Portugal: The 10 Best Places to Visit and See

Situated on the western coast of the Iberian peninsula, Portugal is one of the most visited countries in Europe thanks to its idyllic climate, accessible travel costs and exceptional attractions. Portugal's varied geography ranges from the verdant mountains and vineyards of the North to the rolling countryside and medieval villages of the central region, to the charming beaches of the Algarve along the southern coast. Belonging to Portugal but located in the Atlantic Ocean are the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, known for their lush landscapes and flowering gardens. An overview of the best places to visit in Portugal.

10Coimbra

A charming city situated on the Mondego river, in central Portugal, Coimbra is home to a treasure trove of historic sites, splendid gardens and a lively culture centred on one of the oldest universities in Europe. One of the best things to do in Coimbra is simply to get lost and discover the numerous historic attractions, from the splendid Old Cathedral to the Gothic Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, which contains the tomb of Queen Isabella. No trip to Coimbra would be complete without a visit to the University of Coimbra to admire one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, the Joanina Library.

9Azores

The Azores archipelago is made up of 9 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, located about 1,500 km (930 miles) west of Lisbon. Renowned for world-class whale watching, warm mineral springs and picturesque seaside towns, each island has its own fascinating identity. São Miguel is the largest island of the Azores and is known as "The Green Island", while Pico is home to the highest mountain in Portugal.

8Aveiro

Embracing the country's Atlantic coast in central Portugal, Aveiro is a lively city often called "the Venice of Portugal" for its picturesque scenery of panoramic canals connected by charming bridges and dotted with colourful gondolas and speedboats. Historic sites, wonderful beaches and tasty cuisine make Aveiro a very popular tourist destination. Aveiro's numerous tourist attractions include Aveiro Cathedral, the Chapel of São Gonçalinho and the Convent of Jesus. These all offer beautiful architecture and works of art.

7Evora

Evora may be a small city in the Alentejo plains region of southern Portugal, but it has enormous tourist appeal. With a history dating back more than 2,000 years, Evora was once a thriving city under Roman rule. Today, Evora is the capital of the Alentejo region, valued for its well-preserved historic centre, which houses over 4,000 historic structures including the ancient Roman walls and temples. Another highlight is the 13th-century Evora Cathedral, one of the most important Gothic structures in Portugal. Not far from the city is the largest complex of prehistoric megaliths in Europe, which is well worth a visit.

6Porto

World-famous for its port wine production, the lively city of Porto stretches along the hills overlooking the Douro river, in northern Portugal. In the heart of Porto is the charming pedestrian area, the Ribeira, an evocative riverside spot enlivened by live music, cafes, restaurants and street vendors. Dominating this popular tourist spot is the Dom Luis Bridge, a two-storey metal arch bridge connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, known for its port wine cellars.

5Madeira

Nicknamed "the Floating Garden of the Atlantic", Madeira is a fertile oasis in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North Africa, famous for its lush green landscapes, its flowering gardens and its wines. Madeira's must-see spots include the orchid garden and the Laurissilva forest, which hosts the world's largest concentration of laurel. Madeira's capital and largest city is Funchal, home to historic churches, fortresses, tourist spots and restaurants, as well as the tree-lined Lido promenade, which offers spectacular views over the ocean.

4Sintra

Situated at the foot of the Sintra mountains, on the Lisbon coast, just a day trip from Portugal's capital, Sintra presents a spectacular backdrop of verdant hills, dotted with pretty villas, royal retreats, castles and palaces such as the famous Pena Palace, a fantastic castle reminiscent of Germany's Neuschwanstein. Built in the mid-1800s and serving as a summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family, Pena Palace is surrounded by wooded parks home to exotic trees, plants and flowers. Also not to be missed are the ancient ruins of the Castle of the Moors that crown the town's highest hill and the romantic Palace of Monserrate with its subtropical gardens.

3Obidos

Situated on a hill in the Centro region of western Portugal, Obidos is surrounded by an old fortified wall. Besides the wall, the magnificent medieval castle and the historic centre of Obidos form the main attraction of the town and can easily be explored. A maze of narrow cobbled streets leads visitors along the crowded squares, inviting cafes, picturesque shops and whitewashed houses with colourful flowers. The castle, with its imposing building, huge doors, towers and bastions, is now a luxury hotel, but a wonder to see anyway.

2Algarve

Sunny Mediterranean climate, wonderful beaches, picturesque towns, historic sites, fabulous cuisine and accessible costs are just some of the reasons that make the Algarve one of the best places to visit in Portugal. Situated in the southernmost region of the country, the Algarve offers a feast for the eyes, from the tranquil landscapes of olive groves and traditional whitewashed villages to the wild, wind-swept coast with its spectacular cliffs dotted with summer resorts. Faro is the capital of the region, and Lagos is the area's hotspot for nightlife. Surrounded by orange groves, Silves is best known for its red sandstone castle, while Tavira is an elegant town rich in Renaissance monuments, bridges and castles.

1Lisbon

Stretching along the banks of the Tagus river near the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal's capital and largest city winds among seven steep hills, forming an enchanting destination with a warm climate, charming alleys, picturesque shops, Gothic cathedrals, impressive bridges and colourful neighbourhoods, echoing with traditional fado music. The oldest neighbourhood of the city is Alfama, an old Moorish quarter, distinguished by its maze of cobbled streets, rustic architecture and the Castle of São Jorge. The best way to experience Lisbon is to take one of the vintage trams, such as the famous Tram 28, which winds through the historic neighbourhoods, gardens and main attractions.