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Discover the best and the beauty of Portugal with in-depth travel guides, inspiring videos, and insider tips on the best places to visit, explore, eat and stay across Portugal.
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Quinta da saraiva review – a boutique b&b in madeira, a quick guide to all portugal’s wine regions (mainland and islands), golf in tavira: the complete guide on where to play and stay, a quick guide to portugal’s 17 unesco world heritage sites, searching for sea caves sans crowds in the algarve.
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The 11 best places to visit in Portugal
Nov 17, 2023 • 7 min read
From the viewpoints of Lisbon to the beaches of the Algarve, here are the best places to go in Portugal © Gabriel Mello / Getty Images
Lisbon and Porto may get a lot of love, but there's so much more to Portugal than its captivating historic cities.
From golden beaches and mountainous peaks to lush river valleys, every region has its own diverse highlights across this small Iberian nation.
Finding the best places to go here depends largely on your own interests. If you’re after sun-kissed beaches and aquatic adventures, head to the Algarve ; for historic architecture-filled towns with a rich, traditional dining scene , aim for Évora. Start planning your itinerary now with our 11 favorite places to visit in Portugal.
Best for nightlife
Seven iconic hills overlook Lisbon 's postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, white-domed cathedrals and grand civic squares – a captivating scene crafted over centuries.
The Portuguese capital is packed with things to do , from browsing galleries (including the Museu Nacional do Azulejo with its trove of ceramic tiles) and exploring castles (such as the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge ) to satisfying your sweet tooth with the city's incredible pastéis de nata (custard tarts).
By night, Lisbon’s party people take over, filling old-school drinking dens, brassy jazz clubs and open-all-night clubs that burst into life once the sun goes down.
Planning tip: Lisbon has an emerging craft beer scene that you can experience at the city's breweries and bars .
Read more: Where locals go on vacation in Portugal
2. douro valley .
Best place to drink wine
One of Portugal’s most beautiful areas lies just east of Porto. Here, the meandering Rio Douro flows past towering hillsides covered by the steeply terraced vineyards that make up Europe’s oldest demarcated wine region. Whether you come by boat, train or car to the Douro Valley , you’ll be rewarded with astonishing views at every turn, especially as you near the lovely village of Pinhão in the heart of the region.
Planning tip: Many travelers dash in on a quick day trip, but to make the most of the region, spend the night at one of the vineyard-surrounded guesthouses in the area, such as Quinta Nova or the Casa Cimeira .
Best hilltop village
Wandering the tangle of ancient streets in the historic town of Óbidos is enchanting at any time of year, but come during one of its festivals and you're in for a special treat. Whether you fancy the idea of a mock-up jousting match at a medieval fair or delving into the written word at Folio – Portugal's biggest international literature festival – you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop.
Best for a fantastical escape
Less than an hour by train from the capital Lisbon, Sintra feels like another world. It's a great day trip away from the city hubbub. Like a setting from a fairy tale, this historic hillside township is sprinkled with stone-walled taverns and lorded over by a multicolored palace .
Forested hillsides form the backdrop to this storybook setting, with imposing castles, mystical gardens, strange mansions and centuries-old monasteries hidden among the trees. The fog that sweeps in by night adds another layer of mystery.
Planning tip: Chilly evenings are best spent by the fire in one of Sintra’s many charming B&Bs.
5. Setúbal Peninsula
Best for wild, cliff-backed beaches
South of Lisbon, the Setúbal Peninsula has long been the weekend playground of Lisboetas (Lisbon residents). A ferry ride, followed by a short bus or bicycle ride, takes you to the Costa da Caparica, a seemingly endless beachfront that gets wilder and less crowded the further south you go. If you want a surf lesson, some downtime on the sands, or a meal overlooking the lapping waves, this is the place to come.
