10 Great Places to Visit in Portugal That’ll Completely Steal Your Heart

Portugal is one of those places that just gets you. You show up thinking, “Cool, I’ll check out Lisbon, eat some pastel de nata, and maybe sit on a beach,” and before you know it, you’re spiraling into a full-blown obsession with this country.

Suddenly, you’re Googling how to move here, binge-watching Portuguese travel vlogs, and telling everyone that you totally could see yourself running a café in Porto.

And the fact that it somehow still feels a little under-the-radar compared to other European destinations? A true gift.

But it’s no surprise that Portugal has been blowing up as a must-visit destination lately, and honestly, it deserves every bit of the hype.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Portugal and have zero interest in wasting time on places that look better in Instagram photos than in real life, this guide is for you.

We’re diving into 10 great places to visit in Portugal, mixing up some famous hotspots (because yes, some of them are worth it) and underrated spots that’ll have you bragging about your “off-the-beaten-path” discoveries for years.

This is your no-fluff, no-nonsense, fun-but-actually-useful travel guide to the best places to visit in Portugal.

No boring history lessons, no generic recommendations, and definitely no pretending that every place is “perfect” (because let’s be honest, some tourist traps are just that).

Check out our 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary!

10 Great Places to Visit in Portugal

Lisbon – The City That’ll Steal Your Heart and Your Camera Storage

Lisbon is the cool best friend of European cities—laid-back, ridiculously good-looking, and the kind of place that somehow makes everything feel more exciting.

This is the city where trams rattle through hilly streets, tiled buildings glow in the sun, and every corner smells like fresh pastries and espresso. It’s effortlessly cool but not in a “trying too hard” way.

The energy here is electric. There’s live music in the streets, rooftop bars with views that make you reconsider your entire life’s choices, and cafés that feel like the kind of places where novels should be written.

And the best part? You don’t need an itinerary. Just wander, get lost in the maze of Alfama, and see where the day takes you. You’ll probably end up eating way too many pasteis de nata and accidentally discovering your new favorite neighborhood.

And the sunsets? Unreal. Find yourself a miradouro (aka scenic lookout), grab a drink, and prepare to have your jaw permanently stuck in a dropped position.

Check out our article on the Best Lisbon Hotels!

Best Things to Do in Lisbon:

• Ride Tram 28 (yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also iconic).
• Get lost in Alfama, preferably with a glass of wine in hand.
• Snap a thousand photos at Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
• Check out the insanely beautiful Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
• Eat all the pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém.

Porto – Where Wine, Bridges, and Unreal Sunsets Collide

Porto is like Lisbon’s cooler, slightly moodier sibling. It’s got a little more grit, a little less sunshine, but a lot of character. The moment you walk along the Ribeira district by the river, you’ll get it—this city just hits differently.

But let’s get real—Porto’s true love language is wine. Specifically, port wine, which is basically dessert in a glass. This city takes its wine seriously, and once you have your first sip at a riverside wine cellar, you’ll understand why. It’s sweet, strong, and dangerously easy to drink—so, proceed with caution (or don’t, I’m not judging).

Beyond the wine, Porto is packed with old-world charm, artsy vibes, and some of the best food in Portugal. If you’re into bookstores, cool street art, and cafés that feel like secret hideaways, you’ll love it here.

And if you leave without trying a francesinha (which is basically a meat-filled sandwich drowning in cheese and beer sauce), I don’t even know what to say to you.

Best Things to Do in Porto:

• Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge and enjoy the views.
• Do a port wine tasting at one of the famous wine cellars.
• Explore the Livraria Lello, aka one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
• Cruise along the Douro River like the main character in a movie.
• Stuff your face with a francesinha, Porto’s legendary (and extremely intense) sandwich.

Sintra – The Fairytale Town That Might Actually Be Too Perfect

Sintra is so ridiculously magical that it almost feels fake. The palaces here look like something out of a dream—like, how dare they be this extra? Pena Palace is the superstar, with its bold colors, quirky towers, and views that stretch for miles. It sits on top of a hill, looking like a mix between a fairytale castle and a really well-designed cake.

Then there’s Quinta da Regaleira, which might just be one of the most intriguing places in Portugal. The gardens feel like something out of a fantasy novel, and the Initiation Well is this deep spiral staircase that feels like you’re about to discover a hidden treasure.

