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These 15 Stunning Photos Invite You to Take a Peek at the People, Places and Cultural Legacy of Picturesque Portugal

With its vibrant hues, vast landscapes and a venerable history, there’s much to love about the coastal country

the coast of Algarve
the coast of Algarve

Rock formations pierce still waters as the sun sets along the coast of Algarve.

Erika Valkovicova, 2020

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

These 15 Stunning Photos Invite You to Take a Peek at the People, Places and Cultural Legacy of Picturesque Portugal

With its vibrant hues, vast landscapes and a venerable history, there’s much to love about the coastal country

Photographs selected by Donny Bajohr

the coast of Algarve
Rock formations pierce still waters as the sun sets along the coast of Algarve. Erika Valkovicova, 2020

Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is the oldest nation-state in Europe. Founded in 1143, it has a rich past that is evident in its architecture and well-preserved, centuries-old sites. Also, its customs, such as fado music or the azulejo tiles, date back hundreds of years. Visiting Portugal may feel like entering a portal where history has been frozen in time. Whether you want to tour pretty palaces in Lisbon or try perfectly aged ports in Douro Valley, at every corner there’s a lot to learn about the country’s traditions and culture. It’s little wonder that Portugal frequently tops lists of Europe’s best places to visit.

Carcavelos Beach
Carcavelos Beach, about 11 miles southwest of Lisbon, is one of Portugal's most popular destinations for a beach break. Ricardo Alves da silva, 2007
A young girl runs through the tea fields of Gorreana
A young girl runs through the tea fields of Gorreana, Europe’s oldest tea plantation, on São Miguel Island, Azores. Mark Mettler, 2025
The 25 de Abril Bridge
The 25 de Abril Bridge was originally named Salazar Bridge (Ponte Salazar), after the Portuguese dictator António Salazar. Following 1974’s Carnation Revolution, a largely bloodless military coup that overthrew Salazar’s regime on April 25, the bridge was renamed. Jacopo Gennari Feslikenian, 2021
red flowers over a a door way
As you travel through Portugal, every door is a piece of art. Maryanne Palik, 2022 Maryanne Palik, 2022
The fishing ship Aveirense floats along waters in the charming coastal city of Aveiro
The fishing ship Aveirense floats along waters in the charming coastal city of Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal.” Hermano Noronha, 2014
A color-clad musician entertains passers-by.
A color-clad musician entertains passers-by. Adam Jaenke, 2016
Alagoa Bay
The setting sun serves as a backdrop for these stone formations protruding from Alagoa Bay, a contrast to the fragile flora in the foreground. Michele Discardi, 2021
A woman walks along the pathways of the Jerónimos Monastery
A woman walks along the pathways of the Jerónimos Monastery as shadows and light emphasize the ornate architecture of the site. Antoni Cichy, 2016
Smoke from burning grapevine clippings rises above the Douro Valley
Smoke from burning grapevine clippings rises above the Douro Valley, where vineyards are carefully pruned in preparation for winter. Dustin Keirns, 2022
Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto
At night, the sight of a train gliding across the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge, in Porto, feels almost cinematic. Its lights streak through the darkness, tracing a glowing line above the Douro River. Ellen Hui, 2024
The iconic Belém Tower
The iconic Belém Tower, a 16th-century fortification in Lisbon, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Richard Vandegriend, 2017
Cristo Rei of Almada
The fog of the Tagus River engulfs most of Lisbon, except the Cristo Rei of Almada, which rises above the city. Adrinson Yanes Hernández, 2023
The colorful National Palace of Pena
The colorful National Palace of Pena, built during the 19th century and sitting atop a hill in Sintra, is visible from great distances. Megan Fischer, 2015
A lifeguard in Praia Grande
A lifeguard in Praia Grande seemingly does double duty, watching for possible emergencies in both the ocean and a swimming pool. Frederico Colarejo, 2013

Donny Bajohr is the associate photography editor at Smithsonian. You can follow him on Instagram @donny_bajohr.

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

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