Is Portugal on your “must-visit” list? Are you curious about the best spots to see while you’re there? Once a powerful empire, Portugal is now a peaceful beach haven and one of Europe’s finest surfing destinations.
Known for its seafood, wine, colorful buildings, and stunning beaches, Portugal is a perfect autumn escape. Even when autumn cools down most places, the southern part of Portugal remains warm and inviting.
With so many fantastic places to visit in Portugal, it’s hard to list them all, but here are a few of our top picks.
Porto
Porto is a vibrant city rich in culture and famous for its stunning architecture. It’s best known for the Douro River and the sweet Port wine. When in Porto, a river cruise on the Douro is a must, and visiting the Port wine cellars is essential. The historic center, Ribeira, features a maze of medieval streets leading to a picturesque riverside promenade with shops and restaurants. Porto’s six bridges are iconic and make this the only European city with such a unique feature.
Lisbon
As the capital and largest city of Portugal, Lisbon is also full of cultural heritage and energy. It’s one of the most popular cities in Southern Europe. The Alfama district, one of Lisbon’s oldest areas, is known for its steep streets lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. Spend an evening enjoying wine and views of the iconic red rooftops. Lisbon is also home to the world’s oldest bookstore, Bertrand Chiado, dating back to 1732.
Sintra
Sintra is a charming town known for its lush forests, beautiful villas, and palaces, once a royal sanctuary. The Pena National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders, is a must-see. The Sintra National Palace, with its eye-catching twin chimneys and intricate tilework, is another top landmark. Just 30 km from Lisbon, Sintra is perfect for a day trip with frequent trains making travel easy.
The Algarve
The Algarve region is one of Portugal’s top beach destinations, renowned for its striking limestone coastline, sea pillars, grottoes, and towering cliffs. Home to some of the country’s best beaches and resorts, the Algarve is best explored by car to fully appreciate its beauty. Its prime location along the Atlantic makes it a surfers’ paradise.
Évora
Located in the south-central part of Portugal, Évora boasts a beautiful historic center, including the ancient Roman Temple of Évora (Temple of Diana). It’s one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Portugal. Key landmarks include Praça do Giraldo, The Bone Chapel lined with bones and skulls of around 5000 people, and the 9km long Évora aqueduct, a remarkable 16th-century engineering feat. Don’t miss Évora if you’re near Lisbon or Cascais.
Óbidos
Óbidos is a picturesque town in Central Portugal, about 90 km north of Lisbon. Known for its narrow cobbled streets and charming painted houses, the town’s most prominent features are its ancient walls and imposing medieval castle. Be sure to try Ginja de Óbidos, a handmade sour cherry liqueur, traditionally served in dark chocolate cups.
Nazaré
A traditional seaside town, Nazaré is a less crowded but equally beautiful beach destination in Central Portugal. It has two main beaches: the primary Nazaré beach and the expansive Praia do Norte. The Sitío viewpoint offers a breathtaking aerial view of Nazaré and its beaches and can be reached by funicular or a scenic walk up the hill. Nazaré is also famous for its massive waves, best seen from Farol da Nazaré, the Nazaré Lighthouse.
Portugal offers a wealth of diverse experiences, from its vibrant cities and historical sites to its stunning beaches and landscapes. Each destination provides a unique taste of the country’s rich culture and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination.