Portugal Best Places To Visit

Portugal is an amazing country for travelers. It has a lot to offer and it can be a great destination for people who want to see the world in a different way. Portugal has beautiful landscapes, interesting culture and amazing food that will make you fall in love with this country. In this article we will discuss some of the best places to visit in Portugal.

Have you ever wondered where the best places to visit in Portugal would be? The people over at Blue Marble Private Jet have compiled a list of top Portugal destinations. It features a variety of locations ranging from secluded islands to urban areas.

Take out time to surf through our catalog right here on Touriangle for prompt information on best places to visit in Portugal in October, most beautiful places in Portugal, best places to visit in Portugal with family, and so much more. You don’t want to miss this!

Portugal Best Places To Visit

The best places to visit in Portugal are the ones that attract millions of tourists every year and make Portugal one of the top visited countries in the world. These are, without any doubt, the capital city Lisbon and its second largest city Oporto as well as Madeira Island and Algarve. We believe they deserve this popularity simply because they are all remarkable cities with an aura, a feeling that makes them special. Far from just being metropolitan cities, these Portuguese capitals have charm, beautiful landscapes and excellent collection of attractions each with a unique style.

Curious where to go and what to see while traveling to Portugal ? We’ve visited all the major cities in Portugal on business trips, so we have some great recommendations.

Best Places To Go In Portugal For Couples

Lisbon

Best for nightlife 

Seven iconic hills overlook Lisbon’s postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, white-domed cathedrals and grand civic squares – a captivating scene, crafted over centuries. The Portuguese capital is packed with galleries to browse (including the Museu Nacional do Azulejo with its trove of ceramic tiles) and castles to explore (such as the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge).

And the city has enough pastel de nata (custard tart) spots to satisfy even the most sweet-toothed visitor. By night, Lisbon’s party people take over, filling old-school drinking dens, brassy jazz clubs and open-all-night clubs that burst into life once the sun goes down.

Setúbal Peninsula 

Best for wild, cliff-backed beaches

South of Lisbon, the Setúbal Peninsula has long been the weekend playground of Lisboetas (Lisbon residents). A ferry ride, followed by a short bus or bicycle ride, takes you to the Costa da Caparica, a seemingly endless beachfront that gets wilder and less crowded the further south you go. If you want a surf lesson, some downtime on the sands or a meal overlooking the lapping waves, this is the place to come. 

If you’re seeking a bit more solitude, head down to the Parque Natural da Arrábida at the southern end of the peninsula. Here, you’ll find cliffs covered with thick vegetation, picturesque coves and beaches such as Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, with fine sand, azure waters and the ruins of an ancient site that dates back to Roman times. 

Sintra

Best for a fantastical escape

Less than an hour by train from the capital, Sintra feels like another world, and it’s a great option for a day trip away from the city hubbub. Like a setting from a fairy tale, this historic hillside township is sprinkled with stone-walled taverns and lorded over by a multicolored palace.

Forested hillsides form the backdrop to this storybook setting, with imposing castles, mystical gardens, strange mansions and centuries-old monasteries hidden among the trees. The fog that sweeps in by night adds another layer of mystery; cool evenings are best spent by the fire in one of Sintra’s many charming B&Bs.

The Minho 

Best for traditional villages and wilderness trails 

The Portuguese have a special fondness for the Minho, a verdant region of vineyard-covered valleys, mountainous wilds, isolated beaches and picturesque river towns that seem little changed by time. The gateway to the region is Braga, a city with Roman ruins, a fabled medieval cathedral and tranquil flower-trimmed plazas sprinkled with outdoor cafes and restaurants. 

Further north, you’ll find Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, a vast, rugged wilderness of dramatic peaks, meandering streams and frozen-in-time stone villages. Dozens of hiking trails crisscross the reserve, taking walkers past old Roman roads, castle ruins or sparkling waterfalls. You can also cool off in idyllic swimming holes – one of the best places to be in Portugal during the summer.

