The 13 Best Places to Visit in Portugal

Portugal is a beautiful country with many amazing places to see. It has beaches, mountains, and even castles that you can visit. This article will tell you about the 13 best places to visit in Portugal.

1. Lisbon – The Capital

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, St Michael’s Castle and Torre de Belem. The city is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, food culture and wine.

2. Porto and Northern Portugal

Porto is a beautiful city and one of the best places to visit in Portugal. The city has so much to offer—many things to do, places to see, and excellent food. It’s also a great place for summer vacation because it’s not too hot.

3. The Azores and Madeira

The Azores and Madeira are two islands in the Atlantic Ocean that are home to some of the most beautiful and fascinating sights Portugal has to offer.

The Azores, a group of volcanic islands, is located roughly midway between Portugal and North America. They form an autonomous region within Portugal with a population of 250,000 people. The largest island in the archipelago is São Miguel Island (Miguel Island), at 964 square miles (2,500 km2). Other major islands include Santa Maria Island at 759 square miles (1,980 km2), Terceira Island at 732 square miles (1,861 km2), Graciosa Island at 366 square miles (930 km2), Faial Island at 301 square miles (780 km2), Flores Island at 59 square miles (150km²).

Madeira is another Portuguese archipelago located roughly 100 miles south of mainland Portugal which sits on top of an inactive underwater volcano. It’s known as “the flower island” because its rich soil produces beautiful flowers like carnations which grow wild across its hillsides!

4. The Algarve

The Algarve is a region of southern Portugal. It’s known for its beaches, golf courses and mild climate. The Algarve is also home to some of Portugal’s best restaurants and hotels. In fact, many people who visit the Algarve stay in an apartment instead of booking a hotel room. If you love exploring on foot or by bike, this may be your ideal destination!

5. Sintra

Sintra is a town in the Sintra Mountains, and it’s often referred to as “the fairytale town.” It has a palace, a castle and its own national park. It’s also home to the Pena Palace (pictured above).

In 1994, UNESCO added Sintra and Monserrate Mountain in Funchal to its list of World Heritage Sites for their cultural significance.

Sintra is packed with tourists year-round, particularly during summer when Europeans flock there for vacation. The region has more than 500 hotels and restaurants that range from budget hostels to high-end resorts.

6. The Douro Valley

“The Douro Valley is a region in northern Portugal, famous for its world-class wines. The picturesque landscape and stunning views make this region a perfect place to visit. The Douro River runs through the valley and gives it its name: ‘Douro’ translates to ‘oak’ in English.”

7. Why Aveiro Should Be On Your Bucket List?

Aveiro is located in the centre of Portugal and has a population of about 80,000. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and 50km long lagoon. The city has amazing restaurants and bars with beautiful terraces overlooking the sea.

Aveiro has been recognized as one of the most charming cities in Europe because of its old town square, which has been around for hundreds of years. There are many things to do here, including visiting museums, going on boat trips along the river and exploring the many shops that line every street.

Aveiro also has some fantastic beaches nearby, including Praia de Miramar, which is great for surfing enthusiasts who want to try out their skills on this long stretch of sand that stretches all the way down towards Figueira da Foz at one end.

While another popular spot nearby is Praia das Piedras which offers something different entirely with its rocky coastline offering plenty of space for picnics or just relaxing while enjoying views across towards Porto where boats can be spotted heading out into open water every day during summer months when tourism starts up again after winter weather sets in

8. Evora – The Ultimate Place in Portugal

You can’t visit Portugal without visiting Evora, one of the country’s most popular cities. The city is a cultural hub for both Portuguese and international artists, and it’s known for its beautiful architecture, rich history and delicious cuisine.

If you want to explore different cultures in one place, don’t miss out on this charming town!

9. Guimaraes – Famous Tourist Destination

Guimaraes is a beautiful city in Northern Portugal. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it’s no wonder it attracts many tourists yearly. You can walk around and visit the city’s main attractions like the Cathedral of Guimaraes, the Castle of Guimaraes, and many more.

But if you’re looking for something else to do while visiting this wonderful place, try visiting some local restaurants that serve traditional Portuguese cuisine.

10. Braganca

Braganca is one of the best places to visit in Portugal. There are many things to do in Braganca. It is a great place for a vacation and weekend trip, too!

11. Obidos

Obidos is a picturesque village in central Portugal home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Castles, Fortresses and Ancient Town of Obidos. The village has over 200 buildings dating back to the 15th century with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and traditional fountains. The town’s population is only 3,300 people—making it one of the smallest towns in Portugal.

We recommend you visit on a warm afternoon with fewer tourists around so you can enjoy all of its beauty (and avoid getting stuck behind tour groups).

12. Coimbra

Coimbra is a city in Portugal, the capital of the Coimbra District. It is known for its university and its historical buildings. It’s also known for its many festivals and events.

13. Faro 

Faro, the capital of the Algarve, is one of the best places to visit in Portugal with lots of history. It’s also a great place to visit for a weekend. The area has many restaurants and cafes that you can enjoy with friends or family members while you are there. You can also take them on an excursion to some of Portugal’s best beaches.

Final Thoughts:

Portugal is a beautiful country with many amazing places to see. Lisbon is the perfect starting point for your trip, and if you have time to spare, we recommend including Porto and Northern Portugal in your itinerary.

You can also visit the Azores and Madeira islands. Both are stunningly beautiful but require more than just a few days—they’re worth planning an entire vacation around!