Portugal is more than the subject of a Tina Marie song, although she did a beautiful job of romanticizing this beautiful country. With all of its natural beauty, history and activities, travelers are never at a loss of finding something excellent to do. There’s a little something for everyone. Portugese is a very modern place with quite a bit of that old world charm. Here are some things inspire4travel is sure you don’t want to miss while you’re in Portugal.

1. Catch Some Waves

Whether you just want to soak in the sun’s rays, go for an ocean swim or do some surfing Portugal has some of the most amazing beaches Europe has to offer. Nazere has 100 foot waves that are sure to delight adventurous surfers. Algarve in the southern region has hidden cave beaches to explore. You can even scuba dive in  the warm, crystal clear Atlantic waters. 

2. Oceanario de Lisboa

This aquarium is an excellent choice for families and nature lovers alike. Oceanario de Lisboa houses 8,000 marine animals, including sharks, sea otters, rays and more. You’ll learn a lot about marine conservation and enjoy the purposeful and artistic beauty of the decor.

3. Wine Tasting

In Portugal, port is a year round wine and there are plenty of wineries to tour to help you discover your favorite port. The Rio Douro Valley is a picturesque area with quaint villages, farmhouses, castles and wineries. Explore the vineyards, authentic cuisine and natural beauty of this pastoral valley. 

4. Jeronimos Monastery

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a favorite in Lisbon. The late Gothic architecture of the monastery is top notch, simply breathtaking. You definitely don’t want to miss this one if you’re a fan of history. It is also home to some of the tombs of Portugal’s most famous persons, including Vasco de Gama.

5. The Temple of Evora

In Evora you’ll find both the Cathedral of Evora and the Roman Temple of Evora. The temple is one of the best preserved pieces of ancient Roman culture in the country, and it is said to have been erected in the first century AD. It’s the focal point of the palaces, churches and other historic buildings in the area.

6. Nightlife

There’s always something to do in Portugal. Porto’s Ribiera is the most popular district to visit with its colorful buildings, bars, cafes and restaurants. There are charming cobbled streets, a waterfront promenade and more to take in. Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon boasts lots of color, lively bars and plenty of old buildings.

7. Pena Palace

Portugal has lots of castles and palaces, and Pena is one of the most beautiful and colorful of them all. It’s got uniquely designed crenelated clock towers, exotic architecture and breathtaking facades.

Whether you’re into nature, adventure, history, food, sightseeing or partying, Portugal is sure to scratch your travel itch. You’ll find megalithic structures, ancient ruins, old castles and friendly people. The weather is nice and sure to give you a change of pace from your usual.