Tourism in Portugal has been cruising on a wave of success and despite its popularity it continues to be one of the best value destinations. It has it all—a rich history, innovative art, stunning views and super friendly, laid-back locals. Visiting has also become easier since TAP Portugal, the country’s main airline. Let’s discover the best places to visit in Portugal.
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Best Places To Visit In Portugal
1. Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is one of Europe’s most alluring cities. Set on the banks of the River Tagus, this vibrant Atlantic port is scattered over a series of hills that heighten its splendid waterfront location. Exploring the city’s historic core is a journey into its fascinating past – a heritage exemplified by celebrated visitor attractions, such as the mighty Castelo de São Jorge and Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon.
A collection of world-class museums extends the cultural experience. To the east, away from the city center, you can marvel at the modernity of Parque das Nações and its crowd-pulling sites such as the brilliant Oceanário.
2. Sintra
Enchanting Sintra is one of the gems in Portugal’s glittering sightseeing crown. Recognised by UNESCO for its remarkable cultural landscape, this historic and captivating town is definitely worth putting aside a full day to absorb. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon.
Clustered under the lip of the wooded Serra da Sintra hills, the town is dominated by the landmark Palácio Nacional, its signature twin chimneys looming over a pretty square edged with houses painted in a palette of pale pink and ochre with splashes of yellow.
3. Porto
With its robust granite architecture and commercial disposition, Oporto (or “Porto”), Portugal’s second city, rewards visitors with a very different experience to that of the capital.
Sited at the mouth of the River Douro and blessed with a waterfront – the Ribeira – acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Porto is a destination endowed with Baroque churches and Neoclassical buildings that number some of the best examples of their kind in the country. Of particular note are the needle-like Torre dos Clérigos and the imposing Sé, the city’s cathedral.
4. Madeira
Start the year off right by waking up in Madeira. This subtropical island system has become one of the trendiest destinations in Portugal for hiking, spending warm days by the seaside as a winter sun retreat, and eating exotic food, plus, the capital Funchal offers one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in the world. You’ll get the festive feel, without the cold weather of home.
If you can’t head over for New Year’s, no problem; visiting the main island and smaller, adjacent islands is always a good plan and Porto Santo is where beach enthusiasts will find one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Portugal. Other landmarks in Madeira and the smaller islands include the house that once belonged to Christopher Columbus, the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, called Museu CR7, and the Madeira Wine Museum.
5. Ericeira
Surfing is one of the main attractions in Portugal, and Ericeira is a small fishing village with a big reputation for catching waves. It’s also easy to get to from Lisbon, and while it’s not the closest beach town to the capital, it is one of the busiest. However, sitting along the cliffs that fringe the coast and watching surfers (or surfing yourself) isn’t the only thing to do here; Ericeira’s restaurants are among the top spots for indulging in fresh, delicious Portugese seafood.
6. Algarve
Algarve is one of the best places to visit in Portugal, you can mix warm weather, hiking expeditions, trendy beaches, and even trendier social scenes. Each of the major cities is worth visiting—including Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura and Portimão—and a weekend away may convince anyone that heaven exists here on Earth. Tiny treasure troves of jewel-bright waters and mesmerizing cliffs—like Camilo Beach in Lagos—are sprinkled across the region, and don’t worry about not speaking Portuguese if you need directions.
7. Alentejo
Break away from the crowds by visiting the Alentejo region. The area’s capital city, Évora, is another lovely spot with a rich history and a mysterious nature that makes it a perfect Halloween destination, especially when taking into consideration the Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones. Inside (and on) the walls of this 16th-century church are approximately 5,000 human skeletons. Of course, tourists shouldn’t miss the other historical sites, like the Roman Temple or Cathedral of Évora, nor overlook visiting one of Alentjo’s most unique hotels. Évora and the nearby villages are ideal retreats into nature where it is possible to hide away, enjoy true comfort food, and indulge in phenomenal wine.
