20 ultimate best places to visit in Portugal

Let’s explore the ultimate best places to visit in Portugal! This incredible country has everything you could want in a trip – colorful cities, charming villages, medieval castles, dramatic coastlines, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

We’ve spent many months traveling around Portugal, from the scenic and historic north to the sun-soaked Algarve, discovering famous landmarks and lesser-known spots along the way.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a road trip, this guide will help you choose the best Portuguese destinations. In this blog post, you’ll find the best places to visit in Portugal, all with descriptions, photos, and travel tips to make planning easier.

1. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal

I know there are travelers who don’t enjoy visiting cities and would rather be in nature and visiting hidden gems, but Lisbon, the majestic capital of Portugal, is too special to skip! It is one of my favorite capitals in Europe!

Built across seven hills and overlooking the Tagus River, Lisbon is full of colorful houses, iconic landmarks, historic squares, and delicious food. It has a little bit of everything!

We’ve visited Lisbon several times (one time we stayed there for three weeks), and it never fails to surprise us with something new each time.

Some of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks include the iconic Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém district, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that represent Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Belém is also where you can try the Pastéis de Belém, the original version of Portugal’s famous custard tarts, pastel de nata. But besides that, there are many other fantastic places where you can try pastel de nata in Lisbon.

In the historic heart of the city, don’t miss Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch next to the Praça do Comércio square, as well as the most picture-perfect place in Lisbon – the Pink Street.

The best way to start the day in Lisbon is to watch the sunrise at the famous Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint, one of the most popular viewpoints in Lisbon.

Another hotspot to catch the best views of Lisbon is Miradouro das Portas do Sol, just steps away from Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint.

However, to finish the day, I recommend climbing up to another Lisbon highlight, the Castelo de São Jorge, sitting high above the city with panoramic views over Lisbon’s red rooftops and the Tagus River.

It is one of the best spots to watch the sunset, along with Miradouro da Senhora do Monte on a nearby hill.

While exploring Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, make sure to visit the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), the city’s oldest church, dating back to the 12th century. It is one of Lisbon’s most recognizable landmarks!

Before leaving Lisbon, there is one bucket list thing you must do in Lisbon – you have to take a ride through the city on the famous and charming yellow Tram 28!

This city truly has something for everyone, whether you are a history lover or just want to eat good food and take cute pictures, haha. It’s just one of those places that stays with you after you leave!

2. Sintra, home to fairytale palaces

Just a short drive from Lisbon is one of the most magical places in Portugal – Sintra!

Portuguese royalty has favored this dreamy place since the Middle Ages due to its picturesque setting, lush forests, romantic architecture, and fairytale palaces.

So why is Sintra one of the best places to visit in Portugal? The town is home to one of the most famous must-see attractions in Portugal and one of the most famous palaces in Europe – the Pena Palace!

The romantic 19th-century Pena Palace is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal known for its vibrant colors, tiled facades, and sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Yes, it absolutely looks like one of the fairytale castles from a Disney movie! Is it the most magical place on Earth? I don’t know. It could be.

Located just 40 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra is the perfect destination for a day trip from Portugal’s capital! I’ve been to Sintra multiple times! You could easily spend an entire day or two exploring the palaces, gardens, and scenic viewpoints.

Besides the Pena Palace, some of the best places to visit in Sintra include Quinta da Regaleira, one of the most mysterious places in Portugal, which is known for its underground tunnels, waterfalls, and the magical Initiation Well, a spiral staircase descending deep into the ground.

Also, don’t miss the Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros), which offers breathtaking views over the Sintra hills and all the way to the ocean, and is one of the most popular castles in Portugal! The walk along the ancient stone walls was one of my highlights in Sintra!

You can also stop by the National Palace of Sintra in the town center, recognizable by its twin white chimneys, as well as the Monserrate Palace – my personal favorite palace in Sintra! I know, it’s a lot of castles and palaces, but this is what Sintra is all about!

3. Porto, the capital of Northern Portugal

Porto, or Oporto, is the heart of Northern Portugal. It is the second-largest city in Portugal and also one of the most charming cities in Europe. You’ll find some of the most beautiful places in the country in this city.

What’s so special about Porto? Built along the Douro River, this city is famous for its colorful riverside houses, historic bridges, and world-famous Port wine.

