Famous Landmarks in Portugal
Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches, medieval villages, colorful towns, astounding architecture, delicious food, and wine. It’s bursting with things to see and do, so as you plan your upcoming trip, don’t forget to include these famous landmarks in Portugal.
This list includes both natural and manmade landmarks in Portugal that you shouldn’t leave off your Portuguese bucket list. Portugal is a charming country with beautiful landscapes and historic cities to explore. Some of these famous landmarks in Portugal reflect the country’s long history and architectural styles. From a gothic monastery, a yellow castle, the most picturesque train station, and a medieval university, Portugal offers a diverse range of attractions like no other.
So, it only seemed fitting to put together a list of the top landmarks in Portugal so you don’t miss out on any of them. A trip to this breathtaking country isn’t complete without visiting these famous Portuguese landmarks.
So, without further ado, here are the top 25 famous landmarks in Portugal.
25 Famous Landmarks in Portugal
Famous Landmarks in Lisbon
It’s easy to get to these top Lisbon attractions below on your own, however if you are looking for convenience or are short on time, i’d suggest booking this Lisbon Full-Day Small Group City Sightseeing Tour. This 8 hour tour takes you across Lisbon in a minivan and will cover the city’s landmarks and historic neighborhoods
1. Praça do Comércio
This square is one of Lisbon’s most popular landmarks and is known for its stunning architecture. The plaza is enclosed on three sides by distinguishing yellow buildings. A large statue dedicated to King Joseph I stands in the center.
The Arco da Rua Augusta (Rua Augusta Arch) sits right at the entrance of the square. There is a viewing platform at the top of the arch that is 30 -meters high. It offers panoramic views of the Baixa district of Lisbon. The entrance fee is €2.50.
This is one of the biggest squares in Europe, and one of the main highlights of Lisbon. It’s filled with tourists all year round. There is plenty of space to stroll around the square or if you feel like giving your feet a break, sit down at one of the many cafes that line the square. Just beware of tourist prices.
2. São Jorge Castle
The São Jorge Castle is an 11th-century medieval fortress and a historic landmark in Portugal that was built during the Moorish period. The medieval castle was used as a fortress and a royal palace but suffered severe damage in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Today, it is almost fully restored, and you can admire its preserved eleven towers, get to know its history, and enjoy the most amazing views of the city.
The castle is perched on top of the hill and provides breathtaking views of Lisbon. Visitors can tour the castle and admire the ancient architecture and modern exhibitions. Several of the castle towers are also accessible; each featuring astonishing views of the city and sea. The ground’s elaborate gardens and an underground archaeology museum are also open to the public.
For centuries, the castle served as an important fortification for defense, and now, it’s one of the most visited landmarks in Portugal. Take a walk through the castle and appreciate the architecture and Moorish design.
To visit the castle and find out more about its history, it’s best to buy the skip the line tickets.
3. Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift, also known as Carmo Lift, is a Gothic-style iron elevator in the historic center of Lisbon. It’s one of four mid-twentieth-century lifts that are still actively used in Lisbon but is the only one that runs fully vertical.
Lisbon is known as the city of the seven hills and the Santa Justa Lift is one way that locals and visitors can avoid having to climb up some of the steep hills on foot. The lift provides easy access from Baixa’s lower roads to the higher roads of Largo do Carmo and vice versa. The trip up is about 45 meters high. The lift is not only a convenient means of transportation but it has now also become a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon.
Going up this historic lift is a must-do in Lisbon. The Lift has a stunning observation deck at the top and offers magnificent views over Baixa. Since it was opened to the public, it has become one of the most popular viewpoints in Lisbon.
A return ride costs €5.15 and the lift operates daily from early morning to late evening.
4. Jerónimos Monastery
One of the most popular things to do in Belem is to visit the Jerónimos Monastery. The Monastery’s biggest highlight is the tomb of Vasco da Gama, which was built to commemorate the great sailor. It is believed that Vasco da Gama and his crew spent their last night here before they embarked on the journey to India.
Dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries and commissioned by King Manuel I, the monastery was the seat of the Hieronymite monks (from the Order of Saint Jerome). The workmanship of this building is nothing short of spectacular, with its ornate carvings, decorations, and richly detailed columns carved with maritime symbols. Today, the structure is appreciated for its grand design as well as the important international meetings that are held within its walls.
Take a guided tour of Belem with skip-the-line entry to Jeronimos Monastery.
5. Belém Tower
The Belém Tower is situated about 10 minutes from the Monastery and is one of the city’s most striking symbols and must-see tourist attractions in Lisbon. It is a fortified tower that served as the embarkation and disembarkation point for Portuguese explorers and was considered the gateway to the city.
During Portugal’s Age of Discovery, most of the voyages started in Lisbon, so the tower was the last thing sailors saw in the country. And since it was also the first thing they were going to see on their way back, the Tower of Belem became a symbol of the homeland.
The tower sits on the banks of the Tagus River and is separated from the mainland by a single bridge. You can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower and take in the beautiful views of the city and the river.
Today the tower reminds the Portuguese of their Golden Age, and it’s among the most popular attractions in Portugal. Belém Tower is easily reached from other parts of Lisbon and is a great place to visit in Lisbon with kids.
Not too far from the Belem Tower, you’ll find the Monument to the Discoveries, one of the top free places to visit in Lisbon and a remarkable landmark dedicated to the Age of Discoveries in Portugal. It was built in the middle of the 20th century.
With more than 50 meters in height, it features a huge ship with 30+ figures, including Vasco da Gama, Henry the Navigator, and Ferdinand Magellan. Alongside it is the impressive square depicting a compass rose and a Mappa Mundi. Check out this tour which covers a few of the highlights in Belem.
6. 25 de Abril Bridge
The 25 de Abril Bridge is over 2,000 meters long and connects Lisbon to the city of Almada. This red suspension bridge resembles that of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Lisbon.
Famous Landmarks in the Algarve
7. Benagil Cave – One of the most famous natural landmarks in Portugal
While the Algarve is famous for its gorgeous beaches, caves, cliffs, and landscapes; one landmark that stands out is the Benagil Cave. It’s a Portuguese natural monument and one you shouldn’t miss when in this part of the world.
Benagil is a small fishing village more famously known for its cave. Benagil Cave is located around the corner from the beach and is one of the most impressive landmarks in Portugal that you’ll come across. The Cave features a natural skylight in the cave ceiling which allows the sun to shine over the sandy beach beneath. It is a magical atmosphere inside the cave. The Cave gets extremely busy, especially during the summer months. It’s probably the most visited and photographed cave on the southern coast of Portugal. It’s certainly a must-see landmark in the Algarve.
Benagil Cave is only accessible by water; so best to make your way to the cave via a boat tour, paddleboard or kayak if you are feeling a bit more adventurous. The experience is magical and it’s as beautiful in person as it is in the photos you see. Check out some tours here or you can discover the Algarve coastline and the famous Benagil Caves on this speed boat tour from Portimão.
8. Algar Seco Caves
The Algar Seco caves is a small coastal strip at the edge of the charming beach town of Carvoeiro. You’ll see the orange rock cliffs of the Algarve at their best. This natural wonder consists of rocks, arches, walk paths carved out into the rocks, and stunning views of the Portuguese coast. You’ll also find a natural pool where you can take a dip and cool down.
The western side climbs down to a series of rock formations. The limestone pinnacle stands out here. You’ll come across a cave known as “Boneca”( the doll). The cave passage leads to a small chamber with the most stunning viewpoint in Carvoeiro, two eroded arches with views out over the pristine blue ocean.
The eastern side will lead you to a sinkhole where the sea waters have penetrated the base and formed a shallow saltwater pool. Visiting the boardwalk and caves is free.
9. Ponta da Piedade
Ponta da Piedade is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. This beach is surrounded by cliffs and rocks that are up to 20 meters high. You’ll see arches, rock pillars, and caves that have been sculpted by erosion over the centuries. There is a footpath you can use to explore them from various angles. It’s an incredibly fascinating area to discover.
To do so, you can either walk or drive from Lagos, and wander along the cliffs to view the pillars from above. Or you can take a boat tour to discover it from the sea. Boat tours are available from within the Ponta da Piedade itself, or from Lagos. It’s a great way to enjoy the magic of the region.
The boats will take you through the caves and into hidden grottos. After your tour, take time to walk the Ponta de Piedade boardwalk from the lighthouse to the Praia do Canavial lookout point. You’ll also come across the famous Praia do Camilo beach where you can stop and relax for a while.
Combining a boat tour with a short walk and a visit to a nearby beach will take you half a day, but you could easily spend longer if you prefer to stay a while on the sand.
Sail over turquoise water and marvel at the towering natural arches of Ponta da Piedade on this boat cruise from Lagos.
10. Praia de Marinha
This iconic beach in the Algarve is also known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is located in the central Algarve near the towns of Lagoa and Carvoeiro and is known for its stunning cliff formations, golden sand, and clear blue water. It is also only 10 minutes away from another of the Algarve’s must-see attractions, Benagil Cave.