And if you’re into castles that look like they belong in Game of Thrones, Moorish Castle is the one for you.

Best Things to Do in Sintra:

• Visit Pena Palace (yes, it’s touristy, but you have to see it).
• Wander around the Quinta da Regaleira gardens like the main character you are.
• Hike up to Moorish Castle for views that will make your legs cry but your heart happy.
• Eat travesseiros, the delicious almond pastries Sintra is known for.

Lagos – The Beach Town That’ll Ruin Every Other Beach for You

If you think you’ve seen pretty beaches, wait until you see Lagos. The cliffs here are ridiculous and the caves are straight-up magical. This is the kind of place where you show up for a few days and somehow end up staying a month.

The cliffs here don’t just sit quietly by the water; they demand attention with their rugged, honey-colored formations that dip into impossibly clear blue seas. The famous Ponta da Piedade is one of the best spots to take it all in, it has massive rock formations, secret grottoes, and natural arches carved by the waves over centuries.

The town itself has so much personality. Unlike some beach towns that feel like they only exist for tourists, Lagos has an authentic, easygoing vibe. The old town is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and buzzing squares filled with street performers and outdoor cafes.

And when the sun sets? Lagos turns up the fun, with a great mix of cocktail bars, live music spots, and beachside hangouts that keep the night going.

Make sure you check out the best beaches to visit in Portugal!

Best Things to Do in Lagos:

• Take a boat tour to Ponta da Piedade (prepare for jaw drop).
• Chill at Praia Dona Ana, one of the most stunning beaches in Portugal.
• Kayak through hidden caves and grottos.
• Party like there’s no tomorrow in the town’s legendary nightlife scene.

Madeira – The Island That’ll Make You Question Reality

Madeira is ridiculously beautiful—like, “how is this even real?” kind of beautiful. This island is basically Portugal’s tropical paradise, sitting way out in the Atlantic, where the landscape is a mix of dramatic cliffs and deep green mountains. And he weather is absolutely dreamy all year round.

This isn’t your average beach destination—it’s for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys their jaw being permanently on the floor.

The capital, Funchal, is packed with cool cafés, markets, and some pretty solid nightlife. But the real magic? That’s in the landscapes.

The island is a hiker’s dream, with the most amazing levada walks that lead you through beautiful forests, alongside waterfalls, and straight to unreal viewpoints.

Pico do Arieiro is one of the wildest sunrise spots you’ll ever experience—standing above the clouds while the sky turns gold? Yes, please.

Best Things to Do in Madeira:

• Try espada com banana (yes, it’s fish with banana—trust the process).
• Hike the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trail (your legs will hate you, but your eyes will thank you).
• Swim in the natural volcanic pools of Porto Moniz.
• Get blown away (literally) at Cabo Girão Skywalk, one of the highest cliffs in Europe.
• Chase waterfalls at 25 Fontes in Rabaçal.

Check out our post on the 25 Most Amazing Places to Travel in 2025!

Coimbra – The City That’s Smarter Than All of Us

Coimbra is basically Hogwarts in real life. It’s home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, which comes with an actual wizard-looking library (the Joanina Library) that might just be one of the most beautiful in the world.

If you’re a book lover, congratulations—you’ve found your holy land.

But there’s more to Coimbra than just nerdy charm. The city has romantic river views, secret medieval streets, and a whole lot of history.

And Coimbra fado? Way more emotional than Lisbon’s version. You might not understand the lyrics, but you’ll feel them in your soul.

Best Things to Do in Coimbra:

• Visit the Joanina Library and pretend you go to school here.
• Wander through Coimbra University and its amazing Baroque architecture.
• Catch a Coimbra-style fado performance (and try not to cry).
• Explore the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, an ancient riverside ruin.
• Walk across the Pedro e Inês Footbridge, one of the coolest bridges in Portugal.

The Azores – Portugal’s Version of Jurassic Park (Minus the Dinosaurs, Hopefully)

The Azores are wild, rugged, and insanely beautiful. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a place that feels like a mix between Iceland and Hawaii, this is it.

Think steaming volcanic lakes, dramatic coastlines, lush green mountains, and waterfalls that seem too perfect to be real.

São Miguel is the main island and the most visited, but if you’re feeling adventurous, hop to Pico, Terceira, or Flores for even more remote beauty. And if you like cheese, wine, and whale watching, congratulations—you’ve found paradise.

Best Things to Do in The Azores:

• Visit Sete Cidades, the insanely pretty twin lakes inside a volcanic crater.
• Soak in the hot springs of Furnas (because who doesn’t love a natural spa day?).
• Hike to Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning hidden lake.
• Go whale watching—this is one of the best places in the world for it.
• Eat all the Queijo da Ilha (Azorean cheese is dangerously addictive).

Évora – The City That’ll Surprise You (In a Creepy but Cool Way)

Évora is straight-up fascinating. It’s got all the cute narrow streets and whitewashed buildings you’d expect from an old Portuguese city, but then, you stumble into a chapel made of human bones. Yes, Capela dos Ossos is as eerie as it sounds, and yet, somehow, it’s also one of the coolest places in Portugal.

The Chapel of Bones is weird, creepy, and completely fascinating. The walls and ceiling are lined with thousands of human skulls and bones, and there’s even a cheery little sign above the entrance that reads, “We bones that are here, await yours.” Comforting.

Beyond the spooky stuff, Évora is packed with history. There’s a Roman temple, a massive cathedral with rooftop views, and wineries where you can drink your way through the Alentejo region. It’s a little quieter than Lisbon and Porto, it’s perfect for a more laid-back getaway.

Best Things to Do in Évora:

• Visit Capela dos Ossos and try not to get too freaked out.
• Climb the Évora Cathedral for unreal views.
• See the Roman Temple of Diana, because ancient ruins never get old.
• Drink Alentejo wine (the reds here? Chef’s kiss).
• Wander through the University of Évora, which dates back to 1559.

Tavira – The Algarve’s Chillest Beach Town

If the Algarve had a “most relaxed” award, Tavira would win. While places like Lagos and Albufeira get all the attention, Tavira is just out here quietly being perfect.

Tavira doesn’t rush to impress—it just quietly charms you with its whitewashed buildings, terracotta rooftops, historic churches, and a gorgeous riverfront.

The town’s medieval bridge, which stretches across the river, is one of its most famous landmarks, which has some of the best views of the old town’s streets and plazas.

Tavira Castle, perched on a hill, is another highlight, with ancient walls, peaceful gardens, and beautiful views of the rooftops and river below.

Tavira is perfect if you love culture, history, and a more relaxed side of the Algarve. It’s a town where afternoons are spent sipping coffee in sunny squares, evenings are filled with the sound of fado music drifting through the streets, and every moment feels like a small escape from reality.

Best Things to Do in Tavira:

• Take a boat to Tavira Island and spend the day doing nothing (in the best way possible).
• Walk across the Roman Bridge, because, why not?
• Explore the Tavira Castle ruins for some solid views.
• Visit the Camera Obscura, a cool way to see the whole town from above.
• Stuff your face with fresh seafood at a riverside restaurant.

Óbidos – The Cutest Medieval Town You’ll Ever See

If Portugal had a storybook town, it would be Óbidos. It’s a tiny walled town packed with whitewashed houses, colorful flowers, and a castle that you can actually sleep in. Small but packed with history, charm, and incredible views, Óbidos is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time—except with better food and great wine.

In December, the Christmas Village takes over, turning Óbidos into a dreamland with shimmering lights, festive markets, and an actual Santa’s house inside the castle.

And for book lovers, there’s even a Literary Festival, where the town’s ancient buildings double as bookshops, making Óbidos one of the most charming literary destinations in Europe.

Best Things to Do in Óbidos:

• Walk along the castle walls and pretend you’re in medieval times.
• Drink ginjinha in a chocolate cup (trust me, you’ll want more than one).
• Explore the Igreja de Santa Maria, a beautiful little church.
• Visit during the Medieval Festival (because who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up?).
• Buy hand-painted Portuguese ceramics—they make way better souvenirs than fridge magnets.

Final Thoughts

Portugal is that country—the one that somehow exceeds expectations no matter how hyped it is. Whether you’re here for the food, the scenery, or just to flex on your Instagram followers with outrageously stunning photos, you’re in for a treat.

From fairytale castles to wild coastlines, wine-soaked cities to tiny villages full of surprises, Portugal truly has something amazing to offer.