Porto is also home to some of the most iconic attractions in Portugal, from its iconic 19th-century double-deck metal arch bridge, Dom Luís I Bridge, to the small and charming tile-covered Chapel of Souls, one of the most photographed places in Porto.

Porto is also home to the famous Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, said to have inspired J.K. Rowling (author of Harry Potter) when she lived in Porto.

You also shouldn’t miss the beautiful São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue-and-white azulejos. Is it the most beautiful railway station in Portugal? Could be.

And Porto’s Ribeira district, with its lively riverfront, colorful houses, and restaurants overlooking the Douro River, is one of the best places to visit in Porto. I recommend finding a riverfront restaurant and sitting down for a snack, and watching people passing by.

We’ve actually spent several weeks in Porto and explored all its bucket list tourist attractions, as well as some of Porto’s many hidden gems usually skipped by the regular crowds. Every corner in this city has something special to offer.

One of my favorite must-visit attractions is the Porto Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. I loved exploring its tile-covered courtyard and stone rooms and halls!

Another must-visit is Jardim do Morro, the most iconic viewpoint to watch the sunset in Porto! The atmosphere here is always lively around sunset, with people sitting on the grass, sharing drinks, and often enjoying live music from street performers.

Porto is a city that captures your heart from the moment you arrive. There’s an unbeatable charm to this place, so I really hope you get to explore it to the fullest!

I also recommend that you plan some time for a boat trip. There are two popular boat trips people take in Porto – one is to see Porto’s famous six bridges across the Douro River, and the other boat trip is to the Douro Valley to explore the vineyards and winemaking.

I know, you cannot possibly visit every place, but I’d say you’ll need at least two or three days to experience the city without rushing. But there’s nothing wrong with rushing just to see as much as possible, haha! Who hasn’t done it?

Location: Porto

4. Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal

Guimarães is one of the best cities to visit in Portugal, and one of my favorite places in the country. I can’t really point a finger at why that is, but it somehow left a lasting impression on me!

So why is Guimarães one of the best places to visit in Portugal? The city is often called the ‘birthplace of Portugal,’ because this is where Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, was born, and where the foundation of the country began.

We visited Guimarães as part of our road trip around Northern Portugal and spent over a week there. If you visit Porto, then definitely consider taking a trip to Guimarães – it is located just an hour away, making it one of the most popular day trips from Porto!

The main landmark of the town is the Castelo de Guimarães, one of the most famous medieval castles in Portugal and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Built in the 10th century, it played an important role in defending the region.

Just next to the castle stands the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a stunning 15th-century palace that once served as the residence of the Dukes of Bragança.

It was one of my favorite places we visited in Guimarães, especially its charming, photo-perfect courtyard! If you are short on time, these two landmarks are the must-see places you can’t skip in Guimarães.

Other places to visit in Guimarães include the Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo, a small chapel said to be where Afonso Henriques was baptized, and Largo da Oliveira, one of the prettiest squares in Portugal, boasting Gothic arcades and historic buildings.

Also, don’t forget to stop by the striking Largo da República do Brasil garden, an avenue filled with vibrant flowerbeds, and walk along the top of the medieval walls of Guimarães.

Guimarães is small enough to explore in one day, yet full of fascinating history and charm. I’m glad we stayed there longer, but even one day (of half a day!) is enough to soak in all its historical charm. It’s a city with the most intense medieval vibes in Portugal, for sure!

5. Braga, home to Bom Jesus do Monte

Located just a short drive from Guimarães is another must-visit place in Northern Portugal – the city of Braga. We spent over a week in each of these cities, but many travelers who are short on time visit both Guimarães and Braga in one day due to how close they are.

Braga is one of the oldest and most iconic cities in Portugal, often called the ‘Rome of Portugal’, because of its many churches and deep religious history. If you ever get to walk around the historic center of Braga, you’ll see countless churches there!

So why is Braga one of the best places to visit in Portugal? There is so much to see in Braga, but the most famous attraction there, without a doubt, is its iconic hilltop sanctuary – Bom Jesus do Monte, known for its white Baroque staircase leading from the city up to the hill.

Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Portugal. Along with the Sanctuary of Fátima, this has to be one of the most famous churches you will find in Portugal.