While a relatively small beach, it is popular with locals and tourists. At low tide, you can explore some of the coves hidden in the surrounding cliffs.
Famous Landmarks in Alentejo
You can explore the best of Evora on this private full day tour which covers main attractions like Giraldo Square, the Roman Temple of Evora, and the Church of St. Francis.
11. Chapel of Bones – A unique landmark in Portugal
Évora is a beautiful city in the Alentejo region and has several monuments such as the Roman Temple of Diana, the Cathedral, and the Chapel of Bones. But it’s the Chapel of Bones, also known as Capela dos Ossos, that is an absolute standout and one of the top landmarks in Portugal that you shouldn’t miss visiting. It’s one of the most unique attractions in Portugal.
The chapel is connected to the Church of St. Francis and was built by monks in the 17th century. The skulls and bones come from an estimated 5000 bodies exhumed when the cemeteries in Evora got overcrowded. The interior walls, columns, and ceiling of the small chapel are all decorated with bones.
Within the chapel are the bones of approximately 5000 corpses, including a white coffin by the altar which holds the bones of the monks who founded the chapel. Above the chapel door is a simple message to those who enter “Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos,” or: “We bones, are here, waiting for yours.”
It’s definitely an eerie but interesting place to visit. It takes about 30 minutes to see the small chapel. You can find more information here. While most people visit Evora as a day trip, it’s worthwhile spending at least one night here. It’s a good place to break up your Portugal road trip.
While the Chapel of the Bones is the town’s main attraction, Evora’s Cathedral and cobblestone streets are also standouts. The city also boasts a unique cuisine, unlike any other region in Portugal.
Famous Landmarks in Sintra
Spend a day in Sintra and Cascais on a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra. Visit Quinta da Regaleira, and the historic Pena Palace, and relax in the picturesque fishing village of Cascais.
12. Pena Palace
Undoubtedly one of the most popular landmarks in Portugal, Pena Palace is one of the top attractions in Sintra that you shouldn’t miss. Sintra is only about a 30-minute car ride from Lisbon, so it makes for the perfect day trip.
Pena Palace is perched high on a hill in the lush Sintra mountains. The 19th-century castle is painted a vibrant yellow and red and is a beautiful contrast to the forested landscape. The architecture of the palace is simply incredible.
The mix of different architectural styles, bright colors, and statues featuring a range of mythological beasts and heroes makes the palace unique and stunning. There are plenty of things to see inside the palace. This includes the chance to wander through rooms where kings and queens ate, slept, played, and worked.
You’ll get incredible views of the surrounding areas from the palace. Pena Palace is simply magical. It has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1995 and one of the most visited monuments in the country.
Opening times for the palace are 9:30 am to 6:30 pm for the palace. The park opens and closes half an hour earlier and later. Be sure to make it your first stop of the day when you get to Sintra as the palace gets pretty crowded as the day progresses along. You can find tickets here or alternatively, this tour from Lisbon covers all the highlights in Sintra.
13. Quinta da Regaleira
In the heart of Sintra, lies Quinta da Regaleira. The best way to describe Quinta da Regaleira is like Alice in Wonderland. With a palace, beautiful chapel, lush green gardens, tunnels, fountains, and a well with a spiral staircase, this place takes you to a whole different world of exploring. Quinta da Regaleira is one surprise after another making it one of the most unique landmarks in Portugal.
The castle itself displays a unique range of architecture, ranging from Moorish features to Egyptian design. As you walk through the palace, its gardens, caves, and secret passages, you’ll come across many amazing details, one of which is the initiation well. The well features a spiral staircase running down the walls. In recent years it’s become one of the most instagrammable spots in Portugal. For me, it was the enchanting gardens surrounding the main palace that provided a magical feeling.
You can find more information here.
14. Castle of the Moors
The Castle of Moors, also known as Castelo dos Mouros, is one of the most scenic landmarks in Portugal. It is within walking distance from Pena Palace. The castle was once used as a strategic point in medieval wars, but now you can visit the well-preserved ruins and enjoy the view over the stunning surrounding landscape. You’ll also get a great view of Pena Palace from here.
Spend an hour walking on the castle walls enjoying the spectacular views. The castle is open every day from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. You can find more information here.
