There are plenty of options when looking for the best places to visit in Portugal. Portugal remains one of the most captivating and culturally rich European destinations that offers travelers a diverse range of experiences. You’ll love the historic cities, breathtaking coastlines, stunning views, friendly locals, and quaint towns.
There are also bustling cities, remote workspaces, and plenty of expat communities. Hence you are sure to have a fantastic time visiting this amazing country. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the best places to visit in Portugal, highlighting each destination’s unique attractions and experiences.
The Best places to visit in Portugal
1. Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern attractions. Yes, Lisbon invites you to a cacophony of fascinating places to visit. You’ll love exploring the narrow streets of the historic Alfama district. While there, stop at the many restaurants along the Tagus River and sample some local seafood.
You can also visit the iconic Belem Tower and marvel at the intricate architecture of the Jeronimos Monastery and the Castelo de Sao Jorge. Other fascinating places include the Praca do Comercio (the heart of Lisbon), with architecture dating to the 18th century. The Torre de Belem, Bairro Alto, and the Museu Nacional do Azulejo are also waiting to be explored.
Next, sample delicious Portuguese cuisine, such as the city’s incredible pasties de nata (custard tards), and experience the soulful Fado music in lively local taverns. The music is a delightful, wistful melody that drifts from the many intimate restaurants. Also, plan to visit the trendy Chiado, where you’ll discover the world’s oldest bookshop.
Remember to visit the boho-chick Bairro Alto neighborhood, where you can enjoy crisp, cold Sagres beer as the night passes. If you also love the night light, then Lisbon won’t disappoint. Say hello to old-school drinking dens, brassy jazz clubs, and open-all-night clubs ready to crown your visit.
2. Porto
Situated along the Douro River, Porto is renowned for its world-famous Port wine production and charming cityscape. It is Portugal’s second city and is known for its old and colorful townscape. You’ll love the gleaming azulejo tiles around the Sao Bento station. There is also a fascinating list of medieval palaces, cathedrals, and gardens to wander through and bask in their fantastic site. You can also take a stroll through the picturesque Ribeira district.
Another thing to do is visit the historic Dom Luis I Bridge and embark on a wine-tasting tour in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto is also known for its cuisine. Here, even simple dishes like a ham and steak sandwich taste glorious. Take advantage of the opportunity to cruise along the Douro River, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Douro Valley.
3. Sintra
Nestled amidst the lush Serra de Sintra mountains, Sintra offers a fairytale-like experience with its captivating palaces, castles, and gardens.
Explore the colorful Pena Palace with its eclectic architectural style. This stunning Romantic palace sits on a hill overlooking the town. The Pena Palance is another place with its gorgeously landscaped garden filled with exotic flowers and plants. Visiting the Moorish Castle and Monserrate Palace is a must for history enthusiasts. Beyond that, you can see the Sintra National Palace, a beautiful 15th-century palace in the heat of the city that was once the residence of the Portuguese royal family.
At the center also stands the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, a stunning masterpiece with secret tunnels and romantic gardens. For outdoor enthusiasts, the amazing Serra de Singra is a lovely mountain range outside of Sintra. It is known for its hiking trails and rich history. Overall, this charming storybook Portuguese town has many great places to enjoy.
4. Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is a magnificent wine region renowned for its terraced vineyards and scenic beauty. Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Douro River, passing through the enchanting landscapes. Visit the charming vineyards and indulge in wine-tasting experiences. The Quinta do Seizo wineries are a must-see, with numerous organized tours, wine tastings, and feasts on gourmet products.
Opt to stay in a unique vineyard accommodation, immersing yourself in the ambiance of this picturesque region. While there, you can also explore rock art at the Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley, the largest open-air museum of the Paleolithic.
Even so, Three viewpoints also await you, and you need a proper camera to enjoy them. For instance, the Sao Salvador do Mundo invites you to explore a small set of chapels in the left margin of the Douro. You can also admire Mirandela, Vila Real, and Braganca from the viewpoint of Sao Domingos. To crown it all, take a boat tour of the Douro River and immerse yourself fully in this enchanting region.
