this private electric tuk tuk tour of Lisbon with a local guide. This tour is an eco-friendly way to visit the best sights in the city.
The tour stops at all the major attractions such as Alfama and Mouraria, the historic neighborhoods, as well as Praca do Comercio and Belem. The tuk tuk also stops at the best Lisbon viewpoints for photo ops of the city.
Kids love the beach and if you live somewhere far away from one, you’re in luck! Lisbon is only 15 minutes away from the sea and you can get there by public transportation. And you won’t be going to just any beaches, Lisbon has some of the best beaches in Europe, perfect for a city break.
Costa da Caparica is only 20 minutes away, an area with some of the best beaches in Greater Lisbon. Another alternative is going to Cascais or Sintra, where there are fewer busy beaches with loads of space.
If a tour is not really your style and you are looking for a more affordable way to see the city with your family, we recommend taking the 28 tram. Although the tram is a public transport service, due to the places it rides through, think of it as a cheap tourist tour.
This tram line connects Martim Moniz with Campo do Ourique. The tram stops in popular tourist districts such as Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and Graca. In a traditional yellow tram, you will ride a scenic route through Lisbon’s narrow and steep streets, the perfect fall morning in Lisbon.
We recommend riding the train early in the morning to avoid crowds. Make sure to beware of pickpocketers!
Lisbon Tram 28. Photo by Portuguese Gravity (Unsplash)
6. Learn about Lisbon history at S. Jorge Castle
Open every day of the week, Castelo de Sao Jorge is located in Santa Maria Maior and is open to visitors. The medieval castle overlooks the historical center of Lisbon and includes guided tours in various languages, allowing your kids to learn a bit about the local history.
The castle’s construction has an interesting history. First, a small fortress was built by the Visigoths during the fifth century. It was made larger by the Moors in the eleventh century, who invaded the Iberian peninsula.
During the reign of Afonso I of Portugal in the twelfth century, it was altered and made into an official Royal Palace. It was then completely restored in 1938 by the dictatorship of Salazar as part of a commemoration of Portuguese patriotism and independence.
Sao Jorge Castle. Photo by Susanne Nilsson (Flickr)
KidZania is literally a kid’s dream spot. Located in the UBBO shopping mall in Lisbon, KidZania is an interactive city made for children up to the age of 15 that combines fun and learning through realistic role plays.
Kids can explore a city independently, with more than 60 careers to try. Your kids can be doctors, scholars, lawyers, firefighters, and more. They earn Kidzos (the city’s currency) from their work, and they can then spend it on games. Not only is this a fun activity, but it teaches kids how to manage money and navigate the real world.
The KidZania site in Lisbon includes a hospital, airport, factories, shops, police station, TV studio, fire department, beauty salon, and more.
Graciosa, The White Island of the Azores is classified by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. This island has a unique landscape and a strong architectural heritage that makes it a top Azorean island to discover. Graciosa is 12.5 KM in length and has around 4,000 inhabitants. Part of the Central Groups of the Azores Archipelago, its closest neighbor is São Jorge, making it a great spot for island hopping. The nickname for this island, the White Island, comes from the white characteristics of Graciosa seen in Pedras Brancas (White Stones) and Serra Branca (White Hills).
It is clear when the island of Graciosa was discovered. Many point out to May 2, 1450, as the date of the island’s discovery, but there is no evidence to back this up. However, we do know that in 1440, ten years before, Prince Henry the Navigator sent cattle to settle the island so that it could be lived one. Therefore, it does not make sense to argue that the island was only discovered in 1450.
For your own safety, make sure to hike on “official” trails that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Broad. These are properly maintained and signed with hiking markers throughout so people do not get lost. You can look up the official hike trails in Graciosa here.
2. Swim in the Thermal Baths
Graciosa’s most famous spot is the Carapacho Spa. These natural swimming pools give you a view of the ocean and neighboring islands. This area also has thermal baths, a pool with warm water at 40ºC that is rich in bicarbonate and magnesium salts. These have been used by the locals since the 1700s to treat diseases. The baths now function as a spa and have jet showers and jacuzzies. The spa is open between May and September and costs €1 for 30 minutes.
3. Water Sports
Graciosa is one of the highest-rated islands for water sports such as diving, sailing, and kayaking, as well as fishing. The main water sport is definitely diving as the island is known as one of the best locations for diving in Europe, with waters that have over 25 meters of visibility. The water temperatures are also quite warm, in comparison to other islands at around 20 degrees Celsius. There are a lot of diverse fauna and sealife species on the island from shark, tuna, and shrimp. You can also see the black coral that is only found in some locations on the island. Find some of the best diving spots on the island here. You can also do some windsurfing, the best places being the bays of Santa Cruz and Praia.
