Lisbon
Portugal is a beautiful country, with beautiful beaches and historical landmarks. The country is also a popular destination for sun-lovers, and its cities have some of the best food in Europe. In addition, Portugal’s rural interior is full of charming villages and picturesque vistas. Here are some tips to help you plan a visit to Portugal.
Most people planning a Portugal visit tend to book a package tour or fly in for one night as part of a larger holiday. While there is nothing wrong with this approach, you’ll never really get to know the country if this is all you have time for. A main concern is that there’s not enough time to explore Portugal. However, when you start planning your holiday, focus on how many days you want in Portugal . If you’re wishing to see Lisbon, Porto, Fatima, and Algarve, but don’t want to stay more than three nights in each place (to prevent boredom), then eight days will be fine for your itinerary selection. But remember that this only tells half of the itinerary story; where you stay each night matters too.
When planning a trip to Portugal, it is best to avoid the hot summer months of June and August. If you have time, visit Portugal in May and September, when the weather is warm and most shops will open. In addition, September has a pleasant air temperature, which makes it the perfect time to visit the beaches.
Sintra
A three-day trip to Lisbon is plenty of time to explore the city’s most popular attractions, experience Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife, and savor the country’s regional cuisine. Moreover, it will also leave you plenty of time to explore less-touristy areas. For example, you can spend a full day exploring the beautiful Parque de Nacoes, a green space located on the eastern side of Lisbon. In addition, you can make day trips to Sintra and Cascais, which are both nearby Lisbon.
Lisbon is a charming city that has a pleasant climate all year long. Although it can get quite hot, ocean breezes help to temper temperatures. Winters are mild and rarely dip below zero, making them perfect for exploring the city’s beaches and historic center.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a captivating and mesmerizing city spread across seven hills on the Tagus River. The alley-woven Alfama district is full of riveting miradouros. The UNESCO-listed Jeronimos Monastery is a shining example of Manueline architecture.
The country is incredibly safe. It is regularly voted one of the safest countries in the world. You can rest easy on your first day in Portugal, and make sure to drink plenty of water. If you’re a first- time visitor to Portugal, don’t go buckwild in the port on your first day.
Jeronimos Monastery
Located in the city of Lisbon, Jeronimos Monastery is a popular tourist destination. This Gothic-style monastery has intricately carved decorations of religious symbols, nautical themes, and elements of nature. It is divided into two levels, including the main church and cloisters, side rooms, and exhibitions.
Tickets to visit the Monastery are 10 Euros. You can also purchase a combo ticket that includes the Monastery and the Archeology Museum for a discounted rate.
Children under 12 and people over 65 are free. Lisboa Card holders can get a discounted price on the admission fee to the monastery. In addition, stand-alone tickets can be purchased online.
Monument to the Discoveries
The Monument to the Discoveries is located in Lisbon, Portugal on the northern estuary of the Tagus river. It is located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belém. It is a historic site that depicts the early days of exploration. Visitors can learn about the discoveries made by the early Portuguese explorers, such as the famous explorer Vasco da Gama.
There are 33 statues of important figures from the Portuguese Era of Discoveries on the monument. They include Afonso V of Portugal, Vasco da Gama, Pedro Alvares Cabral, Ferdinand Magellan, Bartolomeu Dias, and others. There is also a beautiful view of the river from the top of the monument.
Thus, it is our recommendation that any Portugal travel itinerary be a minimum of seven days long to ensure that you can immerse yourself in the local culture, customs, and traditions. You’ll notice new things on each day of your trip, whether you are traveling one city or to another attraction farther away. Those with more time can enjoy traveling even further afield or staying longer in one destination to scratch beneath the surface.