Beautiful Places to Visit in Portugal from Fairy-tale Castles to Charming Beach Towns

[{"name": "Jer\u00f3nimos Monastery", "address": "Pra\u00e7a do Imp\u00e9rio 1400-206, 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal", "description": "One of the most-visited landmarks in Lisbon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the late Gothic Manueline-style Jer\u00f3nimos Monastery stands tall as an enduring symbol of power dating back to the Age of Discovery. Constructed over about a century starting in the early 1500s, the block-long complex continues to impress with its magnificent maritime details, cloisters, and tombs.", "lat": 38.6978, "long": -9.2067}, {"name": "Peneda-Ger\u00eas National Park", "address": "Porta do Campo do Ger\u00eas, 4845-067 Campo do Ger\u00eas, Portugal", "description": "Set in northern Portugal near the Spanish border, Peneda-Ger\u00eas National Park spans yellow-tinged hills, granite peaks, high-flowing streams, mixed forests, and Roman relics. Native wildlife \u2014 including the Pyrenean desman, Iberian frog, and Barros\u00e3 cattle \u2014 also call this protected land home.", "lat": 41.7008, "long": -8.1856}, {"name": "Pena Palace", "address": "Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal", "description": "One of the most beautiful places in Europe, Pena Palace is a hilltop Romanticist castle and the crown jewel of Sintra. Its candy-colored facade and sweeping terraces draw shutter-happy tourists from near and far. The stately interiors are filled with antiques, while the surrounding park provides tree-shaded pathways.", "lat": 38.7879, "long": -9.3912}, {"name": "Azenhas do Mar", "address": "Largo Padre Agostinho Abade 4, 2705-062 Azenhas do Mar, Portugal", "description": "Of all the charming coastal towns in Portugal, Azenhas do Mar deserves special mention. Small in size, with just 800 inhabitants, whitewashed houses, and commanding sea views, it\u2019s a postcard-worthy setting to sip local wine, savor regional seafood dishes, and swim in the natural rock pool.", "lat": 38.8032, "long": -9.4721}, {"name": "Livraria Lello", "address": "R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal", "description": "Porto's Livraria Lello shows off opulent staircases, an ornate stained-glass ceiling, and towering shelves packed with tomes. It's well known as \"the Harry Potter bookstore,\" but J.K. Rowling herself has debunked the rumors that it inspired parts of Hogwarts. Rest assured, it does look magical, though.", "lat": 41.1466, "long": -8.6123}, {"name": "Cabo da Roca", "address": "N1, Az\u00f3ia, 2705-001 Colares, Portugal", "description": "The westernmost point in continental Europe, Cabo da Roca exudes a wild, edge-of-the-Earth mystique. Waves crash against the rocks, tourists standing atop sheer cliffs stare out at nothing but blue to the horizon, and a historic lighthouse guides boats sailing along the rugged coast.", "lat": 38.7809, "long": -9.4943}, {"name": "Lagoa das Sete Cidades", "address": "Miradouro da Vista do Rei, Sete Cidades, 9555-188 Ponta Delgada, Portugal", "description": "The majesty of S\u00e3o Miguel never ceases to amaze. Topping the list for many travelers visiting the volcanic main island in the Azores archipelago are the famous and impossibly photogenic twin crater lakes, Lagoa Azul (\"blue lagoon\") and Lagoa Verde (\"green lagoon\").", "lat": 37.8671, "long": -25.7852}, {"name": "Levadas da Madeira", "address": "Levada do Alecrim, 9370, Portugal", "description": "The Levadas da Madeira is a system of historic irrigation canals built across the island to carry water from the high-altitude slopes to sugar cane fields, farmlands, and cities. Hiking trails that run along the waterways give travelers a close-up look at the UNESCO-listed laurel forests.", "lat": 32.7412, "long": -16.9855}, {"name": "Algar de Benagil", "address": "Praia de Benagil, 8400-424 Lagoa, Portugal", "description": "Only reachable by boat, this fantastical seaside cave doesn\u2019t even look real. Sun beams in through the hole on the top, bathing the enclosed beach in light while turquoise waters lap the sand.", "lat": 37.0889, "long": -8.4252}, {"name": "Cl\u00e9rigos Church", "address": "R. de S\u00e3o Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal", "description": "Cl\u00e9rigos Church is a must-see on any trip to Porto. While the artifacts and daily organ concerts certainly wow, both are overshadowed by the iconic 246-foot bell tower, which visitors can climb for 360-degree views of the city (and a serious