Favourite places to visit in Portugal

We’ll be showcasing 15 of the best and most worth-visiting places you can find in Portugal. From volcanic craters filled with water, to tidal pools and medieval castles, Portugal has it all. Ready for an adventure? Vamos!

1. Lisbon

The Tower of Belem is a must-see destination when visiting Lisbon. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the Tagus River while the tower itself is definitely something special and worth visiting.

Lisbon is also known for the winding streets of Alfama’s neighbourhood, open plazas like Praça do Comércio and the marvelous trams. And last but not least, you should definitely try Pasteis do Belem from the original store.

2. Praia da Marinha

You can go swimming at one of the rock pools or caves, snorkeling, sunbathing, and even dolphin-spotting by boat. It’s an excellent choice for a summer day at the beach.

3. Sete Cidades, Azores

Hiking is probably the best activity you can do in Sete Cidades. If you make your way to Vista do Rei, you’ll be able to admire the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the island’s rugged coastline.

Even though the Azores enjoy warm weather most time of the year, you should come prepared for some heavy rainfalls as they are common on this island.

4. Porto

Walk through the cobbled streets, admire the facades of the buildings with the beautiful azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles), sit on the dock of Ribeira do Porto and enjoy the views of the river Douro with a glass of wine, or visit one of the city’s many bars with wonderful views like 17th Restaurant & Bar. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can even go surfing at Praia de Matosinhos, a beach famous for its strong waves.

5. Estoi

When visiting Estoi, make sure to pay Palácio do Visconde de Estoi a visit. It’s a 19th-century pink building that was recently renovated and is now used as a luxury hotel. If it fits your budget, we highly recommend it. The Roman Ruins of Milreu are also something you’ll want to see during your visit.

6. 25th April Bridge, Lisbon

The marina next to the bridge is full of bars and restaurants that offer stunning views of the bridge. Restaurante Ponto Final is one of our favourite spots in the area and is worth a visit for a breathtaking sunset with the bridge in the background.

7.  Porto Moniz Tidal Pools, Madeira

Get your sunglasses, towel, and swimwear, and go for a swim in these amazing tidal pools. Once you’re done, visit Porto Moniz and eat at one of its many restaurants like Sea View Restaurante. The views are fantastic and the food is delicious. It’s definitely a trip you won’t forget.

8.  Douro Valley

Therefore, one of the best things you can do when visiting the Douro Valley is to embark on a wine-tasting tour of the local wineries. You may even consider spending a night in one of them, such as Quinta da Pacheca, for a truly immersive experience. There’s also a wonderful wine Museum in Régua if you want to learn more about wine and its production.

9. Aveiro

Some of the best things you can do while in Aveiro is go for a boat ride in a gondola-type boat, explore the museum of religious art and gaze at the wonderful Art Nouveau. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Nova Beach, a lovely sandy beach with colorful houses along its coast.

10. Sagres

Some of the things you should try in Sagres are, obviously, surfing, swimming and enjoying the beautiful beaches. You can also visit the Cape Saint Vincent, a headland that marks one of the southwesternmost points of Portugal and Europe.

11. Madeira Monte Palace

Featuring an impressive collection of exotic plants from all corners of the globe, 2 different galleries and a beautiful fountain, Monte Palace is one of the most visited places in the island.

12. Guimaraes

If you are in Porto, this is one of the most recommended 1-day trips you can organize since it is just a short 1-hour train ride away.

13. Jerónimos Monastery

A visit to this monastery was a must before sailors would go on a trip. Monks were praying constantly for the sailors to come back and bring goods back with them. Jerónimos Monastery is a beautiful reminder of Portugal during the Age of Discoveries.

14. Cascais

Cascais has been the inspiration of many artists and writers and its beauty is also featured in The Conde de Castro Guimares Museum. Go for a swim, enjoy some water sports, visit some bars, and enjoy the cosmopolitan life of Cascais as a whole.

15. Arrábida Natural Park

There are not many things you can do here other than relax on the amazing beaches. If you’re up for a history lesson, you should visit the Oceanographic Museum.