What makes Bom Jesus do Monte so iconic and famous is its white Baroque staircase, which is lined with fountains and statues, and offers stunning views over the city. If you only have time for one place in Braga, this is the one!

However, if you are into hilltop churches, you won’t want to miss another iconic sanctuary on a nearby hill in Braga – the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro. We were lucky to visit this stunning sanctuary at sunset when everything was in beautiful golden hues.

Back in the city center, don’t miss the Sé de Braga, the oldest cathedral in Portugal, which dates back to the 11th century. But next to Braga’s main square, Praça da República, you will find the Jardim da Avenida Central, a stunning avenue full of flowerbeds.

Braga is also home to the Arco da Porta Nova, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, and the beautiful Jardim de Santa Bárbara garden. Strolling through Braga’s many city gardens was one of my favorite things we did in Braga.

Another unique place in the city was the blue palace, or Palácio do Raio, once home to a wealthy merchant. I also enjoyed a visit to the Biscainhos Museum in Braga, another palace showcasing how wealthy people lived here a couple of centuries ago. I really enjoyed Braga!

6. Batalha Monastery

Batalha is a small town in central Portugal, but it hides a magnificent secret within its medieval walls – the majestic Batalha Monastery, known as one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. And I can attest to that – in terms of architecture, nothing can compare to this masterpiece!

Officially called the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, it is more than just another place on a long list of the best places to visit in Portugal. Besides, it is already the fourth (I think?) of the Seven Wonders of Portugal on this list.

So why is it so special? Batalha is one of those towns that was literally born out of history. It was built on the battlefield (that’s where its name comes from – Batalha!), where the decisive Battle of Aljubarrota took place back in 1385.

It is where Portugal, despite being outnumbered, secured its independence from Castile (today’s Spain), and it is considered one of the most important battles in Portugal’s history.

After the victory, Portugal’s King João I ordered the building of a majestic monastery on the very battlefield. Its construction took over a century and was done under the reign of seven kings and the supervision of fifteen architects.

Batalha Monastery is now a National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also one of the most important Gothic sites in Portugal. It also serves as the first royal pantheon in Portugal, filled with tombs of kings, queens, and princes.

Inside, you can visit the Founder’s Chapel, which holds the tombs of King João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster, along with their sons, including Henry the Navigator (the one who initiated Portugal’s Age of Discovery).

But my favorite place inside the monastery was the famous Unfinished Chapels – the Pantheon that was never finished and has been roofless for centuries.

The Unfinished Chapels has one of the most extravagant entrances you’ll see built in Portugal’s intricate Manueline style. Honestly, I was speechless. Besides, we visited in the morning and got to be the only ones there.

It was a bit mindblowing to think that someone had to carve it with their hands (see the first photo with the entrance). No wonder it took so long to make it! And it wasn’t even finished!

If you’re traveling through Portugal, the Batalha Monastery is a must-visit place! You can easily visit this as a day trip from Lisbon. Plus, it is near a couple of other iconic destinations, so you can plan a perfect day trip full of historical highlights. At least, that’s what we did!

Location: Batalha Monastery

7. Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal

Aveiro boasts a city center full of water canals, where you can go on boat rides in moliceiro boats – the town’s traditional wooden boats, similar to gondolas in Venice, which is why the city is known as the ‘Venice of Portugal.’

It is, without a doubt, one of the most charming and special cities in Portugal! Plus, it is located just an hour ride south of Porto, making it one of the best day trip destinations from Porto.

We stayed in this city for a couple of days, exploring everything Aveiro had to offer – from its postcard-perfect Art Nouveau architecture you can see next to the water canals to the vast salt flats next to the city!

And a boat ride through the city canals must be on your Portugal bucket list! These beautifully painted boats were once used to harvest seaweed from the lagoon, but today they are a tourist attraction and one of the best ways to see the city!

If you love sweets, you absolutely have to try ovos moles, Aveiro’s most iconic sweet treat. They are made of a soft, paste-like mixture of egg yolk and sugar, encased in a rice paper shell shaped like a fish or a seashell. Just stop by a sweets shop and try one!

However, my favorite place in Aveiro was actually a short drive from the center, and it was Costa Nova, a charming beachside village famous for its candy-stripped houses!