If you’re seeking a bit more solitude, head down to the Parque Natural da Arrábida at the southern end of the peninsula. Here, you'll find cliffs covered with thick vegetation, picturesque coves and beaches such as Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, with fine sand, azure waters, and the ruins of an ancient site that dates back to Roman times.
Best for historical architecture
The heart of the Alentejo region, Évora is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, and it's an enchanting place to spend a couple of days. Inside the 14th-century walls, narrow, winding lanes lead to striking monuments, including an elaborate medieval cathedral, Roman ruins and a picturesque town square.
But this isn't a musty museum piece – Évora is also a lively university town, and its many restaurants serve up some excellent, hearty Alentejan cuisine.
Best for urban exploring
It would be hard to dream up a more romantic city than Porto . Portugal’s second-largest urban center is laced with narrow pedestrian lanes, baroque churches and cafe-dotted plazas, leading the eye down to the Douro River and its landmark bridges. Needless to say, there's no shortage of great experiences here . Start in the Ribeira district – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – then cross the bridge to explore centuries-old port wineries in Vila Nova de Gaia , where you can sip the world’s best port.
You can also learn about Porto’s history (both the drink and the city) and other facets of Portuguese identity at the World of Wine , a sprawling complex of museums, restaurants and bars overlooking the city. Though Porto is defined by its air of dignified history, modern architecture, cosmopolitan dining, vibrant nightlife and artistic activity are injecting new life into the city.
8. The Minho
Best for traditional villages and wilderness trails
The Portuguese have a special fondness for the Minho , a verdant region of vineyard-covered valleys, mountainous wilds, isolated beaches and picturesque river towns that seem little changed by time. The gateway to the region is Braga , a city with Roman ruins, a fabled medieval cathedral , and tranquil flower-trimmed plazas sprinkled with outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Further north, you’ll find Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês , a vast, rugged wilderness of dramatic peaks, meandering streams and frozen-in-time stone villages. Dozens of hiking trails crisscross the reserve, taking walkers past old Roman roads, castle ruins or sparkling waterfalls.
Planning tip: If you're here in summer, cool down in the idyllic swimming holes – these are among the best places to be in Portugal during the hot weather.
Best for a student vibe
Portugal’s most atmospheric college town, Coimbra , rises steeply from the Rio Mondego, and its handsome medieval quarter houses one of Europe’s oldest universities. Students roam the narrow streets clad in black capes, while the sound of fado (Portugal’s soulful traditional style of music) drifts through the Moorish town gates towards the stained-glass windows of the historic Café Santa Cruz .
Planning tip: Grown-ups may well appreciate the town’s student-driven nightlife and the medieval lanes of the steeply stacked historic center. Visitors with younger kids can keep busy at Portugal dos Pequenitos , a theme park with miniature versions of Portuguese monuments.
10. Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
Best for hiking and alpine activities in winter
The Serra da Estrela – Portugal’s highest mountain range – is the place to come for rugged scenery, outdoor adventures, and glimpses of a vanishing traditional way of life. Hikers can choose from an expansive network of high-country trails with stupendous vistas, and the region's fascinating mountain villages make perfect bases for outdoor adventures.
At the country’s highest point – the summit of Torre, artificially pushed to 2000m (6561ft) by the addition of a not-so-subtle stone monument – you can slalom down Portugal’s only ski slope. Oh, and did we mention the furry sheepdog puppies that frolic by the roadside? You’ll long to take one home.
11. The Algarve
Best for a relaxing family holiday
Sunseekers have much to celebrate in Portugal. Along the south coast, the Algarve is famed for its gorgeous and varied coastline – you can either join the crowds on the people-packed sands at major resorts or find seaside peace on dramatic wild beaches backed by wind-carved cliffs. Days are spent playing in the waves, taking long oceanfront strolls, or surfing some of Europe's most memorable breaks.
The Algarve is also one of the best places in Portugal for kids . You’ll find family-friendly beaches, water parks and plenty of outdoor adventures (from boating to hidden sea caves to exploring undeveloped islands).