Porto

Best for urban exploring 

It would be hard to dream up a more romantic city than Porto. Portugal’s second-largest urban center is laced with narrow pedestrian lanes, baroque churches and cafe-dotted plazas, leading the eye down to the Duoro River and its landmark bridges. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Start in the Ribeira district – a Unesco World Heritage Site – then cross the bridge to explore centuries-old port wineries in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can sip the world’s best port. 

You can also learn about Porto’s history (both the drink and the city) and other facets of Portuguese identity at the World of Wine, a sprawling complex of museums, restaurants and bars overlooking the city. Though Porto is defined by its air of dignified history, modern architecture, cosmopolitan dining, vibrant nightlife and artistic activity are injecting new life into the city.

Douro Valley 

Best place to drink in fine views (and wine) 

One of Portugal’s most beautiful areas lies just east of Porto. Here, the meandering Rio Douro flows past towering hillsides covered by the steeply terraced vineyards that make up Europe’s oldest demarcated wine region. Whether you come by boat, train or car to the Douro Valley, you’ll be rewarded with astonishing views at every turn, especially as you near the lovely village of Pinhão in the heart of the region. 

Many travelers dash in on a quick day trip, but to make the most of the region, spend the night at one of the vineyard-surrounded guesthouses in the area such as Quinta Nova or the Casa Cimeira.

Évora 

Best for historic architecture 

The heart of the Alentejo region, Évora is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, and it’s an enchanting place to spend a couple of days. Inside the 14th-century walls, narrow, winding lanes lead to striking monuments, including an elaborate medieval cathedral, Roman ruins and a picturesque town square. But this isn’t a musty museum piece – Évora is also a lively university town, and its many restaurants serve up some excellent, hearty Alentejan cuisine.

Coimbra

Best for a student vibe

Portugal’s most atmospheric college town, Coimbra rises steeply from the Rio Mondego, and its handsome medieval quarter houses one of Europe’s oldest universities. Students roam the narrow streets clad in black capes, while the sound of fado (Portugal’s soulful traditional style of music) drifts through the Moorish town gates towards the stained-glass windows of the historic Café Santa Cruz.

Grown-ups will appreciate the town’s student-driven nightlife and the medieval lanes of the steeply stacked historic center. Visitors with younger kids can keep busy at Portugal dos Pequenitos, a theme park with miniature versions of Portuguese monuments.

The Algarve

Best for a relaxing family holiday

Sunseekers have much to celebrate in Portugal. Along the south coast, the Algarve is famed for its gorgeous and varied coastline, and you can join the crowds on the people-packed sands at major resorts or find seaside peace on dramatic wild beaches backed by wind-carved cliffs. Days are spent playing in the waves, taking long oceanfront strolls, or surfing some of Europe’s most memorable breaks. 

The Algarve is also one of the best places in Portugal for kids. You’ll find family-friendly beaches, water parks and plenty of outdoor adventures (from boating to hidden sea caves to exploring undeveloped islands). There’s never a bad time to visit this region, with its 300 days of sunshine each year, though you’ll find the best prices and thinnest crowds in winter. 

Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela 

Best for hiking and alpine activities in winter

The Serra da Estrela – Portugal’s highest mountain range – is the place to come for rugged scenery, outdoor adventures, and glimpses of a vanishing traditional way of life. Hikers can choose from an expansive network of high-country trails with stupendous vistas, and the region’s fascinating mountain villages make perfect bases for outdoor adventures.

At the country’s highest point – the summit of Torre, artificially pushed to 2000m (6561ft) by the addition of a not-so-subtle stone monument – you can slalom down Portugal’s only ski slope. Oh, and did we mention the furry sheepdog puppies that frolic by the roadside? You’ll long to take one home!

Óbidos

Best hilltop village

Wandering the tangle of ancient streets in the historic town of Óbidos is enchanting at any time of year, but come during one of its festivals and you’ll be in for a special treat. Whether you fancy the idea of a mock-up jousting match at a medieval fair, searching for the next Pavarotti at the Festival de Ópera or delving into the written world at Folio – Portugal’s biggest international literature festival – you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop.

