Having spent the last three years exploring Portugal’s winding streets and coastal towns, I’m often asked by fellow travelers where they should go first. The question always makes me pause – how do you condense a country filled with centuries-old castles, warm beaches, and rolling wine regions into a simple answer?
“Portugal is like several countries wrapped into one small package,” says Maria Santos, a local guide who’s been showing visitors around her homeland for two decades. “In the north, you’ll find mountain villages and port wine cellars, while the south offers golden beaches and Moorish architecture. Each region tells its own story through food, tradition, and the welcoming nature of its people.”
While you could spend months discovering Portugal’s hidden corners, most travelers need a focused plan to make the most of their time. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 20 places that will give you a genuine taste of what makes Portugal so special.
- Best tourist destination: Lisbon’s Alfama District
- Underrated hidden gem: Obidos Medieval Town
- Best for families: Algarve Beaches
- Best for couples: Porto Wine Country
- Best for solo travelers: Madeira Island
- Best for history buffs: Sintra Palaces
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital draws visitors for its beautiful waterfront location along the Tagus River, but this dynamic city offers much more than just scenic views. The steep, winding streets of old town neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto hide local restaurants serving fresh seafood and bars where the melancholic sounds of Fado music fill the air. While São Jorge Castle and historic yellow trams top most tourist lists, Lisbon’s modern side shines through in its thriving arts scene, innovative restaurants, and creative boutiques. The city comes alive at night when locals and visitors alike hop between small plates at traditional tascas or sip cocktails at rooftop bars overlooking the city’s signature red-tiled roofs.
Porto
Perched along the Douro River in northern Portugal sits the charming city of Porto. Like most Portuguese cities, Porto has its collection of historic buildings, local markets, and wine bars. But unlike the others, it feels like a living museum of Portugal’s maritime past. Just look for the colorful tiles adorning building facades and listen to the creaking boats along the riverbank, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of Porto’s deep connection to port wine production, many British wine merchants settled here in the 18th century, and you’ll find their influence in the English-style warehouses and wine cellars that line the waterfront district of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Sintra
Just 45 minutes from Lisbon lies the fairy-tale town of Sintra, where I first wandered through its mist-draped hills in 2019. Perched in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage site is dotted with pastel-colored palaces and grand mansions that seem pulled from a storybook. The iconic Pena Palace sits proudly atop the highest peak, its yellow and red towers visible for miles around. Walking through the winding cobblestone streets, you’ll discover hidden gardens, ancient stone walls covered in moss, and local cafes serving traditional Portuguese pastries. The Quinta da Regaleira estate, with its mysterious wells and underground tunnels, adds to Sintra’s reputation as Portugal’s most enchanting destination.
Algarve
Ever seen a fisherman’s boat bobbing along crystal-clear waters next to golden cliffs? That’s just another day in the Algarve, Portugal’s sun-soaked southern coast where Mediterranean charm meets Atlantic waves. This stretch of coastline is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, with hidden coves tucked between limestone formations and friendly coastal towns like Lagos and Albufeira offering the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. You can spend your days exploring sea caves by boat, playing golf on world-class courses, or simply watching the sunset from one of the many beachfront restaurants serving fresh-caught fish and local wine.
Madeira
The Portuguese archipelago of Madeira first caught my eye in 2019 while searching for a winter escape. Located off the northwest coast of Africa, this collection of islands feels like a garden paradise floating in the Atlantic Ocean. Black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs line the coastline, while the interior blooms with colorful flowers and lush forests year-round. The main island’s capital, Funchal, winds up steep hillsides with traditional markets, cobblestone streets, and cable cars that offer views across red-tiled roofs to the deep blue sea. The island is famous for its namesake fortified wine and network of levada walking trails – ancient aqueducts that now serve as scenic hiking paths through the mountains and valleys.
Óbidos
History buffs need to add Óbidos to their Portugal itinerary. Perched on a hilltop and surrounded by ancient stone walls, this beautifully preserved medieval town looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. You can walk the entire length of the fortress walls, explore winding cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses, and pop into charming shops selling local crafts and the town’s famous cherry liqueur, Ginjinha.
Coimbra
Have you ever seen students in black capes hustling through cobblestone streets? It’s an everyday scene in Coimbra, Portugal’s medieval university town where ancient traditions live on. Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1290, this hilltop city along the Mondego River blends scholarly life with historic charm. You can explore the magnificent Biblioteca Joanina, with its gilt-covered shelves holding 300,000 ancient books, or catch a traditional fado performance where students in their academic robes sing melancholic Portuguese songs. The city’s old cathedral and botanical gardens offer peaceful retreats from the lively student quarters, while nearby you’ll find the ruins of Conimbriga, Portugal’s largest Roman settlement.
Évora
Tucked away in Portugal’s sun-baked Alentejo region, Évora first caught my eye during a road trip through the country in 2019. This ancient walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits perched on a gentle hill overlooking vast plains of cork trees and olive groves. Roman ruins dot the historic center, including the Temple of Diana with its graceful columns standing tall after two millennia. The city’s maze of narrow lanes leads to the gothic São Francisco Church, home to one of Europe’s most peculiar sights – a chapel decorated entirely with human bones. Local cafes line the main square, Praça do Giraldo, where you can sip coffee and sample regional specialties while watching daily life unfold beneath 16th-century arches.
Douro Valley
Wind your way through Portugal’s most famous wine region, where steep hillsides are carved into endless terraces of grape vines along the Douro River. Dating back over 2,000 years, this UNESCO World Heritage site produces the country’s renowned port wine. Take a river cruise to visit century-old wine estates called quintas, where you can sample fortified wines and learn traditional production methods. For the best views, hop aboard the historic train that runs along the riverbank between Porto and Pocinho, offering a front-row seat to the patchwork of vineyards. Stay overnight at a converted quinta to experience authentic Portuguese hospitality and wake up to misty morning views over the valley.
Nazaré
Many travelers come to Nazaré for its massive waves, which have made this former fishing village famous among surfers worldwide, but the destination offers much more than just epic surfing. The town’s main beach stretches along a crescent-shaped bay, where colorful fishing boats dot the sand and local women still dry fish in the traditional way. Up on the clifftop at Sítio, reached by a century-old funicular, visitors can watch daredevil surfers tackle 100-foot waves in winter or enjoy sweeping views of the coastline year-round. Between the beach walks, fresh seafood restaurants, and the rich maritime culture, Nazaré gives travelers an authentic slice of Portuguese coastal life without the crowds of larger resort towns.
Braga
Many travelers visit Braga for its religious heritage, but this northern Portuguese city offers much more than just sacred sites. The city’s magnificent Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, with its zigzagging baroque stairway, draws pilgrims and tourists alike, while the medieval cathedral stands as Portugal’s oldest. Beyond its religious attractions, Braga’s historic center charms visitors with narrow cobblestone streets, busy cafes, and traditional restaurants serving northern Portuguese cuisine. In spring, the city comes alive during Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations, but Braga’s mix of ancient architecture, student-driven energy, and modern shopping districts makes it worth exploring any time of year.
Aveiro
Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro draws visitors with its network of colorful canals and traditional moliceiro boats that were once used for seaweed harvesting. While the waterways might be the initial attraction, this coastal city offers much more than scenic boat rides. The town center features well-preserved Art Nouveau buildings and the São Gonçalinho Chapel, while the nearby Costa Nova beach area is known for its striped houses that line the shore. Food lovers come here for the fresh seafood and local specialty ovos moles – sweet eggs wrapped in wafer-thin shells – but you’ll find plenty to explore year-round, from the bustling fish market to the peaceful salt pans where workers still harvest salt using centuries-old methods.
Lagos
Visitors flock to Lagos for its famous coastline dotted with golden cliffs and hidden coves, but this coastal gem offers much more than just beaches. The charming old town, with its cobblestone streets and traditional architecture, tells stories of Portugal’s maritime past through well-preserved city walls and historic churches. While summer attracts beach lovers who come to explore the iconic Ponta da Piedade rock formations and swim in crystal-clear waters, Lagos maintains its appeal year-round with fresh seafood restaurants, local wine bars, and water activities like kayaking and boat tours. The nearby hiking trails and surf spots ensure there’s always something to keep adventurous travelers entertained, whether they’re seeking waves or wanting to explore the rugged Algarve landscape.
