![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/11469/1-sintra-portugal.jpg)
From Douro River cruises to Port tasting, Portugal offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/2-Azulejos-Portugal.jpg)
Azulejos
Brightly colored ceramic tiles adorn numerous fountains, churches, and palaces, including the Queluz National Palace, throughout the country.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Portugal Travel Guide
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/3-Port-Wine-Tasting-Portugal.jpg)
Port Wine Tasting
Near Porto, you can tour the caves that store Portugal’s most famous drink. Top off the experience with generous tasting sessions.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Porto and the North Travel Guide
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/4-Pousadas-Portugal.jpg)
Pousadas
Spice up your trip with a stay in a pousada. These lodgings in restored castles, monasteries, and historic buildings meld luxury with regional charm.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Portugal Travel Guide
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/5-Madeira-Portugal.jpg)
Madeira
The unique natural beauty of this subtropical island includes mountain summits cloaked in hazy fog and cliffs that plummet seaward.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Madeira Travel Guide
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/1-Sintra-Portugal.jpg)
Sintra
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Sintra teems with gorgeous palaces and gardens. The surrounding hills form a romantic backdrop for its historic charms.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Sintra Travel Guide
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/6-Douro-River-Cruises-Portugal.jpg)
Douro River Cruises
A cruise is a relaxing way to explore the eye-opening landscapes of the Douro River Valley, with its steeply terraced vineyards.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Porto and the North Travel Guide
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/7-Evora-Portugal.jpg)
Évora
One of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval towns, Évora has fortified walls and winding cobblestone lanes lined with Roman and Gothic architecture.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Évora and the Alentejo Travel Guide
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/8-Lisbon-Portugal.jpg)
Lisbon
The vibrant capital encompasses cobblestoned streets; funicular railways; world-class museums; and top-notch dining, shopping, and nightlife scenes.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Lisbon Travel Guide
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/9-Beaches-Portugal.jpg)
Beaches
Take your pick of beautiful beaches—from windswept surfing hubs to unspoiled, sheltered coves—on the long Atlantic coastline.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Portugal Travel Guide
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/10-Fado-Portugal.jpg)
Fado
Don’t miss a performance of this unique musical style at a fado house. Singers croon plaintive tunes to soulful Portuguese guitar accompaniment.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Portugal Travel Guide
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/11-Cafes-and-Pastelarias-Portugal.jpg)
Cafés and Pastelarias
You’re never far from a café or pastry shop in Portugal. Be sure to take frequent breaks to savor coffee and delicious pastries like pastel de nata, an egg-custard tart.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Portugal Travel Guide
![](https://cdn.fodors.com/ee/files/slideshows/12-Hilltop-Villages-Portugal.jpg)
Hilltop Villages
Fortified medieval walls, narrow streets, dramatic castles, and spectacular views of the countryside make these stunning settlements irresistible.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Portugal Travel Guide