Photo by Vita Marija Murenaite (Unsplash)
4. Visit the Caldeira da Graciosa
The Caldeira da Graciosa is a large crater that is classified as a Regional Natural Monument. This crater has a unique volcanic formation in one of the second-largest forest areas in Graciosa. Its diameter is 4.4 kilometers and it reaches an altitude of 405 meters. This crater includes caves that are tourist attractions such as the Furna da Maria Encantada (Cave of Enchanted Mary) and the Furna do Enxofre (Sulphur Cave).
Day trips from Graciosa
São Jorge
You can get to the island of São Jorge with a 2h30m ferry that costs around €10.
Explore the fajãs: São Jorge has over 40, more than any other island! Fajãs are small plains located at sea level which were once created by lava flows.Our favorite fajã is Fajã do Ouvidor, one that the locals go to the most. It’s home to the Poça Simão Dias, the most amazing swimming hole on the island. The water is clear and you can even jump from low rocks.
Visit the coffee plantation: You must visit the coffee plantation in Fajã dos Vimes. You can try the locally grown coffee at Cafe Nunes, owned by a family who opened the cafe at the plantation in 1997. But fun fact, coffee beans did not grow in the Azores originally. The story goes that coffee beans were brought in by someone in the late 18th century from Brazil to the island.
Book a guided tour of the island: Perfect if you have not rented a car, book this van tour that takes you to the coffee plantations, to a cheese tasting, a 16th-century church, as well as the Poça Simão Dias. The tour costs €110 and includes lunch.
Terceira
You can get to Terceira from Graciosa on a 3h30 ferry that costs around €15.
Enjoy some water sports: We recommend booking this snorkeling tour where you will be accompanied by a professional and provided all the equipment necessary, for only €20. Another great experience is a jet ski tour where you will ride around the coast until the remote Ilhéus das Cabras (Goats Islets).
Hike the trails: Terceira is a hiking hotspot, with 10 amazing trails suitable for any nature lover. Our favorite hike so far is the Mistérios Negros, a 5 km hike of fewer than 3 hours. You can book a professional to accompany you on this hike for €40.
Explore the historic center: The historic center of Angra do Heroísmo is a must-see in Terceira. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this is one of three capitals in the Azores. We recommend booking this half-day city tour where you will get to see the capital’s main attractions with a tour guide for €35.
Visit the Extinct Volcano: Algar do Carvão is an extinct volcano in Terceira that anyone can visit. A force of nature, it has some of the largest silica stalactites in the world. The volcano is 150 feet deep and its size is remarkable. You need to book in advance to visit and tickets cost between €6 and €9, while children under 12 enter for free. If you would like the full experience book a tour with a guide here for €45.
Restaurant Costa do Sol is one of the best restaurants in Graciosa. This place is highly rated by the locals and provides a relaxing environment. We recommend trying the monkfish, seafood, and steaks. You can get a meal here for €15.
Casa De Pasto O Leão is an Azorean restaurant that is a local favorite. The inside of the restaurant has wooden laws and relaxed furniture. The staff at this place will make you feel welcome like you are coming to their home for dinner. We recommend the steak and shrimp. You can have a meal here for €15.
O Restaurante Estrela do Mar, which translates into Sea Star Restaurant has one of the best sea views on the island. Located near Porto da Folga in Santa Cruz da Graciosa this restaurant specialized in seafood, particularly the fish stew and they even make their own fish sauce. A meal here costs around €20.
4. Café on the Plaza
Located in Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Café on the Plaza has a lovely terrace in a central location with delicious burgers. Eating here really feels like being with family. It’s a great place for breakfast, grab a snack, or just enjoy a beer in the square. This might just become your favorite place to eat on the island.
If you’re looking to try some local Graciosa delicacies, Snack Bar Jale is the restaurant to visit. Situated in Santa Cruz da Graciosa, this place has excellent customer service and is one of the highest-rated restaurants on the island. Enjoy Azorean dishes while listening to some live music, available during dinner service. We recommend their Cozido À Portuguesa, a Portuguese meat stew with sausage and vegetables. Snack Bar Jale is also a great breakfast spot, where you can get a toasted sandwich and a latte for €2.50. A meal here will cost you under €10.
Transportation: How can you get around the island of Graciosa?
