Top 20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Portugal

One of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe, visitors flock to Portugal for affordable food and wine, ancient history and architecture, and of course, its famously beautiful beaches.

Portugal is also entering a new era of cool and I’m personally a big fan of the country! From my many trips, here are my favourite spots I’d love to share with you…

1. Praia da Marinha

There are many beautiful beaches in Portugal, but I think this place is famous for a reason! Because of its proximity to the crowded Algarve region, many dismiss the gorgeous beach at Praia da Marinha.

Located on the Atlantic coast in Caramujeira, Lagoa Municipality, Algarve, it’s one of the top attractions in Portugal. Many consider it the best beach in Portugal and class it as one of the Top 100 beaches in the world.

Honestly, though, it is a seriously spectacular stretch of sand, ideal for snorkelling. The striking rocky cliff faces set it apart from other beautiful Mediterranean beaches.

My must-do highlights…

• Explore the incredible and unique rock formations, cliffs, caves, and rock pools.
• Go snorkelling—the water quality and clarity here are exceptional, and many different species of marine life can be spotted. Snorkelling equipment can be hired, or alternatively, you can go diving.
• Explore the coastline, caves, and grottoes and even go dolphin-spotting by boat. For a unique trip, charter a luxury boat or even a pirate ship! 
• Swim, sunbathe or soak up the rays – summer temperatures reach 35°C in the Algarve but with a cooling sea breeze to keep things bearable!

A video showing the beauty of Praia da Marinha in 4k 

2. Lisbon

Being the capital of Portugal, Lisbon is an obvious place to start. It receives around half the fuss of other European capitals, but I honestly think it can easily equal them in beauty and charm! A lot of its appeal probably lies in its deep-rooted history, coming second only to Athens in the oldest European capital stakes.

The Portuguese City is a beautiful mix of old and new, and alongside the city’s endearing old-fashioned qualities, I love that there is also plenty to please the boutique crowds.

Visit the Gothic cathedrals, historic cafes, vintage trams, and the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. Don’t forget the vibrant alfresco coffee bars and fabulous restaurants.

The city is built on a series of hills, meaning that everywhere you venture within Lisbon you are practically guaranteed to have a gorgeous view.

My must-do highlights…

• Explore the delightful maze of narrow cobbled streets and ancient houses of Alfama (one of Lisbon’s oldest areas) which are lined with shops selling traditional crafts and cafes.
• Explore the magnificent Mosteiro dos Jeronimos dating from 1502 a masterpiece of Manueline and Gothic architecture.
• Wander the steep cobbled streets of bohemian Bairro Alto.
• Take in the incredible panoramic views of Libson from the city’s highest point, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
• Taste a custard tart at Manteigaria, where many locals admit this is where the best custard tarts in Lisbon are made.

3. Cascais

Once a sleepy little fishing village, Cascais is now a chic coastal resort (just west of Lisbon) and one of my personal favourite holiday spots in the country.

Famed for its glorious beaches, sophisticated nightlife, water sports, and adventure pursuits, the area has an elegant, cosmopolitan quality that is hard to beat.

Due to its exquisite scenery, it’s also eternally popular with artisans, writers, and artists. The town boasts a remarkable selection of art, proudly displayed in The Conde de Castro Guimaraes Museum. Another of the town’s attractions is the smart new marina filled with yachts that shimmer and glisten in the bright sunshine.

My must-do highlights…

• Take a wander around Centro Historico de Cascais which is filled with wonderful architecture, shops, eateries, and a lovely atmosphere.
• Discover Boca do Inferno a striking chasm located in the seaside cliffs close to the city.
• Laze around on Praia do Tamariz a wonderful beach with soft golden sand.
• Visit the cosmopolitan Caiscia Marina where yachts and boats gently bob.

4. The Algarve Region

Yes, it’s developed and touristy, but it’s also popular for a reason! 

Not only is the weather mild here all year round but when you come to the Algarve, you will be treated to stunning golden beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. It also offers some of the best golf in the country!

My must-do highlights…

• Relax on one of the region’s wonderful beaches – Praia da Marinha Falesia Beach, Praia Da Cordoama, Odeceixe Beach and Praia dos Tres Irmaos are some of the most beautiful.
• Go on a wild dolphin watching boat tour.
• Discover the region’s best-hidden secrets and most scenic spots in a fun jeep safari.
• Explore the caves and grottos by boat.
• Discover Portuguese Guitar and music.
• Go wine tasting at a vineyard.
• Explore Ponta Da Piedale, a headland with a group of striking yellow-golden coastal rock formations that are up to 20 meters high (located along the coastline of the town of Lagos). They are one of the most famous attractions in Portugal.

5. Porto

With its 14th-century walls, medieval winding streets, colourful, picturesque houses, bell tower, and ornate tiles, the newly fashionable city of Porto is a must-see. It’s the country’s second-biggest city, located on the coast in the Northwest. 

Sit under the arches at Placa da Ribeira (the riverfront square) and watch the boats float past. Then, visit the palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa. Most apartments in the area have terraces that overlook the tranquil waters.

UNESCO has declared the Portuguese City a World Heritage Site. Its combination of old-world charm, cobbled streets, and bustling metropolitan culture makes it an intriguing travel destination!

My must-do highlights…

• Explore Rua das Flores a wonderful pedestrianized street filled with newly restored buildings, unique shops, and independent eateries, bars, and cafes.
•  Take a stroll down the dock of Ribeira do Porto where you can gaze at the river Douro or just enjoy one of the most beautiful and liveliest districts in Porto’s historic centre.
• Discover Praia de Matosinhos a beach sought beloved by adrenaline lovers since it’s known for its strong waves, perfect for surf-related activities.
• See the exquisite Palacio da bolsa a historical building in Porto, Portugal. The palace was built in the 19th century in Neoclassical style and is now a designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• Drink wine at the Miradouro Ignez which has a deck overlooking Porto’s red-tiled rooftops and the Douro River.

6. Douro Valley

The River Douro winds through Spain and Northern Portugal. It was once a wild, turbulent river, but the clever introduction of eight vast dams has tamed its spirit, and it is now very tranquil and peaceful.

The area’s beauty isn’t limited to these still and shimmering waters, though. It is a beautiful part of the world, bordered by stunning sweeping hills and expanses of delicate almond blossoms.

The area remains largely unspoilt, with roads zigzagging through the mountains and cruise boats softly pressing through the water.

This gorgeous place is famed for supplying grapes to the best Port companies. All major names are proudly displayed on the hillside vineyards, which change colour through the seasons as the vines mature.

My must-do highlights…

• Visit the wonderful Mateus Palace – both the palace and the grounds are breathtaking! 
• Go for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
• Take a boat trip or a river cruise on the beautiful Douro River.
• Go on a wine and food tour – the vineyards and cuisine are one of the highlights here!
• Go for a scenic train journey on their historic steam train.

7. Sintra

Located in a privileged position in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, near Lisbon’s capital, it’s said to be one of  Lord Byron’s favourite Portuguese haunts.

It’s an exceptional village and easily one of the top-rated attractions in Portugal. It is ripe with richly coloured buildings and breathtaking architecture.

Palaces, turrets, a romantic Moorish castle, and a misty dense forest are all part of this sweet little place. The vegetation is lush and exotic due to the microclimate.

There are many historic buildings to admire and clusters of leafy mansions with immaculate lawns and stunningly decorative features.

My must-do highlights…

• Spend a good part of the day exploring the beautiful Quinta da Regaleira, built at the turn of the 20th century and classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. This is a very romantic architectural complex made up of a wonderful Palace, a Chapel, and gardens with grottos.
• Visit The Moorish Castle Castelo dos Mouros steeped in the wonderful history and offers fantastic views.
• Take a scenic ride on the Sintra Tram.
• Discover the hidden beautiful beach of Praia da Ursa.

8. Aveiro

Set along a lagoon – Ria de Aveiro – this is a fabulous easy-on-the-eye destination if you’re touring Portugal.

A truly maritime city, Aveiro is no surprise. Be a great place to visit if you love walking along charming quays and beautiful canals navigated by colourful boats.

There are other great things to do in this city, including popping to the museum to see religious art, gazing at Art Noveau buildings, or heading to the sandy beaches for fun in the sun.

My must-see highlights…

• Go on a Moliceiro boat ride – easily one of the best highlights of a trip here, these are colourful gondola-type boats traditional to the area.
• Explore the beautiful Nova Beach, a lovely sandy beach lined with colourful houses.
• Gaze at wonderful Art Nouveau in downtown Aveiro.
• Eat at Salpoente – a unique Michelin-star restaurant and art exhibition serving up fantastic Portuguese cuisine.

9. Sagres

This town is located in the Algarve but is much less overdeveloped than the towns further east. It’s popular with beachgoers, surfers, digital nomads, hippies, and people who want to kick back for a while.

It has a secluded end-of-the-world feel (very different to the rest of the Algarve) and is home to a gorgeous sandy beach, great surf, and sea-carved cliffs. It has a cool, laid-back vibe due to its proximity away from the crowds in the rest of the region.

My must-do highlights…

• Go surfing! – the west coast of the Algarve has gained a reputation as being one of Europe’s best surfing destinations, and Sagres is its surfing capital!
• Explore Cape Saint Vincent a headland that is one of the southwesternmost points of Portugal and mainland Europe.
• Check out the wonderful beaches – Martinhal Beach and Mareta Beach are some of the best.

10. Obidos

It is one of the most picturesque locations in Portugal. This is an ancient fortified town located in the Estremadura Province. In the 13th century, Portuguese Queen Isabel was so enchanted by the village of Obidos that her husband, King Denis I, gave it to her as a present.

This prompted a centuries-long tradition of Portuguese kings buying this picturesque village for their queens. When you visit this beautiful spot, you’ll understand exactly why Isabel fell in love with it!

My must-see highlights…

• Wander around the historic village just soaking up the sights!
• Visit Castelo de Obidos the well-preserved medieval castle which offers stunning views.
• Explore Rua Direita a road filled with lots of shops and restaurants to explore
• Discover Lagoa de Obidos, a lagoon that extends between the municipalities of Óbidos and Caldas da Rainha.

11. Marvao

Nestled peacefully between Castelo de Vide and Portalegre and only a few kilometres from Spain, this idyllic place is perched on the highest crest of the Serra de São. Alentejo’s beautiful medieval mountainside town still has its original 13th-century walls and is perfectly preserved.

The streets wind seductively between the surrounding walls, making Marvao a beauty spot! As you can imagine, the views from across the town will not be missed.

The lovely hotel Pousada do Marvao, Santa Maria, is the ideal place to stay here – it consists of two of the village houses that have been converted, ensuring it is in keeping with the rest of the town.

My favourite highlights…

• Visit the Centro Cultural de Marvao which is a well-preserved example of medieval architecture and also a very important part of Portugal’s military past.
• Explore the pretty Aglomerado urbano Intra-muros a picturesque village filled with 150 whitewashed houses set in narrow streets with a castle above it.
• Check out the Cidade Romana de Ammaia the Roman ruins of Ammaia.
• Take a tour of the Lagar Museu António Picado Nunes a Heritage museum in Portugal telling the history of Castelo De Marvao Olive Oil. 

12. Salema

Situated three hours South of the capital, near Cape Sagres, Salema is a beautifully tranquil beach resort and one of the best spots in Portugal, especially if you want to be near the coast.

Although located in the package holiday favourite, the Algarve, this pretty village remains comparatively untouched by the ravages of tourism. It offers various eating places, a traditional outdoor market, one small main street, and clusters of pretty white stucco houses.

This peaceful fishing village is located between two sharp cliffs with a glorious sandy beach rolling between.

My favorite highlights…

• Hang out at Lagos Marina a lovely a harbour full of speedboats and yachts.
• Sunbathe on Porto de Mos Beach a long sandy beach with gorgeous views of the blue-green ocean. 
• Explore Portimão Marina a large spot with super large yachts.
• Relax on beautiful Rocha Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve.

13. Evora 

Évora is a Portuguese city in the municipality of Évora and the capital of Portugal’s south-central Alentejo region. The beautifully preserved historic town has been classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and when you visit it, you’ll soon discover why.

Encircled by white-washed houses, it’s home to a 2000-year-old Templo Romano, a 16th-century aqueduct that can be followed by foot for five miles, and the incredible Capela da Ossos—a sinister crypt that displays the full skeletons of over 5,000 Evora residents.

My favourite highlights…

• See Sé (Cathedral) a Romanesque and Gothic cathedral which was built in 1204.
• Take photographs of the Roman Temple believed to have been erected in the 2nd or 3rd century AD.
• Explore the Palácio dos Duques de Cadaval a 14th-century Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval.
• Gasp at the Capela dos Ossos. The Bone Chapel is lined with the remains of 5,000 monks making it the most macabre tourist attraction in Portugal. 
• Hang out in the pretty town square which is a favourite meeting place where locals mingle with tourists.

14. Sado Estuary

If being up close and personal with some fascinating creatures is your idea of a great way to spend a day, then this nature reserve should be a destination on your Portugal itinerary.

A little off the beaten track, it has a home between Alcácer do Sal, Comporta, and Setúba.

Not only is it home to a multitude of different birds, but if you are lucky enough you may also see a dolphin or two as well. With marshes, sandbanks, woods, reeds, and so much more, this is the place to head to soak up some of the wildlife that calls the area its home.

My favourite highlights…

• Take a boat tour and a camera 
• Spot wildlife including flamingos
• Take a Full-Day Dolphin Watching Tour from Lisbon.

15. Coimbra

This wonderful city has history, as it was Portugal’s former capital. Based on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Portugal and Europe.

The university is so prized that it has actually made its way onto the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, and when you get the chance to explore the city, you are likely to see why.

Also, visit its 18th-century bell tower, the famous baroque library and Romanesque cathedral.

My highlights…

• Visiting the University of Coimbra, founded in Lisbon before being transferred to Coimbra in 1537. 
• Relaxing in Parque Verde do Mondego is a lovely green space that is the perfect relaxing place.
• Exploring Monastery of Santa Cruz which is well-preserved and founded in 1131.

16. Amarante

Found in the northern part of the country, this handsome and elegant riverside town originates from the 4th century BC.

Here, picturesque balconies overhang a river, and unique striking bridges stride the water. Amarante and the other parts of the Minho region are also famous for their grapes.

It is in this area that the unique green wine is made. Aside from being a great place to drink some wine, Amarante is an attractive riverside town in Portugal. It ensures that you’ll get the best in a picture-perfect view no matter where you are going!

17. Azores

Made up of nine different islands and located way off the coast of Portugal in the mid-Atlantic, The Azores may be the ideal place for those who are looking for adventure. However, they are also a great place for those who are searching for beauty and awe-inspiring scenery.

An unusual travel destination, every single one of the islands has its charm to bring and absorb, so we advise you to try and discover as much as you can.

Expect vineyards, dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures, and lake-filled calderas, and don’t forget your walking boots and surfboard!

18. Praia Da Amoreira

Part of the Algarve, Praia Da Amoreira is a beach considered a best-kept secret. However, that will soon change once people realise how beautiful it is.

A stunning beach with the perfect combination of clear waters and golden sand, this beach is ideal for lazing around in the sunshine, exploring rock pools, and discovering wildlife.

It really can offer you everything that you need.

19. Guimaraes

A historic city in the North of Portugal is filled with fantastic medieval buildings like the hilltop and 10th-century Guimarães Castle, with panoramic city views.

If there is one thing you will soon realise about Guimaraes, it has a definite royal air about it.

Perhaps it is the city’s history and culture (its old town has World Heritage Site status) or the stunning castle and palace. Either way, if you want to capture some amazing photos, this city is a great Portuguese destination to add to your list.

20. Tavira Island

Found off of the coast of Portugal and only accessible by boat (from the town of Tavira, a small city on Portugal’s Algarve coast), those who make the trip over to Tavira Island will be rewarded with not only a beautiful, peaceful place but also a stunning beach too.

It is thought to offer one of the best beaches in the entire Algarve region—an accolade which is hard to achieve. Not only will you see the sun here, but you will also likely see a wealth of nature and wildlife!