38 Famous Landmarks in Portugal Worth Exploring

Portugal packs an extraordinary amount of history into a relatively small country. It’s one of the things that continues to pleasantly surprise me as I explore more and more of the country. Roman ruins sit within historic walled cities, elaborate Manueline monasteries recall the Age of Discoveries, and castles, palaces and fortifications reveal just how many different chapters of history have shaped Portugal.

Then there are the landmarks created by nature: volcanic peaks rising above the Azores, sea caves carved into the Algarve coastline and rugged islands sitting just off Portugal’s Atlantic coast.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit many of the places on this list — some more than once — since living here. And while the famous landmarks of Lisbon, Porto and Sintra understandably receive plenty of attention, some of Portugal’s most fascinating historic sites are found well beyond its best-known destinations, often in places you might not expect to find them.

This guide brings together 38 of the most famous landmarks in Portugal, from castles and monasteries to architectural icons and natural wonders, along with practical tips and a few personal insights to help you decide which ones you’d most like to explore.

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Famous Landmarks in Lisbon & Sintra

1. Pena Palace, Sintra

Bright yellow and red towers emerging from the wooded Sintra hills make Pena Palace one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks in Portugal.

The palace as we know it today largely dates from the 19th century, when King Ferdinand II transformed the remains of a former monastery into an extraordinary palace combining an eclectic mix of architectural styles.

I’ve visited Pena more than once over the years, and it remains one of the places I genuinely think is worthwhile on a first visit to Sintra. I’ve also noticed the difference as conservation and restoration work has continued across parts of the palace, including its interiors and decorative features.

The interiors are interesting, but the terraces, colourful exterior and views across the Sintra landscape are a huge part of the experience. It is also extremely popular, so booking ahead is sensible.

If you’re visiting independently from the capital, my guide to getting from Lisbon to Sintra covers the different transport options.

2. Belém Tower, Lisbon

Sitting beside the Tagus River, Belém Tower is one of the defining images of Lisbon.

Built in the early 16th century during the reign of Manuel I, the fortified tower is one of Portugal’s best-known examples of Manueline architecture. Together with nearby Jerónimos Monastery, it forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site closely associated with Portugal’s maritime history.

I’ve passed the tower countless times living in Lisbon, and its setting is a large part of its appeal. You don’t necessarily need to go inside to appreciate it either. The interior is relatively compact, so if you’re short on time, seeing the exterior and spending longer at Jerónimos may make more sense.

3. Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon

Just down the waterfront from Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery is another extraordinary example of the Manueline style, but on a far grander scale.

Construction began in the early 16th century under King Manuel I, with intricate stonework reflecting the wealth and maritime ambitions of Portugal during the Age of Discoveries.

The monastery’s cloisters are particularly beautiful, and this is one Lisbon landmark where I think seeing the interior adds substantially to the experience. Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is also buried in the adjoining Church of Santa Maria de Belém.

4. Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon

Castelo de São Jorge crowns one of Lisbon’s highest hills, overlooking Alfama, Baixa and the Tagus.

The fortified site has a long history and is strongly associated with Lisbon’s Moorish period before the city was conquered by Afonso Henriques in 1147.

One thing worth knowing before buying a ticket is that this isn’t the kind of castle where you wander through room after room of furnished royal interiors. The experience is much more about exploring the fortifications, towers, walls and archaeological remains.

The elevated perspective over Lisbon is genuinely beautiful. But Lisbon also has plenty of free miradouros (viewpoints), so if the view is your main reason for visiting, there’s no shortage of other good options around the city. Come here if the history and fortifications interest you as much as the panorama.

If views are what you’re after, I’ve rounded up more options in my guide to the best viewpoints in Lisbon.

5. Praça do Comércio, Lisbon

You don’t need a ticket or even a special detour to experience one of Lisbon’s grandest landmarks.

Praça do Comércio sits directly beside the Tagus at the bottom of Baixa, surrounded on three sides by elegant yellow Pombaline buildings.

The square occupies the site of the former Ribeira Palace, destroyed in the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Its reconstruction became part of the enormous rebuilding of downtown Lisbon that followed.

