Exploring the Past in 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.

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 >>

Find Historical Places to Visit in Portugal

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).

Search for Archaeological Sites, Historical Places and Museums on an Interactive Map of Portugal

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 >>

Find the Best Archaeology and History Sites and Museums in Portugal by Region

Portugal is generally divided into seven different regions. Five of these cover mainland Portugal, and two are groups of islands. These are as follows:

• Northern Portugal – the mountainous north has an extraordinary history, including the founding of modern day Portugal in Porto, or Portus Cale as it was called in Roman times.
• Central Portugal – from frontier castles and historic, mountain villages in the east, to the Roman and Medieval settlements in the plains along the ‘Silver Coast’ in the west.
• Lisbon Metropolitan Area – Portugal’s capital city is on the Tagus River estuary that forms a natural harbour that has played a crucial role in the development of the city and the nation.
• Alentejo – vast open plains in south-central, southern Portugal the region is best known for the production of cork, Neolithic cromlechs and picturesque hilltop towns fortified during battles and disputes of the Medieval period.
• Algarve – long, wide sandy beaches make this region a popular summer destination, but its history is just as attractive – many port towns were key Moorish settlements that went on to play a crucial role in Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
• The islands of the Azores – these islands first appeared on European maps in the 14th centuries.
• The islands of Madeira – there is no evidence of human occupation before the islands were discovered in the early 15th century.

Prehistoric Rock Art in Portugal

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, Watchtowers and Tower-Houses

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 >>