Famous Landmarks in Porto
You can discover the famous landmarks in Porto on your own or alternatively this 3-hour guided walking tour takes you through some of Porto’s main attractions. Discover the city’s history, culture, and traditions as you visit historic neighborhoods and narrow streets
15. Dom Luís I Bridge
The Dom Luis Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in Portugal. It crosses the River Douro and connects the Port wine cellars in the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood with the colorful neighborhood of Ribeira. This double-deck metal bridge is located in the northern city of Porto.
It is no wonder that the Dom Luis Bridge is so stunning, it was built by Gustave Eiffel, the man who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The bridge features two levels, with a large arch in the middle. Both levels have pedestrian walkways, but the top level offers stunning views of the river and the city.
16. São Bento Railway Station
The São Bento Railway Station is one of the most beautiful railway stations I’ve laid my eyes on. Its breathtaking architecture makes it one of the most famous landmarks in Portugal. The inside is an artistic treasure with over 20,000 azulejo tiles that line its walls. Each of these tiles tells a story and reflects Portuguese history.
The station is located in the heart of downtown Porto and is not an attraction to be missed if you are visiting Porto.
17. Porto Cathedral
The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) is an impressive religious and historical landmark in Porto’s city center. The Cathedral is situated on a hill overlooking the Douro River. You can spot the Cathedral from miles away as it is a distinctive part of the city’s skyline.
The Cathedral is the biggest church in Porto and comprises of a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architectural styles. Be sure to visit the cloister which includes a beautiful collection of azulejo tiles. You can also climb the tower where you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the city.
The cathedral is open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, November to March. In the summer, it’s open until 6:30 pm. The cloister closes every day from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. The cost to tour the cathedral is €3 (children 10 and under are free).
You can find more information here. This walking tour in Porto includes a visit to the Porto Cathedral.
Other tours in Porto
You can check out some of these tours in Porto. I’ve done all of them and can’t rate them enough!
- Porto: Six Bridges Cruise
- Taylor’s Port Cellars & Tasting
- Guided City Tour by Tuk-Tuk and Douro River Cruise
- Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Grandma’s Recipe
Famous Landmarks in Central Portugal
Portugal’s Centro region has a vast and diversified cultural and historical legacy. Embark on a full-day private tour of Central Portugal with a visit to the world-renowned Sanctuary of Fátima, the Batalha and Alcobaça Monasteries, and much more.
18. Alcobaça Monastery
The Alcobaça Monastery is located in a small town called Alcobaça, less than 100 km from Lisbon. The Monastery is a Roman Catholic structure that was founded in the 12th century. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Portugal.
The Monastery is well worth a visit. You can admire the Baroque towers, see the decorative vault in the sacristy or view some of the famed tombs. The workmanship of this building is simply spectacular. You can take this private guided tour of Alcobaca Monastery which will provide you with the history of the Monastery.
19. Batalha Monastery
The Batalha Monastery is located close to Alcobaça and is a work of art with its beauty bringing together several architectural styles. It is considered one of the national pantheons, with the tombs of several Portuguese kings and queens.
It took two centuries to build the Monastery. The Monastery is huge so allow a couple of hours to walk through. Be sure to visit the main nave, the cloisters, the chapterhouse, and the unfinished Chapels. The Royal Cloisters and the unfinished chapels are a reason alone to visit the Batalha Monastery.
20. Sanctuary of Fatima – Top Religious Landmark in Portugal
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima is one of the world’s largest Catholic pilgrimage sites attracting over 4 million tourists every year. That alone, makes it one of the most popular landmarks in Portugal.
The Sanctuary was built on the site where three shepherd children are believed to have seen six apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. The sanctuary complex includes the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, and the Chapel of the Apparitions, where the three shepherd children were later buried.
You can learn about the apparitions of the Virgin Mary on a half-day tour of the sanctuary of Fátima.
21. Mira de Aire Caves
Portugal has many caves, and Mira de Aire cave is just one of those caves you shouldn’t miss out on. Mira de Aire cave was named one of the 7 natural wonders of Portugal in 2010.
During your visit, you’ll discover 600 meters of this natural beauty climbing down 683 steps, approximately 110 meters deep. Don’t worry, at the end of the tour you won’t need to climb your way back – there’s an elevator that will take you back to the surface.
You can visit the caves every day of the year, in the village of Mira de Aire, 15 km from Fátima. To know the opening hours and the prices, check the official site.
22. Coimbra University
It might seem strange that a university is a must-visit landmark, but since the University of Coimbra is one of the oldest in Europe, it has become a popular tourist attraction.
