A sunny, friendly, and laid-back Southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, this is a place that borders Spain and has a feel of a Mediterranean country but still has a strong cultural identity of its own. Visitors flock to Portugal for affordable food and wine, ancient history and architecture, and of course, its famously beautiful beaches. With its cities fast becoming chic hotspots and gorgeous coastline where you still can escape the crowds, Portugal is also entering a new era of cool. So what are you waiting for? Here are twenty of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Portugal…
1. Lisbon – a sunny picture-perfect capital and easily one of the best places to visit in Portugal
Being the capital of Portugal, Lisbon is an obvious place to start. It receives around half the fuss of other European capitals, but can easily equal them in beauty and charm and is a must-see attraction in Portugal. A lot of its appeal probably lies in its deep-rooted history, coming second only to Athens in the oldest European capital stakes.
It’s actually a beautiful mix of old and new, and alongside the city’s endearing old-fashioned qualities, there is also plenty to please the boutique crowds. Visit the Gothic cathedrals, historic cafes, vintage trams, and the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets, and don’t forget the vibrant alfresco coffee bars and fabulous restaurants.
The city is built on a series of hills, meaning that everywhere you venture within Lisbon you are practically guaranteed to have a gorgeous view.
2. Praia da Marinha – one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve and one of the best places to visit in Portugal
There are many beautiful beaches in Portugal but this definitely one of the best. Although because of its proximity to the crowded Algarve region, many dismiss the gorgeous beach at Praia da Marinha. Located on the Atlantic coast in Caramujeira, Lagoa Municipality, Algarve it’s one of the top attractions in Portugal and is considered by many to be the best beach in Portugal and is classed as one of the Top 100 beaches of the world.
It’s a seriously spectacular stretch of sand, ideal for snorkeling, and the striking rocky cliff faces set it apart from other beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
3. Sintra – a pretty resort town known for its unique hilltop 19th-century palace
Located in a privileged position the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, near the capital, Lisbon, it’s said to be one of Lord Byron’s favorite Portuguese haunts. It’s an exceptional village and easily one of the top-rated attractions in Portugal – ripe with richly colored buildings and breathtaking architecture.
Palaces, turrets, a romantic Moorish castle, and a misty dense forest are all part of this sweet little place. The vegetation is lush and exotic due to the microclimate. There are a host of historic buildings to take a look at, as well as clusters of leafy mansions with immaculate lawns and stunningly decorative features.
4. Porto – Portugal’s charming and beautiful second biggest city
With its 14th century walls, medieval winding streets, colourful picturesque houses, bell tower and ornate tiles there is much to see in the newly fashionable city of Porto. It’s the country’s second-biggest city, located on the coast in the Northwest and an increasingly popular place to visit in Portugal.
Sit under the arches at Placa da Ribeira (the riverfront square) and watch the boats float past and then take a visit to the palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa. Most apartments in the area have terraces that overlook the tranquil waters. Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it’s a combination of old-world charm with cobbled streets and a bustling metropolitan culture, making it a very intriguing travel destination indeed!
5. Azores – a beautiful and unique Portuguese archipelago
Made up of nine different islands and located way off the coast of Portugal in the mid-Atlantic, The Azores may be the ideal place for those who are looking for adventure, however, they are also a great place for those who are searching for beauty and awe-inspiring scenery too.
An unusual travel destination, every single one of the islands has its own charm to bring and in order to really absorb it, we advise you to try and discover as much as you can. Expect vineyards, dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures, and lake-filled calderas, and don’t forget your walking boots and surfboard!
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