Må-se steder i Portugal

This is Portugal’s oldest wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Douro River winds through steep slopes covered in vineyards, where grapes have been grown and harvested for over 2,000 years. Riding here means constant views—vineyard terraces, stone villages, and river bends that seem made for postcards.

This small station is a hidden gem. Its walls are covered in 24 hand-painted tile panels showing life in the Douro—grape harvests, rabelo boats, and terraced vineyards. Built in 1880 and decorated in 1937, it’s one of the most beautiful stops along the Douro line and a quick, memorable photo break on your ride.

The Douro is packed with quintas—family-run estates that grow grapes and produce wine on-site. Among others, you’ll stop at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the oldest and most respected in the region. Here you can walk the vineyards, taste the local wines, and learn how Port wine is made right where the grapes are grown.

Built between the 18th and early 20th century, this sanctuary in Lamego sits high above the town and is famous for its grand staircase. It features 686 steps zig-zagging up the hillside, lined with fountains, statues, and traditional Portuguese tiles and is known as one of Portugal’s most iconic pilgrimage sites.

The Douro is full of scenic overlooks known as miradouros. One of the best is Miradouro de Casal de Loivos, just above Pinhão. It’s a short but steep climb to get there, and the reward is huge—panoramic views over the river, the valley, and the endless vineyard terraces.

The Ribeira district is Porto’s historic riverside quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its tightly packed colorful buildings, medieval alleyways, and proximity to the Dom Luís I Bridge. The area has been a hub of trade and daily life since Roman times and is home to traditional restaurants, wine cellars, and city landmarks along the Douro River.

Costa Nova is a small coastal village known for its iconic “palheiros”—wooden houses painted in bright vertical stripes. Originally used by fishermen in the 19th century to store gear, they have become a national symbol of Portugal’s seaside culture. The houses line the main avenue and create one of the most recognizable visuals along the Silver Coast.

Aveiro is known for its network of canals that cross the city center. These canals were traditionally used by moliceiros—flat, decorated boats that transported seaweed and goods. Today, the city is nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal” and features tiled Art Nouveau buildings, pedestrian bridges, and a mix of historic and modern architecture surrounding the water channels.

This protected nature reserve includes 960 hectares of sand dunes, pine forests, wetlands, and coastal habitat at the end of the São Jacinto Peninsula. The area features wooden boardwalks through the dunes and trails for nature observation. It’s an important habitat for migratory birds, including flamingos, herons, and spoonbills, and part of the Natura 2000 ecological network.

The Old Cathedral of Coimbra was built in the 12th century, shortly after the founding of Portugal. It is one of the few Romanesque cathedrals in the country to survive mostly intact. Its fortress-like exterior, narrow windows, and battlements reflect its defensive role during the Christian Reconquest. Inside, it houses Gothic chapels, medieval tombs, and a detailed stone altar.