Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Portugal
Portugal is an amazing destination with a rich history and culture. As Europe’s western outpost, it boasts stunning beaches and landscapes. But there’s so much more to discover! With influences from the Celts, Romans, and Al-Andalus, plus a grand history of maritime exploration, Portugal’s unique culture captivates everyone who visits. Every corner offers a new adventure, so what are the best places to visit in Portugal?
With Civitatis, you can book the best activities and really get to know the amazing Land of Explorers. Dive headfirst into its history, culture, folklore, food, and adventures!
Index
1. Lisbon
The best place to start your tour of Portugal is in the capital, Lisbon. Just like any capital city, you’ll find a varied metropolis full of culture, history, and food. Also like any other capital city, with so many things to do it can feel overwhelming deciding what to do first. Our recommendation? The Lisboa Card! This tourist pass includes access to top attractions and public transport, making your visit stress-free. With a list of curated must-see sights available, you can easily craft your own itinerary and save money at the same time.
While in the City of Seven Hills, be sure to stroll through the Alfama district on a free tour, to explore the historic center. Visit the Belém district and its famous tower, or wander the lively streets of Bairro Alto. Don’t miss our free tour of Lisbon, which takes you past Rua Augusta and its impressive arch! Or, if you have a little while in the city, be sure to check out our 2-day Lisbon itinerary, so that you get the most out of your visit!
2. Porto
In Porto, Portugal’s own second city, there’s no shortage of things to do. Just like in Lisbon, we highly recommend getting the Porto Card. It not only helps you save money but also grants access to the city’s top museums and public transit!
Pro tip: Portugal is known for its amazing tile work. If you love tiles, don’t miss São Bento station! The walls are covered with 20,000 hand-painted azulejo tiles that tell the story of Portugal’s history.
Also in Porto is the picturesque Ribeira district, where you can stroll along the quays lined with colorful houses. From this famous area, set off on a Six Bridges Cruise and enjoy a boat trip on the Douro River that showcases the city’s iconic engineering marvels.
Then again, what’s a visit to Porto without a wine-tasting tour? Head to the Cálem Wine Cellars for a guided tour where you’ll delve into the history of world-famous port wine, discover the intricacies of its production, and enjoy a delightful port wine tasting.
3. Sintra
Just a short drive from Lisbon is the small town of Sintra. Despite its size, it’s packed with grand historic sites that reflect the lush affluence of Portugal’s former royals. The standout is definitely the Pena Palace, with its colorful exterior atop forested hills, giving it a fairytale vibe. Feel like a royal yourself with a guided tour.
And with a ticket to Quinta da Regaleira, you can visit a captivating estate (also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with romantic gardens, secret caves, and a mysterious initiation well—a must-see if you’re exploring Portugal!
Fun fact: while Quinta da Regaleira isn’t the most popular site, it’s truly worth a visit for those who enjoy a good mystery. Throughout the grounds, you’ll find symbols in the gardens and architecture related to alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians.
4. The Algarve: Portimão, Albufeira, Faro and Lagos
Looking for more things to do in Portugal? The Algarve is an absolute must-see on any Portugal trip. Tucked away in the southernmost coast of the country, are golden sand beaches, towering cliffside of ancient rock, and a year-round sunny atmosphere—perfect for a visit! Check out the towns of Portimão, Albufeira, Faro and Lagos for a trip full of exciting new experiences you won’t soon forget.
If you need some inspiration, consider Portimão. You can explore the Benagil caves on a boat trip and go snorkeling. Of course, that would be before you head to Albufeira for a surf lesson at Gale Beach. To really fill your trip with aquatic adventures, rent a kayak in Faro and end the day with a magical sunset cruise around the Ponta de Piedade Caves in Lagos. We can’t think of a more perfect day!
5. Nazare
Nazare is a charming coastal town in Portugal, and an absolute must-see so of course it’s on our list! Celebrated for its pristine beaches and world-renowned waves, Nazare attracts surfers from all corners of the globe in search of the ultimate wave at Praia do Norte. Are you feeling up to the challenge? Check out a surf class in Nazare and see if you can catch the Big One.
You can also stroll through the picturesque streets of this small town, filled with colorful houses and a charming fishing village vibe. For an even better view, take a ride in a cable car. At its peak, you’ll be amazed by the sprawling panorama of beachfront stretching along the coastline. Nazare is a perfect example of natural beauty and local tradition, making it one of our top 10 places to visit in Portugal.
6. Douro Valley
A visit to the Douro Valley is one of the best things to do in Portugal, especially if you’re a grape enthusiast. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro Valley is one of the most celebrated wine regions in Portugal, recognized for its rolling hills covered in picturesque vineyards and traditional villages. Book a Douro Region full-day trip and discover every charming corner!
From Porto, you can also indulge in a Douro River Cruise + Wine Tasting. Sail down the river, sipping on port wine, while soaking in the picturesque views of quaint, traditional towns dotting the waterfront.
7. Madeira
The island of Madeira, a natural paradise nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, is full of lush gardens and perfect year-round temperatures. Affectionately nicknamed the “island of flowers,” Madeira is celebrated for its vibrant botanical gardens where a wide variety of exotic plants thrive in the subtropical climate. If you find yourself on this little slice of paradise during your visit to Portugal, check out a 2-day tour around the island to make the most of your time!
Nature and adventure lovers will feel right at home in Madeira, where hiking routes, diving excursions, whale-watching tours, and dolphin swimming opportunities abound. The options are truly endless on this enchanting island.
8. Coimbra
Circling back to central Portugal, you’ll find Coimbra, an emblematic and historic town with a lively student population. Here, you can explore one of Europe’s oldest universities, the University of Coimbra, founded in the 13th century on an informative tour. Situated atop a hill, its historic campus offers breathtaking views of the town below.
Then again, you can always opt for a free tour of Coimbra and get to know the picturesque town, full of cobblestone streets and medieval churches, that charm all of its visitors.
9. Braga
A visit to Braga is a visit to the “Portuguese Rome,” full of history and culture in northwestern Portugal. With numerous churches, a strong religious tradition, and lush gardens, the town is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Portugal. Get to know the area with a free tour!
While in Braga, make the most of your stopover by visiting Guimarães, known as the cradle of Portugal, or exploring the Peneda-Gerês National Park, where you can immerse yourself in a range of outdoor activities amidst stunning natural landscapes.
10. The Azores
To complete our list of 10 must-visit places in Portugal, we have the Azores—a distinctive archipelago nestled in the Atlantic Ocean. Made up of nine volcanic islands, it’s an untouched paradise for nature enthusiasts. Wondering what to do in this overseas region of Portugal? How about a two-day tour of our favorite island, São Miguel?
In the Azores, you absolutely can’t miss out on all of the maritime fun to be had either! Activities like whale and dolphin watching, and other water sports are sure to fill your trip with aquatic fun. If you’re more inclined towards fun in the sun, but on land, we’ve also got you covered. Immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty with hikes to Mount Pico or day trips to the volcanic caves of Terceira.
Regardless of which places you choose to visit in Portugal, rest assured you’ll enjoy a perfect blend of history, nature, and tradition. Explore the famous cobbled streets of Lisbon, and wander through the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley. Or, relax on the golden beaches of the Algarve, and marvel at the dormant volcanoes of the Azores. From north to south, east to west, each corner of the country offers a unique adventure. With activities from Civitatis, uncover all that Portugal has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime during your visit.
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