What to do and see in Estremadura, Portugal: The Best Places and Tips

October 14, 2017 Osvaldo Hartline

Discover the best top things to do in Estremadura, Portugal including Quinta da Regaleira, Lisbon Oceanarium, Seconds and Minutes, Go Surf Lisboa, Wanted Surf School, Portugal Bike, National Palace of Queluz, Alfama, Park and National Palace of Pena, Marechal Carmona Park.
Restaurants in Estremadura

1. Quinta da Regaleira

Rua Barbosa du Bocage, Sintra 2710-567, Portugal +351 21 910 6650
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 9 reviews

Quinta da Regaleira

Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and built at the turn of the 20th century, this romantic architectural complex is comprised of a Palace, a Chapel, and Gardens with grottos.

Reviewed By Kim G - Pacific Grove, California

Predating 1697, this intricately adorned palace of Carvalho Monteiro, received the loving craftsmanship of architect Luigi Manini, whose works include Milan's La Scala. Monteiro, a highly educated scientific capitalist, who graduated Law from University of Combria, was born in Rio de Janeiro, and of Portuguese decent. It was this philanthropist's concept for the "mysterious iconographical program" of this highly unusual property, with loving attention spanning from 1898-1912. The Palace reflects Romanticism of the time, and is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The expansive Gardens are intimate in their layout with unusual and hidden meanings, while the chapel bares Masonic markings. We walked to the Palace from town without much difficulty, although it was a distance. Strolling gives you an intimate peek at what lies ahead, as you pass by the detailed grounds and the ornate Gothic façade comes into view. The Palace was undergoing renovation to the 2nd floor, but the first floor offered such remarkable workmanship in stone and wood that we were altogether satisfied. Having served as the family's summer residence, the Palace was also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire". This is a highlight and must-see of Sintra!

2. Lisbon Oceanarium

Esplanada D. Carlos I | Doca dos Olivais, Lisbon 1990-005, Portugal +351 21 891 7000
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Lisbon Oceanarium

Opened in 1998, the Oceanário was the centerpiece of the XXth Century's last World Fair, themed "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future", and eternally binds Lisbon to the Oceans.MissionThe Oceanário’s Mission is to promote knowledge of the oceans and bring up the public about the duty of protecting natural heritage, through changing their daily habits.While walking through impressive and unforgettable exhibits, visitors are encouraged to learn fascinating things about the oceans and, more importantly, how to make decisions in their daily lives that actively promote the conservation of nature.

Reviewed By 28kath60 - Manchester, United Kingdom

Loved it, especially the Penguins. Made up for disappointment,net of not seeing any at the Zoo. Money well spent

3. Seconds and Minutes

Rua das Ferrarias Del Rei 21A, Barcarena 2730-269, Portugal
Excellent
99%
Good
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5 based on 224 reviews

Seconds and Minutes

We are specialized in tours and transfers. Total adapt to your needs, in private or in groups.

Reviewed By christicor1 - New York City, New York

A group of 3 friends, we were picked up at our hotel in Porto heading to Lisbon on a 2 day trip. Our driver and guide André was great ! He is very knowledgeable, attentive and polite and we have learned a lot of history,...MoreEncountering three amazing women and with such apettite for knowlledge made our job really delightfull! Thank you Mrs Cristina, Ângela and Claudia for choosing Seconds and Minutes. Whenever you return to Portugal you have your friends and guides from Seconds and Minutes to welcome you!

4. Go Surf Lisboa

Avenida dos Platanos 71, Parede 2775-352, Portugal
Excellent
99%
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5 based on 121 reviews

Go Surf Lisboa

Daily Surf Trips around Lisbon. We teach you how to Surf, the easy way. The FUN way! The experience of a lifetime! Half a day Surftrip - Full day Surftrip We pick you up, and drive to the best waves around Lisbon. Best Surf lessons in town, best gear, best ride. All year round, 7 days a week. The waves are waiting for you!

Reviewed By Richard R - Manchester, United Kingdom

Filipe was excellent at arranging this trip with me 11 of us on a stag do We spent the whole day at the beach, picked up from our apartment in the minibus and car. We had a great 2 hour lesson followed by lunch pre...MoreHey Richard, Thank you for your comment! We had a very nice time with you and your group. Cheers!

5. Wanted Surf School

Praia de Carcavelos, Carcavelos 2755-140, Portugal
Excellent
97%
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3%
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5 based on 87 reviews

Wanted Surf School

Wanted Surf school counts on a young, dynamic and experienced staff team in order to provide an excellent service. We love to work everyday to make sure your experience is unforgettable. We wants that everyone will have the possibility to enjoy the best possible Surfing experience, underlining the importance ofan obligatory environmental and Social Conscience. Because Wanted Surf School is not just a school of Surfing, but a FAMILY!

