
Destinations > Europe > Portugal
Portugal is the westernmost sovereign state on mainland Europe, with two archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean – the Azores and Madeira. Having being established early in the Christian Reconquista, Portugal is one of the oldest nation states in the world. Certainly it is the oldest on the Iberian Peninsular. The name Portugal comes from the Roman name for what is today Vila Nova de Gaia, then Portus Cale. The country has an impressive although little explored prehistory, from the Stone Age art in the Côa Valley and the intriguing megalithic sites throughout Portugal to the impressive hill-forts of the Iron Age. Since these early times Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Christians have all left their mark on an enormously diverse landscape.
Visiting Sites and Museums in Portugal in 2021
The Portuguese Tourist Board have instituted a ‘Clean & Safe’ label for tourism companies. These stamps of approval are only awarded to businesses who provide anything from activities to accommodation and have demonstrated that they are compliant with hygiene and cleaning requirements set out by the health authorities in Portugal. For your own assurances, you can read more about the scheme here. The tourism board in Portugal also has pages that have more specific information and FAQs about regulations and measures for travelling to Portugal and health advice while in Portugal as a visitor.
As sites and museums re-open many are doing so with new measures and regulations in place. These are designed to protect both staff and visitors. Read more on the Guidelines for Visiting Sites and Museums in 2021 >>
INSPIRATION
Our Portugal travel guide for history lovers starts with our suggestions for the best things to see in Portugal.
PLANNING
Planning a trip to Portugal? Book your travel, activities and accommodation with our trusted partners.
INTERACTIVE MAP
Use our interactive map of archaeology and history sites and museums to find the places you want to visit.
TOURS & CRUISES
Our handpicked activities, from walking tours to self-guided tours, multiple day trips to cruises.
INSPIRATION
PLANNING
INTERACTIVE MAP
TOURS & CRUISES
Our Portugal travel guide for history lovers starts with our suggestions for the best things to see in Portugal.
Planning a trip to Portugal? Book your travel, activities and accommodation with our trusted partners.
Use our interactive map of archaeology and history sites and museums to find the places you want to visit.
Our handpicked activities, from walking tours to self-guided tours, multiple day trips to cruises.
Either use our interactive map of Portugal to search for archaeological and historical sites, museums, historic landmarks and other points of interest. Or, read about our suggestions for each region (links below).
With over 400 individual sites and museums pinpointed on our interactive map, you are able to decide and plan in advance what you want to see when you visit Portugal, or discover what other sites and museums are near you when you are in Portugal (as long as you have access to the internet). Sites included range from Stone Age to Medieval castles.
Go to the Interactive Map >>
Portugal is generally divided into seven different regions. Five of these cover mainland Portugal, and two are groups of islands. These are as follows:
The Côa Valley has an extraordinary collection of rock art sites, discovered during construction for a dam. Ranging in date from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age, the images are engraved onto rock surfaces that were rubbed smooth by glaciers. There is more Stone Age rock art to see at Escoural Cave in the Alentejo region of Portugal.
Guide to Rock Art Around the World >>
Castles are the quintessential symbol of Medieval Portugal, they had and still have a deep impact on the psyche of everyone that comes across their imposing figure. These warriors of stone have shaped the country’s landscape and helped in defending its territory since the establishment of the Portuguese Kingdom and throughout the Middle Ages.
Guide to Castles and Fortifications in Portugal >>
As of 2021, there are 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Portugal. Of these, 16 sites are recognised for their cultural significance, and one for its natural importance. There are a further 19 sites, including the historical centre of Lisbon and the Santiago de Compostela Routes in Portugal, on the tentative list. Full list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Portugal >>
Historic Centre of Évora
Monastery of Batalha
Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém, Lisbon
Cultural Landscape of Sintra