Walk through the monumental Arco da Rua Augusta towards the river, wander beneath the arcades or continue along the waterfront towards Cais do Sodré. You can also head up to the viewing platform of the Rua Augusta Arch for another perspective over the city.

6. Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra

If Pena Palace is Sintra at its most colourful, Quinta da Regaleira is Sintra at its most mysterious.

The extraordinary early-20th-century estate combines a manor-like palace and chapel with elaborate gardens filled with tunnels, grottoes, towers, fountains and symbolic details.

Its most famous feature is the Initiation Well, a deep spiral staircase descending underground before connecting with a network of tunnels.

This is one of those places where wandering is half the fun. Rather than rushing directly to the well, leave yourself time to explore the gardens and see what you stumble across.

7. Monument to the Discoveries, Lisbon

The Monument to the Discoveries — Padrão dos Descobrimentos — rises above the Tagus waterfront in Belém.

The present monument was completed in 1960 to commemorate 500 years since the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. Its prow-like design features a procession of figures associated with Portuguese maritime expansion.

Whatever your perspective on this period of Portuguese history and its consequences, it remains an important part of understanding the country’s past.

Don’t only look at the monument itself. The enormous compass rose and world map in the pavement in front of it are easy to miss when the area is crowded, and you can also head to the top for an elevated view over Belém.

8. Ponte 25 de Abril, Lisbon

Stretching across the Tagus between Lisbon and Almada, the Ponte 25 de Abril has become an inseparable part of Lisbon’s skyline.

The suspension bridge opened in 1966 and was originally named after António de Oliveira Salazar. Following Portugal’s Carnation Revolution on 25 April 1974, it was renamed to commemorate the revolution.

You’ll see it from numerous places around Lisbon, but crossing underneath it by boat gives you a completely different sense of its scale.

9. Santa Justa Lift, Lisbon

The Elevador de Santa Justa is far more elaborate than your average piece of public transport.

Completed at the beginning of the 20th century, the neo-Gothic iron lift connects the lower streets of Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo area.

If you’re working out how Lisbon’s lifts, trams, Metro and buses fit together, my Lisbon public transport guide explains the network in more detail.

10. Ajuda National Palace, Lisbon

Ajuda National Palace is surprisingly easy to overlook considering how close it is to Belém — and how impressive its interiors are.

The Neoclassical palace became an official royal residence during the reign of Luís I and retains richly decorated 19th-century royal apartments, ceremonial rooms and an extensive decorative-arts collection.

I’ve visited the palace and particularly enjoyed the interiors. Unlike some historic palaces where only fragments of the original decoration remain, Ajuda gives you a much stronger sense of how the Portuguese royal family actually lived here during the final decades of the monarchy.

If you’re already visiting Belém and have a particular interest in palaces, royal history or interiors, Ajuda is well worth adding.

11. National Palace of Queluz

Queluz is one of the palace visits around Lisbon that I think deserves considerably more attention than it gets.

Developed during the 18th century, the palace brings together Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical influences, with elaborate state rooms, private apartments and extensive formal gardens.

I’ve returned here more than once with friends and visitors, and the combination of the interiors and gardens makes it an easy place to spend a few hours. The gardens are a major part of the experience, with formal parterres, lakes, sculpture and the distinctive tiled canal.

12. Mafra National Palace

Around 40 kilometres northwest of Lisbon, the Royal Building of Mafra is on an entirely different scale from most Portuguese palaces.

Commissioned by King João V in the 18th century, the enormous Baroque complex incorporates a royal palace, basilica and convent. Together with the Cerco Garden and royal hunting park, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I’ve visited Mafra and one thing photographs don’t really communicate is just how much there is to walk through. This isn’t a palace where you pop in for 20 minutes. The historic library alone is spectacular and stretches for around 88 metres.

Historic Landmarks in Central Portugal

13. Convent of Christ, Tomar

If you enjoy architecture, the Convent of Christ in Tomar is one Portuguese landmark I’d particularly encourage you to make time for.

The vast hilltop complex developed over roughly five centuries. Beginning with the Knights Templar in the 12th century and later becoming associated with the Order of Christ, it accumulated an extraordinary combination of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque elements.

