Gap Year Programs in Portugal

In a country with so much to offer, it would be tempting to spend your entire gap year in Portugal traveling from city to city—especially visiting the most popular places like Porto, Lisbon, Braga, Coimbra, Sintra, and Madeira.

Porto is famous for its wine and exquisite architecture. Lisbon, where many Portugal gap years are spent, boasts the beautiful hand-painted tiles known as azulejos—and a vibrant nightlife. Braga, with its religious festivals, and Coimbra, known for its 500-year old university, are lesser-known but will stun you with their beauty and culture. There are wonderful things to see in every area of the country, but there are a few places you’ll definitely not want to miss!

Sintra. The resort town of Sintra is located near enough to Lisbon to be accessible as a weekend trip, but you’ll want to stay much longer than that once you make your way into the mountains for which the town is named. Poems have been written about the beauty of the Palace of Mafra’s Convent, while landmarks like the Pena Palace is an inspired example of the area’s Moorish influences. If you want to walk along the sea cliffs or hike in the foothills, you can do that, too. Sintra is truly a town with something for everyone—but especially for those seeking some outdoor adventure.

Madeira. The sweet, fortified wine that comes from Madeira is a prize for those who enjoy a good port, but that’s not all that this archipelago of four small islands off the coast has to offer. A mix of volcanic inlets, wild terrain, hiking trails, museums, and seaside communities, Madeira is a must-see for anyone who would enjoy scouting for lizards, eating fresh seafood, or listening to traditional music while surrounded by high cliffs and pebble beaches. And if scuba diving is your thing, why not consider spending your gap year in Portugal getting certified to work as a scuba instructor?