Planning tip: There’s never a bad time to visit this region, with its 300 days of sunshine each year, though you’ll find the best prices and thinnest crowds in winter.
This article was first published June 2021 and updated November 2023
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20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Portugal — From Fairy-tale Castles to Charming Beach Towns
Take your pick of hilltop castles, sunny beaches, and time-worn villages.
Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.
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France and Spain have long taken center stage, with Portugal as a less-visited destination for in-the-know travelers. The tides are slowly turning and the small Iberian nation is, at long last, enjoying its well-deserved moment in the sun. The drawback to this increased attention? More tourists. Though it’s not like contending with a few crowds is going to put anyone off seeing Pena Palace or Jerónimos Monastery. And, of course, there are countless beautiful places to visit in Portugal, from the Azores and Madeira to the sun-splashed Algarve and even popular cities like Lisbon and Porto . This is to say that despite its relatively diminutive size, Portugal offers a treasure trove of natural, historical, and cultural wonders.
Cabo da Roca
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The westernmost point in continental Europe, Cabo da Roca exudes a wild, edge-of-the-Earth mystique. Waves crash against the rocks, tourists standing atop sheer cliffs stare out at nothing but blue to the horizon, and a historic lighthouse guides boats sailing along the rugged coast.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
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The majesty of São Miguel never ceases to amaze. Topping the list for many travelers visiting the volcanic main island in the Azores archipelago are the famous and impossibly photogenic twin crater lakes, Lagoa Azul ("blue lagoon") and Lagoa Verde ("green lagoon").
Pena Palace
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One of the most beautiful places in Europe , Pena Palace is a hilltop Romanticist castle and the crown jewel of Sintra. Its candy-colored facade and sweeping terraces draw shutter-happy tourists from near and far. The stately interiors are filled with antiques, while the surrounding park provides tree-shaded pathways.
Levadas da Madeira
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The Levadas da Madeira is a system of historic irrigation canals built across the island to carry water from the high-altitude slopes to sugar cane fields, farmlands, and cities. Hiking trails that run along the waterways give travelers a close-up look at the UNESCO-listed laurel forests.
Jerónimos Monastery
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One of the most-visited landmarks in Lisbon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the late Gothic Manueline-style Jerónimos Monastery stands tall as an enduring symbol of power dating back to the Age of Discovery. The block-long complex continues to impress with its magnificent maritime details, cloisters, and tombs.
Algar de Benagil
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This fantastical seaside cave that’s reachable by boat doesn’t even look real. Sun beams in through the hole on the top, bathing the enclosed beach in light, and turquoise waters lap the sand.
Clérigos Church
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Clérigos Church is a must-see on any trip to Porto . While the artifacts and organ concerts certainly wow, both are overshadowed by the iconic 75-meter-tall bell tower, which visitors can climb for 360-degree views of the city (and a serious workout).
Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure
Nazaré lures fearless surfers and attracts many curious tourists thanks to the larger-than-life swells that were the subject of the documentary “100 Foot Wave.” The huge breaks mean you’re likely not going to paddle out, but it’s worth the drive to see the enormous waves crash into the rocks and grab lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Vila Franca Islet
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Located off the coast of São Miguel , the Vila Franca Islet looks otherworldly from above and just as pretty up close. The circular saltwater lagoon, which was formed by the crater of an ancient volcano, is ringed by lush vegetation. In the summer, it’s popular for swimming, snorkeling, birdwatching, and cliff diving (if you dare).
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Situated about an hour from Lisbon, Comporta is a low-key fishing village turned in-the-know summer hotspot with cork trees, rice fields, and blissful beaches. During the warmer months, it’s well worth vying for a spot on the brilliant white sand of Praia Comporta.
