The 24 most beautiful places to visit in Portugal

Do you dream of visiting Portugal but don’t know where to go? Thanks to our overview of the most beautiful places to do in Portugal, all you have to do is book your tickets and set off to discover all the country has to offer.

For years, Portugal has been a favorite destination for travelers from France and the rest of the world, and for good reason: with its magnificent beaches, medieval towns, stunning architectural monuments, wild landscapes, colorful fishing villages and friendly Portuguese people, it’s easy to see why some have made Portugal their favorite destination. To help you make up your mind about Portugal, here’s our postcard of the 24 most beautiful places to visit in Portugal.

1. Belem Tower, Lisbon

A must-see landmark in Lisbon, the Belem Tower is an architectural gem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 16th century, it reflects the Portuguese architectural style and Manueline art. Overrun by tourists in summer, a visit to the Tower of Bélem is a must on your visit to Lisbon, with its sublime interior and gardens and breathtaking views over the city’s heights. Not far away, in the same Belém district, you’ll find the Hieronymites monastery.

2. Cape Saint Vincent

If you’re looking for a wild, green setting when you visit Portugal, head for Cape St. Vincent, Europe’s most south-westerly point, in the Algarve. As well as discovering a rich marine fauna, you can visit the lighthouse and monastery built on the cape, and stroll through the superb town of Sagres.

3. Regaleira Palace, Sintra

Located in the historic center of Sintra, the Regaleira Palace is as surprising for its highly charged architecture as for its enchanting grounds. With references to alchemy, Freemasonry and the Templar Order in its facades, this palace offers a surprising visit. Don’t forget to take a tour of the gardens, which were designed « as an image of the cosmos ». Sintra and its surrounding sites are certainly a must-see in Portugal, and more specifically in Lisbon.

4. Benagil cave

Just 150 metres from Benagil beach, the Benagil grotto is a geological marvel: constantly eroded by the movement of water, its rocky walls have naturally created a kind of dome where light is reflected. Only accessible by boat or swim, the Benagil grotto offers an incredible cameo of colors and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

5. Lello bookshop, Porto

Considered one of the most beautiful in the world, the Lello bookshop is sure to make you want to (re)start reading. With its high ceilings and walls lined entirely with precious, antique wood, it’s just like the library in the cartoon Beauty and the Beast: grand and perfect. The bookshop’s staircases are said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s description of the staircases of the Fleury and Bott store in her book « Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone« . The English author came to live in Porto to work as an English teacher in the academy and was a regular customer of the bookshop.

6. The Temple of Diana, Evora

Also known as the Temple of Diana, Evora’s Roman temple was built in the 1st century. Considered one of the most famous monuments to visit in Portugal, it is the symbol of the all-powerful presence of the Romans in Portugal.

7. Foz do Arelho

One of Portugal’s must-see beaches, Foz do Arelho is a paradise for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. A picturesque spot where the water is crystal-clear and the ocean and river meet to form a small lagoon. A must-see link in Portugal.

8. Vista do Rei

A new destination for hiking enthusiasts, theAzores archipelago deserves an article of its own. But if there’s one place in Portugal that’s well worth the detour, it’s the Vista do Rei viewpoint. The King’s viewpoint offers an incredible panorama over the Caldeira das Sete Cidades and the natural lakes, with their sometimes blue, sometimes green waters.

9. Monsanto

And no, Monsanto is not just a controversial American company, but a charming Portuguese village – and what a village it is! Often considered the most Portuguese of Portugal’s villages, Monsanto has the distinction of being built on a steep mountainside. Take the time to lose yourself in these charming alleyways – you’ll love this atypical tour of Portugal!

10. Mira de Aire caves

Voted one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in 2010, the Mira de Aire caves will melt the heart of any caving enthusiast. Out of almost 11 km of splendor, only 600 meters can be visited, but the walk is well worth the detour.

11. Costa Nova beach

Costa Nova beach has a lot going for it: in addition to being a favorite spot for fans of water sports such as windsurfing and surfing, Costa Nova beach offers a superb stroll along the ocean front, where you can appreciate a succession of beautiful, colorful, striped fishermen’s cottages – a must-do walk in Portugal.