Public transportation in Graciosa is built for the locals, not the tourists. The bus systems in Azorean island are not designed to get to the best tourist spots so do not rely on public transportation.
If you can, definitely rent a car. You can pick up a rental car from the airport and return it when you are flying back. We recommend renting a car in advance because especially in the summer months, these run out fast. You can rent a manual car starting at €60 a day.
5 Best Places to Stay in Graciosa: Where to stay in Graciosa?
Casa da Barra, located in Santa Cruz da Graciosa is a large holiday hope surrounded by green landscapes. The three-bedroom home sleeps up to five people, has a living room and two bathrooms. The home has a large garden and a barbecue, great for a sunset dinner. You can also rent a car at the property to get around the island. This home costs €100 a night.
This 50 m² one-bedroom house located in a large Azorean farm is located in Santa Cruz da Graciosa. Quinta Perpetua has a romantic patio with diverse flora and a garden to enjoy where you can get views of São Jorge, Faial, and Pico. The farm is built in Azorean natural stone and provides a serene getaway. The one-bedroom here costs €80 a night.
A large holiday home, Casa do Paúl is located in Santa Cruz da Graciosa and has a gorgeous view of the historic center. On the oceanfront, the outdoor terrace features a dining area and barbecue. The holiday home is 200 m² and has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a dining area, and a kitchen. This home only costs €80 a night.
Located in Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Quinta do Bairro – Casa do Pomar is a holiday home with two bedrooms and one bathroom that sleeps 7 people (4 adults and 3 kids). One of the rooms has a double bedroom and the other has two twin beds. Two extra beds are available at request. The 139 m² home features a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a kitchen, and a terrace with views of the garden. This holiday home costs around €90 a night.
Looking over the Calheta pier, Boa Nova Hostel is located in a restored 18th-century home, a 10-minute walk from the center. This hostel is the ideal refuge to stay at with a high-quality service for an affordable price. Depending on your needs and budget, they have private rooms and beds in shared rooms. A single bed in a shared room is less than €10 and a private double bedroom with a balcony and sea view costs €55.
Final Thoughts
From swimming in the 40ºC thermal baths to hiking gorgeous trails, the island of Graciosa is a hotspot for tourists from all over the world. The White Island offers affordable family-run restaurants that will allow you to have a taste of local products. Unlike smaller islands, Graciosa has a wide variety of hotels and holiday homes to rent that offer incredible views of the ocean and the neighboring islands of Terceira and São Jorge. Due to its location, you are quite close to these two islands, making each the perfect island-hopping day trip. Make sure to put the island of Graciosa, one of UNESCO’s World Biosphere Reserves on your Azorean bucket list.
Sao Miguel is the largest and most populated island in the Azores. A part of the Eastern Group of the Archipelago with Santa Maria island, Sao Miguel was discovered in the 13th century. Having belonged to the French, Moors, and Jews, it has undergone major developments throughout the centuries.
Today, Sao Miguel provides the perfect balance. São Miguel is the perfect spot for those who want to experience the classic Azorean life, as well as a larger city. It’s hard to find both on any other island! Therefore, Sao Miguel is filled with plenty of activities for different tastes. Let’s take a look at the 5 best things to do in Sao Miguel, Azores.
1. Explore the capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada
The capital of the autonomous regions of the Azores since 1546, Ponta Delgada is a cosmopolitan town that is full of history and culture. Around 70,000 people live in the capital, around half the island population.
Ponta Delgada features a fishing fleet, marina, and plenty of historical buildings, such as the largest church in the Azores. You can explore the capital entirely by foot through the unique cobbled streets.
We recommend starting out in Avenida Infante D. Henrique, a seaside promenade that runs from a military fortress to Calheta. The path has the classic Portuguese black and white cobblestoned floors.
Goncalho Velho Square is also a key point in Ponta Delgada. This is the central square of the city, named after the Portuguese navigator Goncalho Velho Cabral who is said to have discovered the island.
Make sure to also look for the City Gates or Portas da Cidade, this monument represents how the capital is like the entrance gates of Azores. These gates were built in the 18th century and are located in the old city harbor, the first line of defense of the island at the time.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
2. Visit the thermal hotspot of the Azores
Furnas, the thermal hotspot of the Azores, is located on the eastern side of the island. The Furnas valley is a volcanic crater that erupted in the 17th century. Although it is now dormant and safe, the volcanic activity can be seen in the area’s thermal pools and hot springs.
Furnas is essentially a natural spa, with plenty of places to swim and relax in warm water. For example, head to the 200-year-old Parque Terra Nostra. Here you can swim in a popular orange geothermal swimming pool that’s 35ºC.
The volcanic activity in Furnas also offers a unique culinary experience with the cozido das furnas. The dish is similar to the classic Portuguese cozido, a meat stew with cabbage, carrots, potatoes, blood sausage, pork and beef.
But this is no regular stew – it’s cooked by a volcano. The dish is cooked in bubbling, steaming caldeiras (geysers) that smell of sulfur. Temperatures range from 70ºC to 100ºC, which is perfect for cooking. This dish is placed in a metal pot and buried in volcanic soil to be slow-cooked by the natural heat of the caldeiras.
If you have only seen one photo of the Azores, chances are you have seen the Sete Cidades Lagoon. This lagoon is located on the West side of the island in the municipality of Sete Cidades. The lagoon is divided by a bridge into two parts: one green and one blue. This creates a beautiful and unique contrast that is even more beautiful on a clear day.
Head to the Vista do Rei viewpoint, where you can enjoy the best view of the lagoon. Near the viewpoint, you will also find a large concrete building. This is an abandoned luxurious hotel, once the finest 5-star establishment on the island. Many enter the hotel for a unique view of the lagoon, although this is forbidden.
Even though Sete Cidades is known for this particular lake, there are over 11 lakes in the municipality that you can observe from miradouros (viewpoints).
4. Hike the official trails of Sao Miguel
If you are a nature lover, you are in for a treat. Sao Miguel not only features the most hiking trails in the Azores, but some of the most beautiful. You will get to reach remote spots on the island, filled with waterfalls and greenery.
There are over 20 “official” hiking trails in Sao Miguel that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Board. These are adequately labeled with hiking markers, so you don’t get lost and are maintained for safety. You can check out the hiking trails here to find the one that best suits your physical ability.
Our favorite hikes in Sao Miguel are Lagoa do Fogo (11 KM, 4h00), Sete Cidades (7.7 KM, 2h00), and Lagoa das Furnas (9.5 KM, 3h00).
The Azores is known for its marine life, especially conservation and research ever since whale hunting was banned in the 1980s. Since then, thousands travel to Sao Miguel and other islands to spot both whales and dolphins.
Over twenty different species of whales live in the Azores, making it one of the best places in the world for whale-watching. The best season for whale-watching is between April to October, even though you can usually see them all year.
We recommend booking this whale watching and islet cruise, accompanied by a marine biologist so that you can spot and learn about sperm and pilot whales, bottlenose, Risso’s dolphins, and more.
Millions of tourists travel to Portugal every year, but it can be hard to figure out where to go. Luckily, this 1-Week Portugal Itinerary guides you on where to spend 7 days in Portugal.
The itinerary starts in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and then heads south. You can enjoy the journey fully through public transport, but when leaving Lisbon to head to the Algarve, we do recommend renting a car.
When renting your vehicle, you can select to pick up the car at Lisbon airport and return it at the end of your trip at Faro airport, where this itinerary ends.
While both Central Portugal and the north have a lot to offer, this 7-day itinerary is perfect for a first-timer who hasn’t yet visited the country.
For everything you need to know before traveling to Portugal, check out our Portugal Survival Guide.
This 1-Week Itinerary in Portugal starts in the capital of Lisbon. Many cities around the world fly directly to Lisbon. You can fly directly to Lisbon from many US airports, including Miami, Boston, Washington, San Francisco, and New York.
One of the oldest cities in western Europe, Lisbon has seen a boom in tourism due to its unique beauty, historical attractions, and affordability.
The birthplace of Amália Rodrigues, the iconic Fado singer, Lisbon is rich in culture, history, and striking views.
For your visit day in Lisbon, start your day off in Alfama. The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and the home of fado. Explore the neighborhood and look out for Fado spots, as well as historical monuments such as the Lisbon Cathedral, the Convent of the Grace, and more.
For a traditional Portuguese meal, we recommend Alfaia, one of the oldest restaurants in Lisbon that opened in 1880.
If you are vegan but still want to try Portuguese food, we definitely recommend Ao 26 Vegan Food Project.
For the best pizzas in Lisbon, head to Casanova in Santa Apolonia to take some pizzas cooked in a large wood-burning stove and enjoy views of the Tagus river.
Then head to Miradouro da Graca, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Lisbon. At the top of the seven hills of the city, you get to see historic neighborhoods and take photographs of the surroundings.
