Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

Vineyards in the Valley of the River Douro, Portugal
Vineyards in the Valley of the River Douro, Portugal

The Best of Portugal

#15 best destination in the world

Map view

Falésia Beach, Albufeira

Praia da Falesia the Algarve, Portugal beautiful beach near Vilamoura and Albufeira
  • Falésia Beach is a beach located in the Algarve region, stretching over 8 kilometers (approximately 5 miles)
  • It is characterized by striking red and orange cliffs that provide a dramatic backdrop against the golden sands
  • Falésia Beach is popular among sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers
  • The beach is accessible from nearby resort towns

Douro River

Vineyards in the Valley of the River Douro, Portugal
  • The Douro is a river that runs through the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its stunning terraced vineyards and rich cultural heritage
  • This region is famous for producing Port wine, making it the only wine region in the world legally allowed to produce this type of wine
  • The Douro Valley is also considered the oldest demarcated wine region globally, with winemaking traditions dating back over 2,000 years

Alfama, Lisbon

tram on narrow street of Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct

  • The Alfama is the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon, characterized by its narrow, winding cobblestone streets and traditional houses
  • Historically, Alfama dates back to the Iron Age and has been influenced by various cultures, including the Romans and Visigoths
  • The neighborhood is renowned as the birthplace of Fado, a traditional genre of Portuguese music known for its expressive and melancholic style

Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery) a late Gothic Manueline-style monastery housing archaeology & maritime museums in its wings

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct

  • The Jerónimos Monastery is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome, in Lisbon
  • It was erected in the early 1500s near the launch point of Vasco da Gama's first journey, and its construction funded by a tax on the profits of the yearly Portuguese India Armadas
  • It became the necropolis of the Portuguese royal dynasty of Aviz in the 16th century but was secularized in 1833 by state decree
  • The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most prominent examples of the late Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon

Belém Tower, Lisbon

View at the Belem tower at the bank of Tejo River in Lisbon - Portugal

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct

  • Belém Tower is a 16th-century fortification located in Lisbon that served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon
  • This tower symbolizes Portugal's maritime and colonial power in early modern Europe
  • It was built during the height of the Portuguese Renaissance, and is a prominent example of the Portuguese Manueline style, but it also incorporates other architectural styles, such as the minarets, which are inspired by Moorish architecture

São Jorge Castle, Lisbon

Lisbon/Portugal-July 1, 2018: Tourist explore the Castelo de S. Jorge and take in the views of unique architecture from the city's highest elevation.

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct

  • São Jorge Castle is a historic castle in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon
  • Human occupation of the castle hill dates to at least the 8th century BC, while the oldest fortifications on the site date from the 2nd century BC
  • Since the 12th century, the castle has variously served as a royal palace, a military barracks, home of the Torre do Tombo National Archive, and now as a national monument and museum

Bairro Alto, Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal - January 3 2024: The popular Rua Augusta street, full of shoppers and diners enjoying the stores, restaurants and sidewalk cafes and calçada pavement in the Bairro Alto district

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct

  • Bairro Alto is a historic district located in the center of Lisbon
  • Established in 1513, it is notable for being one of the city's first planned neighborhoods
  • The area is renowned for its nightlife, where crowds flock to its numerous bars and restaurants
  • Bairro Alto is also home to art galleries and historical sites, including the Convento do Carmo

Praça do Comércio, Lisbon

Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct

  • Praça do Comércio, also known as Commerce Square, is a prominent public plaza located in Lisbon
  • Historically, Praça do Comércio was built on the site of the former Royal Palace and has been a central hub for trade and commerce since its establishment
  • The square features impressive architecture, including the Arco da Rua Augusta, which serves as an entrance to the square from the streets of downtown Lisbon

Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto

Porto, Portugal cityscape over the Douro River and Dom Louis Bridge.

Best time to visit: May-Sept

  • The Dom Luís I Bridge is a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the river Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia
  • At its construction, its 172 metres (564 ft) span was the longest of its type in the world
  • Today, the bridge's upper level is used by pedestrians and by the Porto Metro, while the lower level is used by buses, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians

Cais da Ribeira, Porto

PORTO, PORTUGAL - CIRCA SEPTEMBER, 2017: Boat sails on the Douro River with the Cais da Ribeira in the background, in the city of Porto, Portugal

Best time to visit: May-Sept

  • Cais da Ribeira is a riverside area located along the banks of the Douro River in Porto, where it is renowned for its picturesque scenery and colorful houses
  • Cais da Ribeira is one of Porto's oldest neighborhoods, with a history that includes Roman influences and traditional architecture
  • The waterfront is lined with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops

Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra

Europe, Portugal, Sintra. April 16, 2022. The ornate Chapel of Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site..
  • Quinta da Regaleira is an estate located near the historic center of Sintra
  • The estate was designed and constructed in the late 19th century by the wealthy businessman António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro
  • It features a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline architectural styles
  • The estate is surrounded by lush gardens, fountains, and hidden tunnels