12. Serra da Estrela

With almost 101,000 hectares under its belt, the Serra da Estrela Natural Park is Portugal’s largest protected area. On the program: hikes through mountainous scenery, the discovery of continental Portugal’s highest point, Torre, 1993 meters high, or skiing on Portugal’s only snow-covered slope.

13. Convent of Christ, Tomar

Located in the town of Tomar, the Convent of Christ is a monument not to be missed if you’re visiting Portugal, and in particular its central region. Originally, the Convent of Christ was a castle belonging to the Knights Templar, whose Order was dissolved in 1314.

14. University of Coimbra

Often cited as one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra was founded in Lisbon in 1290, before being definitively transferred to Coimbra in 1537. As well as admiring its superb facade, you can discover the Saint Miguel chapel, the medieval prison, the Hall of Arms and the University Tower.

15. Seigneur de la Pierre beach, south of Porto

In addition to the color of its water, Seigneur de la Pierre beach (or locally Praia do Senhor da Pedra) is distinguished by an 18th-century chapel built into some rocks on the ocean’s edge. On days when the ocean is rougher, the beach becomes an ideal spot for surfing.

16. Santa Luzia Basilica, Viana do Castelo

If you’re visiting Viana do Castelo in Portugal, don’t miss the Santa Luzia Basilica, an architectural gem that can be reached by funicular. In addition to the beauty of the basilica, you’ll have a magnificent view of the ocean, the river and the town.

17. Sanctuary of Bom Jesus Do Monte, Braga

A true masterpiece, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus Do Monte near Braga took its builders almost 37 years to complete. To get there, you can take the funicular railway or, for the more athletic, climb the Sacred Way, an immense zigzag staircase with elevation differences of up to 116 m.

18. Douro Valley, Porto

It’s hard to talk about the best things to do in Portugal without mentioning Porto and the birthplace of its famous wine, the Douro Valley. As well as vineyards where you can sample the local wines, the Douro boasts a natural park where cruises, bike rides and hikes are de rigueur.

19. La Ribeira, in Old Porto

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ribeira district is considered the soul of Porto and is a must-see in Portugal. With its medieval alleyways, colorful houses, famous Dom Luis bridge (Eiffel style) and boats filled with port barrels, the Ribeira offers a tranquil, soothing atmosphere that is a daily dream for tourists and locals alike.

20. Pena National Palace, Sintra

Another palace located in Sinta, the Palacio Nacional de Pena (Pena National Palace ) evokes all the fairy tales of our childhood. Legend has it that it was this castle that inspired Walt Disney’s films! Built in the 19th century by King Ferdinant, the castle’s sparkling colors and mix of styles make it a must-see in Portugal.

21. The village of Piódão

If you love nativity scenes, you’ll love the village of Piódão, located in the Serra do Açor. Hidden away in the middle of nature, this village’s architecture is astonishing: the houses are built on little terraces, and when night falls and the lights illuminate the village, it’s like being in another dimension. A visit to Portugal not to be missed.

22. Óbidos

A typically Portuguese fortified town, Óbidos is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Portugal. This picturesque town represents everything that makes Portugal so charming: narrow cobbled streets, charming houses and an imposing medieval castle that once served to defend the region.

23. Nazaré

Nazaré is certainly Portugal’s most famous surf spot. It’s a promontory rising out of the sea, offering a long view of the Estremadura coastline, with the beach stretching out as far as the eye can see, and an immense pine forest behind it. The small seaside resort is best known for its waves, some of them out of the ordinary, which attract surfers from all over the world.

24. Madeira

Located almost 1,000 km southwest of Lisbon and 600 km from the Moroccan coast, Madeira is the island to visit in Portugal for a unique holiday. A destination in its own right, Madeira boasts natural landscapes, immense mountains, jagged cliffs, verdant forests and incredible botanical gardens. Hiking enthusiasts will love it here!

Main photo credit: Pixabay – Cristina Macia

Map of hotels and accommodation – Portugal