Douro Valley
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The oldest demarcated wine region in the world and the birthplace of port, Douro Valley wows viticulture enthusiasts and casual sippers. A mix of rolling vineyards, historic quintas, boat rides along its namesake river, and excellent restaurants means there’s plenty to appreciate besides incredible pours.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
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Set in northern Portugal near the Spanish border, Peneda-Gerês National Park spans yellow-tinged hills, granite peaks, high-flowing streams, mixed forests, and Roman relics. Native wildlife — including the Pyrenean desman, Iberian frog, and Barrosã cattle — also call this protected land home.
Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools
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The north coast of Madeira brims with beautiful spots to take a dip, none more iconic than Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools . The Mother Nature-made lagoons off the shore of Porto Moniz were formed by volcanic rocks and filled with the tides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Poço da Alagoinha
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Majestic waterfalls are one of the many enticements of the Azores. Poço da Alagoinha on the island of Flores is a stunning example with multiple cascades that gush from lush, vegetation-covered cliffs down to a pristine lagoon.
Parque Natural da Arrábida
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Parque Natural da Arrábida shows off many of Portugal’s best assets. Fine sand beaches fade into blue waters, towering cliffs rise from the sea, verdant vegetation covers the mountain peaks, and scenic hiking trails wind through the spellbinding scenery.
Azenhas do Mar
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Of all the charming coastal towns in Portugal, Azenhas do Mar deserves special mention. Small in size, with just 800 inhabitants, whitewashed houses, and commanding sea views, it’s a postcard-worthy setting to sip local wine, savor regional seafood dishes, and swim in the natural rock pool.
Castelo de Guimarães
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Mystery and legend still swirl around Castelo de Guimarães. A major presence in Portuguese history, the castle was built under the orders of Mumadona Dias in the 10th century to serve as a place of refuge from and protection against attacks perpetrated by Vikings and Moors.
Jamie Ditaranto/Travel + Leisure
Sagres sits on a windswept headland at the western tip of southern Portugal. Sunny skies, dramatic sea cliffs, and uncrowded beaches make this tiny fishing village deserving of a detour. It’s also a surfer’s paradise that provides plenty of both beginner-friendly breaks and expert-level barrels.
Quinta do Barbusano
Tucked away in the mountains on the north side of Madeira, Quinta do Barbusano invites visitors to savor the flavors of the island with wine tastings and traditional espetada (beef skewer) meals overlooking the São Vicente Valley. It’s also possible to do a short hike to nearby Nossa Senhora Fátima Chapel for even more breathtaking vistas.
Livraria Lello
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Livraria Lello shows off opulent staircases, an ornate stained-glass ceiling, and towering shelves packed with tomes. Harry Potter fans might notice a connection between the magical interiors of the historic bookstore and some Hogwarts scenes. It’s widely known that J.K. Rowling frequented the shop during her time in Porto.
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Visit Portugal is the official web resource for travel and tourism to Portugal. See our suggestions to plan your trip at: www.visitportugal.com
I recently returned from traveling around Portugal and I want to share with you my favorite places. Enjoy this travel guide featuring the most beautiful dest...
Check out all the places seen in this video: https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-portugal/Located on the western coast of the Iberian peninsula,...
In this travel talk, Rick Steves' Europe travel expert Rich Earl describes Portugal's top stops — from lively Lisbon to second city Porto, from college town Coimbra to rustic Évora, and from the vineyards of the Douro Valley to the beaches of the Algarve — and explains practical travel skills for visiting Portugal, including advice on eating, sleeping, getting around, and more.
Portugal has an oversized history, fascinating culture, and boatloads of sardines. Saving the capital city of Lisbon for another episode, we'll dance on the beach at Nazaré, marvel at a medieval abbey in Batalha, visit a royal library and revel with university students in Coimbra, savor port wine with the people who made it along the Douro River, and get to know Portugal's gritty and ...
