Best Places to Visit in Portugal: Portugal, located on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe due to its spectacular scenery, favorable weather, and reasonable airfares. Portugal’s diverse geography extends from the lush mountains and vineyards of the north to the charming beaches of the Faroe Islands along the southern coastline. Belonging to Portugal but located in the Atlantic Ocean are the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, known for their lush landscapes and flowering gardens. These are some of the top tourist destinations in Portugal.
16 Monsaraz
With a grand palace as well as a stunning setting, the hill village of Monsaraz is certainly very picturesque. The white-washed houses contrast sharply with the greenery and brown colors of the surrounding countryside. As it is located right across the Spanish border in Portugal, Monsaraz has long occupied a strategic position; Thus, everyone from the Romans and Visigoths to the Moors and the Knights Templar has ruled the city at some level.
15 Nazare, Best Places to Visit in Portugal
The small town of Nazaré is situated in a beautiful location, surrounded by rugged coastal cliffs and beautiful beaches. The city has long attracted surfers to its shores, thanks to the fierce waves that rise from the Nazaré Valley below the sea. While riding the record-breaking waves is a popular pastime, many people also prefer to relax on its golden sands or enjoy its panoramic coastal views. Fantastic seafood restaurants, charming boutiques, and quiet pensions abound in the center of Nazare. It also has a few churches and museums for visitors to visit, as well as a beautiful funicular that takes you to the top of a nearby hill.
14 Peneda-Geres National Park
Located in the northwest of the country on the border with Spain, Peneda-Geres is a beautiful place to visit and is Portugal’s only national park. Established in 1971, it protects precious landscapes and ecosystems, as well as countless villages located in beautiful and secluded locations. Spread over a vast area, the park encompasses everything from vast valleys and lush green forests to high foothills and fast-flowing rivers. Many excellent hiking paths and camping sites can be found around its peaks and plateaus.
13 Braga
The country’s third-largest city, Braga is located in the north of Portugal, surrounded by gently rolling hills and fertile fields. Although it is known as the ‘Archbishop’s City’, there is much more to it than just churches, with a charming old town and vibrant nightlife. While its historic center is full of winding narrow streets and beautiful grounds, there is a young and vibrant feel about the city due to its large student population. As such, inexpensive but excellent cafes and restaurants abound. One of the city’s most famous attractions is the tranquil mountain sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which offers stunning views of the surroundings.
12 Tomar
One of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in Portugal, Tomar is located in the center of the country, surrounded by fertile farmland. Since it was once the headquarters of the Knights Templar, its ancient streets are home to important historical and religious monuments. While centuries-old churches abound, its main attractions are the Castle and Convent of the Order of Christ. It was from this huge and magnificent citadel complex that was once the stronghold of the Templars that the era of Portugal’s overseas expansion and discoveries began.
11 Guimaraes
One of the most beautiful and well-preserved historical centers in Portugal, Guimarães is located in the north of the country, not far from Braga. The city is often called the ‘Birthplace of Portugal’, as it is where the country’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born. The center of Guimarães has two of its main attractions – its majestic tenth-century palace and the Grand Duke of Braganza’s Palace. Fascinating to explore, they boast excellent architecture and provide an invaluable look at the city’s rich history and heritage.
10 Coimbra
A charming city located along the Mondego River, Coimbra is a treasure trove of historical sites and vibrant culture centered on one of the oldest universities in Europe. One of the best things to do in Coimbra is to simply get lost and discover the many historical attractions, from the stunning old cathedral to the Gothic monastery Santa Clara-a-Velha, where the tomb of Queen Isabel is located. No trip to Coimbatore would be complete without a visit to Coimbatore University to admire one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
9 The Azores
Located about 930 miles west of Lisbon in the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago consists of nine volcanic islands. Famous for world-class whale watching, hot mineral springs, and quaint seaside towns, each island has its own charming identity. São Miguel is the largest island of the Azores and is known as “The Green Island”, while Pico is home to the highest mountain in Portugal.
8 Aveiro
Aveiro is a vibrant city in central Portugal that straddles the country’s Atlantic coast and is often called the “Venice of Portugal” due to its gorgeous surroundings, which include numerous canals and lively venues. gondolas linked by graceful bridges. Historic sites, gorgeous beaches, and delicious cuisine also make Aveiro a popular tourist destination. The many sights include Aveiro Cathedral, São Goncalinho Chapel, and the Convento de Jesus. All of them feature beautiful architecture and artwork.
7 Evora
Evora may be a small town in southern Portugal, but it’s a huge tourist attraction. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, Évora was once a prosperous city under Roman rule. Today, Evora has more than 4,000 historic structures, including old Roman walls and temples. Another attraction is the 13th-century Cathedral of Évora, one of the most important Gothic structures in Portugal. Just outside the city is Europe’s largest complex of prehistoric megaliths which is well worth a visit.
6 Porto
World famous for its production of fine Port wine, the bustling city of Porto stretches along the hills overlooking the Douro River in northern Portugal. Ribeira, the charming pedestrian area in the center of Porto, is an atmospheric spot on the river, buzzing with live music, cafes, restaurants, and street vendors. At this popular tourist spot is the Ponte Dom Luís, a metal, double-deck arch ridge that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for its Port wine cellars.
5 Madeira
Nicknamed the “Floating Garden of the Atlantic”, Madeira is a fertile oasis in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North Africa, popular for its lush landscape, flower gardens, and wines. Must-see sights in Madeira include the Orchid Gardens and the Laurisilva Forest, home to the largest concentration of laurel in the world. Madeira’s capital and largest city is Funchal, home to historic churches and forts as well as a tree-lined promenade that offers spectacular ocean views.
4 Sintra
Located at the foothills of the Sintra Mountains on the Lisbon coast, Sintra offers a spectacular setting of lush green hills dotted with beautiful castles and palaces. The most famous is the Castle of Pena, a fantasy castle reminiscent of Neuschwanstein in Germany. Built in the mid-1800s and serving as a summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family, the Palace of Pena is surrounded by wooded parks with exotic trees and flowers. Also worth seeing are the ancient ruins of the Castle of the Moors, located on the city’s highest hill, and the romantic Monserrate Palace with its subtropical gardens.
3 Obidos
Perched atop a hill in the Centro region of western Portugal, Obidos is surrounded by a historic fortified wall. Apart from the wall, the magnificent medieval castle and historic center of Obidos are the main attractions of the city and can be easily visited on foot. The maze of narrow, cobbled streets leads visitors to busy squares, quaint shops, and white houses decorated with colorful flowers. The palace, with its impressive building, huge gates, and towers, is now a luxurious hotel but is still a wonder to behold.
2 Algarve
The sunny Mediterranean climate, gorgeous beaches, picturesque cities, great food, and affordable costs are just some of the reasons that make the Faroe Islands one of the most popular destinations in Portugal. Located in the southernmost region of the country, Antigua offers a feast for the eyes, from tranquil landscapes of olive groves and traditional whitewashed villages to a wild, windswept coast with dramatic cliffs dotted with summer resorts. Faro is the region’s capital, and Lagos is the region’s hot spot for nightlife.
See also: Most Beautiful Places in Europe
1 Lisbon
Stretching along the banks of the Tagus River near the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal’s capital and largest city rises between seven steep hills, creating a charming destination of colorful neighborhoods blaring with traditional fado music. The oldest district of the city is Alfama, an old Moorish quarter, distinctive for its cobblestone streets, rustic architecture, and the labyrinth of St. George’s Castle. The best way to experience Lisbon is to take one of the vintage trams, like the famous Tram 28, which runs through the historic quarters, gardens, and main attractions.
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