The University of Coimbra is located halfway between Porto and Lisbon. It is home to stunning architecture and fascinating buildings from the 12th and 13th centuries. Highlights include Sé Velha de Coimbra,Via Latina, Sala Capelos, Michael’s Chapel and Biblioteca Joanina. Don’t miss the Science Museum and the Gallery of Natural History which are treasures waiting to be explored.
Famous Landmarks in North Portugal
From Porto you can visit the ancient city of Braga and the charming city of Guimarães on this full day trip. This tour includes attractions like the famous Braga Cathedral, Guimarães Castle, and Paços dos Duque as well as a delicious lunch.
23. Guimarães Castle
The city of Guimarães is in the north of Portugal and is incredibly beautiful with ancient buildings and plazas, but it’s the castle that is considered a landmark of importance in Portugal.
The castle itself is small in size and acted as a defense for the city from both Moorish and Norman attacks. It is the birthplace of Portugal and is a great place to learn about Portuguese history.
24. Bom Jesus Do Monte, Braga
On the hills of Mount Espino lies UNESCO World Heritage Site Bom Jesus do Monte, located in the city of Braga. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Porto and one of the most famous buildings in Portugal. The sanctuary consists of several chapels housing famous statues, fountains, sculptures, and formal gardens.
The highlight of visiting the sanctuary is the Stairway of the Five Senses, a stairway leading to a chapel featuring more statues, and fountains encapsulated in the Baroque style, and surrounded by lush woodland. It’s the biggest landmark in Braga.
To reach the sanctuary, you can take the Sacred Way, a zigzag staircase of 577 steps that has differences in altitude of up to 116 meters! You can also choose to take the road or the hydraulic funicular.
25. Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is no doubt one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in Portugal. With the Douro River running through the mountains forming valleys covered in lush green, the Douro Valley is a naturally beautiful attraction you shouldn’t miss when traveling through Portugal.
Located in the north of Portugal, the Douro Valley has become famous for its outstanding vineyards, spreading out in terraces around the river. In the upper Douro, between Peso da Regua and the Spanish border, vines are grown to produce the famous port wine.
With stunning scenery, picturesque villages, a relaxing atmosphere, and most importantly, the opportunity to taste good Port wine, the Douro Valley is increasingly becoming one of the more popular destinations to visit in Portugal.
The Douro Valley is known for its table wines and port, so be sure to visit a winery where you can kick back and do a little tasting in the world’s first designated wine region.
Douro Valley Tours
Some incredible Douro Valley Tours are listed below. I highly recomend you try to visit this region.
Tastings at 2 Wineries, Chef’s Lunch & Boat Tour
- Witness opening a Vintage Porto wine bottle with fire by a certified sommelier.
- Boat Cruise wit guide in our private boats, enjoy our Douro snacks and drinks
- Visit 2 small family-run wineries and taste the delicious locally produced wine
- 11 Wine Tastings, D.O.C wines and Porto wines including a Vintage Porto
- Enjoy a traditional chef´s lunch in our Family Douro Wine Estate,Taste Olive oil
Douro Valley Tour with 2 Wineries, Lunch and Cruise
- Delight in lunch and a wine tasting at winery that offers incredible views
- Admire the Douro Valley, a UNESCO-listed site with spectacular views
- Discover the history of one of the most beautiful and iconic regions of Portugal
- Learn the history of Port wine, one of the most appreciated wines in the world
- Cruise through the Douro Valley on a relaxing and scenic river cruise
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, 25 famous landmarks in Portugal. These are some of Portugal’s top attractions that you shouldn’t miss when visiting this amazing country. With a history dating back thousands of years, Portugal has a rich and colorful past awaiting to be explored. We certainly hope you have a great time during your trip to Portugal. If you are only in Portugal for a short time and are looking for an itinerary, check out my guide on 2 weeks in Portugal.
Happy Travels!
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.
25 Famous Landmarks in Portugal Overview
- Praça do Comércio
- São Jorge Castle
- Santa Justa Lift
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Belém Tower
- 25 de Abril Bridge
- Benagil Cave – One of the most famous natural landmarks in Portugal
- Algar Seco Caves
- Ponta da Piedade
- Praia de Marinha
- Chapel of Bones – A unique landmark in Portugal
- Pena Palace
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Castle of the Moors
- Dom Luís I Bridge
- São Bento Railway Station
- Porto Cathedral
- Alcobaça Monastery
- Batalha Monastery
- Sanctuary of Fatima – Top Religious Landmark in Portugal
- Mira de Aire Caves
- Coimbra University
- Guimarães Castle
- Bom Jesus Do Monte, Braga
- Douro Valley
