Portugal is changing into an more and more widespread vacation spot in Europe due to the nation’s various points of interest, and this checklist of the most effective locations to go to in Portugal is certain to gas your wanderlust for the westernmost nation in Europe.
Irrespective of your ardour, you will see one thing to like about Portugal. Whether or not you’re considering discovering superb cities and historic landmarks, having fun with seashores and different pure wonders, or sampling mouthwatering culinary delights, there’s one thing for each traveler in Portugal.
From vibrant cities like Lisbon and Porto to laidback coastal cities alongside the Algarve to charming small cities like Obidos and Evora, on this article, we’re highlighting 10 of the most effective locations to go to in Portugal to provide you a style of every part this stunning nation has to supply.
10 Finest Locations To Go to in Portugal
1. Lisbon
As Portugal’s capital metropolis, Lisbon is a must-visit vacation spot. Not solely is it the most important metropolis in Portugal, it additionally homes among the nation’s most necessary historic websites.
Castelo de Sao Jorge is without doubt one of the most spectacular historic websites in Lisbon. This historical fortress dates again to the 2nd century BC, and it has been used as a defensive fortification for greater than two millennia.
One other place to go to in Lisbon is Belem Tower, a Sixteenth-century fortified tower on the waterfront that served because the official gateway to the town. Again when Portugal was a colonial and maritime energy, this tower was symbolic of the nation’s may.
Whilst you’re at Belem Tower, you should definitely cease at Pasteis de Belem. This bakery is without doubt one of the finest locations in Lisbon to strive Pastel de Nata, an egg custard pastry that’s the nationwide dessert of Portugal.
One other good spot to eat in Lisbon is Time Out Market, an enormous meals corridor within the metropolis heart the place you’ll be able to select from dozens of distributors and sorts of delicacies.
Lisbon is a hilly metropolis, which suggests you’ll be strolling rather a lot uphill, nevertheless it’s price it for the views. A number of the finest Miradouros (viewpoints) within the metropolis are Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
Portugal has been growing in recognition lately and Lisbon is the most-visited vacation spot within the nation. Due to this fact, it will possibly really feel crowded in the course of the summer time months. Nevertheless, spring and fall are nice occasions to go to Lisbon due to the less crowds and higher climate.
2. Porto
Situated close to the mouth of the Douro River, not removed from the coast, Porto is the nation’s second metropolis and top-of-the-line locations to go to in Portugal. Though smaller and lesser-known than Lisbon, it definitely stacks as much as the capital.
Among the finest issues to do in Porto is to walk throughout the enduring Luis I Bridge. The bridge divides the 2 sides of the town – Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia – and supplies among the finest views of Porto.
Port wine is essentially the most well-known export of Porto, and the riverfront of Vila Nova de Gaia is lined with port homes like Sandeman and Calem the place you’ll be able to tour the port cellars and luxuriate in a tasting of port wine.
Furthermore, you’ll be able to try the spectacular Porto Cathedral, go to the whimsical – but typically crowded – Livraria Lello, which holds the title of essentially the most stunning bookstore on this planet, or take a scenic boat tour alongside the Douro River.
Situated within the northern a part of the nation, Porto tends to have summer time temperatures which are a bit milder than Lisbon’s. Spring, summer time, and fall are all good occasions to go to Porto.
3. Douro Valley
Not removed from Porto, you’ll be able to uncover the Douro Valley area of Portugal. This fertile valley alongside the Douro River is taken into account one of many oldest wine areas on this planet.
Whilst you can pattern port wine on the many port homes alongside the river in Porto, visiting the Douro Valley means that you can go deeper into exploring port manufacturing. You’ll be able to go to family-run wineries and see the place the grapes are harvested to make port wine earlier than you take pleasure in a novel wine tasting or two.
At JayWay Journey, we will prepare excursions that may will let you get a firsthand have a look at port manufacturing within the Douro Valley. Past visiting wineries, this area boasts among the most gorgeous pure landscapes and scenic viewpoints in Portugal.
You’ll be able to go to the Douro Valley at any time of the yr, however late spring and early fall supply the most effective climate. September is grape harvest season within the Douro Valley, which is a good time to go to if you wish to get to know the port wine custom of this area even higher.