These colorful houses (they are called ‘palheiros’) were once used by fishermen to store their fishing gear. Now, some of them are residential properties. I highly recommend stopping by this unique, postcard-perfect place before you stroll to the beach.

We took way too many photos of those cute houses, haha!

Aveiro is one of those places that is full of character and is very relaxing at the same time. The city is near Porto, so it receives quite a few tourists during the day, but there’s something special about this place that makes you want to stay a little longer. I’m so happy we did that!

8. Évora, Portugal’s pretty Museum-City

Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region, is one of Portugal’s most beautiful and historic cities and one of the best places to visit in Portugal! Why? Because visiting Évora is, basically, like walking in an open-air museum!

Évora is often called the Museum-City because the whole Historic Center of Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage. We came here during the summer, so we had to push through the summer heat (it got pretty HOT!), but the city’s beauty made it all worth it.

Évora feels slower-paced compared to Lisbon or Porto, and even Braga, but that’s part of its charm. Located inland and off the usual tourist routes, it feels more remote and sees much fewer visitors than the coastal cities.

One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Templo Romano de Évora (Roman Temple of Évora), also known as the Temple of Diana. It dates back to the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins on the Iberian Peninsula.

Another must-visit place in Évora is the 16th-century Capela dos Ossos, or the famous Chapel of Bones. This unique chapel is pretty unforgettable, because it is decorated with thousands of human bones and skulls. It’s both eerie and fascinating, haha!

But nearby, you’ll find my favorite attraction in Évora – the impressive Évora Cathedral, or Sé de Évora, which is known as the biggest medieval cathedral in Portugal!

Once there, do not miss the opportunity to climb up to the cathedral’s roof for the best panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside!

Other highlights in Évora include the Praça do Giraldo, the city’s main square lined with cafés and historic buildings, and the University of Évora, founded in the 16th century and one of the oldest in Portugal.

Because we came during the summer, we got to visit the rooms and halls of the university.  It was established in the 16th century and thus is the second-oldest university in Portugal. All their classrooms are covered with azulejo tiles. Such a beautiful and unique city!

9. Serra da Estrela, the top of mainland Portugal

The Serra da Estrela mountain range is the highest point in continental Portugal, reaching 1993 meters above sea level at the highest point named ‘Torre’.

It is not a distinct mountain but rather the highest place on a large plateau. So why is it one of the best places to visit in Portugal? Because you can easily drive a car up to the top of mainland Portugal (there is a higher mountain in Portugal’s Azores).

Yes, it is as easy as it sounds, and, on top, you’ll be met with some of the most epic views in the country! We came here before sunset, and it was so pretty to see the mountain peaks surrounding us.

To get there, you’ll need a car, but the drive is scenic and quite easy. There is a paved road that goes through the mountains and then over the highest point of Portugal’s mainland.

At the top, you will see a tower with a cross on top – this is the highest spot. There are also a couple of restaurants and souvenir shops where you can have a meal or buy some souvenirs.

We bought some Serra da Estrela chocolate as well as the famous Serra da Estrela cheese! Its recipe is more than 2,000 years old, so definitely try it! It is soft and gooey and has a strong and interesting flavor (but in a good sense!).

Location: Serra da Estrela

10. Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Portugal and, without a doubt, one of the most iconic places to visit in the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region!

The Algarve is all about golden sand beaches and incredible coastal cliffs, and Ponta da Piedade near Lagos is especially famous for it. The ocean here is full of unique golden-colored rock formations: sea stacks, rock arches, caves, etc. It is simply stunning!

You can enjoy this beauty not only from the coast but also from the water. There is a boat cruise in a small group from Lagos port along the coast to Ponta da Piedade to explore beautiful rock formations from the sea.

However, if you are into kayaking, then you will love to join this boat and kayaking tour from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade, where you will jump on a kayak and explore the caves and sea arches of Ponta da Piedade. They even let you swim in those crystal clear waters!

Location: Ponta da Piedade

11. Óbidos, the charming Town of the Queens

The medieval Óbidos is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. Referred to as the ‘Town of the Queens’, this place welcomes you with its medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, squares, city walls, and the medieval castle.

So why is Óbidos one of the best places to visit in Portugal? It is often said that Óbidos has the most beautiful old town in Portugal, and I have to say that it was definitely one of the most charming places we visited in Portugal.

