The 10 Best Places to Visit in Portugal

 

The picturesque country of Portugal is known for its history, culture, great food, and idyllic weather. Families and surfers flock to the beaches spanning the nation’s 830km (515 miles) coastline, hikers wander from hilltop to hilltop, fans of history wander the streets of storied cities, and nightlife junkies hop from bar to bar in Lisbon and Porto. To experience everything would take a lifetime. Get a head start on seeing it all with the top 10 places to visit in Portugal.

Portugal’s capital is a postcard- surrounded by hills, filled with cobblestone alleyways, white-domed cathedrals and civic squares- always brought up in conversations about Portugal travel. The city is packed with galleries to peruse, like the incredible Museu Coleção Berardo, featuring the works of Hockney, Warhol, and Pollock. By day, explore hilltop castles and sample pastel de nata (custard tart) prepared by local vendors, and at night, the real party begins. Lisbon is brimming with old-school drinking dens, brassy jazz clubs, and open-all-night clubs to party until the sun comes up. 

One of the world’s most romantic cities, Porto is laced with baroque architecture, scenic waterfronts, and cosmopolitan dining. Start in the beautiful Ribeira District – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – before crossing the water to the centuries-old wineries in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can sip, dine, and relax in one of the finest ports in the world.

Located in Portugal’s southernmost region, Algarve is a feast for the eyes, with gorgeous beaches, cobbled streets, flower-clad hills and tranquil olive groves. The host of bustling towns in the region are the perfect place to see renaissance architecture and beautiful old churches. Faro is the region’s capital, and Lagos is the place to go for nightlife. Silves is best known for its looping orange groves and red sandstone castle, while Tavira is packed with elegant bridges and monuments. 

Nicknamed the “Floating Garden of the Atlantic,” Madeira Island is popular for its lush green landscapes, flower gardens, wines, and New Year’s celebrations featuring one of the world’s largest displays of fireworks. The perpetually mild climate and virtually crime-free status attracts visitors from around the world by plane, cruise ship, and ferry.

With a history dating back over 2,000 years, Évora was once a flourishing city under Roman rule. Today, the small town is renowned for its well-preserved history. Visitors can hop from fountain to cathedral by romantic horse-drawn carriages, or simply with a pleasant stroll. For the morbidly curious, the Capela dos Ossos is an intricate chapel decorated with real human bones. 

Portugal’s highest mountain is known for its rugged scenery, outdoor adventures, and traditional way of life. At the country’s highest point, the summit of Torre, you can slalom down Portugal’s only ski slope. That is, if you’re not entranced by the furry sheepdog puppies that frolic by the Serra da Estrela’s roadside. 

If your Portugal travel plan coincides with July, you can catch Obidos’ incredible annual Medieval Festival, where wandering minstrels, costumed jugglers, and armored knights roam the city’s cobblestone streets. Year round, you can visit the busy squares, quaint cafes, and vibrant markets in this Western Portugese gem.

Portugal’s most atmospheric college town rises steeply from the Rio Mondego, and offers a jovial atmosphere filled with history and its students. Be sure to stop by the historic Café Santa Cruz, a beautiful showpiece cafe set in a former high-vaulted chapel with stained glass windows and graceful stone arches, where guests can nibble on their famous crúzios, delicious egg and almond cakes that pair perfectly with a cup of coffee mediterranean air. 

The bustling city of Aveiro is often called “the Venice of Portugal” due to its picturesque canals dotted with colorful gondolas and speedboats. Between the historic sites, gorgeous beaches, and tasty cuisine Aveiro has certainly earned its moniker. For fresh fish, meat, produce, and handicrafts perfect for souvenirs, guests should look to the Central Market.