What Are the Best Places to Visit in Portugal ?

Featuring better year-round weather than any other country in Europe, Portugal is a sun-soaked land filled, from north to south, with cultural riches and areas of stunning natural beauty. From the pristine beaches and azure waters of the Algarve to some of the most colourful, historic cities to be found anywhere in the world, Portugal is a destination that never fails to enchant. Travellers will also find that this is one of the most welcoming countries they’ve ever had the pleasure to visit. Whether you’re journeying through Portugal’s idyllic rural towns and villages, exploring the mountains, tasting wine in the Douro Valley, or walking the historic streets of Lisbon, you will be sure to encounter friendly people who proudly delight in sharing the best their country has to offer. For ideas on how to spend your time in this magical country, join us as we list some of the best places to visit in Portugal.

Porto

Picturesquely situated on the waterside of the Douro river, Porto is often overshadowed by Lisbon, but it has an atmosphere and charm uniquely its own. With an old town that has UNESCO World Heritage status, Porto can be enjoyed like an open-air art exhibition. Spend time in the magnificent Ribeiro neighbourhood, where you can indulge in some of the best food the city has to offer. Visit the São Bento railway station where you will find exquisite tilework decorating the walls of the vestibule, as fine an example of Portugal’s famous Azulejo tile art as you will find anywhere. Climb the 225 steps to the top of the historic Clérigos Tower for awesome views across the cityscape, then rest your legs in one of the city’s many gorgeous parks. Porto is simply not to be missed: a medieval centre bustling with contemporary culture.

Azure Waters, the Algarve

The Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost coastal region and contains a host of the country’s most picturesque towns and villages, alongside paradisal beaches and stunning coastal cliff sides. Regarded as a land of plenty since Roman times, when the region was famous for its olive oil production, you will today enjoy fresh fruit and locally caught seafood all year round. Archeological wonders are dotted across the region, from megalithic stone formations to Roman and Moorish ruins. And, of course, in the Algarve you get to enjoy some of the most consistently splendid weather in all of Europe. For those wishing to base themselves in a city, Faro or Lagos are excellent choices from which to explore the region. Alternatively, opt for a more chilled atmosphere and stay in a smaller town where you’ll get a feel for the pace of local life. We recommend Tavira and Portimão as excellent choices.

The Walled City of Obidos

Obidos

Situated in the Leiria district of Portugal, Obidos is a fairytale town perfect for dreamers and lovers of history. Despite having only around 3,000 inhabitants, Obidos is home to 14 bookshops, including the Livraria de Santiago which is housed within a church dating back to the 12th century and the Livraria da Adega, based within an old wine cellar. With the layout of Obidos having changed little since the middle ages, you will feel that you’ve been whisked back in time. In fact, if you’re lucky enough to arrive at the right time of year, you can even enjoy the town’s annual medieval market, a two week event in which the town is taken over by jousting knights, performing minstrels, juggling jesters, and local artisans selling their wares.

Historic Lisbon

Lisbon

Portugal’s iconically colourful capital is one of Europe’s great jewels, a city that offers serenity in the form of immaculate parks and gardens, and an uproarious nightlife of live music and fantastic bars and restaurants. Lisbon finely balances the historic and modern, offering medieval sites possessing UNESCO World Heritage status and contemporary cultural centres showcasing the work of exciting young artists. Stroll by the riverside and soak in the atmosphere of a city that has been one of Europe’s gateways to the world for centuries. Then, when you’ve worked up an appetite from exploring, treat yourself to some of the delicious cuisine the city is renowned for, such as freshly caught seafood or the original Pastéis de Belém, handmade to this day to a secret, 200-year old recipe.

Castle, Sintra

Sintra

A short journey southeast of Lisbon will bring you to the otherworldly town of Sintra. Here you will feel you have entered the pages of a storybook. Wherever you wander in the Sintra area you encounter mysterious sites—the 9th century ruins of the Castle of the Moors; the colourful, entirely unique, Pena Palace; the former royal residence, the Palace of Sintra; the neo-Gothic Monserrate Palace. Lord Byron, in the 19th century, referred to Sintra as a “glorious Eden,” and it has changed little since. Sintra can be visited from Lisbon as a day trip, but easily offers enough attractions to warrant a longer stay.

Attic Windows and Blue Skies, Lisbon

Évora

Ranked as one of Portugal’s ‘most liveable’ cities, Évora ranks among the most captivating places in all of Portugal. The history of the city stretches back 5,000 years and in the heart of the city the remains of a Roman temple built in honour of the goddess Diana looms large. The range of historical treasures to be found in Évora has seen it awarded UNESCO World Heritage and it won’t take visitors long to appreciate just how special a town this is. Begin your stay with a relaxed walk through the historic centre, which remains encircled by Roman walls. Then visit the 12th century Cathedral of Évora, the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal and one of Europe’s best-preserved examples of Gothic architecture. Enjoy top quality cuisine in the city’s picturesque central square, and, if you have the nerves for it, consider a trip to the famous Chapel of Bones, a medieval Franciscan church whose walls are decorated with the bones of thousands of deceased local residents. Évora is an unforgettable city, unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before.

Accommodation in the Algarve

A tip on arranging your accommodation for a stay in the Algarve: focus your search on homestay rentals. The Algarve region attracts around 7 million visitors annually and while this tourist culture brings vibrancy, it has also led to a boom in hotels that are simply not cost-efficient. The range of options available in the homestay market is excellent, including the possibility of staying in historic houses that stretch back centuries. Homestays provide visitors with the most authentic taste of local life, help support local residents, and carry the least environmental impact as homestays make use of an existing built environment rather than calling for new developments.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our guide to some of the best places to visit in Portugal. If you have any questions for us, please do not hesitate to contact us.