Take a 15-minute walk to Praca do Comercio, the city’s central waterpoint front. The large square used to be the site of the former royal palace that was destroyed in the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755.
There are multiple shops and restaurants in the square. You can also climb the Rua Augusta Arch for 360 views of the city and the square.
For dinner, head to 1 de Maio in Bairro Alto for an affordable Portuguese meal. This hidden restaurant offers delicious fresh seafood that you can see from the window and a variety of meats like lamb.
After dinner, head to Pink Street in Cais do Sodre. The street features pink pavement and was once Lisbon’s Red Light District. Today, it is a nightlife hotspot.
Many bars today still reflect the Red Light District such as the iconic bar Pensao Amor which has memorabilia from the time. Walk around to experience the nightlife which often fills the street, locals bringing their drinks outside.
Best Hotels in Lisbon
Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel: Awarded the Best Luxury Green Hotel in 2019, Inspira Liberdade provides a relaxing Feng-Shui vibe for its guests. The hotel has a SPA, fitness room, bar, and a restaurant with Portuguese food called Pen Brasserie Mediterrânica.
Selena Secret Garden: The hostel also has a rooftop deck, CoWork space for professionals, and a movie room. In the heart of Cais do Sodre, you are close to contemporary art galleries, bars with riverfront views, and within walking distance to Chiado.
Bairro Alto Hotel: This hotel is situated in the best location in Lisbon, between Bairro Alto and Chiado in an 18th-century building in central Lisbon. The hotel features a restaurant with award-winning Chef Nuno Mendes and Executive Chef Bruno Rocha.
Day 2: Lisbon
For your second day in Lisbon, we recommend exploring Belem. Belem lies along the Tejo Estuary and is home to two UNESCO sites, Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a former monastery in Belém constructed in Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style and you can visit the church for free.
Torre de Belem is a 16th-century fortification that once served as an embarkation spot for Portugal explorers. It features a Manueline style and has been a World Heritage Site since 1983.
Torre de Belem. Photo by Alex Paganelli (Unsplash)
A 2-minute walk from the monastery, head to Pasteis de Belem where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented.
In the afternoon, we recommend booking a sightseeing tour. Since you only have 2 days in Lisbon, this is a great way to see as much of the city as possible. Here are our favorite guided tours of Lisbon:
Lisbon 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk: This tuk-tuk tour rides up and down the hills of Lisbon, going through the city’s oldest neighborhoods and main attractions.
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: Book a 24-hour ticket which includes an audio guide. This affordable ticket allows you to visit different routes and hop in as you would like.
Lisbon 3-Hour Tour by E-Bike: This tour allows you to cycle through Lisbon on comfortable e-bikes with a guided tour. You will get to visit different viewpoints and historical attractions.
At night, walk to Bairro Alto, the most popular area for drinking outdoors. Tons of locals and tourists line the streets of Bairro Alto with a beer in hand. We recommend Ze dos Bois Gallery, a musical center that has live music and serves tasty drinks.
Best Restaurants in Lisbon
Ze dos Cornos: For a Portuguese person, this place is like arriving at your Avó’s (grandma´s) house for dinner. Everything off the menu hits the spot, but try their codfish with potatoes or their rabbit. You can have a large full meal here with wine for under €15.
The Green Affair: Open since 2018, the Green Affair serves Portuguese and international dishes. The restaurant offers lunch menus for less than €11 including a starter, main, and drink. For dinner, you’ll pay around €30 for two people.
Alma: Henrique Sá Pessoa’s, Alma also has two Michelin stars. The menu includes Portuguese dishes with influences from his worldwide travels. The menus start at €145 per person and do not include drinks. The wine tasting menu costs €80 per person.
The great thing about Lisbon is its proximity to quaint coastal towns. Our favorites: Sintra and Cascais. We recommend either driving to these locations (both around 30 minutes from Lisbon), booking a guided tour, or taking a 30-minute train to each town.
In Sintra, we recommend heading to Piriquita for the staple deserted called a “travesseiro”. After this energy boost, head to the Castle of the Moors. This is a medieval castle that sits on a hilltop and was built by the Moors in the 8th century.
Then, head to Pena Palace, one of the most iconic palaces in all of Portugal. The palace has a Disney-like feel, painted in beautiful colors in a romanticist style. You can also wander around the castle and see the beautiful green area that surrounds it. Tickets cost around €15.
We recommend having lunch at a seafood restaurant in Cascais. Our favorites are Furnas do Guincho and Baia do Peixe, the latter being a more affordable alternative.