4. Sintra
For hundreds of years, Sintra has been a well-liked vacation spot. This hilly and picturesque resort city within the foothills of the Sintra Mountains was a well-liked place for Portuguese royalty and society’s elite to construct their opulent palaces and estates.
At the moment, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to many of those historic palaces and estates. The colourful Pena Palace is a must-visit, as is the fairytale-like Quinta da Regaleira. Sintra Nationwide Palace and the medieval Citadel of The Moors are two extra historic websites to go to in Sintra.
Aside from sightseeing, within the heart of city, you’ll discover numerous eating places and outlets to strive – or purchase – Portuguese delicacies and native wines.
Sintra is a well-liked day journey vacation spot from Lisbon. As such, it will possibly get crowded in the course of the day, particularly in the summertime months. That is one thing your JayWay journey planner can help with by securing skip-the-line tickets to the most effective points of interest and even arranging personal excursions for a extra unique expertise.
5. The Algarve: Faro & Lagos
In search of the most effective seashores in continental Portugal? Head to the south! Whereas Portugal has an extended shoreline with many seashore cities, essentially the most stunning seashores within the nation are situated alongside the sun-kissed coast of the Algarve within the southern a part of the nation.
Faro is the most important city in the Algarve and a superb base to discover the remainder of the area. Faro provides a mixture of wealthy historical past and tradition in addition to a number of must-visit locations for nature lovers.
Lagos is a well-liked resort city that’s additionally an ideal place to remain within the Algarve. That is the place you’ll discover among the finest seashores within the Algarve like Praia do Camilo.
In Lagos, you’ll be able to hike to Ponta da Piedade, which is able to take you alongside a dramatic cliffside coastal stroll to achieve some gorgeous rock formations. That is additionally a well-liked start line for boat excursions that will let you go to distinctive formations just like the Benagil Cave, which is barely accessible by water.
Right here at JayWay Journey, we will prepare your excursions out on the water, whether or not you’re considering having a ship day or taking a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding tour.
The Algarve is a well-liked summer time vacation spot, however you’ll be able to go to year-round. This area is understood for being a winter solar vacation spot because it’s significantly hotter and sunnier than a lot of the remainder of Europe within the winter months. That being mentioned, it will possibly nonetheless get chilly within the Algarve within the winter. You’ll discover the most effective climate from April by way of October.
6. Coimbra
As soon as the capital of Portugal till it was changed by Lisbon in 1260, Coimbra is an historical riverfront metropolis that’s effectively price visiting. Situated about two hours north of Lisbon, Coimbra is a good place to spend a few days absorbing the ambiance.
One of many high issues to do in Coimbra is to get misplaced wandering the historic streets of the medieval heart. The town can be dwelling to the College of Coimbra, which is Portugal’s oldest college and one of many nation’s most prestigious locations of upper training.
After a full day of exploring Coimbra, you should definitely head right down to the banks of the Mondego River the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from an al fresco dinner at one of many many waterfront eating places.
Coimbra isn’t fairly as well-known as larger cities like Lisbon and Porto, so it’s often not a crowded vacation spot, even in the summertime months. Spring, summer time, and fall are all glorious occasions to go to Coimbra and luxuriate in the great thing about this underrated metropolis.
7. Nazare
Though the Algarve Coast in southern Portugal is well-known for its seashores, there are many different coastal cities alongside the western facet of Portugal, too. A kind of cities is Nazare, a straightforward day journey from both Lisbon, Coimbra, and even Porto.
This small city on the Atlantic Coast is understood for its nice seashores and massive waves. Due to its large swells, Nazare is a well-liked vacation spot for surfers. That mentioned, this won’t be the most effective place to learn to surf in case you’re a newbie. Nevertheless, it’s quite a lot of enjoyable to look at the big-wave surfers.
Except for the seashore, you’ll be able to hike to Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo, a well-liked viewpoint overlooking the ocean. This can be a nice stroll alongside the coast. One other place you’ll be able to stroll to is Sitio, the oldest a part of the city, situated on a rocky promontory.
