20 Photos Real Tourists Took In Portugal (That Show It Deserves More Hype)

Portugal is an oceanside paradise with most of its big cities sitting on the coast of some body of water. Porto borders the Douro river while the capital, Lisbon, borders the Taugus. The slender country expands into the Atlantic Ocean with two autonomous archipelagos and several islands.

Water sports and marine wild life tours lure tourists into Portugal’s waters. However, anyone willing to stay on land will discover streets decorated with outstanding architecture that can't be found in nearby countries.

Curious visitors who have already made the trip and thoroughly enjoyed themselves are the best advocates that Portugal could have. So, let’s take a look at 20 photos real tourists took in Portugal (that show it deserves more hype).

20 The Palace of Pena stands apart from dreary castles

Many childhood fantasies would be satisfied by the powerful primary colors of this hilltop castle in Sintra. Things get more serious on the inside where the regal interior design associated with this type of European architecture reappears. Both the inside and outside are large enough to keep guests independently occupied.

19 Algarve has the country's most famous beaches

White sands that slip beneath the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean are enough to make a beach popular with vacationers. Good upkeep and clear skies don’t hurt either. However, it’s the sandstone rock formations that extend into the shallow waters which gives Algarve beaches an extra layer of style.

18 Algarve also has many hidden delights

Benagil Cave turns its back to the beach with an entrance that faces the sea. Waves lap at the enclosed piece of sand it reserves for visitors. Algarve Fun recommends getting to the cave from the main beach by boat since the current can be strong and unpredictable for swimmers.

17 Belém tower overtakes a tiny island

This once lonely fortress is now connected to the shore by a wooden bridge, notes Lisbon.net. Its architecture includes both the necessities of battle and artistic add-ons. Canons are set by each of the 16 windows, a statue of the Virgin Mary sits up top, and a rhinoceros gargoyle looks over all.

16 Some volcanic pools have created lush gardens

The Caldeira do Faial has left its days of lava and fire behind in favor of greener pastures. Bundles of lavender flowers blossom along the lip of the pit in spring while shrubs cover the slopes. The trail leading up to the caldera decorates itself in a similar fashion for the season.

15 Others are now meant for swimming

Warm mineral water cascades down the northern side of the Fogo Volcano, filling pools like the Caldeira Velha on its way down. The pond is deep enough to form waist-high hot springs fit for relaxation. Jungle trees lean across the turquoise water, providing shade and a lovely view.

14 Natural Rock formations decorate the Ponta da Piedade

Golden arches leap through the sea like the swirling tail of a petrified sea serpent at this spot in Lagos. Water climbs up the stone in gentle waves that lend themselves to kayaking and paddle boarding. Shore-dwellers can follow the length of the coast from the boardwalk.

13 Ski lifts give visitors a full view in Madeira

There is no ski resort to be found on this mild-weathered archipelago. These ski lifts are meant for managing the uneven slopes that mark the shift between the areas of Funchal and Monte. The island and all its hillside buildings are revealed as the lifts ascend into the sky.

12 Four blue lakes make up this caldera

Grassy ridges part the pools at Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island. The most striking are the two seen here since just one is blue while the other is green. As they’re located on the biggest island in the Azores archipelago, most people planning a trip end up here.

11 Batalha Monastery is the country's best example of Gothic architecture

Manueline grew from Gothic traditions to become a style native to Portugal, according to UNESCO. This new architectural style came with moulding methods influenced by foreign travel and more intricate sculpting work. The 78 biblical statues that make up the entrance arch of the Batalha Monastery are an amazing example.

10 Deep valleys are best viewed from above

A string of peaks line the valleys of Madeira Island. Seen here is the Pico do Arieiro, which is the highest peak reachable by car for travelers who want to enjoy the view without the hike. It looks down onto a rugged valley cornered by a bed of clouds.

9 Undisturbed lakes are an island highlight

While Madeira soaks up most of the island traffic in Portugal, the Azores sit untouched further out from the mainland. The archipelago is inhabited by a steady population, but the tourism industry is just getting started. That leaves lakes like the Lagoa do Fogo gleaming at the island’s center.

8 Enter here to see stunning architecture

There is hardly an inch of unoccupied space on the side entrance of the Jerónimos Monastery where ornate moulding and sculpture mask the walls. Above eye level gables and pinnacles soar up to the roof where the artwork only continues. This monastery takes lessons learned from Manueline and elevates them.

7 Private estates like Quinta da Regaleira are equally elegant

According to Visit Sintra, the palace passed through many hands before the Portuguese government decided to share its beauty with the public. Work from different decades and different owners appears throughout the buildings. The unifying features of mossy layers and plants make components implemented by various sets of hands indistinguishable.

6 Nature is free to go as it pleases

One of the hotspots for photos is the Initiation Well. The spiral staircase swirls down into the darkness where the moss grows stronger. Staircases that descend into grottos outside go even deeper. A less ominous attraction is the set of stepping stones that crosses the green garden pond.

5 Colorful buildings of Porto are visible from the other side of shore

From any of Porto’s bridges, observers can see that the buildings in the city grow brighter the closer you get to shore. Sailboats cruising down the Douro river let guests view the architecture from up close. However, walking through town will reveal other colorful streets hidden in monotone neighborhoods.

4 Sunset in Lisbon ties the color scheme together

Orange clouds roll over orange roofs in the area of Lisbon that pushes up to shore. From high up, the historical town seems calm—and it is. However, it’s also a destination for delicious seafood and entertainment that calls on some of the most alluring traditions in Portugal.

3 Portugal has its secret heights

Sweet, fortified wine called Port has flowed from the city of Porto into international markets. Wine tasting is the obvious activity in the region. However, the empty grape terraces that line the hills also make for peaceful hikes in the nearby mountains that are free of the city’s noise.

2 The sunny town of Carvoeiro is built right up to the beach

Resorts aren’t hard to come by in this town that welcomes tourism. Even for those who choose to book inexpensive rooms inland, the charming seaside buildings are an integral part of Carvoeiro Beach’s look. Wildlife boat tours reconnect tourists with nature if they need some time away from town.

1 Intricate sculpting calls for close-ups

Another Manueline structure is the Castelo do Convento de Cristo in Tomar. The outside presents the rich ornamentation typical of Manueline, while the inside applies the style to a different medium: paint. Christian artwork works its away along the curves of the arches and covers each panel with color.

Next: 25 Reasons Why Portugal Is The Most Underrated Country In The World