Then it’s time to explore Cascais, the richest municipality in the country! Head to “Praia da Rainha”, a secluded beach with a wonderful view, perfect for a family photograph.
Find Frederico Arouca street, a high street with major stores selling Portuguese souvenirs. Then walk to the City Hall in Praca 5 de Outubro, a beautiful building surrounded by cobblestoned streets.
To wrap up your day, head to Guincho beach, a 10-minute drive from the center of Cascais, to watch the sunset. If the weather is nice, take a dip! But be careful with the waves as they can get quite high.
A 3-hour drive from Lisbon, drive south to Tavira, in the beautiful region of the Algarve. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Faro or a bus directly to Tavira.
Tavira was built alongside River Gilão and features some of the best beaches in the Algarve, as well as picturesque narrow streets with traditional houses. Along with the stunning beaches, the town has multiple attractions such as shops and historical buildings.
Your two days will be more slow-paced than the past days in Lisbon. You will be spending most of your time at the beach.
Our favorite beach is Praia do Barril. The beach features a wooden path over golden sand which provides a gorgeous contrast with the dark blue waters. Due to the large size of the beach, you will rarely feel like it’s too busy, despite its popularity.
Praia de Tavira and Praia da Terra Estreita are also great alternatives in Tavira. If you want to discover multiple beaches this affordable 4-hour boat tour takes you on an octopus tour and stops at multiple beaches.
In between resting at the beach, we recommend exploring Tavira. Take a walk through the city and explore the Chapel of Sao Bras, castle, and convent. Book this 100% electric 1-hour tuk-tuk tour if you want a guided tour of the city from a local’s perspective.
São Paulo Boutique Hotel:São Paulo Boutique Hotel is located less than 5 kilometers from the beach and features an outdoor swimming pool, bar, shared lounge, and large garden for guests to enjoy.
OZADI Tavira Hotel: A 4-star hotel AZADI Tavira Hotel is 3 kilometers away from the beach and features a large outdoor pool, a fitness center, and two restaurants.
Quinta Dos Perfumes: An 8-minute walk from the beach, Quinta dos Perfumes is an 88-acre farmhouse that features beautiful orange groves and a salt-water outdoor pool.
Benagil is a fishing village known for its stunning beaches and sea caves. The Benagil caves are a must-see if you head to the Algarve. We recommend booking a guided tour, many of which start in Albufeira. Here are the best day tours to Benagil Caves.
Enjoy your last day at your favorite beach in Tavira. Again, we recommend Praia do Barril. Then travel back home from Faro Airport, only a 30-minute drive away from Tavira.
Something significant is happening in wealthy British circles, and Portugal is at the center of it.
In 2025, the UK recorded a net outflow of approximately 16,500 millionaires – the highest figure of any country globally. While destinations like Dubai, Singapore, and Switzerland continue to attract high-net-worth individuals, a quieter but equally compelling migration is taking shape along the Atlantic coast of southern Europe.
Portugal has steadily become one of the most attractive landing points for British professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees looking for more than just sunshine. And the numbers tell a striking story: according to Knight Frank’s 2025 Relocation Survey, Lisbon now ranks as Europe’s number one city for millionaire relocation, scoring 7.27 out of 10 across lifestyle, affordability, and safety metrics. Meanwhile, a recent survey by Portugal Pathways found that 88% of wealthy expats who relocated to Portugal report being highly satisfied with their decision, comfortably above the global average of 72%.
So what’s driving this shift?
A Tax Environment in Transition
The UK’s recent overhaul of its non-domicile tax regime has been a catalyst. Capital gains tax increases, the extension of inheritance tax to worldwide assets, and the closure of longstanding loopholes have created a new reality for wealth holders who had previously found the UK’s tax framework workable, if not favorable.
Portugal, by contrast, continues to offer a structured and transparent tax environment for incoming residents. While the original Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme is no longer available to new applicants, its successor – the IFICI regime, often referred to as NHR 2.0 – offers a flat 20% tax rate on qualifying Portuguese income and exemptions on most foreign-sourced income for eligible professionals. For those who don’t qualify for IFICI, Portugal’s standard tax framework still compares favorably to many western European alternatives, particularly when combined with the country’s extensive network of double taxation agreements.
Beyond Tax: The Lifestyle Equation
For many relocating families, the decision goes far beyond spreadsheets. Portugal’s international school network has expanded rapidly, with institutions in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, and the Algarve now offering British, American, and IB curricula. Healthcare ranks among the best in Europe, with both a robust public system and high-quality private options. The Algarve, long known for tourism, has matured into a genuine residential destination with world-class golf, marina infrastructure, and a growing community of internationally mobile professionals.
