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

Portugal has become one of Europe’s most exciting destinations, known for its electric cities, golden coastlines, rich food culture, and effortlessly cool energy that’s hard to ignore. It manages to feel both laid-back and full of life, with something new waiting around every corner.

It’s no wonder interest in Portugal has skyrocketed in recent years, and honestly, it deserves every bit of the hype. And the fact that it somehow still feels a little under-the-radar compared to other European destinations is a true gift.

This guide highlights 10 great places to visit in Portugal, some you’ve probably heard of, and others that deserve a lot more attention. Whether it’s a coastal escape, a cultural deep-dive, or a blend of both, each spot was chosen through extensive research to make sure every recommendation is worth your time.

Looking for a ready-made plan? The 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of the country without the guesswork.

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10 Great Places to Visit in Portugal

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

Lisbon brings an easygoing confidence to the table; sun-soaked, full of personality, and always buzzing with something interesting. Between the tiled buildings, sunny hills, and old trams clattering through the streets, it’s a place that knows exactly how to keep things interesting.

The city hums with life. Street musicians, rooftop bars, and neighborhood cafés give off a quiet creative energy.

Alfama’s maze-like streets tend to pull people in, with unexpected views, tiny shops, and pastry spots on nearly every block serving the city’s most iconic sweet: the pastéis de nata.

When the sun starts to set, the sky puts on a show as the city’s miradouros fill with locals and travelers watching the sky change color over the rooftops and river

Need help finding the right hotel? Take a look at our breakdown of the top places to stay in Lisbon.

Best Things to Do in Lisbon:

• Ride Tram 28 (yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also very 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 brings a moodier edge to the charm Portugal is known for. The buildings are colorful but a little worn, the streets wind up and down hills, and the whole city feels effortlessly authentic. The Ribeira district along the Douro River shows off the city’s character and makes it easy to see why people fall in love with it.

Wine plays a big part in the city’s personality, especially port wine, which is rich, sweet, and stronger than it looks. The cellars by the Douro River are great places to learn how seriously Porto takes its wine.

There’s also plenty of character beyond the wine scene, there’s a strong presence of street art, historic architecture, and cafés that feel intentionally low-key.

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 almost doesn’t feel real, especially the palaces, which look really fake but are very much the real deal. Pena Palace is the one most people recognize, with bright colors, unusual shapes, and views that go on forever.

Quinta da Regaleira has a different kind of energy though; less bold more mysterious. The gardens twist and turn with hidden corners, and the spiral staircase of the Initiation Well is one of the most recognizable spots in town.

Moorish Castle offers a more rugged experience, with ancient stone walls and stunning views that stretch far beyond the forested hills. It may be less polished but it’s definitely more dramatic, and a favorite for anyone into old forts and sweeping views.

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.
• 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

Lagos easily ranks among the most stunning beach destinations in Europe. The cliffs are massive, and the caves are amazing to explore. You might come for a few days, but you’ll easily want to stay longer.

Ponta da Piedade is a great spot to get up close to these rock formations and explore the grottoes and natural arches carved by the waves.

The town itself has a real, easy-going feel to it and unlike some beach towns that feel like they only exist for tourists, Lagos has a more authentic, relaxed vibe.

The old town is a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed buildings, with plenty of cafés and street performers in the squares. And when the sun sets, Lagos has a bunch of bars and beach spots where you can hang out and enjoy the night.

If you’re looking for the best beaches to visit in Portugal, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide, featuring the stunning coastal town of Sintra.

Best Things to Do in Lagos:

• Take a boat tour to Ponta da Piedade.
• 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

This Portuguese island is out in the Atlantic, with huge cliffs and green mountains everywhere. The weather’s perfect all year, making it a great place to visit anytime. This isn’t a typical beach destination, it’s a spot for adventurers, nature lovers, or anyone who likes being amazed by the landscape.

Funchal, the capital, has plenty of cool cafés, markets, and a good nightlife scene. But the real draw is the nature. For hikers, the island’s levada walks are a must as they take you through forests, past waterfalls, and to some stunning viewpoints.

Pico do Arieiro is the best place to catch the sunrise as the sky changes colors above the clouds.

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 known for having one of the oldest universities in Europe, and the Joanina Library is often listed as one of the most impressive libraries anywhere. It’s full of complex details and has a look that makes it stand out, especially for those interested in architecture or academic history.

The city has narrow streets, old buildings, and views along the river. It’s easy to explore on foot, and there’s plenty to see just by walking around.

The traditional Coimbra-style fado carries a deep, emotional tone that sets it apart from Lisbon’s version. Even without understanding the words, the music leaves a lasting impression.

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 made up of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic, known for their dramatic landscapes, volcanic craters, hot springs, and cliffs that drop into the ocean.

São Miguel is the most visited island, where you’ll find geothermal lakes, tea plantations, and coastal trails. Pico is known for its volcano and vineyards, while Terceira and Flores are quieter with fewer crowds and lots of natural sights.

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 a small city in Portugal known for its mix of architecture, ancient landmarks, and slower pace.

One of the most recognizable places here is the Chapel of Bones, where the interior walls are covered in real human skulls and bones. At the entrance, there’s a sign that says, “We bones that are here, await yours.” It’s unusual and draws a lot of attention for obvious reasons.

Other landmarks include a well-preserved Roman temple, a cathedral with rooftop access, and several museums. There are also local wineries in the area known for bold reds and regional blends.

Compared to Lisbon or Porto, Évora tends to be quieter and more relaxed, it’s great if you’re looking to explore smaller Portuguese cities without the crowds.

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 are known to be a chef’s kiss).
• Wander through the University of Évora, which dates back to 1559.

Tavira – The Algarve’s Chillest Beach Town

Tavira is a quiet town in the Algarve, it’s less crowded than places like Lagos or Albufeira, and that slower pace is part of what makes it stand out.

The old bridge across the river is one of the main sights, it has a clear view of the surrounding streets and squares. Not far from there, Tavira Castle sits on higher ground, its remaining walls and garden area give a good view over the rooftops and the river.

The town has a strong focus on culture and history. Squares are open and sunny, and local restaurants and cafés stay active throughout the day.

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

Óbidos is a small walled town in Portugal known for its white buildings, narrow streets, and a hilltop castle that now functions as a hotel. It’s easy to explore on foot and has a clear medieval look, with stone paths and old architecture throughout.

In December, the town becomes the setting for a popular Christmas Village event. Lights are strung around the streets, markets pop up, and there’s a full Santa set up inside the castle.

During other parts of the year, Óbidos also hosts a Literary Festival. Many buildings are turned into pop-up bookshops, and the town focuses on literature, readings, and events during that time.

Best Things to Do in Óbidos:

• Walk along the castle walls and pretend you’re in medieval times.
• Drink ginjinha in a chocolate cup.
• 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.

Wrapping Thoughts

Portugal is one place that always seems to exceed expectations. From the food to the views, and all the amazing spots for photos, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy.

The cities are full of culture, with lively streets, art, and history around every corner. Small towns have their own surprises too, often hidden gems that offer a quieter, more relaxed pace. Between the amazing views, rich traditions, and great food, there’s never a dull moment.