That mixture was one of the things I found most interesting when visiting. You move through cloisters, corridors, chapels and courtyards that feel noticeably different from one another rather than experiencing one uniform architectural style.

Look out in particular for the Charola, the original Templar rotunda, and the richly decorated Manueline Chapter House window. I’d comfortably allow around 1.5 to 2 hours or more if architecture and history interest you.

14. University of Coimbra & Joanina Library

Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe.

Its historic buildings dominate the upper part of Coimbra, with the Paço das Escolas forming the heart of the university complex.

For me, though, the standout was the Joanina Library. The 18th-century Baroque library is spectacular, with gilded woodwork, painted ceilings and towering shelves of historic books.

You may also notice Coimbra’s students wearing their traditional black academic capes around the city. The capes and atmospheric old library frequently invite comparisons with the world of Harry Potter, although claims of a direct J.K. Rowling connection are better treated as travel folklore than established fact.

Coimbra is straightforward to reach without a car. My guide to travelling from Lisbon to Coimbra compares the train, bus and driving options.

15. Batalha Monastery

The Monastery of Batalha — officially the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória — is one of Portugal’s great medieval monuments.

King João I ordered its construction following the Portuguese victory over Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. The result combines late Gothic architecture with early Manueline detail.

Among its most memorable spaces are the Founder’s Chapel and the Unfinished Chapels, where soaring stonework stands open to the sky.

16. Alcobaça Monastery

Alcobaça Monastery offers a very different experience from the decorative exuberance you’ll encounter at Jerónimos or parts of the Convent of Christ.

Founded in the 12th century and closely associated with Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, the monastery became one of the country’s most important Cistercian religious houses.

It is also connected to one of Portugal’s most famous tragic love stories. The elaborate tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro face one another inside the church.

Alcobaça and Batalha also fit naturally into a longer exploration of Portugal’s Silver Coast, particularly if you’re combining the monasteries with Óbidos, Nazaré or the coast.

17. Óbidos Castle & Medieval Town

Rather than thinking of Óbidos Castle as an isolated attraction, come for the entire medieval town.

Óbidos is surrounded by fortified walls, with whitewashed houses and cobbled lanes winding uphill beneath the castle. You can walk sections of the walls for elevated views, although there are steep drops and limited barriers in places.

I’ve visited Óbidos, and I particularly like the atmosphere later in the day once some of the day-trip crowds have gone.

And while you’re here, try a small glass of ginjinha, the sour-cherry liqueur closely associated with the town. You can read more about it in my guide to Portuguese drinks worth trying.

If you’re visiting without a car, my Lisbon to Óbidos guide explains the easiest ways to get there.

18. Sanctuary of Fátima

Fátima is one of the world’s major Catholic pilgrimage destinations.

Its religious significance stems from reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children — Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta — in 1917.

Today the sanctuary complex includes the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of the Apparitions and the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity.

For pilgrims the site carries profound spiritual meaning, particularly around the major anniversary pilgrimages in May and October. For other visitors, its importance to modern Portuguese Catholicism makes it a significant cultural and historic landmark.

19. Berlengas Islands & São João Baptista Fort

Off the coast near Peniche, the Berlengas archipelago brings together dramatic Atlantic scenery, wildlife and one particularly photogenic historic fort.

Berlenga Grande is the main island visited by travellers. Its rocky coastline, clear water and walking trails make the journey worthwhile even before you reach the 17th-century Fort of São João Baptista, dramatically connected to the island by a narrow stone bridge.

The Berlengas are a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and visitor access is controlled, so this is one place where planning ahead matters, particularly during summer. Boats depart from Peniche and crossings remain dependent on sea conditions.

Famous Landmarks in Porto & Northern Portugal

20. Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto

Few structures define Porto as clearly as the Dom Luís I Bridge.

Completed in the 19th century, the enormous metal arch spans the Douro between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia and forms part of Porto’s UNESCO-listed historic landscape.

If you’re exploring the higher parts of central Porto around the cathedral, cross the upper deck towards Vila Nova de Gaia. The views down the Douro towards Ribeira are spectacular, and you’ll emerge close to Jardim do Morro, one of the city’s popular sunset spots.