Places To Visit In Portugal In December

Serra da Estrela

When you think of winter, you will probably think of the cold. It might bite to the bone, but many of us even hope to see snow for Christmas. And if you want to see snow in Portugal, then Serra da Estrela is the place for you.

Portugal’s most famous mountain range has the highest peak in the country and the presence of snow in winter is guaranteed. This area is great for winter sport enthusiasts, and if you you’d like to have a go at the season’s typical sports, Serra da Estrela won’t disappoint you during its snow season.

Among the various municipalities that belong to Serra da Estrela, we especially recommend visiting Manteigas, Covilhã or Seia, where you can establish your base and enjoy a cold holiday.

• Find holiday rentals in Serra da Estrela
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Peneda-Gerês National Park

The beauty of Gerês is an incomparable during thing, all year round. But of all the seasons, in winter you can enjoy the peace, quiet, and isolation of this Natural Park in the best possible way.

There is nothing better than being able to rest beside the fireplace after a day of walking through charming woods, surrounded by waterfalls and unbelievable landscapes in the crisp, cold weather. And if you’re looking for something daring and even more exciting to do at the end of the day, pop over to neighbouring Spain and take a dip in the natural hot water pools of Baños and let your body relax under the stars.

• Find holiday rentals in Gerês
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Penafiel

This small city in the district of Porto is famous for its prehistoric sites, such as the Dolmens of Portela or the Menir de Luzim, but Penafiel is so much more than that and a truly special destination during the winter months.

Quinta da Aveleda is one of the great attractions of the city. Its parks and gardens are certainly worth a visit and wine lovers must make sure to taste some of the local wines on offer. Red wine is the star of the show, best enjoyed with traditional roasted chestnuts which are often sold on the street in the winter months. 

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Peso da Régua

Peso da Régua, better known as Régua, is situated in the heart of the Alto Douro and is the epicentre of Port wine production. 

The landscape of the Douro region is world famous and the hills covered with vineyards contrast stunningly with the blue of the Douro River all through the year. In the winter months though this landscape takes on a whole new level of charm, and is a great destination for a winter holiday in Portugal.

Explore all the villages in the region and enjoy the landscapes that the winding roads have to offer. And don’t worry about the cold: a glass of port will soon warm you up.

• Find holiday rentals in Régua
• Find properties for sale in Régua.

Best Places To Visit In Portugal For Young Adults

When the skies turn grey over northern Europe, where better to escape the freezing temperatures than the picturesque shores and bustling cities of Portugal? With its moderate Mediterranean climate, Portugal basks in balmy temperatures throughout the year, making it a haven for sun-seekers. From the lively capital of Lisbon to the Algarve towns of Carvoeiro, Portimão and Tavira, these are best places to visit for some winter sun in Portugal.

Lisbon

A vibrant cosmopolitan city that combines its rich history with innovative modern design, Lisbon is an excellent place to visit at any time of year. While many visitors choose to travel during summer, there are perks to a winter trip in the capital: weather that’s so mild you don’t need a coat, sun almost every single day and queue-free sightseeing thanks to a reduction in tourist numbers are just some of our favourite reasons to book a trip. Winter is also a great opportunity to see Lisbon like a local, and to mingle with residents going about their lives, uninterrupted by sightseers. If you’re after a beach break, the city is based in an excellent location to enjoy day trips to the beaches of Cascais or the famous Algarve coastline.

Cascais

While Lisbon is all about history, culture, leisure and dining, the primary attraction in Cascais is relaxation. Located just 30 minutes by car from the capital, the town is a popular spot for a day trip for those staying in Lisbon. Over recent years, it’s developed from a fishing village to an exclusive seaside resort with Michelin star restaurants, fascinating art and history museums, and white sandy beaches. A fashionable playground for the European social elite during summer, Cascais in winter is quieter but equally charming.

