Weekend in Portugal, 4 must-see destinations

Want to spend a weekend in Portugal? Discover our 4 tourist destinations for an unforgettable stay!

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4 destinations for an unforgettable weekend in Portugal

In the west of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is renowned for its beaches, its heritage and its magnificent landscapes.

Why not spend a short holiday in this magnificent country?
Book your flight from Lyon to Portugal, and discover some of the most beautiful aspects of this destination for a weekend!

1. Lisbon, the city of seven hills

Lisbon, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, was once the beating heart of an empire that spanned several continents. This sumptuous past has left the city with many monuments that continue to delight visitors from all over the world. During your stay in Lisbon, you can admire the Belem Tower, the São Jorge Castle, the Santa Maria Maior Cathedral or the Hieronymites Monastery. Your weekend in Lisbon also includes visits to museums. The Calouste-Gulbenkian Museum, the Museu do Azulejos, the Berardo Museum, the Carmo Archaeological Museum and the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga are among the most famous.

Want to soak up the soul of Lisbon? Stroll through the streets of the Alfama, a district (bairro) with an inimitable charm. Looking for a livelier destination? The Baixa, in the city centre, is home to many shops and entertainment venues. Want to discover the contemporary face of the city? The Parc des Nations, which hosted the 1998 Universal Exhibition, has a resolutely modern architecture. It is home to the second largest aquarium in Europe, the Oceanário de Lisboa.

Your weekend in Lisbon also invites you to take a gourmet break and discover Portuguese gastronomy. Cod, which is ubiquitous, does not sum up Lisbon's terroir on its own. Restaurants also serve Bife à Café, a steak covered in sauce, or Carne de Porco com Amêijoas, made with clams and pork.

Book your flight from Lyon to Lisbon, and visit a magnificent city for a weekend in Portugal!

2. Porto, the undefeated city

Sometimes called the capital of the North, Porto is located in a privileged position at the mouth of the Douro River. The city is best discovered on foot, walking through the small streets full of history, with an old-fashioned and nostalgic atmosphere. The historic Baixa de Porto is simply a must-see. Harry Potter fans can enter the Lello & Irmao bookshop, which inspired J.K Rowling. Vila Nova de Gaia is home to a large number of wine cellars where you can sample (in moderation) the alcoholic beverage for which the city is famous. Near the Avenue of the Allies, the more than 100-year-old Bolhão Market immerses you in the soul of Porto.

Porto is home to many witnesses to its rich past, which have become popular tourist attractions. You can admire the Cathedral of Porto, the Church of the Clerics and its tower, the Porto-São Bento Station, the Stock Exchange Palace. Your cultural visit is completed by the discovery of the Portuans museums. Don't miss the Soares dos Reis National Museum, the oldest public museum in Portugal, or look to the future by entering the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves.

Would you like to discover Portuguese gastronomy? There are many specialities to choose from in Portugal's restaurants. Francesinha, Bacalhau in Gomes de Sa or Ameijãos in Bulhão Pato will delight your taste buds!

Book your flight from Lyon to Porto and head for the north of Portugal!

3. Faro, the extreme south of Portugal

The city has an admirable historical heritage. During a stay in Faro, walk the cobblestones of the Largo da Sé square, admire the Arco da Vila, a richly decorated entrance gate, discover the mediaeval cathedral of Faro or the baroque church of the Carmelites, shiver in front of the walls covered with bones of the Capela dos Ossos!

Faro is also known for its sunny climate. Faro's coastline is home to heavenly beaches, with golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see. Water sports abound, and cafes, bars and restaurants welcome you for a gourmet break overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park provides a haven for an incredible wealth of flora and fauna. Nature and birdwatching enthusiasts can follow the hiking trails that wind through the maze of canals and islands, or embark on a boat trip for a discovery by sea.

Book your flight from Lyon to Faro and fly to the beaches of southern Portugal!

4. Madeira, the land of eternal spring

Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, the island is renowned for its generous climate and unspoilt nature. Would you like to spend a weekend with your feet in the water? Would you like to enjoy a change of scenery, in contact with nature? Madeira invites you to enjoy unforgettable experiences in the heart of a unique tourist destination between Africa and Europe.

The island's capital, Funchal, seduces travellers with its historic centre of colonial architecture and monuments. The cathedral, with its blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the Santiago Fortress, with its cannons pointing out to sea, complete the postcard setting. We invite you to visit the Farmers' Market, for an immersion in Madeiran culture. You can also visit the Madeira Botanical Garden. Built in a belvedere, it has several thousand exotic plants from all over the world.

The coastline is home to the vast majority of the population and is the focus of tourist activities. The fishing and yachting harbours invite you to take to the sea or to stroll along the quays, the beaches awaken in you the desire to dive, or promise you long hours of idleness in the sun.

For nature lovers, there are many outdoor activities. Hiking trails run along the coast, inland, and along ancient volcanoes. The island also offers a great playground for mountain bikers, who can contemplate Madeira's enchanting landscapes while riding along the marked trails.

Book your flight from Lyon to Funchal and fly to the island of a thousand flowers!