From there, work your way downhill through Gaia and spend some time exploring the riverfront, where you’ll find the famous port wine lodges, restaurants and lovely views back towards Porto. After a few hours — or even half a day — on the Gaia side, cross back towards Ribeira on the lower deck.

I’ve crossed the bridge on both levels and would recommend doing the same if your route allows it. The lower pedestrian walkways run alongside road traffic and are relatively narrow, but the perspective is completely different from the lofty upper crossing.

Port is naturally a big part of the Gaia experience too. My Portuguese drinks guide explains more about Port alongside other wines, spirits and drinks to try around the country.

21. Clérigos Tower & Church, Porto

The slender Clérigos Tower is one of the most recognisable features of Porto’s skyline.

Built in the 18th century as part of the Clérigos Church complex, the Baroque tower rises more than 75 metres above the surrounding streets.

Getting to the top means tackling more than 200 steps, and some sections become narrow as you climb. I’ve done the climb and the views across Porto’s rooftops towards the Douro are excellent, but if you’re uncomfortable with confined staircases or heights, this may not be the viewpoint for you.

22. Palácio da Bolsa, Porto

From the outside, Porto’s Palácio da Bolsa is imposing. Inside, it becomes considerably more elaborate.

The 19th-century former stock exchange stands in Porto’s historic centre and remains the headquarters of the city’s Commercial Association.

Visits take you through a series of ceremonial rooms before reaching the palace’s showpiece: the Arabian Hall. Inspired by Moorish decorative traditions, it is covered with intricate patterns and gilded detailing.

Having visited the palace, this was easily the room that stayed with me most. It’s dramatically different from the relatively restrained exterior and one of the reasons I think the Palácio da Bolsa is worth going inside.

If you’re spending longer in the city, my guide to the best things to do in Porto has plenty more ideas beyond these three landmarks.

23. Guimarães Castle & Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

Guimarães is deeply connected with the beginnings of Portugal and is often referred to as the country’s birthplace.

Its historic centre is UNESCO-listed, and two of its most important landmarks sit close together: Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

It’s worth adjusting your expectations for the castle. It is relatively sparse inside, so you’ll mainly be exploring its stone fortifications and remains rather than furnished medieval rooms.

I actually found the nearby Palace of the Dukes of Braganza more interesting as an interior visit. Originally constructed in the 15th century, it contains substantial rooms and collections of furniture, tapestries, decorative arts and weapons.

Guimarães is easy to combine with a Porto stay. My Porto to Guimarães guide covers the different ways to make the journey.

24. Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga

Just outside central Braga, Bom Jesus do Monte is instantly recognisable for the monumental Baroque stairway climbing dramatically up the hillside towards its basilica.

More than 500 steps lead from bottom to top, punctuated by terraces, fountains, statues and chapels. Fortunately, walking isn’t your only option: Bom Jesus also has its historic water-powered funicular, first opened in 1882.

I’ve visited Bom Jesus, and the combination of the staircase, gardens, church and elevated setting makes the entire complex more interesting than simply arriving at the basilica and leaving again.

It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019. If you’re based in Porto, see my guide to getting from Porto to Braga when planning the trip.

Historic Landmarks in the Alentejo

25. Roman Temple of Évora

Standing among the historic buildings of Évora is a remarkably visible reminder that the city’s story stretches back far beyond medieval Portugal.

The Roman Temple dates to around the first century AD and preserves a series of granite columns topped with Corinthian capitals.

You’ll often hear it called the Temple of Diana, but that name comes from a much later tradition. Archaeological evidence instead connects the temple with Évora’s Roman forum and imperial cult.

This is also worth understanding before you arrive: it’s a ruin, not a vast Roman archaeological complex that takes hours to explore. I’ve seen it while wandering through Évora and think that’s exactly how it works best — these ancient columns appear as part of exploring the historic walled city.

26. Capela dos Ossos, Évora

A short walk from Évora’s Roman Temple brings you to one of Portugal’s more unusual religious landmarks.

The Capela dos Ossos — Chapel of Bones — forms part of the Church of São Francisco and has walls and columns decorated with human bones and skulls.

Created by Franciscan monks, the chapel was intended as a meditation on mortality rather than simply something macabre.