5. Coimbra
Coimbra, a city known for its prestigious university, is steeped in history and culture. Explore the illustrious University of Coimbra and its impressive library. The Baroque-styled Bibilio Teca Joanina, the library has been listed many times as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Check out other ancient buildings such as the St Michael’s Chapel, a small chapel hosting an organ with 2,000 pipes, the Sao Miguel Chapel, and the Royal Palace. Also recently opened is the Cabinet of Curiosity, where you’ll find many objects from different lifestyles spanning over seven centuries.
Wander through the old town’s narrow streets and visit the stunning Coimbra Cathedral. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the atmospheric Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, situated on the banks of the Mondego River.
6. Ericeira
Ericeira is a fantastic place to visit, especially if you are a surfer. This small coastal town has become a sought-after destination for adventurous wave riders. It’s a great place just North of Lisbon, and you can reach it by bus in under an hour.
You’ll find surfers riding the magnificent waves and eager crowds admiring their athletic feats here. Whether you choose to surf or come to join the crowds watching, there’s a ton of fun waiting for you. If you want to learn to surf, Ericeira has many surf schools around town.
Beyond watching the surfers or surfing, you’ll also enjoy fresh, delicious seafood at the many restaurants in Ericeira. All you have to do is pick your table and load up on sardines and octopus salad. To crown your visit, take a day trip to Praia da Ursa, located on the tip of the Sintra coast. There, you can hike, wander around, and take Instagrammable shots. You’ll also love visiting the Azehans do Mar, Praia das Macas, and Praia da Adragra, some of the many protected beaches in the region.
7. Obidos
Obidos is also one of the best places to visit in Portugal. You’ll love how romantic, charming, and picture-perfect this little down is. The beauty of this place is in its whitehouses framed with gorgeous flowers and souvenir shops, all encased in hulking castle walls.
Even so, you must visit Porta da Vila, Obidos’ main gateway, famous for its beautifully tiled balcony. See the Castle of Obidos, a historic building dating back to the 11 century and now a 4-star hotel and restaurant. Stroll along the Rua Dirieta, the main street that runs through the heart of Obidos.
Remember to taste its signature liqueur, the Ginja de Obidos, a fascinating cherry liqueur served in tiny chocolate cups. This drink was once offered as a wedding gift from Portuguese kings to their queens. It’s also one of the reasons the town has a reputation as one of the most romantic destinations in Portugal.
8. Braga
Braga is Portugal’s fourth-largest city and is known for its youthful and vibrant population. It is a fantastic place often visited by students from the University of Minho, which is situated nearby. You’ll find many cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants here.
Beyond its upbeat atmosphere, people also visit to enjoy the extraordinary Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. This unique cathedral is situated on a hill surrounded by gardens. Tourists often love climbing the 116m (381ft) of stairs to enjoy the magnificent scenery at the top.
Braga also has several museums waiting to be explored. One such is the Biscainhous Ainhos Museum, known for its architectural masterpieces and gorgeously landscaped place gardens.
9. Evora
Stepping into Evora feels like stepping back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the well-preserved Roman Temple of Evora remains and a magnificent Gothic Cathedral. Evora is the capital city of Alentejo. You’ll love visiting the ancient aqueducts, bridge-climbing Moorish walls, narrow alleys, and old churches.
Another fascinating spot is the Roman Temple of Diana, Evora’s most iconic landmark, built over 2000 years ago. The Almendres Cromlech is also a remarkable spot surrounded by prehistoric monuments. It is called Portuguese Stonhedge for its 100 oval boulders, creating a circle. Experts state that it was once used for sacred rituals and astronomical observations.
Take a walk through the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, visit the unique Chapel of Bones with its macabre decor, and soak in the rich history and architectural beauty of this charming city. Even so, Evora is a lively university town. So you can walk into its many restaurants and get a taste of the enchanting Alentejan cuisine.
10. Alentejo
The Alentejo region is one of the best places to visit in Portugal. As mentioned earlier, its capital is Evora. One thing that makes this region stand out is its overwhelming number of historical sites like the Cathedral of Evora. Alenjeto is also home to picture-perfect villages where you can hike or walk in nature.