We visited Óbidos in the summer months, and explored all the main attractions of Óbidos, including Óbidos Castle, Rua Direita shopping street, walked around the city walls, and tried the famous Óbidos chocolate!

Óbidos Castle is one of the most famous medieval castles in Portugal and the next on the list of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. It looked pretty impressive!

However, my favorite place in the old town was the Porta da Vila gate with the beautiful Portuguese tiles – azulejos! It is one of the entrance gates to the old town, and to this day, cars still drive through it.

The whole of Óbidos is encircled by massive defensive castle walls. The best part about it is that you can walk around the town walls like a town guard from a couple of centuries ago! The perimeter of the walls reaches more than 1500 meters (nearly a mile).

Some of the must-try things in Óbidos include the local Ginja de Óbidos – a Portuguese liqueur made of sour cherries, sugar, and usually cinnamon. In Óbidos, they serve it inside small cups made of chocolate, so you can eat and drink it all at once!

Another thing not to miss in Óbidos is the local chocolate. There are tons of local chocolate shops, where you can buy treats for yourself and your family.

Óbidos even hosts an International Chocolate Festival that has taken place in the Spring every year since 2002. It is when the whole town turns into a big festival and celebration of chocolate! Now I wish I had visited Óbidos in spring, haha!

Location: Castelo de Óbidos

12. Benagil Cave

Southern Portugal is known for its incredible coastal rock formations, but Algar do Benagil, or the Benagil Cave, is the most breathtaking natural landmark of them all and, overall, one of the most famous attractions in Portugal.

It is a huge coastal cave known for its massive dome-shaped ceiling with a large circular opening and two arched entrances. Did you know that such caves with circular holes in the ceiling are called ‘algars’ in this region in Portugal?

We were lucky to visit the cave during the off-season back in 2023, so we could walk inside and enjoy it all to ourselves for more than 30 minutes. However, the rules have changed, and you can no longer disembark and walk around the cave. But it is still possible to see it.

This cave is only accessible by sea, so you need to book a kayaking tour to see this place, or you can get there by boat from Portimão port, as well as from Lagos, or you can join a boat trip to see dolphins and Benagil cave from Albufeira.

Benagil Cave might be the most famous cave in Portugal, but there are many other beautiful caves in the Algarve you can visit for free. We found quite a lot of them, and many caves are easily accessible on foot during low tide.

Location: Algar de Benagil

13. Convent of Christ in Tomar

Known as the home of the Knights Templar, Tomar town is filled with rich history, incredible architecture, and legends. This town is one of the most fascinating places we visited in Portugal!

But why is it one of the must-see places in the country? There is only one reason people travel to Tomar, and it is to visit the majestic Convent of Christ, one of the most important monuments in Portugal’s history (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

The Convent of Christ was founded in the 12th century as the headquarters of the Knights Templar, a powerful military order of warrior monks who played a major role in Portugal’s formation.

The construction of the impressive building complex took about five centuries! And it hides some of the most special architectural wonders you will find in Portugal!

One of the most beautiful places in the convent is the 12th-century Oratory of the Templars – the famous round church (called a ‘rotunda’) covered with intricate frescoes and paintings (see the first two photos).

Another famous architectural artwork that you can visit in the Convent of Christ is the Chapter Window. The Manueline window is filled with maritime themes, including ropes, wood, buoys, and others. They renovated it during our visit, but we still saw it through the fences.

However, one of my personal favorite places in the convent was the spiraled staircase that leads to the second floor and can be accessed from the main courtyard. So unique!

Honestly, this was one of the most beautiful places we got to visit during our road trip around Portugal. Walking through its old halls and towers gives you a glimpse into the life of the knights who once lived here.

The mix of history, mystique, and beauty makes it a truly unforgettable place. If you are doing a road trip around Portugal, definitely consider stopping by if you love architecture and historical buildings!

Location: Convent of Christ

14. Douro Valley, the Portuguese wine region

The Douro Valley is known for its terraced vineyards, scenic river views, and charming wine estates. And since 2001, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What makes it one of the top places to visit in Portugal? The Douro Valley is the birthplace of Port wine and is known as one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal. It’s an absolute must-visit place for anyone visiting the country!

One of the best ways to experience this region is by taking a scenic drive along the N222 road, which winds along the river, and stopping by scenic viewpoints overlooking the vineyards and the river below.