In this travel class, Rick Steves takes us on a journey through Portugal's modern capital city, charming small towns, beautiful seacoast, delicious food and wine, and soulful music with stops in lively Lisbon, the Algarve coast, the Alentejo's Évora, the coastal town of Nazaré, the college town of Coimbra, the vineyards of the Douro Valley, and intriguingly chaotic Porto.
Discover the best and the beauty of Portugal with in-depth travel guides, inspiring videos, and insider tips on the best places to visit, explore, eat and stay across Portugal. Meet Portugal's New MICHELIN Starred Restaurants For 2024 February 28, 2024 / by Daniel James Clarke.
Portugal is one of the world's most beautiful countries! From boating on the Algarve Coast to exploring the castles of Sintra, Portugal offers so much variet...
Start planning your itinerary now with our 11 favorite places to visit in Portugal. 1. Lisbon. Best for nightlife. Seven iconic hills overlook Lisbon 's postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, white-domed cathedrals and grand civic squares - a captivating scene crafted over centuries.
Programe a sua viagem a Portugal. Procure o romance, encontre cultura, viva a aventura ou recupere a tranquilidade. Portugal é o seu destino de férias. Informação útil sobre Alojamento, Gastronomia, Golfe, Património, Sol e Mar, Natureza, Talassoterapia, Atividades.
Slow Travel in Portugal. Go, wander, get lostPortugal is a perfect destination all year round. But to truly experience the soul of Portugal, it is essential to slow down and take the time to explore the country's hidden gems and lesser-known regions.Just let yourself go and (...) Find out more.
20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Portugal — From Fairy-tale Castles to Charming Beach Towns. Take your pick of hilltop castles, sunny beaches, and time-worn villages.
Claudia da Costa. Claudia is an excellent guide (mobile +351 965-560-216, [email protected]). Fado music. While authentically traditional, most Lisbon fado bars cater to tourists these days; even the seemingly homemade "fado tonight" (fado esta noite) signs are mostly for tourist shows. Still, if you choose well — and can find a convivial restaurant with relatively reasonable prices and ...
There is a new version of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOVmw00y5iA
Day 4: Coimbra. Journeying south, your next stop is the city of Coimbra. The capital city of Portugal during the Middle Ages, Coimbra's greatest claim to fame is its distinguished university. One day is the perfect amount of time to see the city's main sights before moving on.
Portugal has 7 regions, which means that it has a lot to visit and discover, but there are more reasons to make it a good choice and to be on the list of trips to do in life.The country's history and culture, gastronomy and wines, are among the main attractions, not to mention the beaches, surfing, golf, the varied landscapes and, above all, the Portuguese people, who are seen
Lisbon, built with the riches of Portugal's New World discoveries, has a rustic charm. We'll remember great navigators, eat lots of cod, enjoy pastries hot out of the oven, stroll the city's back lanes and its reinvigorated waterfront, marvel at an exquisite church built with spice taxes, and enjoy some soulful fado music. Then we'll side-trip to Sintra to explore the fanciful castles of ...
Are you thinking of visiting Portugal and wondering where to go? In this video, we cover the very best places in Portugal. From major cities to smaller town...
Enjoy our Portugal travel guide! In this video we're sharing: our Portugal itinerary, budget, costs, best activities, links, highlights, money tips, transpor...
Perched on the Atlantic on the far edge of Europe, Portugal preserves a salty, traditional culture. Gnarled fishermen still mend their nets, and rustically clad women sell fish and produce in markets. But along with the old, you'll also find the modern, especially in the culturally rich capital of Lisbon and the second city of Porto. If your idea of good travel includes friendly locals (who ...
Rick's Best Two-Week Portugal Trip (by Car) Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon (sleep in Lisbon) Day 2: Lisbon (sleep in Lisbon) Day 3: Lisbon (sleep in Lisbon) Day 4: Lisbon, or side-trip to Sintra by train (sleep in Lisbon) Day 5: Morning in Lisbon; in the afternoon, pick up car and drive 3 hours to the Algarve (sleep in Salema)