Cascais
Experience the charm of Portugal’s coast in Cascais, a former fishing village turned resort town just 30 minutes from Lisbon. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade of Praia do Paredão, where local fishermen still bring in their daily catch next to stylish beach cafes. Stop by Boca do Inferno, a unique coastal formation where waves crash into caves, creating a natural spectacle that draws visitors year-round. For a taste of local culture, explore the well-preserved old town with its classic Portuguese tiles and traditional seafood restaurants. History buffs will enjoy Cidadela de Cascais, a 15th-century fortress that now houses art galleries and a luxury hotel.
Guimarães
About an hour north of Porto lies Guimarães, a city often called the birthplace of Portugal. Like many historic Portuguese towns, it has its share of medieval squares, traditional restaurants, and stone churches. But what sets it apart is how it wears its history – not as a museum piece, but as a living, breathing part of daily life. Just walk through the narrow cobblestone streets where laundry still hangs between ancient buildings, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of its role in Portugal’s formation as a nation in the 12th century, the city maintains a unique blend of preserved medieval architecture and modern life, with locals going about their day among UNESCO-listed buildings and the impressive Guimarães Castle.
Peniche
Located just an hour north of Lisbon, Peniche is a coastal town that surfers and beach lovers flock to year-round. This former fishing village sits on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Atlantic, where you’ll find the famous Supertubos beach – one of Europe’s top spots for catching waves. Beyond surfing, visitors can explore the 16th-century seaside fortress, take boat trips to the pristine Berlengas Islands, or sample fresh seafood at the bustling harbor restaurants.
Tavira
Ever walked across seven ancient Roman bridges in one afternoon? You can do just that in Tavira, a peaceful town in Portugal’s eastern Algarve where whitewashed buildings line cobblestone streets. This former fishing village, split by the gentle Gilão River, offers a glimpse into traditional Portuguese life away from the tourist crowds. The town’s 37 churches tell stories of its rich past, while the nearby Ilha de Tavira beach stretches for 7 kilometers of golden sand. From the Camera Obscura in the old water tower, you can watch daily life unfold in real-time projections, or spend your evenings sampling fresh seafood in family-run restaurants along the riverfront.
Tomar
Many travelers venture to Tomar for the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ, a former Knights Templar stronghold, but this central Portuguese town offers much more than its famous monastery. The historic center features well-preserved medieval streets and traditional Portuguese architecture, while the Nabão River adds charm as it winds through the heart of town. The Festa dos Tabuleiros, held every four years, brings the streets alive with elaborate flower-crowned processions and cultural celebrations, but Tomar’s mix of religious history, local markets, and authentic Portuguese restaurants makes it worth visiting any time of year.
Azores
Take a trip to Europe’s best-kept secret – the Azores, a collection of nine volcanic islands scattered across the Atlantic. These Portuguese islands offer black sand beaches, natural hot springs, and green volcanic craters that look like they’re from another planet. You can go whale watching year-round, with 20+ species of cetaceans calling these waters home. For adventure seekers, the hiking trails on São Miguel Island lead to hidden waterfalls and thermal pools where you can take a warm dip. Don’t miss Sete Cidades, where you can look down at twin lakes – one blue, one green – nestled in an ancient volcanic crater.
Albufeira
Nestled along Portugal’s southern coast in the Algarve region, Albufeira has evolved from a quiet fishing village into one of the country’s most popular beach destinations. The town’s old quarter sits perched atop orange-colored cliffs, its narrow cobblestone streets winding past whitewashed houses and traditional Portuguese restaurants. Below, the golden sands of Fisherman’s Beach stretch along crystal-clear waters where local boats still bob in the morning light. The newer part of town, known as “The Strip,” comes alive at sunset with music spilling from bars and cafes, while beach clubs dot the coastline. What makes Albufeira special is how it blends its fishing village roots with modern holiday amenities – you can start your day watching fishermen bring in their catch at the marina and end it with a sunset dinner at a cliffside restaurant overlooking the Atlantic.
