Portugal Is A Traveler’s Dream Destination. Here Are Our Top 10 Places to Include on Your Itinerary.
Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. From bustling cities to quaint villages, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this European gem. If you're planning a trip to Portugal, here are the top 10 places you must include on your itinerary.
Heading from the south coast to the northern region:
Algarve: Stunning Beaches and Limestone Cliffs
There are many walking paths along the cliffs of the Algarve coast. (Photo: Erik J Kramer)
Golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, and impressive golden cliffs—the Algarve coast is like no other. There are many beautiful views and trails along the tops of the cliffs. Just be aware that there is no shade. Even though the temperature read in the mid-80s in late September, it felt hotter because of the direct sun and no respite. Bring lots of water.
Several formations like the Benagil Sea Cave are best seen by boat.
Evora: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Chapel of Bones in Evora, Portugal. (Photo: Edie L Kramer)
Evora is a historic city in the Alentejo region, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and medieval architecture. Visit the Roman Temple (very picturesque lit at night), the Cathedral of Evora, and the Chapel of Bones, a macabre but fascinating attraction (lots of monk skulls and bones form the chapel walls.)
Lisbon: The Capital City
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a city with seven hills and cobblestone streets throughout. Bring good walking shoes! (Photo: Edie L Kramer)
Lisbon is a vibrant city with a mix of old-world charm and modern attractions. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the Alfama district, walk up and down one of the city’s seven hills, take a Tuk-Tuk tour to see all the main sites in one day, or enjoy a food tour and taste the variety of dishes Lisbon is known for. Stop at a few of the city’s viewpoints, or "miradouros," where you can soak in stunning panoramas.
Try the Pastéis de Nata, a delicious egg custard tart that you’ll find in virtually every Lisbon patisserie. Originating in the Belem district by Catholic monks before the 18th century, they are also known as pastéis de Belém. They’re addictive!
Sintra: A Fairytale Town
Visitors to Quinta da Regaleira explore the Initiation Well. At the bottom, you’ll find an easy-to-navigate network of tunnels that run beneath the estate and lead you to hidden pools and gardens. (Photo: Erik J Kramer)
Located just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale-like town with stunning palaces and castles. The most famous attraction is the Pena Palace, a colorful palace perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views.
In addition to the Pena Palace, don’t miss Quinta da Regaleira estate. Its lush gardens, mystical symbolism, and architectural wonders including the Initiation Well—a stone spiral staircase (about 6 stories) that descends to lit underground tunnels that lead to beautiful gardens and pools, is a must-see. The Initiation Well may sound a bit terrifying but we found that wasn’t the case! It was a highlight for our entire group and we would have gone down it a second time if the line had been shorter. Such a cool, unique experience. And what you find at the end of the tunnels is magical.
Obidos: A Charming Hill Town Enclosed By Medieval Walls
Obidos is a romantic and relaxing town filled with excellent restaurants and shops. It’s a great day trip from Lisbon. Even better, stay a few nights and immerse yourself in its fairy tale setting. (Photo: Erik J Kramer)
Óbidos is about an hour north of Lisbon. Nestled on a hilltop, it is a small town that has a fairy tale feel. There’s no road traffic within the well-preserved medieval walls. As you walk through the grand gateway (where musicians often play) you are transported back in time.
The narrow, winding, cobblestone streets are lined with quaint cafes, artisan shops, and charming boutiques. There are several bookstores and several stores that sell books (bookshelves line the walls of these stores) as well as vegetables, wine, and miscellaneous wares. Vibrant bougainvillea filled with starlings cling to different walls and storefronts.
Try Ginja, a cherry liqueur famous in Óbidos. The local tradition involves serving Ginja in bite-size chocolate cups, creating a delicious and unique treat.
Nazare: A Seaside Town Known For Its Giant Waves
Inside the Big Wave Museum located in the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort in Nazare, Portugal.. 100-foot waves may be seen (depending on conditions) October-March. (Photo: Erik J Kramer)
Nazare attracts surfers from around the world, particularly in the winter months when waves can exceed 100 feet in height under certain conditions. This is due to the Nazaré Canyon, an enormous underwater trench just offshore, that funnels and amplifies ocean swells. To see the waves, go to Farol da Nazare, the clifftop peninsula high above the water to see the waves. Sao Miguel Arcanjo Fort is located on the lookout and the Big Wave Museum which has information about the underwater trench and past surfers is located inside this fort. We visited in early October before the waves were significant but found the views and museum interesting.
There’s a white sand beach that runs in front of shops, restaurants, and apartments (south of the lookout point). Surfers are to the north of the lookout.
Coimbra: A Historic University Town
University of Coimbra was established in 1290 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. (Photo: Erik J Kramer)
Coimbra is a historic city known for its prestigious university, which is one of the oldest in Europe. Take a tour of the university or explore the charming streets of the old town.
We were on campus over a weekend in late September and saw students wearing long black capes and academic uniforms—a tradition that started nearly 500 years ago.
Costa Nova do Prado: Atlantic Coast Town with Picturesque Striped Houses
A sampling of the colorful striped houses of Costa Nova do Prado. (Photo: Edie L Kramer)
In Portugal, school summer break ends in mid-September so when we visited Costa Nova do Prado in early October, the beach town was very quiet. Most of the rental units and condos appeared vacant. Yet, it was a picture-perfect beach day.
Costa Nova do Prado is known for its colorful striped houses. In the mid-19th century, enterprising local fishermen rented their buildings (used to store fishing nets and equipment) during the summer months to beachgoers. To make them more appealing, they spruced them up by painting them with colorful stripes. The entire town followed suit and today the same technique is used for most residential buildings and storefronts.
The waterfront promenade is lined with palm trees and offers charming views of the colorful striped houses, blue skies, and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great stop for photography. a few houses that fisherman used to store their fishing nets
Porto: The City of Port Wine
The Ribeira district of Porto. (Photo: Erik J Kramer)
Porto is a charming city known for its port wine production and colorful buildings. Take a walk along the Douro River, visit the Livraria Lello bookstore, and explore the Ribeira district.
Don't miss the opportunity to try some of the best port wine in the world at one of the many cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Douro Valley - Famous for Wine and Scenic Landscapes
The Douro Valley is renowned for its wine production and the region is home to approximately 100 Quintas (aka wineries.) (Photo: Edie L Kramer)
The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its centuries-old tradition of wine production. Visit Quintas (wine estates) for tastings, tours, and breathtaking views of the valley. The region is covered with terraced vineyards that cascade down the hillsides along the Duoro River.
The drive along the river is beautiful and well-traveled. As you head to some of the Quintas, the switchbacks are numerous and the hillside is very steep. If you plan to go wine tasting, hire a driver familiar with the roads. We stayed in a Quinta for 2 nights and the views and service were spectacular.
Visit Portugal!
Portugal is a country full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From bustling cities to quaint towns, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, if you're planning a trip to Portugal, make sure to add these top 10 places to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