Two of the most popular stops along the way are Peso da Régua and Pinhão – small towns at the riverfront offering scenic boat rides and river cruises along the Douro River. Just drive there and go to the pier – there will likely be somebody who will grab you immediately, haha.

Some of my favorite viewpoints along the river valley include Miradouro São Leonardo de Galafura, Miradouro da Boneca, and Miradouro da Portela, offering some of the most beautiful views of the endless rows of terraced vines cascading down the hillsides.

If you don’t have a car, there are plenty of group trip options to choose from right from Porto, with transportation, wine tasting, lunch, and a river cruise included. You just have to choose one and arrive at the pickup point. In any case, a visit to the Douro Valley is a must!

15. Monsanto, Portugal’s stone village

Stone caves and houses built above or under big boulders – this is the mysterious stone village of Monsanto, one of the most unique places to visit in Portugal!

Voted as the most Portuguese village in Portugal, this ancient village attracts plenty of visitors who crave a feeling of stepping back in time. It is a real-life Stone Age village!

Some of the best things to do in Monsanto village include climbing up to the 12th-century Castle of Monsanto, visiting boulder caves and boulder houses, as well as trying the famous cherry pastel de nata – pastel de cereja.

The village got extra fame after the well-known TV series House of the Dragon filmed a couple of scenes right in this village. Namely, they filmed Daemon and Rhaenyra’s wedding, as well as Rhaenyra’s coronation.

However, my favorite thing to do in Monsanto was hunting for the best viewpoints. The village sits on a hilltop 763 meters (2,503 ft) above sea level, offering spectacular views over the surrounding area.

We saw the most beautiful sunset there!

Monsanto is located deep in mainland Portugal, about a 3-hour drive from Porto. It is not an easy destination to reach, but it is very much worth it if you enjoy hidden gems and ancient places.

Monsanto is small and gets very busy during the day, so I would recommend arriving here in the evening, staying the night there (this is where we stayed), and then exploring the village the next morning before the tourist buses arrive!

This way, you’ll be able to see the sunset as well as the sunrise. They are quite magical around here, and I’m glad we decided to spend that extra night here!

Location: Monsanto

16. Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha is among the most famous beaches in Portugal, and the main reason for that is that the beach offers some of the most epic coastal sceneries in the country! Just look at those color contrasts!

At Praia da Marinha, you will find some of the most unique and beautiful rock formations, like the Elephant Rock or the famous heart-shaped rock, as well as others without names. It’s a place with incredible natural beauty – like no other place in Portugal!

The beach is also part of the popular Seven Hanging Valleys Trail that runs along the coastline, offering the best views of the Algarve’s most unique cliffs, caves, rock formations, and beaches. If you love hiking with beautiful views, this is your sign!

But if you come here to enjoy the beach, you might want to know that it is best enjoyed at lower tide, as it becomes a bit narrow at high tide. If you only have time for a few things to do in the Algarve region, a visit to this beach must be one of them!

Location: Praia da Marinha

17. Azenhas do Mar

The charming Azenhas do Mar is one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal and one of my all-time favorite places we visited in the country! It is one of those places that stay with you long after your visit.

Azenhas do Mar name translates from Portuguese as ‘Watermills of the Sea’. The magical small town is the best place for watching the sunset in the Atlantic Ocean, which is exactly what we did when we visited this place.

The town that originated as a fishing village has now grown into a seaside resort featuring Mediterranean-style whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs. The town is only a 40-minute drive from Lisbon, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.

If you drive there, I recommend stopping by Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar viewpoint to enjoy the fantastic views of the town as well as the beach below with its iconic rock pool. This is such a must-visit place, even if you can only stop by for a couple of minutes to snap a photo!

Location: Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar – Parking lot

18. Nazaré, the town with the giant waves

There’s no question why this town is one of the best places to visit in the country. Have you heard about the giant waves of Nazaré?

Nazaré is one of Portugal’s most fascinating coastal towns, famous for its dramatic seaside cliffs, fishing traditions, and, of course, the biggest waves ever surfed!

The town is split into two parts – there’s the lower town down by the Praia da Nazaré beach, and then there’s the upper town, or Sítio, located on a high coastal cliff. This is where you go to watch the waves!

I loved this charming coastal town, and there are plenty of things to do in Nazaré!

We visited the lower part first. It is lively, full of beachgoers, cafés, restaurants, and markets. Definitely check out the fish drying on the beach – a traditional fishing practice to preserve food.

Then we took a funicular up to the clifftop.

In the upper part of town, you’ll find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, a beautiful church that has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries, a large square, and panoramic sea views.

Of course, one of the most iconic spots in Nazaré is the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo with the small red lighthouse that sits on the edge of the cliff.

From here, you get the best views of Praia do Norte, which is the legendary place with the largest waves ever surfed. Note that the big wave season is from October to March, so most likely, you will see the regular ocean waves.

But that clifftop still offers majestic scenery! Despite the fact that we visited Nazaré on some of the calmest October days ever (the ocean was flat, haha!), the power of nature is very much visible in this coastal town!

Location: Nazaré

19. Monastery of Alcobaça

Time for the seventh and final place among the Seven Wonders of Portugal – Monastery of Alcobaça! This impressive and beautiful monastery is located in a peaceful and charming town with the same name in central Portugal, Alcobaça.

If you love historical places and jaw-dropping medieval architecture, you must visit this place! I was truly stunned by what I saw there!

The Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most remarkable examples of early Gothic architecture.

Founded in the 12th century by the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques, the monastery was a gift to the Cistercian monks. At the time of its completion, it was the largest church in Portugal!

The most famous part of the monastery is the tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story is often compared to that of Romeo and Juliet.

Alcobaça Monastery was once one of the richest and most influential monasteries in Portugal, with a population of nearly 1000 monks.

There’s so much to see there – cloisters, curch, rooms, halls, courtyards, tileworks, and architectural elements. It is massive! Especially those stone columns inside the church (see photo above). It took us over an hour to explore everything inside it!

Located about a 1.5-hour drive north of Lisbon, Alcobaça makes for a perfect day trip from the capital. You can combine a visit to this place with a visit to the nearby towns like Nazaré, Batalha, or Óbidos to make your trip full of must-see sights in Portugal.

Location: Alcobaça Monastery

20. Queluz National Palace, the Portuguese Versailles

The glamorous 18th-century Queluz National Palace is often called the ‘Portuguese Versailles’ thanks to its exquisite looks, making it one of the most beautiful places in the country and one of the best places to visit in Portugal!

It is amongst the last major Rococo buildings designed in Europe and served as a residence and a retreat for many different members of the Portuguese royalty.

Although it was built as a place for leisure and recreation for the Portuguese royal family, at times it also became an official residence for some members of the monarchy.

The palace was founded by Queen Maria I and King Pedro III, and it displays an abundance of extravagant architecture. Today, it is a member of the European Royal Residences Network.

I loved wandering around the halls, corridors, and rooms of the palace. The architecture here is truly unfathomable – wooden decor, painted ceilings, mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and each room more beautiful than the rest.

My favorite places inside the palace were the Ballroom, the Hall of Ambassadors, as well as the Sala das Mangas gallery with tiled wall panels (see them all in my photos!).

However, the palace is especially known for its majestic gardens, including the famous Fountain of Neptune. The gardens feature statues, terraces, fountains, as well as a cascade, the first artificial waterfall to be built near Lisbon.

It was pretty hot outside in the sun, but we spent quite some time in the garden – it was so beautiful, and we wanted to enjoy it despite the heat!

Queluz National Palace is located in the Sintra municipality, just a 20-minute drive away from Lisbon, making it one of the best historic sites to visit near Lisbon! I recommend buying entrance tickets online before the visit.

Location: Queluz National Palace – Entrance tickets

Happy exploring!

Portugal has been one of the most fun countries for us to explore in Europe. From big coastal cities like Lisbon and Porto to quiet old towns like Guimarães, Évora, and Óbidos, every place felt a little different and had something cool to see.

You might be walking through narrow medieval streets one moment and then sitting by the ocean with a pastel de nata the next. That mix of medieval castles, relaxed cafés, and scenic viewpoints is what makes traveling around Portugal so exciting.

We spent months visiting both popular places and smaller towns that most people skip, and every stop added something to the trip. I hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure and gives you a few ideas for your Portugal itinerary. Happy travels!