Rows of colorful buildings in traditional architectural style in Porto, Portugal

The Best Places to Visit in Portugal

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Published on: January 20th, 2025

Last updated: January 21st, 2025

Portugal may be a relatively small country, but it’s positively packed with captivating destinations. From ancient villages and stunning cities to sunny coastlines and splendid islands, it’s simply impossible to run out of sights to see. Whether you’re seeking cultural insight, historical intrigue, epic landscapes, family-friendly fun or delectable cuisine, you’ll find it here.

Our travel designers have explored everywhere from the vineyards of Alentejo and the Douro Valley to the hidden caves of the Algarve and the far-flung islands of the Azores, and returned with a long list of recommendations. Here are their picks for the best places to visit in Portugal.

A yellow vintage bica tram in Lisbon Portugal

Lisbon

In addition to being the country’s primary metropolis, Lisbon is undoubtedly among the top places to visit in Portugal for art, history, culture and cuisine. The capital city is awash in personality and colour, with its pastel buildings, azulejo tiles, mosaic sidewalks, scenic miradouros and surprisingly steep hills forming the backdrop for a fascinating past.

Each of Lisbon’s neighbourhoods has its own unique appeal, from the winding alleyways of Alfama and the grand plazas of Baixa to the buzzing tascas of Bairro Alto and the timeless charm of Graça. Head down the river to Belém to visit the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and sample the original recipe for pastéis de nata: Portugal’s beloved custard tarts.

An old cork tree in Alentejo, overlooking rolling vineyards

Alentejo

The largest region of Portugal, Alentejo is a pastoral paradise of sweeping fields, vast vineyards, ancient towns and rugged coastline. Extending to the south and west of Lisbon – all the way down to the Algarve – this region is rich in agricultural heritage and traditional culture. It’s also a treasure trove of history, with a plethora of Roman sites and well-preserved ruins.

Évora, the regional capital, is known for its Roman temple, medieval cathedral and eerie Chapel of Bones, which is decorated with human skeletons. Beyond the city you’ll find rural estates and quintas where you can sample homegrown produce, freshly baked pão alentejano (artisanal bread) and locally produced wines; Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is among our favourites.

Cliffs and rock formations on the Algarve, coastal Portugal

The Algarve

The Algarve is located all the way at Portugal’s southern edge, with a well-earned reputation as the sunniest part of the country. Beaches are the main attraction here – but these aren’t your average strips of sand. Many of them are backed by jagged cliffs in vivid shades of ochre and rust, while others feature whimsical rock formations and secret caves. 

One of those caves, Algar de Benagil, is among the must-see places in Portugal thanks to its naturally domed roof and circular skylight. Other top destinations include the seaside towns of Lagos and Faro and the surfing mecca of Sagres. As for cuisine, make sure to sample fresh seafood like grilled fish and octopus, as well as locally grown fruits like oranges and figs.

Colourful Pena Palace with red and yellow walls under a blue sky in Sintra, Portugal.

Sintra

Sintra is one of the best spots for a day trip from Lisbon – but it’s also a worthy destination in its own right. Perched in the verdant mountains northwest of the capital, this city feels like a fairytale come to life. The quaint historic centre, jewel-toned Pena Palace, mysterious Quinta da Regaleira and medieval Moorish Castle all add to its undeniable magic.

The area around the city is equally enticing, full of dense forests and plenty of hiking trails. It also boasts a dramatic coastline, including Cabo da Roca: the westernmost point of the European continent. Find your way to one of the nearby hidden beaches, like Praia da Ursa, or enjoy some fresh seafood in the picturesque clifftop town of Azenhas do Mar.

The small city of Porto, small cafes and restaurants on the banks of Douro river

Porto

The second-largest of Portugal’s cities, Porto is just a three-hour drive or train journey north of Lisbon. Set on the banks of the Douro River, it’s an enchanting city full of baroque buildings, modern galleries, street art and authentic eateries serving the local speciality: the indulgent francesinha, a multi-layered sandwich covered in melted cheese.

After wandering through the beautiful Baixa district, head down to Ribeira to stroll along the riverbank. You can cross the arching Dom Luís I Bridge on foot to reach Vila Nova de Gaia, where you’ll find a park that’s a favourite spot for sunset views of the city. It’s also home to several historic wine cellars where you can taste the famous fortified porto (Port wine).

Rolling vineyards oft he Douro Valley flank the Douro river as a boat cruises past

The Douro Valley

One of the most beautiful parts of Portugal, the Douro Valley is located inland from Porto and centred around the Douro River. It’s an essential destination for wine aficionados and nature lovers alike, with gorgeous green hills and lush vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. The Alto Douro – the world’s first formally demarcated wine region – is especially impressive.

Although it’s certainly possible to explore this area on land, cruising the Douro River is one of the best things to do in Portugal. You can board a private boat for a day-long excursion or a romantic sunset sail. This area makes for an easy day trip from Porto, but we also highly suggest staying overnight at the lavish Six Senses Douro Valley to extend your time here.

A scenic view of a vibrant blue lake nestled within lush green mountains under a cloudy sky.

The Azores

Sometimes referred to as ‘the Hawaii of Europe’, the Azores are a volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Their distinctive climate and geographic isolation means that both the landscape and culture here are completely unique. The largest island, São Miguel, is known for the blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades, bubbling sulfur springs and succulent pineapple.

The other eight islands are smaller but just as alluring, each with its own claims to fame. Pico is home to Portugal’s highest peak; Terceira offers historic buildings and natural pools; São Jorge is delightfully remote and renowned for its locally made cheese…and that’s just the beginning. There’s also whale watching, birdwatching, surfing and hiking for nature and wildlife lovers.

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Trip Inspiration

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Luxury accommodation in Portugal

There are many incredible places to stay in Portugal. Here are some of our favourites, hand picked by our travel designers:
Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline