Culture and Tourist Attractions in Portugal

There are many reasons why Europeans are flocking to Portugal for holidays and to become permanent residents.

Whether you seek the sun drenched beaches of the Silver Coast or the Algarve, local seafood from one of Portugal's many fishing villages or to indulge in the country's rich history, there truly is something for everyone.

With a wealth of heritage sites, museums, art and culture, you will never be short of things to do or see.

Below are some of Portugal's most popular tourist attractions.

Sample The Famous Port Wine of Porto

The city of Porto gave its name to both the country of Portugal and the country's most famous export- Port wine.

To truly experience port wine in all of its glory, you need to head to the city of Porto where it all began.

Not only is the wine exceptional, but there are also plenty of opportunities to take part in tasting tours of the local producers' wine cellars.

Enjoy the Rich History of Portugal

Portugal is a country with a rich history, a lot of which is still available to enjoy today in the form of historic sites, architecture and artefacts.

Portugal is home to several world famous monasteries including Fatima. The monastery is home to the ‘chapel of apparitions' where three children saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

Today, the site is marked by the Basílica de Fátima, where pilgrims come on the 13th of every month to honor the Virgin and her young visionaries, especially in May and October, when the apparitions originally began and ended.

Other historic sites that attract tourists include Belem Tower, Bussaco Battlefield, Castelo Dos Mouros and the Pena National Palace.

Relax on The Many Beaches of Portugal

If the sightseeing, dining and other activities ever gets too much, Portugal has an abundance of golden sandy beaches across the country that visitors and residents can enjoy. Whether they are immense stretches of sand as far as the eye can see, or little coves sheltered by rocks, each beach has its own dazzling and surprising beauty.

Portugal's temperature is warm all year round meaning that the many beaches can be enjoyed near enough all year round.

Along the West Coast of Portugal, the biggest waves can be found which is why Portugal is a popular destination for surfers, jet skiers and other fans of high octane water sports.

Experience Events and Festivals in Portugal

To truly immerse yourself in the rich culture of Portugal, you need to attend one of the country's many events and festivals that take place each year.

There are festivals and events across the country promoting art, film, food, religion, dance, literature and much more.

In January, the Algarve plays host to the Festa Das Chouricas (smoked Pork Festival). The festival is in honour of the Patron Saint of animals- St Luis.

This is one of the country's oldest and most famous festivals and is a must for any foodie.

World Class Golf in Portugal

Portugal is amongst the most popular destinations in the world for golf. There are some ninety courses throughout the country, of which 57 are 18-hole and 9 are 27-hole, with a range of layouts and major golfing challenges recognised by the most experienced golf professionals.

Some of the most sought after courses in the world are situated in the Algarve, Porto and Lisbon, making Portugal the perfect holiday destination or country to retire to for avid golfers.

New and Featured Properties

Central Algarve

*** Featured ***
Estoi
Well presented villa close to the historic town of Estoi and less than 25 minutes (20kms) to Faro airport & beaches and walking distance to a local café bar. Outside there are landscaped gardens with mature shrubs and citrus trees, set around an attractive swimming pool. Ref:LV5493

224m² 4 2 Private
785,000

Western Algarve

*** Featured ***
Lagos
Top floor apartment with a lift, on Marina Park Development, a short walk to the centre of Lagos, marina, train station, Meia Praia beach and large supermarket. This is a lovely, well maintained complex which has both adult & children's swimming pool, snack bar and tennis courts. Ref:GA461

192m² 3 2 Communal
575,000

Silver Coast

*** Featured ***
Foz do Arelho
SMALL CONDOMINIUM OF 4 HOUSES WITH SWIMMING POOL & GARDEN. Modern villa in an excellent location just a few minutes walk to restaurants, cafes and mini market. It has 3 en suite bedrooms, garage, gas central heating and double glazing throughout. Superb location. Ref:AV2219

155m² 3 4 Communal
343,500

Central Algarve

*** New ***
Vale do Lobo
Plot of land next to Vale do Lobo golf resort. Private and tranquil setting, 500 metres from Garrao sandy beach. Either build a detached villa or 4 linked villas. It is south facing and has a sea view. Build the house of your dreams. Ref:PP3678

none
3,995,000

Silver Coast

*** New ***
Nadadouro
Large plot 50 metres from Obidos lagoon. In a stunning nature setting in Nadadouro close to Foz do Arelho. Permission has been granted to build a property. The plot has good access via a tarmac road. The main town of Caldas da Rainha is 5 minutes away. Ref:AP270

395,000

Central Algarve

*** New ***
Albufeira
TOURISM OPPORTUNITY. Extensive plot of land with a project to build a low rise 4 star hotel with swimming pool and a separate two storey restaurant with dining area. It has an unrivalled beach front location overlooking the sea. Large plot of land. Ref:ASP342

6,000,000

Western Algarve

*** New ***
Burgau
BEACHFRONT villa split into 2 apartments, unbeatable beach front location, fishing village of Burgau, two separate entrances, large sunny terrace overlooking the sea, roof terrace with sitting areas, close to trendy bars and restaurants, unrivalled setting. Ref:GV667

6 2
1,200,000

Lisbon

*** New ***
Lisbon
Existing building in the sought after Misericordia area, in need of demolishing or to rebuild and create 3 luxury apartments with swimming pool. In the heart of Lisbon, in a popular and attractive residential area, 10 minutes to Lisbon airport. Ref:ASV328

9 3
1,700,000

Silver Coast

*** New ***
Foz do Arelho
Build your own villa. Good countryside elevated location with far reaching views, most sought after location of Foz do Arelho, less than 1 hour from Lisbon airport, close to the beach and lagoon. Two plots available. Good views over the village. Ref:AP268

195,000

Western Algarve

*** New ***
Lagos
Extensive plot of land, permission for restoration of two existing ruins plus 2 new villas. This is a magnificent location, 2 minutes drive from Lagos, overlooking the beach. An investment opportunity not to be missed. 4km from golf courses, plots can be sold separately. Ref:GP024

none
3,500,000

Silver Coast

*** New ***
Caldas da Rainha
Building plot in the heart of the village of Torre, 10 minutes drive from Caldas da Rainha, close to the Silver Coast beaches, sought after location, possible to build more than one property. Good local amenities within walking distance. Ref:AP267

72,000

Porto

*** New ***
Amarante
Charming renovated stone villa, elegantly presented, popular town of Amarante, additional plot of land which has building permission, countryside views over the mountains, games room, 45 minutes to Porto, multi car garage, 6 en suite bedrooms. Ref:ASV275

6 8
780,000