Portugal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe with millions of foreigners from around the world visiting every year.
There are so many alluring features of Portugal including the warm climate, year round sun, historical world famous cities, spectacular beaches, nature and incredible tourist resorts. Portugal is such a diverse destination, a lot of people don’t realise you can even go skiing here in winter!
If you are interested in visiting Portugal and planning a trip for the first time there are lots of places you could visit. Portugal is a great country to visit for a weekend city break, a summer holiday or a longer overland trip.
Get you inspired to visit Portugal today.
Portugal Travel Essentials
If you are looking to book a trip to Portugal check out these websites:
• Find cheap flights on Skyscanner
• Search hotels on Booking.com
• Book sightseeing tours & activities on GetYourGuide
First Time in Portugal? Here’s Where to Go
We have put together a guide to the top destinations you should add to your Portugal travel itinerary including the most popular cities, beautiful beaches and also lesser known places which attract far fewer tourists.
1. Lisbon
Lisbon is one of the most scenic cities in Europe with old cobbled streets, colourful buildings and lots of tourist attractions.
Lisbon is a very relaxed city with friendly people and lots of bars, cafes, restaurants, nightlife and places to visit. Some of the top tourist sights to check out include the Belém Tower, Castelo de S. Jorge, a hilltop Moorish castle & palace ruins, the world heritage listed Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, Praça do Comércio public square, Santa Justa Lift, Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument and the Time Out Market.
A tram system connects the whole city and there are so many viewing points to get fantastic panoramic photos. If you are a sports fan, you might like to try to watch a live football game. Lisbon is home to three of the biggest clubs in the country including Sport Lisboa, Benfica and Sporting Clube de Portugal.
You can find lots of accommodation for all budgets and navigating the city is very easy, most of the centrally located attractions can be seen on foot. There are also lots of amazing day trips from Lisbon and the coast is located nearby which is really beautiful.
2. Sintra
Sintra is a small resort town in the Sintra Mountains, near the capital, Lisbon. Sintra is unlike anywhere else in Portugal and is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the country.
This town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Portugal and the historic center of the town has stunning 19th-century Romanticist architecture, gardens, and royal palaces and castles.
It is an absolutely must visit destination, you can stay here or visit on a day trip from Lisbon city centre. The streets are very pretty and there are photo opportunities around every corner.
3. Cascais
Cascais is one of the finest coastal resort towns in Portugal, located close to Lisbon. Cascais is famous for is sandy beaches and pretty own town with beautiful cobbled streets.
Although Cascais isn’t a huge destination, there are lots of places to visit including the medieval Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort and the Citadel Palace, a former royal retreat. Other places to see include the Nossa Senhora da Assunção church, fascinating museums and scenic parks and outdoor spaces. The atmosphere and coastal views here are special.
You can stay in Cascais, or visit on a day trip from Lisbon. Some travel operators include Sintra and Cascais in one day trip package.
4. The Algarve
The Algarve is located in the south of Portugal and is well known for its beautiful beaches, holiday resorts, scenic fishing villages, pretty towns and golf resorts.
There are so many places to visit in the Algarve, and some of the most popular towns include Albufeira, Vilamoura, Lagos, Silves, Portimão, Carvoeiro, Olhão, Armação de Pêra and Loulé Faro. Here you can find lots of tourist resorts and hotels close to the coast and beaches.
Out of all the towns, Tavira is often described as the prettiest town in the Algarve. Here you can see the traditional postcard pictures you usually see of white walled buildings with red terracotta roofs, cobblestone streets and small fishing boats.
The Algarve is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, these are some of the best to try to visit: Praia de Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, Praia da Marinha, Praia da Falesia and Praia da Rocha. These beaches where a lot of surf schools in Portugal are located if you fancy learning yourself.
Exploring this region can be an amazing experience, you could rent a car to discover locations for yourself or book excursions. You also need to sample some of the tasty food in the Algarve – among the best in the country.
During summer, the Algarve can be very busy but there are plenty of places to escape the tourist crowds including the western Atlantic coast which are far less developed.
5. Porto
Porto is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe and it is easy to see why so many tourists visit every year. This city is so pretty and picturesque with a really scenic Old Town, shops, restaurants and the Douro River running through its heart. Some of the main tourist attractions to add to your Porto travel itinerary include Torre dos Clérigos, Palácio da Bolsa, the Porto Bridge Climb and the Igreja de São Francisco.
6. Madeira
Madeira, is a Portuguese archipelago comprising 4 islands off the northwest coast of Africa. It is a popular tourist destination due to scenery and warm climate. Madeira is where the world famous footballer Christiano Ronaldo was born, and where he still has a house.
The capital Funchal is a great place to stay, although there are hotels located throughout the island. Funchal has lots of tourist attractions, pretty buildings, squares, gardens and seafront where a lot of European cruises dock.
Madeira is a popular holiday destination in summer for both Portuguese people and foreigners. There are also beaches, although not as pretty as the Algarve.
Other Popular Locations
If you have a more flexible schedule or have already seen the main tourist locations as featured above then these destinations are recommended. They are slightly offer the beaten tourist trail and offer a way to experience a different side to the country with far few tourists.
• Braga
• Évora
• Ericeira
• Serra da Estrela
• Coimbra
• Monsanto
• São Miguel
• Guimarães
• Peneda-Gerês National Park
Portugal really is a must visit destination in Europe. You could rent a car and self-drive or book a tour. Lots of local and international travel operators offer overland tours and also day trips and excursions showing you the highlights of the country. Also before departing we recommend learning some basic Portugal phrases for tourists, this is not only polite, but it is also a lot of fun to speak the local language.