Beja is also a great city with great architectural landmarks like the castle. Alentejo also features some of the best beaches in Portugal, much quieter than the beaches in Algarve and Lisbon. Remember to enjoy Portuguese comfort foods such as the Alenjejo bread stews (Acorda) there, alongside the amazing wine.
11. Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
The Serra da Estrella is the highest mountain range in Portugal. It’s the place to visit if you want plenty of outdoor adventures, rugged scenery, and a peek at a vanishing way of living. Hikers love taking any of the expansive network of high country trails. You’ll also love visiting the many stunning mountain villages that encompass the region. One fascinating thing you should know about the region is the summit of Torre. This is the country’s highest point, although it was artificially pushed to 2000.
Beyond hiking, skiing is also a great activity in Serra da Estrela, especially around November to December, to enjoy at Etancia de Ski. Crown your visit to the region by learning the full story of cheese making in the area at the Museo do Queijo. This cheese museum is located in the small village of Peraboa. Other landmarks include the Senhora da Boa Estrela, a spectacular bas-relief 7m (23ft) sculpture carved into the rock by Antonio Duarte in 1946. Serra de Estela also boasts several other fascinating landmarks, such as churches and manor houses, waiting to be explored.
12. Madeira
Madeira is one of the best places to visit in Portugal. The beautiful island destination in the Atlantic Ocean is known for its lush landscapes and botanical gardens. Explore Funchal’s vibrant capital city, and take a cable car ride to enjoy panoramic views. Hike through the verdant Levada trails or relax on the sandy beaches.
Don’t forget to indulge in the island’s famous Madeira wine and sample local delicacies. Madeira is significantly more popular among older people seeking sunshine. But in recent years, the capital, Funchal, has become known for throwing one of the world’s best New Year’s Eve parties.
13. Faro
Faro is the Algarve’s capital. Despite its touristic location, the entire town remains a quintessential setup with cobbled streets and ancient buildings such as the 13th-century cathedral. This cathedral is massive, with fortified tower guards on the outside and gorgeous azulejo tiles on the inside. Faro also has a fascinating number of beaches that can be teeming with tourists depending on the time and season.
You’ll also love visiting Barreta Island, a tiny uninhabited island and popular beach destination. Here, you can lounge in the sand or enjoy seeing the wildlife that often takes refuge. Olhao is also a beautiful and famous seaside tourist town you want to take advantage of. It’s a great place to visit when seeking wide beaches and great seafood.
14. Lagos
Lagos is an amazing place to visit in the Algarve. And unlike many of the region’s towns, it still maintains its authentic charm. You’ll love the 18th-century townhouses, Baroque churches, bars, and restaurants clustered around the boat-bobbing Bensafrim River. There’s also the medieval castle to visit alongside the Lagos Zoo. The Zoologico de Lagos is home to over 140 species and is a top choice for families visiting the region.
You can also head to Sagres, which sits atop a headland at the western tip of the Algarve. Until the discovery of the Americas, Sagres was believed to be the end of the world. Surfers also flock to this fishing town to ride the waves and enjoy the scenery at Cape Saint Vincent.
15. The Algarve
The Algarve region boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe. From cliff-lined coves to vast stretches of golden sand, there is a beach for everyone. The Algarve is the best place to be when the weather is warm. You’ll love the manicured golf courses, whitewashed settlements, and excellent resorts. Yes, the Algarve is the destination for tourists with its tiny fishing villages, coves, and stunning waters enveloped by dramatic cliffs.
Some fascinating places to enjoy include the stunning Praia da Marinha, famous for its dramatic sea stacks, or unwind on the expansive Praia da Falésia. The Algarve offers adrenaline seekers excellent water sports and golfing opportunities. Beyond that, the Algarve boasts several water parks, family-friendly beaches, and outdoor adventures waiting.
Wrapping Up
There are many more fascinating spots in Portugal that cater to every traveler’s taste. From the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto’s riverside charm to the fairy-tale setting of Sintra and the sun-soaked beaches of the Algarve, Portugal enchants visitors with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. That said, here are our best places to visit in Portugal to help you start planning your itinerary. Embark on an unforgettable journey through Portugal and create memories that will last a lifetime.
