City: Portugal
Top Things to do in Portugal
Countries
Things to do in Portugal, Portugal: The Best Ancient Ruins
– in Europe (green & dark grey)
– in the European Union (green)
Restaurants in Portugal
1. Cerro da Vila
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Reviewed By rhonaiainf - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Never been to the Algarve, never been to Vilamoura. Only new it for Marina, golf & where footballers of the 80/90s hung out! So pleasantly surprised to find one of the best kept archeological sites we have visited, and we have visited a few! ( just ask the kids????) For only €3 per person you are given free range to walk around the dig site & small museum. The Roman bath unearthed is probably the best seen outside of Bath in terms of not being a pile of stones!!
2. Museu Monografico de Conimbriga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By GeoSKW - Santa Fe, United States
On our trip, we visited Roman ruins in four countries and this site is both unique and has an interesting history. The site is only 17% excavated according to the knowledgeable gentleman at the ticket desk. We were very impressed by the museum. In comparison with other museums we visited at Roman ruins, this museum stands out for its excellent exhibits and artifacts of daily life... tools, surgical instruments, glass, jewelry, etc. We highly recommend visiting this museum. There is also a very good restaurant at the site.
3. Centro Interpretativo dos Almendres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,259 reviews
Reviewed By remcoh127 - Santa Barbara de Nexe, Portugal
The 8,000 year old, Cromeleque dos Almendres near Guadelupe (Évora, Alentejo) dates from the new Stone Age and Bronze Age. The double stone circle is made up of 95 egg-shaped megaliths and is located on top of a hill. There is a rolling landscape with cork oaks all around; the view is beautiful. The standing stones of the Almendres Cromlech are regarded as the finest example of Neolithic structures that remain on the Iberian Peninsula. Thankfully, the local government has not cordoned or fenced off the stones and visitors are free to wander around the entire site and even touch the stones. This relaxed approach extends to the management of the site, there is no entrance fee and the stones are open to visit at any time. You need a car to reach the stones from the visitors centre over a unpaved track of 4 km, walking is not advised because you share the track with cars. The atmosphere is peaceful and you experience a magical sentiment when think this was build 6.000 B.C.
4. Citania de Briteiros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By ottawahound
About 10 km past Bom Jesus on the winding N309 heading southeast from Braga towards Guimarães, Citânia de Briteiros makes for a fascinating visit of a well-developed civilization from the Iron Age, one which the Romans chose to not attempt to conquer. The visitor centre provides a good self-guided tour map. One of the final stops that should not to be missed is the ruins of a public bath, discovered during road construction in the 1930s. Artifacts from the site are on display both at the Museu Da Cultura Castreja in the village of Briteiros and at the Martins Sarmento Society Archaeological Museum in Guimarães.
5. Paco dos Condes de Barcelos
6. Muralhas do Castelo Rodrigo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By shop4u18
Castelo Rodrigo is truly a step back in time. The steep cobblestone paths , ancient walls, and cultures of three religions all meld into this historical village. Walk into the shops. Hand crafted items ,from Local Portuguese craftsmen are offered... handmade toys, cork products, beautiful sweaters, scarves and baby cloths! Try the delicious almonds... and purchase an assortment! Also olive oils, hand made soaps and balms. Have a coffee. Enjoy the non touristy feel of this exceptional village. Be warned! The streets are ancient stones! Wear comfortable ,lug sole shoes. Have a sweater, or jacket as the top of the village gets windy! Walk through the ruins imaging the past inhabitants and their daily life!
7. Lapa de Santa Margarida
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By ZedDubai - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It wasn't easy to find it. I followed google maps as much as possible to the road leading to Praia dos Pilotos (and the road is closed in summer right there), then asked a local kiosk who led me to the top of the stairs. Mind you, the decent on stairs takes 10-15 minutes (and you have to go back up), and the path is narrow with long bushes at times. But you literally descend to sea level, and the entrance to the cave is amazing. The church is speechless, especially with the sound of breaking waves right next to you. It's dark, and may be spooky for small children, but magnificent to visit. It's quite a shame that it's polluted with graffiti.
8. Ruinas Romanas de Bobadela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By GraceKent
Terrific experience. Very accessible history and museum and ruins. Active archeological site with digs and discoveries going on. Museum is excellent. The coliseum is breathtaking..... This is a special opportunity.
9. Municipio de Silves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
The SILVES MEDIEVAL FAIR takes place in August, in the historic centre of this Algarve city. Ten days of historical re-enactment of the medieval era of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of the Algarve. Silves Municipal Council, the fair's organiser, continues its support of this nationally renowned event, which promises to be one of the most exciting events on the region's summer calendar.
Reviewed By xxluvleaxx - Chester, United Kingdom
(Actually visited with my sister and adult daughter but for some reason trip advisor doesn't give just a 'family' option ????♀️) Silves was really one of the highlights of our recent trip to the Algarve. We first visited on a coach trip historical tour but had less than an hour there, we decided there was much more we wanted to see/do/photograph so we made a decision to visit again by local bus from Albufeira. Lots of nice shops selling things you don't see in the more popular towns, beautiful buildings and nice historical places to visit that cost a couple of €'s We visited the castle, archeology museum and cathedral as well as the roman bridge and walked to the cross of Portugal on the outskirts of town. We had lovely Bifanas in a cafe for just €1.75 and the absolute best thing about it all was the Storks nesting everywhere! Such a beautiful place. would be an absolute dream to live in such a place.
10. Roman Ruins and Museum of Conimbriga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By suehQ3110XL - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
It's hard to believe that these ruins have been around for 2 centuries, been buried under soil, and yet still are so beautifully preserved. A visit to Conimbriga is worth it for sure. Catch the bus from the Joalta stop on the river near the bridge. Leave on the 09h30 bus and return on the 13h30 one. The bus route goes through the villages along the way.
