14 Best Places to Visit in Portugal in 2024
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal and wondering where to go, you’ve come to the right place!
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, Portugal offers plenty of unforgettable destinations for every type of traveler. From vibrant cities filled with historic landmarks to quaint villages where time seems to stand still, Portugal has a lot to offer.
Seasoned travelers share below their favorite destinations in the country and recommendations on things to do while there. Explore beyond Lisbon and Porto and add some of these places to your itinerary.
Whether you’re exploring the lively streets of Lisbon, wandering through fairytale palaces, lounging on pristine beaches, or sipping wine in picturesque valleys, there’s no shortage of incredible places to discover on a trip there.
Lisbon
Lisbon, one of the best cities to visit in Europe, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and charm, making it an unforgettable destination.
Start your visit in the historic neighborhood of Alfama, where narrow, winding streets lead to the stunning São Jorge Castle. The castle offers panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River.
Next, explore the Baixa district, the heart of the city, with its grand squares like Praça do Comércio and Rossio. The area is known for its elegant 18th-century architecture, bustling streets, and lively atmosphere. Take a stroll along Rua Augusta, the main pedestrian street, which is lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Don’t miss a visit to the historic district of Belém, where you’ll find the iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Belém is also the birthplace of the famous Pastéis de Belém, a delicious custard tart you must try.
While you can visit Lisbon in one day, it’s best if you have at least two days to explore it, or more if you plan on taking day trips from there.
Sintra
Sintra is a must-visit destination in Portugal and a perfect day trip from Lisbon, offering a magical mix of lush landscapes, fairytale palaces, and historic sites.
Begin your visit at the iconic Palácio da Pena, a colorful 19th-century palace perched on a hilltop, boasting stunning views of the surrounding area (make sure to book a timeslot ahead if you want to visit the inside of the palace).
Next, explore the medieval Castelo dos Mouros, a Moorish castle with winding walls that provide panoramic views of Sintra and beyond.
In the heart of Sintra, the Palácio Nacional de Sintra is worth visiting for its distinctive twin chimneys and richly decorated interiors, reflecting centuries of royal history. Afterward, stroll through the town’s charming streets, lined with quaint shops, cafes, and traditional Portuguese houses.
If you have the time, don’t miss Quinta da Regaleira, an enigmatic estate featuring a gothic mansion, mysterious tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well—a spiral staircase descending into the earth.
Plan to spend at least a full day there as there is so much to do. I recommend not driving there as traffic can be insane, simply take the train from Lisbon and hire a tuk-tuk to reach Pena Palace, then make your way down on foot.
Lagos
Lagos, one of the best destinations in the Algarve, offers a perfect blend of historic sites, beautiful beaches, and water activities.
The town’s compact, walkable old town features maze-like streets lined with shops, restaurants, and picturesque white houses adorned with colorful shutters and azulejo-tile facades.
Key attractions include Praça Infante Dom Henrique with the Church of Santa Maria de Lagos, Praça Gil Eanes, Praça Luís de Camões, and the Museu de Lagos, which grants access to the impressive Igreja de Santo António.
Don’t miss the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a well-preserved 17th-century fortress by the sea, and the remnants of Lagos Castle, including the Porta de São Gonçalo.
For natural beauty, visit Ponta Da Piedade, accessible by a scenic walk or drive, where you’ll find Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo—two stunning beaches surrounded by cliffs.
There are boat tours from the lighthouse or town to explore the coastline and sea caves, with kayak trips or rentals available as well.
Obidos
By Sarah of Life Part 2 And Beyond
Obidos is a lovely old castle town. It is an easy day trip from Lisbon, but it is even more fun to explore once the daytrippers have left, especially if you stay a night or two in the castle, which is now a very lovely hotel.
One of the best things to do in Obidos is stroll along the town’s cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval walls, which offer incredible countryside views. You can see the rooftops, painted houses, and the surrounding countryside and lagoon from the walls.
Try the local specialty, the Ginjinha, for some sweet indulgence. It’s a cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups.
On the subject of chocolate, the chocolate festival takes place every year in Obidos in late February or early March, and it’s a chocoholic’s dream.
If you’re visiting during the summer, check out the Obidos Medieval Festival, where the town comes alive with jousting tournaments, street performers, and traditional music.
But Obidos is a lovely place for the whole family to visit all year round. The Main Street can get a little busy at times, but venture down one of the side streets, and it’s like you’re in a completely different town.
Berlengas Islands
By Marga of Discover Portugal
If you like off-the-beaten-path destinations, you’ll love the Berlengas Islands! You can board the ferry in Peniche, and in about 45 minutes, you will arrive at the main island, Berlenga Grande.
There is a restaurant next to the harbor, and if you like, you can spend a night here. There are only a handful of rooms, but you can also stay overnight in the hostel inside the fort of São João Baptista. You’ll also see some fishermen’s huts, where local fishermen spend the night.
The island is fantastic for hiking, and the small island has several easy and not-too-hard routes. If you like bird-watching, this is the place to be!
Besides the fort, the lighthouse is another stunning landmark. Instead of hiking, you can also opt for a boat tour along the coast of Berlengas. The guide will tell you much more about the history and the landscape.
The area around the islands is also much loved by scuba divers.
In summer, Berlengas Islands are a unique and stunning destination for a day or a night.
Braga
By Penny of GlobeTrove
Braga is one of my all-time favorite locations in Portugal. The city is a short drive away from Porto and is pretty easy to access. Unlike the other major cities in Portugal, Braga is small but it has plenty of things to do.
It also has a pretty laid-back vibe for anyone who wants to rest and relax. We spent almost a week here and never tired of the city. Trust me… If you want to get away from the crowds, you will find that Braga is totally worth visiting!
Despite being small there are a number of different churches. Each one of them is unique but the most well-known among all of them is the Bom Jesus do Monte which lies on the top of a hill on the outskirts of the city. Its iconic stairway is well known. Visiting this church is a day trip in itself.
Another great part about the city is the numerous restaurants in the area. Each serves up a range of delicious Portuguese cuisine. The best part is that they aren’t expensive so you can afford to eat out often! There are so many reasons to visit this amazing city and I know that one day, I will be back to stay here for longer!
Porto
By Alison of Alison On Foot
Porto is the ideal destination for a long weekend but, if you do have longer, then you won’t be short of things to do in Portugal’s second city.
One of the best experiences is a visit to a Port cellar to learn more about the history of the city’s famous fortified wine and, of course, taste a few samples. The cellars are easily reached on foot by crossing Ponte Dom Luis I to Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank of the Douro River.
Porto is home to one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, Livraria Lello. It’s become so popular that you need a ticket to get in (although the ticket price is refundable on the purchase of any book). Get there early if you want to see the stunning interior without the crowds.
While wandering around the city you’ll notice lots of churches with beautifully tiled facades and you should also head to São Bento Railway Station to check out its ornately tiled interior.
Of course, you have to try a pastel de nata (or two) while you’re in Porto. For the best head to Manteigaria on Rua de Alexandre Braga where you can also watch them being made.
For a quirky place to stay try Zero Box Lodge. Once a bank, it’s now been converted into a hotel where all the rooms are wooden boxes!
Coimbra
By Soumya of Stories by Soumya
Coimbra is one of the best places to visit in Central Portugal. This historic city was once the capital of medieval Portugal and is now home to one of the oldest universities in Europe – the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Coimbra University is an unmissable tourist attraction that boasts impressive medieval architecture, multiple 16th-century colleges, a royal palace, and a beautiful Baroque library that is believed to have inspired the library at Hogwarts.
Be sure to also wander the charming streets of the old town and listen to soulful Fado music that echoes through every corner of the historic district. The views of the town from the Pedro Ines Bridge on the Mondego River are absolutely stunning.
Since Coimbra is almost midway between Lisbon and Porto and easy to get to by train, it is a preferred day trip destination from both cities.
A day in Coimbra is sufficient to see the highlights, but I recommend spending at least a couple of days here so that you can also visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga nearby. If you’re looking for a nice place to stay, check out Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra, which has beautiful rooms and the best location.
Cascais
By Shweta of Zest In A Tote
Cascais is known for its beautiful beaches. This coastal town, 32 km away from Lisbon, can be easily done as a day trip from Lisbon. Or you could opt to stay here for a couple of days and enjoy the sunny climate, beaches, good food and history.
I enjoyed this chic town as a day trip from Lisbon. The old town is easy to explore on foot. The beach closest to the old town, Praia de Rainha, was crowded with loads of people swimming, kayaking, and splashing about. Other beaches to check out are Praia de Ribeira and Praia de Duquesa.
I can recommend Taberna Clandestina Cascais for lunch, but as such, you will find fresh seafood at all the cafes / restaurants at the beach or around the old town. And do try the walnut pastry at Bijou de Cascais.
The Old Town area has well-preserved historic buildings like the iconic Citadel of Cascais, Town Hall, and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção. But more than sightseeing, I enjoyed wandering along the quaint cobblestone streets and seeing colorful Portuguese houses.
Madeira
By Zoe of Zoe Goes Places
Madeira had been on my bucket list for a long time, but I never knew how much it truly offered until I visited! And wow was I blown away!
Whether you like hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, towering waterfalls, independent cafes, cultural immersions, trying local food or just enjoying warm weather, there’s something for everyone in Madeira.
There’s so much to do here and it can be hard to know where to start with your Madeira itinerary, so here’s what I’d recommend…
Definitely visit the top of Pico do Arieiro to be above the clouds and explore the coastline at Ponta de São Lourenço for sensational natural beauty. Hiring a car and driving a loop of the coastal road around the island is also a great way to spend a day, you can stop where you desire at beautiful viewpoints and ocean-side restaurants – places like Porto Moniz, Achadas da Cruz and Paul do Mar.
You can see the best of Madeira with a long weekend trip, but with a week or more you’ll get to fully immerse yourself in the best the island has to offer!
São Miguel Island
By Campbell of Stingy Nomads
The Azores Islands are a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, located between The US and Portugal. São Miguel is the biggest island in the Portuguese Azores islands and is renowned for its volcanic scenery, geothermal springs, wild waves, and rich marine life.
While it doesn’t have white sandy beaches and turquoise water, it features spectacular nature and feels like a lost world.
The capital, Ponta Delgada, is a popular place to stay to explore the island. We had a great time staying in the five-star Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa, an easy drive to Ponta Delgada and nearby attractions.
Some activities not to miss are visiting the spectacular waterfalls, natural pools, and hot springs, going hiking in the lush green forests, and admiring the interesting architecture.
From April through to October, the Azores archipelago is also a fantastic location for whale watching with 28 cetacean species swimming in the ocean here, including blue whales.
In addition, Europe’s only tea plantations can be found in the Azores. Visiting the Gorreana tea factory and hiking in the plantations is a fun day on the island.
Évora
By Nathaniel of The Endless Travellers
Évora is a picturesque Portuguese city located in the heart of the countryside. Located just 90 minutes from the country’s capital, Évora makes a great day trip from Lisbon. However, if you have more time, we would highly recommend spending at least 2 days exploring this historic city.
Famous for its UNESCO World Heritage old town, Évora has a wide variety of attractions to explore.
For history lovers, Évora has so many fascinating places to visit, from the incredible Roman temple, dating back to the 1st century AD, to the Chapel of Bones, easily one of the most unique attractions in the whole of Portugal.
However, if history isn’t your thing, then don’t worry, Évora still has plenty to keep you entertained, such as visiting one of the many cafes in Giraldo Square, or relaxing in the peaceful public gardens.
Aveiro
By Helen of Helen On Her Holidays
Aveiro, known as the ‘Venice of Portugal’ for its canals and traditional moliceiro boats, is a lovely coastal city around a hour south of Porto. It makes a perfect day trip from Porto, or a great place to break up a journey between Lisbon and Porto.
Reasons to visit Aveiro include taking a canal cruise on one of the brightly painted boats, visiting the city’s museums and strolling the pretty streets in the old town. There’s also some amazing shopping, with lots of independent stores.
If you have time, you can combine visiting Aveiro with a trip out to the beach town of Costa Nova, which is famous for its deckchair-striped houses and long sandy beach.
You can’t visit Aveiro without tasting the city’s signature sweet, ovos moles, or soft eggs. Ovos moles are delicate pastries, made from egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in a whisper-thin layer of rice paper and often shaped like sea creatures. The best place to try them and buy a box to take home is Confeitaria Peixinho which claims to be the source of the original recipe.
The Douro Valley
By Carmen of Basic Economy B
No trip to Portugal is complete without a visit to the Douro Valley. Not only is the area a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of winemaking history, but its landscapes are also absolutely breathtaking.
In the Douro Valley, you will see miles of terraced vineyards, stunning river views, and charming villages. The main towns, Peso da Régua and Pinhão, are both equally enchanting.
We visited during our honeymoon and loved the scenic river cruise through the valley and the port tastings at the local quintas (wineries). Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, port wine is sweet and easy to enjoy.
To truly experience all the valley has to offer, I recommend staying at least two nights to fully savor the sights, the wine, and the atmosphere.
Ericeira
By Melissa of A Single Woman Traveling
If you are in Portugal and love the sea and sand, one place you must absolutely visit is Ericeira!
A small little seaside village you can travel easily to from Lisbon. This place is known for its surf and seafood!
Ericeria is more of a destination for chilling than sightseeing, as the majority of things to do in this town revolve around eating and going to the beach.
Ideally, you want to visit in the peak summer months of July and August for the best weather. Though Ericeira still draws a crowd in the shoulder months if you love surfing.
For an incredible ocean-side stay, reserve at Villa Ana Margarida Beach. This hotel is a 15-minute walk to the main old town.
Food lovers must also book a table at La Popular Bistro, located in the old town, and try the seafood!
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