10 best places to visit in Portugal

We look at a number of the best places to visit in Portugal, from rich palaces and medieval villages to sweeping vineyards and even volcanic islands.

Portugal, among the oldest nations in Europe, is home to spectacular landscapes, breathtaking beaches, intriguing museums, and delectable cuisine.

But it also contains some unexpected features, including a chapel fashioned out of skeletal remains, a hamlet made of stones, and natural springs. The following are some of the best places to visit in Portugal.

1. The beaches in the Algarve

Or more than 100 magnificent beaches may be found inside the Algarve section of Portugal, which is home to 155 kilometers of golden coastline. Consequently, this is one of the best places to visit in Portugal if you like to surf.

Praia do Amado, upon Costa Vicentina, is the most well-known surf location in the country and frequently hosts worldwide bodyboarding as well as surfing contests. The stunning cliffs, rocky outcrops, and sandy beaches make this a well-liked vacation spot for people around low tide.

2. The palaces and castles in Sintra

Some of Portugal’s most luxurious surroundings and palaces are found on the wooded hillsides of Sintra, situated not distant from Lisbon. The magnificently opulent and colorful Palácio da Pena is undoubtedly the most impressive of these.

The magnificent castle, one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders, is renowned for its lavish Romantic design that combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish styles. The palace was constructed in the 19th century under Ferdinand II to serve as the Portuguese ruling family’s vacation retreat.

3. The wineries in the Rio Douro valley

The River Douro valley, famous for producing Port and some other wines, is unquestionably one of Portugal’s most beautiful and best places to visit in Portugal.

This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors from around the globe who come to enjoy wine and take in the vineyard-covered hills. You can visit the wineries while on a road trip, and you might even be able to spend the night in any of the vineyards (Quintas). Warning: the roads in this area are winding and frequently excruciatingly steep.

4. Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

The Parque Natural da Serra do Estrela’s untamed alpine terrain provides the ideal setting for trekking. With a total size of more than 1,000 square meters, the reserve is both Portugal’s oldest and biggest nature reserve.

It is populated by terraced fields, ice lakes, flowing rivers, and falls. The 1,993-meter-tall Torre, the nation’s tallest point, is also located here.

5. The vibrant capital, Lisbon

Perhaps one of the most captivating towns in Europe is undoubtedly Portugal’s famous capital, which is also home to a number of the nation’s most recognizable attractions. Among these are the sixteenth-century Torre de Belém and also the 11th-century So Jorge Castle.

You will come across breathtaking plazas with mosaic tile flooring, storybook castles, and majestic monasteries while you wander the cobblestone lanes. Lisbon is considered one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Portugal because of its gorgeous architecture.

6. The Venice of Portugal, Aveiro

The charming town of Aveiro, which is frequently referred to as the Venice of Portugal, is well-known for its exquisite canals, Nouveau buildings, and vibrant gondolas (policers).

This traditional fishing neighborhood is home to various religious structures and is situated on the edge of the enormous Ria de Aveiro lagoon. Among them are the Aveiro Cathedral including its distinctive bell tower and also the Convento de Jesus from the fifteenth century with its opulent marble tomb.

7. The nine islands of the Azores

The Azores, a group of 9 islands inside the Atlantic Ocean about 1,500 kilometers towards the west of Lisbon, are known for their volcanic topography, lush pastures, and one of the world’s best marine ecosystems.

A third of said world’s species of cetaceans make their way to the archipelago as a pit stop. For those who enjoy the outdoors, it is among the best places to visit in Portugal.

8. The boulder village of Monsanto

The settlement of Monsanto, located in Beira Baixa, is perched on the rocky summit of Mons Sanctusin and is reminiscent of a scene from The Lord of the Rings.

It is renowned for its enormous granite boulders, which have been utilized in houses dating back to 1174 as roofing, pillars, and maybe even floors. The village, which is unique in that it is a historical place, has not changed much throughout the years. The remnants of the medieval Castle of Monsanto are also located nearby.

9. The wine cellars of Porto

A trip towards the city that gives its title to Portugal’s most well-known export, port wine, is a must on any vacation there. Porto, the second-largest town in Portugal as well as the Rio Douro’s tip, is a well-liked hub of entertainment and cultural activities that challenges Lisbon.

It has an eclectic collection of grandiose cathedrals, medieval artifacts, and tasting-accessible wine cellars.

10. The Chapel of Bones in Évora

Évora, one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval towns, is situated in the Alentejo wine country at the base of a mountainous region and is the location of the sixteenth-century Capela dos Ossos.

Countless bodies that were excavated from the city’s cemeteries in the 16th century found their final resting spot in the gruesome monument. It is estimated that 5,000 skeletons are encased within its walls. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Portugal, despite not being timid.

Also, Read More 10 places to visit in Konkan

Conclusion

Among the most sought-after and well-liked destinations on the renowned “Eurotrip” is Portugal. You must visit numerous areas in Portugal while traveling there due to its location on the western part of the Iberian Peninsula. The landscape has everything you might want for a dream vacation, from hills and wineries in the north to farm fields and medieval villages in the center, and gorgeous beaches all along the southern coast!

FAQs Regarding Best Places to Visit in Portugal