Inland, you'll find Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain on mainland Portugal, renowned for its snowy winter slopes and impressive pine and chestnut forests.Surrounding Serra da Estrela are the historical villages of Monsanto, Linhares da Beira, and Sortelha, where you can stay in original stone houses. A special route guides visitors through these stunning locations.Between the southern bank of the Douro River and the Spanish border lies Vila Nova de Foz Côa, known for its well-preserved prehistoric rock art site, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical significance.To the west, the plain coastline offers several beaches popular among the Portuguese, including Figueira da Foz, Peniche, and São Martinho do Porto.The most famous beach is Praia do Norte in Nazaré, which gained international fame when surfer Garreth McNamara rode a 23-meter-high wave in 2011. Since then, surfers worldwide have flocked here to experience the Nazaré Canyon’s big waves.In Central Portugal, you can also visit the country's largest cave system at Grutas de Mira D’Aire. Extending over 100 meters deep and 14 kilometers long, speleologists believe these caves are not yet fully explored.While the caves are majestic, they may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia due to the humid and cold air and the sensation of being underground.Other must-see locations in Central Portugal include the remarkable monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça, the medieval Convento de Cristo in Tomar, the Fátima Sanctuary, and the charming medieval village of Óbidos.

Lisbon, a city needing no introduction, offers must-see sites in Belém like the Torre de Belém, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, where you can delve into the history of the Portuguese Discoveries. Other essential landmarks include Lisbon’s Cathedral, Castelo de S. Jorge, and the Águas Livres Aqueduct. For a complete Lisbon experience, wander through downtown streets, visit Chiado, Praça do Comércio, and Restauradores, admire the Portuguese Cobblestone craftsmanship, savor the best Pastel de Nata at Fábrica da Nata, and explore the oldest local shops in town.Sintra is renowned for its romantic ambiance, historic palaces and mansions, and the dense forest surrounding the village. Explore Sintra’s streets, historical sites, and try local pastries like Travesseiro and Queijada. Outside the village, don’t miss the Pena Park with its century-old trees and the romantic Pena Palace. Nearby, visit the Castelo dos Mouros, one of Portugal’s oldest castles from the Moorish occupation. Also, check out Quinta da Regaleira, Palácio Nacional de Sintra, and Palácio de Montserrat.Estoril and Cascais, often called the “Portuguese Riviera,” transitioned from small fishing communities to affluent retreats during WWII, known for exiled royalty and spies. Today, these villages boast century-old mansions and golden sandy beaches.Setúbal and Sesimbra, located south of Lisbon across the Tagus River, offer distinct experiences. Setúbal, with Portugal’s third-largest port, is an industrial hub with historical sites like the São Filipe Fortress and Igreja de Santa Maria da Graça. Visit the Portinho da Arrábida in the Arrábida Natural Park for crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and lush forests extending to the ocean.Sesimbra is a charming fishing town known for its incredible food, beautiful beaches, and excellent birdwatching spots. It’s also home to Cabo Espichel, the westernmost point in Europe, where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and visit the 18th-century Santuário do Cabo Espichel.

As you explore, you’ll notice the landscape shifting from extensive sand banks in the East to towering cliffs in the West, resulting in a unique and picturesque scenery.With a deep connection to the ocean, the Algarve offers the best fish and seafood cuisine. Don't miss trying the Cataplana, seafood rice, or simply grilled sardines—you'll be craving more after just one taste!For those interested in history, the Algarve boasts remarkable historical sites and cities. Start with Silves, the region's Moorish capital, featuring an 8th-century red-walled castle and Islamic-influenced architecture. Lagos and Sagres are tied to the 15th-century Portuguese Discoveries, with Lagos Old Town and Sagres Fortress being must-visit sites. Faro Old Town showcases stunning Neoclassical buildings, Roman ruins, and medieval churches adorned with gilded wood. In Portimão, visit the city museum housed in an old canned fish factory to learn about the region’s past and see artifacts from the Neolithic era to the present day.For outdoor enthusiasts, the Algarve offers two natural parks: Costa Vicentina and Ria Formosa. Costa Vicentina features dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, hiking trails, and birdwatching spots, ideal for surfers. Ria Formosa, with its shallow, crystal-clear waters, sandbanks, marshes, and saltpans, is home to diverse aquatic birds and marine wildlife.To explore the countryside, visit Monchique, the highest village in the Algarve. The dense forests hide stunning waterfalls and hiking trails, and the view from the top is breathtaking.For authentic village experiences, don't miss Loulé, Salir, Alte, Querença, and Castro Marim.