What to do in Portugal..

Set your sail and off you go to the country of Fedinand Magellan and Vasco da Gama, where the patchwork of color is as dazzling and surreal as Mário Cesariny's palette. The emerald waters of Algarve, the red-tiled roofs of Madeira, the soothing whiteness of Belem and the luscious greenness of the Azores are all for the taking. And so is the tranquility Alentejo's sleepy fishing villages, the rambling of trams in the narrow, ascending streets of Lisbon, the nostalgic tunes of fado, and the blissful intoxication with Vinho do Porto. Portugal has everything you need plus a bunch of things to surprise you.

Following some research into the preferences and opinions posted by users of various social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as own resources and reviews by the most popular travel sites, Open Travel has compiled a list of top 25 things to see or do on your Portugal Vacations. Zoom between the country's cosmopolitan and provincial quarters to find out what it means to be living in a place where modernity thrives without encroaching a single step on the ever vital past, and even if it does at times, they coexist in harmony unparalleled anywhere else in Europe. Just hit the Bairro Alto after dark and see for yourself.


1. National Palace of Pena (Palacio Nacional da Pena)

"I must just observe that the village of Cintra in Estremadura is the most beautiful in the world." So wrote Lord Byron to his friend Francis Hodgson 1809, and if we assume that good things are getting better and better with age, no wonder UNESCO took this tiny gem under its auspices. Don't be mislead by its size - Sintra has a profusion of attractions, some as obvious as various fish specialties, some only discovered if you go off the beaten path. But no matter where you are within the city bounds or which direction you're approaching them from, your eyes will inevitably rest on the Pena National Palace overlooking Sintra from up the hill and playing a romantic game of color with the Portuguese sun. Do make an effort that it takes to climb Serra de Sintra for the palace's splendor outshines everything the whatsoever brilliant town has to offer.

2.Costa Vincentina National Park

Craving for a romantic evening? Just get into your car and make for the Cape St.Vincent to witness some of the most spectacular sunsets ever. Honestly, the cape is a sight to behold at any time of day. The rocky windswept headland rising 60m above the sea really gives you the feeling of being at the edge of the continent. Two most significant events of the maritime history echo in the cliffs and so do numerous bird species nesting on the hallowed rocks. The cape is a site of exuberant marine life and stunning sea views you can admire from a solitary lighthouse.

3.Azores

Like nine precious gems scattered on the azure sheet of velvet, the paradisaical Azores adorn the Atlantic 930 miles from Lisbon. A two-hour flight takes you to the realm of flower-clad fields, verdant valleys, sleepy villages, dreamy lagoons and inspired folklore that never fails to grab the hearts of those who put culture over the cutting-edge gloss. St. Miguel's landscape falls somewhere between Switzerland and Hawaii, Santa Maria buzzes with the joy of traditional festivals. The highly pleasing blend of fabulous scenery and the natural human warmth coupled with the joy of traditional festivals makes you compelled to stop for a while and reappraise your attitude to life. Unless you wish to tuck yourself away at a luxury resort, which is, by the way, not a problem here either.

4.Ponta da Piedade

A common stopover on Algarve tour, Lagos itself is an attractive town with 8th century fortifications, bustling nightlife and a new marina area. Yet nothing about the city really foreshadows the aesthetic blow you are dealt when you head further south. Not only is the headland of Ponta da Piedade lapped by waters of indescribable colors, but also surrounded by enormous formations that the sea has carved in sheer rock over time. Jump on a tiny boat to slalom between the sandstone boulders and through myriad natural passages, and when you end up dizzy, get your balance back on the sandy coves of Praia de Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo hidden between giant cliffs.

5.Madeira

You definitely are in a hot spot here for not only is Madeira sitting atop a submarine volcano but also enjoys all-year-round popularity among holidaymakers and travelers. The archipelago equals untouched nature, tranquility, breathtaking mountain views and a wrap of abundant greenery that shall calm your senses and charge your worn-out psyche. The islands will treat you to exquisite Madeira wine, delicious food and the largest fireworks show if you happen to visit around New Year's Eve. Matched with thriving local folklore, upmarket accommodation and a vast range of leisure activities, Madeira Archipelago is a winning destination

6.Ria Formosa

As far as the eye can see, the Ria Farmosa will bewilder you with golden dunes, sand banks, canals and marshes running along the distant line of the horizon. The extensive lagoon area that covers 60km of coastline between Manta Rota and Vale do Lobo delights with shimmering freshwater lakes and an astonishing assortment of fauna and flora. The amazing labyrinth of small sand isles, mud flats and canals is not only a home to a diversity of life forms but also, with its mild climate and sunny days all year round, a paradise for holidaymakers craving for some laidback beach treatment.

7.Boca de Inferno

Among the natural wonders, the Boca do Inferno or ‘The Mouth of Hell', proudly tops the list of attractions. This breathtaking chasm located on a cliffy seashore close to the Portuguese city of Cascais will attract you with roaring waves crashing vigorously against the rocks. Leisurely strolls along the craggy shores should give you plenty of scenic views and a perfect unwinding treatment. And for a little bit of city vibe, head for the popular coastal resort of Cascais where your inner travel bug will swarm, get tanned and fed with the town's local yummies.

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