Safety is another factor that resonates strongly. Portugal consistently ranks among the top five safest countries in the world on the Global Peace Index – a consideration that carries particular weight for families with children or retirees seeking stability.
The Golden Visa Factor
For those not ready to relocate full-time, Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers a compelling middle ground. Although the real estate investment route was removed in 2023, the fund-based pathway – requiring a minimum €500,000 investment in a qualifying Portuguese venture capital or private equity fund – has become the primary channel for investors seeking EU residency with minimal physical presence requirements. Just seven days per year in Portugal is enough to maintain the visa, and after a qualifying period, permanent residency and citizenship may follow.
It is worth noting, however, that Portugal’s parliament recently extended the naturalization timeline for non-EU, non-Portuguese-speaking nationals from five to ten years, a change that makes early planning and informed decision-making more important than ever. As of today, this proposed change has still not officially become law, but the Parliament has made its intentions clear.
What Comes Next
For anyone seriously considering Portugal – whether as a full relocation, a split-year arrangement, or a long-term residency play through the Golden Visa – the window for informed action is now. The regulatory landscape is evolving, fund structures are maturing, and demand continues to grow.
Jason Swan, one of Europe’s most experienced Golden Visa advisers, is hosting a free live webinar covering everything prospective applicants and relocators need to know about Portugal in 2026. With over 600 successful golden visa applications and a 5-star client rating across 15+ countries, Swan will be taking questions live and cutting through the complexity.
Register for the free live session here – Register Now
Betting culture has always had a strong presence in Portugal and is a part of the daily lives of the Portuguese, as well as the lottery and gambling. From a young age, Portuguese kids are taken by the hand to “Casas da Apostas” (betting houses) and cafes to watch their parents and grandparents place a bet during their espresso break. Oftentimes, kids even pick the numbers and stars for their parents to play the Euromilhoes as a lucky charm. Since 2015, online betting has also become legal. However, you will find that many continue to prefer betting in person due to its cultural and traditional significance. From sports betting to playing roulette in the casino, the Portuguese are not afraid to play with their money.
In Portugal, if you gamble for fun on licensed betting sites or in casinos, you pay no tax at all on your winnings. You keep 100% of what you win. The taxes are paid by the betting companies instead: they hand over 8% of all the money people stake on sports bets and 25% of their profit on casino games. For Euromilhões (and other state lottery games like scratch cards), small prizes up to €5,000 are completely tax-free, but any amount above €5,000 is taxed at 20%. This is taken straight away before you receive the money.
(Updated March 2026)
Types of Betting & Gambling in Portugal
The Lottery in Portugal
Playing the lottery has always been a traditional thing for Portuguese people of all classes to do. The most famous lotteries in Portugal are Euromilhoes and Totoloto. You can play the Euromilhoes and Totoloto in cafes, gas stations, and stores, as well as online. See the physical locations where you can play here.
The Euromilhoes prize money can go up to €30,000,000. To play, you must pick 5 numbers and then 2 numbers to be your “stars”. This counts as one bet. It’s common practice in Portugal for people to pick numbers and letters that are meaningful for them. You can play the Euromilhoes online here.
Totoloto’s prize money is much lower than Euromilhoes, usually under €2,000,000. To play, you must pick 5 numbers of the available options. Again, this counts as a single bet. You can play the Totoloto online here.
Sports Betting in Portugal
In a country that prides itself on football, sports betting is one of the most common types of betting. You can bet on thousands of different sports events. Whatever sport you are into, you can probably bet on it in Portugal, regardless of how famous it might be. However, the most sports to bet on in Portugal are football (obviously), basketball, futsal, and rink hockey. There are several sports betting companies, where you can bet both online or in physical locations like “tabacarias” (cigarette shops). The most famous sports betting websites in Portugal are Placard, Betclic, and Betano. Placard is the most famous betting company in Portugal and besides betting online, you can bet in stores such as gas stations and “tabacarias”.
Horse Race Betting in Portugal
Apart from traditional sports betting, the only other authorized form of betting is horse race betting. You can do this online or at a physical place like a “Casa de Apostas” (betting house), gas stations, and “tabacarias”. For online horse race betting, similarly to other sports betting, see Placard, Betclic, and Betano. However, make sure that you are betting legally. You can check out the legal list of horse race betting certified by the Portuguese National Authority for Animal Health.