Reviewed By Brent V

Great time with these guys, First time Surfing but they make you feel at home at once. The atmosphere was on point from the moment they picked us up until the drop off. Thx again for the great experience and the local lunch after the...MoreBig Brent! It´s really nice to read this words. What a nice morning we spent with you and the rest of the Belgium crew! U guys rock! Big hug for everyone and see you in Antwerp!

6. Portugal Bike

Rua Dom Joao V 4 A | Quinta das Piçarras - Caneças, Odivelas 1685-104, Portugal
Excellent
96%
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4%
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5 based on 203 reviews

Portugal Bike

Discover Portugal ...On a bicycle! Travelling with Portugal Bike will connect you deeply with the country, becoming part of its everyday life, observing details that typical tourists miss and enjoying spontaneous encounters along the way. Portugal Bike is a Portuguese-owned company offering you bicycle tours, that help you to enlarge your horizons and your knowledge, showing you historic evidences and amazing landscape together with very good food and wines. Our goal is that you visit Portugal ...Riding a bicycle!

Reviewed By KL C - Boise, Idaho

Our Group of 4 recently biked the self-guided version of "The Charming Pousadas in Alentejo". It was a great trip. Cristina was very helpful. Great places to stay. Excellent breakfast meal included in cost of trip.
The self-guided trip navigation relies on Reading and following the provided GPS. Two GPSs were helpful. Good documentation also provided on paper, but you need to do the homework prior to using both methods. Also it is helpful to know some of the helpful Portuguese phrases.

7. National Palace of Queluz

Largo do Palacio, Queluz 2745-191, Portugal +351 21 923 7300
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

National Palace of Queluz

Royal residence of two generations of monarchs, only fifteen minutes away from Lisbon, the National Palace of Queluz is intimately linked with significant figures in Portuguese history. Today it constitutes a major heritage site in Portuguese architecture and landscaping, and contains an important collection which reflects royal taste during the eighteenth and nineteenth century - from Baroque, through Rococo, to Neoclassicism.

Reviewed By happy_in_paris_10 - Atlanta, Georgia

Amazing palace modeled on Versailles, and in the process of major restoration and renovation. Interior done with the level of detail you would expect in a palace, with inlaid tile, marble, lead crystal chandeliers, hand worked rugs, some original furniture, paintings and more gold leaf than you can imagine (unless you've been to Versailles). Mini Hall of Mirrors, too. Beautiful Gardens, National treasure with a facinating history.

8. Alfama

Lisbon, Portugal
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Alfama

Wonderful sights delight walkers at every turn in this culturally rich and charming part of Lisbon, which through its architecture reminds visitors of its Visigothic roots, Arabic influence and fishing port heritage.

Reviewed By rattenpakker - Roeselare, Belgium

As you can read in the other reviews, this is an old and pittoresque part of town. We did this part on foot and by e-bike. Lots of hidden gems to discover!

9. Park and National Palace of Pena

Estrada da Pena, Sintra 2710-609, Portugal +351 21 923 7300
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Park and National Palace of Pena

Reviewed By Kim G - Pacific Grove, California

Pina Palace, the UNESCO designated World Heritage Site, presides over Sintra, and is visible from Lisbon on a clear day. Cleverly built into its hilltop perch and one of the world's finest examples of 19th Century Romanticism, it is easy to see why this Palace is considered one of Portugal's "Seven Wonders". Containing Moorish and Manueline style features, Pina Palace was the vision of King Ferdinand II. The furnished Palace abounds with the use of numerous creative bass-relief tiles, intricate plaster, carved stone, a bold exterior palate, forest and distant views, interior pastel plaster walls, and details too numerous to list. This is a masterpiece which should not be missed. Time permitting, the grounds should be explored as well.
A café is located within the Palace above the gift shop; a welcome feature due to the unexpected delay in ultimately reaching this historic destination. Rightfully so, this is an extremely popular attraction. Give yourself ample time for the tourist bus commute up and back; wait-lines are long. Tip: try to visit early in the morning, before the tour buses start arriving. I would recommend an overnight stay to appreciate all that Sintra has to offer.

10. Marechal Carmona Park

Praceta Domingos D_Avilez, Av. da Republica, Cascais 2750, Portugal
Excellent
62%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 482 reviews

Marechal Carmona Park

Reviewed By Kolrina - Kiev, Ukraine

Sometimes in order to find something interesting you should get lost. Probably that's exactly how the park was discovered. I didn't expect it to be so nice and charming. Really worth visiting. Relaxing zones, peacocks running to and back, flowers, big trees everything makes this place a special one for me.

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