You’ll be able to go to Nazare year-round. It’s warmest in the summertime, however because of the city’s coastal location, it’s fairly windy all yr and this could make it somewhat chilly even in the summertime months. For large-wave surfers, October to March is the most effective time of yr for browsing – or spectating in case you simply need to watch the surfers in motion.
8. Obidos
When you’re seeking small-town allure, you’ll discover it in spades in Obidos, top-of-the-line locations to go to in Portugal. Situated about one hour from Lisbon, Obidos is a picturesque medieval city surrounded by historical partitions that may simply be visited on a day journey from both the Portuguese capital or Coimbra.
Strolling the city partitions is a good way to start out your go to to Obidos, and you may get pleasure from varied scenic viewpoints of the city as you stroll round. Whereas in Obidos, you’ll be able to’t miss attempting Ginja, the native liquor flavored with cherries, cinnamon, and sugar.
Regardless of its small measurement, Obidos has been designated a Metropolis of Literature as a result of it’s dwelling to greater than a dozen bookstores.
There’s no unhealthy time of yr to go to Obidos, as this stunning city is a year-round vacation spot. Nevertheless, attributable to its proximity to Lisbon, it’s a well-liked day journey which may imply heavy vacationer crowds.
You’ll discover that mornings and afternoons are extra crowded in Obidos, however the city clears out within the night. Weekends are additionally a busier time to go to Obidos.
9. Braga & Guimaraes
Situated in northern Portugal, Braga and Guimaraes are two history-filled cities which are effectively price a cease in your Portugal itinerary. It’s straightforward to go to them from Porto both on the identical or two separate day journeys.
Guimaraes is taken into account the birthplace of Portugal because it’s the place the primary Portuguese king Afonso Henriques was born within the yr 1109. Guimaraes was additionally the primary capital of Portugal earlier than the capital moved to Coimbra and eventually Lisbon.
You’ll be able to’t miss visiting Guimaraes Citadel or the Palace Duques de Braganca, which has been changed into an artwork museum.
Braga is dwelling to the oldest diocese in Portugal. In the course of the Center Ages, Braga competed with Spain’s Santiago de Compostela by way of energy and significance.
At the moment, Braga continues to be dwelling to many stunning church buildings, together with the Bom Jesus do Monte, which is known for the hanging Baroque staircase main as much as it.
Each Braga and Guimaraes are beautiful to go to any time of the yr, however you’ll get pleasure from the most effective climate in spring, summer time, and early fall.
10. Evora
Final however not least, Evora is yet one more of the most effective locations to go to in Portugal. This fascinating metropolis is the capital of the Alentejo area in south-central Portugal.
A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, Evora is a historic metropolis full of intriguing websites, from the ruins of the Roman Temple of Evora to the macabre Chapel of Bones. It’s additionally an ideal place to get misplaced as you wander by way of the town’s picturesque medieval streets.
In Evora, you’ll be able to’t miss the Se de Evora, the most important cathedral within the nation, with its awe-inspiring Gothic structure. You’ll be able to climb to the highest of the cathedral for superb views of the town.
Alentejo is one other wine-producing area in mainland Portugal, and you may pattern the native wines at varied wineries all through Evora. That mentioned, you must also take into account a go to to the vineyards and wineries within the countryside round Evora.
You’ll be able to go to Evora at any time of the yr, and it doesn’t get as crowded as among the primary cities in Portugal, akin to Lisbon or Porto. Summer time is the most well liked season whereas spring and fall are way more temperate, so these are the most effective occasions to go to for extra nice climate.
Discover The Finest Locations in Portugal With JayWay
If this checklist of the most effective locations to go to in Portugal made you dream of a visit to this beautiful European nation, you’re in the correct fingers. Right here at JayWay, we’re keen about exhibiting the charms of Portugal to our visitors.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a visit to discover Portugal’s highlights, a culinary journey by way of essentially the most beautiful Portuguese tastes, or a two-week journey that mixes the most effective of Spain and Portugal, relaxation assured that JayWay will plan the proper Portugal itinerary for you, tailor-made to your wants and preferences.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s keen about journey and storytelling, a mixture that makes her superb for her position as our content material supervisor.