We are just starting to build out an itinerary for a first-time family trip next year. If you had to choose just 2-3 castles and 2-3 cathedrals/convents/monasteries - anywhere in mainland Portugal - what are your favorites? Bonus points if there's something for kids to enjoy (interpretive education, grounds or gardens to explore, etc.) but not a requirement. Thanks!
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
2160 posts
The Convento de Cristo in Tomar (http://www.conventocristo.gov.pt/en/) is one of the most beautiful religious buildings I've ever seen. It is also adjacent to Tomar Castle, also definitely worth visiting while you're there.
The Church of São Francisco in Porto is Gothic on the outside and Baroque on the inside. And when I say Baroque, for me it was over the top, but my sister who lives in Porto absolutely loves it. For me, more impressive in Porto was the
The Palacio Nacional in Sintra (https://www.parquesdesintra.pt/en/parks-monuments/national-palace-of-sintra/) would make the list for me. I didn't get to Peña Palace, also in Sintra, but if time allows when you're there, it also should probably make the list.
I also didn't get to visit the inside of Jerónimos Monastery (https://www.museusemonumentos.pt/en/museus-e-monumentos/mosteiro-dos-jeronimos-e-capela-de-sao-jeronimo) in Lisbon. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so probably worth including.
That's a good starting point to any list.
Posted by
Irving
3463 posts
In Belém you want to visit the Monastery of Jerónimos. This 16th century monastery is the most preserved I’ve seen.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8018 posts
I also recommend the Convento of Christ in Tomar. It’s one of my favorites. If you have a rental car then Batalha monastery is about an hour from Tomar. Thirty minutes from Tomar is Almoural castle. You’d have to have a rental car to reach it. From the parking lot there’s a short boat ride to the small castle you can wander at will. Be advised that while one can walk along the wall, there are no railings to prevent someone from falling off the walls or stairs. That is common in many castles and forts in Spain and Portugal.
So, using Tomar as a base you could visit three places very easily.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1959 posts
I don’t disagree with any of the previous suggestions but would add Monserrat in Sintra and possibly Quinta de Reguleira. Both have spectacular grounds with the Quinta having a staircase that’s amazing and exit from the staircase through tunnels. The Quinta’s house is nothing special but the house at Monserrat is a bit like the Alhambra in Spain and very different than everything else I’ve seen in Portugal.
Mafra Palace in Mafra is quite nice. It was the summer palace for the royals and has an amazing library. There are also hunting grounds that I didn’t explore so can’t speak to them.
More northern, I would add Alcobaça. I prefer it to Batalha.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2296 posts
Why not pick places you can stay in? https://www.pousadasofportugal.com/