workout).", "lat": 41.1459, "long": -8.6124}, {"name": "Nazar\u00e9", "address": "Av. da Rep\u00fablica, 2450-073 Nazar\u00e9, Portugal", "description": "Nazar\u00e9 lures fearless surfers and attracts many curious tourists thanks to the larger-than-life swells that were the subject of the docuseries 100 Foot Wave. The huge breaks mean you\u2019re not likely to paddle out unless you're a serious surfer, but it\u2019s worth the drive just to see the enormous waves crash into the rocks and to grab lunch at one of the local restaurants.", "lat": 39.6009, "long": -9.0704}, {"name": "Vila Franca Islet", "address": "Vila Franca do Campo, 9680, Portugal", "description": "Located off the coast of S\u00e3o Miguel, the Vila Franca Islet looks otherworldly from above and just as pretty up close. The circular saltwater lagoon, which was formed by the crater of an ancient volcano, is ringed by lush vegetation. In the summer, it\u2019s popular for swimming, snorkeling, bird-watching, and cliff diving (if you dare).", "lat": 37.7113, "long": -25.4336}, {"name": "Comporta", "address": "Estrada Nacional 253, 7580-611 Comporta, Portugal", "description": "About an hour from Lisbon, Comporta is a low-key fishing village turned in-the-know summer hot spot with cork trees, rice fields, and blissful beaches. During the warmer months, it\u2019s well worth vying for a spot on the brilliant white sand of Praia Comporta.", "lat": 38.3682, "long": -8.7957}, {"name": "Douro Valley", "address": "Peso da R\u00e9gua, 5050-060, Portugal", "description": "The oldest demarcated wine region in the world and the birthplace of port, the Douro Valley wows viticulture enthusiasts and casual sippers. A mix of rolling vineyards, historic quintas, boat rides along its namesake river, and excellent restaurants means there\u2019s plenty to appreciate besides incredible pours.", "lat": 41.153, "long": -7.766}, {"name": "Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools", "address": "Estrada do Cachalote, 9270-087 Porto Moniz, Portugal", "description": "The north coast of Madeira brims with beautiful spots to take a dip, none more iconic than the Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools. These placid lagoons off the shore of Porto Moniz were formed by volcanic rocks and filled with the tides of the Atlantic Ocean.", "lat": 32.8683, "long": -17.165}, {"name": "Po\u00e7o da Alagoinha", "address": "Po\u00e7o da Alagoinha, 9970, Portugal", "description": "Majestic waterfalls are one of the many enticements of the Azores. Po\u00e7o da Alagoinha on the island of Flores is a stunning example with multiple cascades that gush from lush, vegetation-covered cliffs down to a pristine lagoon.", "lat": 39.4362, "long": -31.176}, {"name": "Parque Natural da Arr\u00e1bida", "address": "Portinho da Arr\u00e1bida, 2925-166 Azeit\u00e3o, Portugal", "description": "Parque Natural da Arr\u00e1bida shows off many of Portugal\u2019s best assets. Fine-sand beaches fade into blue waters, towering cliffs rise from the sea, verdant vegetation covers the mountain peaks, and scenic hiking trails wind through the spellbinding scenery.", "lat": 38.4735, "long": -8.986}, {"name": "Castelo de Guimar\u00e3es", "address": "R. Dom Afonso Henriques, 4810-428 Guimar\u00e3es, Portugal", "description": "Mystery and legend still swirl around Castelo de Guimar\u00e3es. A major presence in Portuguese history, the castle was built under the orders of Mumadona Dias in the 10th century to serve as a place of refuge and protect against attacks by Vikings and Moors.", "lat": 41.4486, "long": -8.2916}, {"name": "Sagres", "address": "Rua da Fortaleza, 8650-378 Sagres, Portugal", "description": "Sagres sits on a windswept headland at the western tip of southern Portugal. Sunny skies, dramatic sea cliffs, and uncrowded beaches make this tiny fishing village deserving of a detour. It\u2019s also a surfer\u2019s paradise that provides plenty of beginner-friendly breaks as well as expert-level barrels.", "lat": 37.0089, "long": -8.9518}, {"name": "Quinta do Barbusano", "address": "Caminho Barbusano 2, S\u00e3o Vicente, 9240-130, Madeira, Portugal", "description": "Tucked away in the mountains on the north side of Madeira, Quinta do Barbusano invites visitors to savor the flavors of the island with wine tastings and plates of traditional espetada (beef skewer) while overlooking the S\u00e3o Vicente Valley. It\u2019s also possible to take a short hike to nearby Nossa Senhora F\u00e1tima Chapel for even more breathtaking vistas.", "lat": 32.7996, "long": -17.0344}]