Lagos

Located about 2.5 hours by car from Lisbon, the Algarve is one of the most beautiful areas of Portugal. Sprawled across the south coast of the country, it’s famous for its sweeping sandy beaches, charming seaside resorts and year-round mild weather. In the depths of winter, temperatures rarely dip below 11°C and visitors can look forward to sun on most days. The picturesque town of Lagos is a popular place for those seeking some winter sun in Portugal, where visitors can enjoy everything from surfing and scuba diving to exploring the shops and restaurants on the bustling marina and visiting the Old Town’s 16th century castle.

Faro

The gateway to the Algarve for many travellers, Faro can occasionally be overlooked as a transport hub, but there’s far more to it than the airport. The city is surrounded by a series of sandspits, which shelter the town and create around 200km of sandy coastline, split into several beaches. Ilha de Faro (Faro Island) is the closest and most popular beach to Faro, and features a golden sandy stretch on the Atlantic side and calm swimming waters on the lagoon side. It’s full of restaurants, shops and water sports centres, which remain open year-round thanks to the area’s mild winter weather. Just across from Ilha de Faro is Ilha Deserta, a veritable desert island that offers quiet beaches and wetland channels full of wildlife. Catch some rays on the beach or explore the nature trail through the Ria Formosa National Park and come face-to-face with flamingos and other island animals and birds.

Faro Marina © Ant

Olhão

Just along the coast from Faro is Olhão, a popular destination due to its proximity to Ilha da Armona, a large beach full of sand dunes. As well as being an excellent suntrap in the Eastern Algarve, Olhão is also home to a bustling waterfront promenade and marina, market halls flanked by pavement cafés, historic churches, charming cobbled streets, and a lagoon where people can enjoy fishing trips or boat cruises to nearby ilhas (isles of Portugal).

Tavira

One of the least explored areas of the Alagrve, Tavira is a sleepy fishing town with a historic heart, a beautiful harbour and a 14km-long unspoilt beach, Ilha de Tavira. Ideal for couples and families, the quiet town invites visitors to step back in time and enjoy a peaceful break from the coast’s busiest resorts. In winter, it’s easy to spend hours wandering Tavira’s cobbled streets, sampling local Portuguese seafood and exploring the town’s ancient churches and castles. With its blue and white azulejos, the Igreja da Misericórdia is considered one of the finest churches in the area, while the best views of the town can be found from the stone towers of the 13th century Castle of Tavira.

Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is a small fishing village-turned-seaside resort that’s a favourite among holidaying families. The town’s small but sheltered beach is bustling during summer but quiet in winter, making this a peaceful place to soak up some winter sun in Portugal. There’s plenty to entertain visitors of all ages throughout Carvoeiro, from restaurants, cafés and bars to water sports centres offering a range of activities such as scuba diving and jet skiing. Enjoy a scenic walk along the cliffs for unbeatable views of the coast and the ocean.

Vale Do Lobo

If it’s a winter golfing holiday you’re after, visit Vale do Lobo. While many courses in northern Europe freeze over at this time of year, the courses at this exclusive golfing resort are open throughout the winter. There are two challenging courses to choose from, the Royal and the Ocean, where visitors can enjoy a round of golf accompanied by stunning views. Nearby, there’s a 2km sandy beach flanked by bars, restaurants and ice-cream parlours, for when the sun comes out.

Porto

For something a little different, enjoy a winter wine tasting holiday in Porto. Located 2.5 hours north by car from Lisbon, Porto may be cooler than the Algarve but the town is full of medieval charm. Head into the countryside to explore expansive vineyards and visit wineries, or stay in the town centre and relax with a glass of Portuguese wine or port in the comfort of Porto’s many wine bars. As well as wine tasting, visitors can discover the town’s many museums, take a stroll along the Douro River, or explore Ribeira – a UNESCO World Heritage-protected site full of colourful houses, quaint cafés and traditional Rabelo boats.