What struck me when visiting was that the experience felt much quieter and more contemplative than the dramatic photographs might suggest.

Évora is one of the easier Alentejo destinations to reach without driving. My Lisbon to Évora guide covers the main transport options.

27. Monsaraz

Perched high above the Alentejo plains close to the Spanish border, Monsaraz feels like a village and landmark rolled into one.

Its medieval walls enclose narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, while the castle at the far end of the village opens onto enormous views across the countryside and Alqueva reservoir.

I’ve visited Monsaraz with friends, and one of my favourite memories was grabbing a drink from one of the small local spots and finding a place around the castle walls to watch the sun set across the countryside. From this elevated position the landscape seems to stretch endlessly towards Spain, and staying into the evening completely changes the experience.

28. Marvão Castle

Few Portuguese castles occupy a more dramatic position than the one at Marvão.

The medieval fortified village sits on a granite ridge close to the Spanish border, with its castle occupying one of the highest points.

Its strategic location once made Marvão important in defending Portugal’s eastern frontier. Today that same geography provides the reason many travellers make the journey: enormous views across the Serra de São Mamede landscape and towards Spain.

If places such as Monsaraz, Marvão and smaller historic towns are high on your list, they also fit naturally into a wider Portugal road trip, where having your own transport gives you much more flexibility.

29. Forte da Graça & Elvas Fortifications

The enormous defensive works surrounding Elvas reveal just how important Portugal’s border with Spain once was.

Elvas developed into one of Europe’s most heavily fortified frontier towns, with bastions, walls, forts and military structures that now form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça — usually shortened to Forte da Graça — sits on a hill outside the historic centre and is one of the most impressive individual components.

Famous Landmarks in the Algarve

30. Benagil Cave

Portugal’s landmarks aren’t all castles and monasteries.

Benagil Cave is one of the Algarve’s most recognisable natural formations, carved into the limestone coastline near Benagil. Its defining feature is the large circular opening in the roof, which allows sunlight to pour into the cavern.

Current rules prohibit swimming into the cave, independently renting a kayak to access the cave area, and landing on the small beach inside. Licensed guided boat and kayak trips can still visit subject to sea conditions and the operating rules in place.

I’ve explored this stretch of coastline by boat and think seeing the cliffs and caves from the water is one of the best ways to appreciate just how dramatic the Algarve coastline is.

31. Cape St Vincent & Lighthouse

At Portugal’s far southwestern edge, Cabo de São Vicente feels appropriately dramatic.

Towering cliffs fall sharply into the Atlantic, with the lighthouse standing above a coastline that has guided and challenged sailors for centuries.

Come primarily for the landscape rather than expecting a long list of things to do. Wind, ocean and sheer cliffs create the atmosphere here, particularly later in the day when the sun begins dropping towards the Atlantic.

32. Silves Castle

Long before beach resorts came to define the Algarve for many visitors, Silves was one of the region’s most important cities.

Its red sandstone castle is a striking reminder of the Algarve’s Islamic past. The fortress that dominates Silves today largely reflects its medieval Moorish history, although the site has undergone numerous changes through centuries of conflict and occupation.

Walk along the ramparts for views across the town and surrounding countryside, then spend some time exploring Silves itself. For travellers interested in the Algarve beyond its beaches, this is one of the region’s most worthwhile historic stops.

Famous Natural Landmarks in the Azores

33. Mount Pico, Pico Island

At 2,351 metres, Mount Pico is the highest mountain in Portugal.

The volcanic cone rises dramatically above Pico Island and, on clear days, dominates views from neighbouring islands too.

For experienced and properly prepared hikers, climbing Pico is one of Portugal’s great outdoor challenges. This isn’t a casual scenic walk: the terrain becomes steep and exposed, weather can change quickly and access is regulated.

You don’t have to reach the summit to appreciate Pico either. The mountain forms the backdrop to an island shaped by volcanic geology, vineyards and the Atlantic.

34. Sete Cidades, São Miguel

If there is one landscape that appears again and again in photographs of the Azores, it is Sete Cidades.

The vast volcanic caldera on São Miguel contains the famous Blue and Green Lakes, surrounded by steep green crater walls.

One of the classic perspectives is from Vista do Rei, where you can look down across the lakes and the village of Sete Cidades far below.

The weather in the Azores changes remarkably quickly, so a perfectly clear view is never guaranteed. If walking is part of your plans, my guide to the best hikes in the Azores has more ideas for exploring the islands on foot.

35. Vila Franca do Campo Islet, São Miguel

Just offshore from the town of Vila Franca do Campo lies one of the Azores’ most unusual natural landmarks.

The small volcanic islet is the exposed remains of an ancient underwater volcano. Inside its crater is an almost perfectly enclosed natural seawater lagoon connected to the Atlantic by a narrow opening.

During the visitor season, boats make the short crossing from Vila Franca do Campo, but access to the protected nature reserve is limited. If visiting the islet itself matters to you, check current seasonal access and ticket arrangements before building your day around it.

Famous Natural Landmarks in Madeira

36. Pico do Areeiro

At 1,818 metres above sea level, Pico do Areeiro is Madeira’s third-highest peak and one of the island’s most dramatic viewpoints.

On clear days, jagged mountains rise above deep valleys with the Atlantic visible beyond. When the cloud layer sits below the summit, the landscape can look almost unreal.

Pico do Areeiro is also traditionally associated with the spectacular mountain route towards Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak.

If hiking is going to be a major part of your visit, have a look at my guide to the best hikes and walks in Madeira before choosing your routes.

37. Madeira’s Levadas & Laurissilva Forest

Madeira’s levadas aren’t a single landmark in the traditional sense, but they are so closely woven into the island’s landscape and history that leaving them off this list would feel wrong.

These narrow irrigation channels were developed to carry water across Madeira’s steep terrain, and many are now accompanied by walking paths that take you deep into parts of the island that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

Some routes pass through the ancient Laurissilva forest, a subtropical laurel forest that covers around 15,000 hectares and has been UNESCO World Heritage-listed since 1999.

I’ve walked levadas in Madeira and think they are one of the experiences that best captures how different the island feels from mainland Portugal. The landscape can change from open mountainside to dense green forest, waterfalls and narrow pathways remarkably quickly.

Having a car also makes reaching different trailheads and exploring beyond Funchal much easier. If you’re considering hiring one, my guide to renting a car in Madeira covers what to expect from the island’s roads and rental process.

38. Cabo Girão, Madeira

Rising around 580 metres above Madeira’s south coast, Cabo Girão is one of the island’s best-known viewpoints.

Its glass skywalk extends over the edge of the cliff, opening up views towards Câmara de Lobos, Funchal and the small cultivated fajãs squeezed between the foot of the cliffs and the Atlantic.

The viewpoint itself doesn’t require a huge amount of time, so Cabo Girão works particularly well as one stop on a wider day exploring Madeira’s south and west coasts rather than as a destination for an entire afternoon.

Which Portugal Landmarks Should You Prioritise?

Thirty-eight landmarks is obviously far more than you’ll fit into one normal holiday — and I wouldn’t try.

For a first trip centred on Lisbon, start with Jerónimos Monastery and Belém, Castelo de São Jorge and at least one day in Sintra for Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. If palaces particularly interest you, Ajuda and Queluz are excellent additions that tend to receive far less international attention.

Around Porto and Northern Portugal, walk the Dom Luís I Bridge, explore Porto’s historic centre and consider adding Guimarães and Braga if you have additional days.

If Portuguese history and architecture are the main reasons you’re travelling, Central Portugal deserves far more attention than it sometimes receives. Tomar’s Convent of Christ, Coimbra University, Batalha and Alcobaça tell very different parts of Portugal’s story.

For something completely different, head into the Alentejo for Évora, Monsaraz, Marvão and Elvas, or south to the Algarve, where historic sites sit alongside some of Portugal’s most dramatic coastal scenery.

And if your trip extends to Portugal’s islands, don’t treat Madeira and the Azores as an afterthought. Their volcanic landscapes, mountain peaks, crater lakes, levadas and forests show an entirely different side of the country.

The important thing isn’t ticking all 38 off a list. Portugal’s landmarks become considerably more interesting when you leave enough time to explore the towns, landscapes and neighbourhoods around them too.