Photo by Amol Tyagi (Unsplash)
Prediction Market Platforms
In Portugal, prediction market platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi operate in a highly restricted legal environment. The country’s gambling regulator, the SRIJ (Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos), strictly limits licensed online gambling to sports betting, casino games, and horse racing. Betting on political events, whether they are domestic or international elections, policies, or other types of events, is explicitly prohibited under the 2015 online gambling law.
In January 2026, the SRIJ ordered Polymarket to cease operations in Portugal within 48 hours and began blocking access through internet service providers, citing the platform’s lack of a license and its facilitation of illegal political betting (including heavy trading on the Portuguese presidential election). Kalshi has not faced the same outright ban and remains accessible to Portuguese users so far, though it is unregulated in the country and carries similar legal risks since many of its markets also involve political or non-sports events. Portuguese residents who use these unlicensed platforms do so at their own risk, as the activity falls outside the regulated framework, with no player protections and potential enforcement consequences.
Casinos in Portugal: The 4 Best Casinos in Portugal
A casino in the Portuguese Riviera, Casino Estoril is one of the biggest casinos in Europe. One of the inspirations for Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel Casino Royale, Casino Estoril has modernist architecture. The first stone of the build was placed in 1916, making it a cultural building with a rich history. During the Second World War, the casino was a gathering spot for spies and dispossessed royals.
The casino can take up to 1,000 people at a time. The casino features a gambling room with roulette, blackjack, and more, as well as the most advanced slot machines on the market. Casino Estoril also has an auditorium that regularly has music and theater shows and two restaurants.
Casino Lisboa, located in Parque das Nações, Lisbon, gets over 2 million visitors a year and over 5,000 a day. This casino opened in 2006 and is recognized globally as one of the best casinos. The casino has over 700 slot machines. Casino Lisboa also offers 22 gambling tables with roulette, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, and “banca francesa”. Apart from gambling, the casino has a large auditorium, a famous space that hosts art, cultural and business events.
Three hundred kilometers from Lisbon, Casino Vilamoura in Algarve is located inside a famous marina that attracts millions of tourists every year. A nightlife hotspot, this casino opened in 1996 and was more recently remodeled in 2018. Owned by the large hotel and casino company Solverde, this casino features a VIP lounge, 520 slot machines, and 10 gambling tables.
Casino Tróia, located an hour away from Lisbon, is known for its innovative design and modern rooms. With over 200 slot machines and 15 gambling tables with diverse games, it caters to every type of client. The Casino features the Estrathosphera Bar which has a bar and stage that often DJs come to play at.
Photo by the blowup (Unsplash)
Who Takes the Prize: Online vs Offline Betting in Portugal
Although offline betting is the traditional way in Portugal where you socialize with the staff at the betting shop and discuss your bets with locals, we can’t ignore the convenience of online betting. You can place a bet remotely from anywhere, via a computer, tablet, or phone. Online betting can also be safer as it allows you to look for reviews and find out whether a website is trustworthy. You can also more easily compare betting systems and odds from different companies in a more convenient matter.
Despite the cultural significance of offline betting in Portugal, this method has some disadvantages. You obviously cannot place a bet outside of the place’s working hours which might cost you to miss out on an important bet. Offline betting is also more time-consuming and at times, comes with additional expenses. However, many small “tabacarias” and “Casas de Apostas” rely on offline betting financially so it is always good to go to these.
Portugal Betting Laws: Can You Bet Online in Portugal?
Although betting has been around for hundreds of years in Portugal and is part of the country’s cultural history, the legalization of online betting is recent. Since 2015, online betting is legal in Portugal when its gambling laws were altered to adapt to the digital space. Online casinos and sports betting sites are completely legal and regulated by Portuguese entities. In 2020, online betting platforms reached a new record and made over €69 million in only three months.
The new online betting regulations follow important principles that the Portuguese government wants to follow. For example, it has regulations to avoid fraud, protect minors and vulnerable people, as well as guarantee the integrity of sport by fighting the manipulation of sports results.
Portuguese laws on online betting are quite simple. The following types of online gambling and betting are legal:
Games of chance like blackjack, bingo, slot machines, poker, and more.
You can also play the lottery online.
Taxes on Betting in Portugal
The taxes on betting in Portugal are high compared to the rest of the world. Portugal has one of the highest tax rates at 44%. When online betting became legal, economists believed this would make companies unsuccessful. Instead, this sector is growing and there are many companies out there regularly applying for the Portuguese online gaming license.
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