There are so many beautiful places in Portugal and picking just 21 pretty places is almost impossible. But that’s okay – we did it for you so that you can just go ahead and plan your dream trip to Portugal.
We have a soft spot for Portugal, and it’s one of your favourite countries in Europe. For us, Portugal is the perfect blend of history, culture, nature and of course, that incredible food. It’s also very easy to put together a Spain and Portugal itinerary and see the best of the Iberian Peninsula in one go.
For this post, we’ve put together a list of the most beautiful places in Portugal, with both popular and some lesser-known destinations. Of course, these spots are not necessarily the best places to visit in Portugal for YOU, but they can help you decide where to go in Portugal.
Vamos! Let’s go see the most beautiful places in Portugal (and why you should visit them).
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What’s Hot in Portugal in 2025?
Travel in Portugal in 2025 feels different. The crowds haven’t disappeared, but the real stories are happening just off the well-trodden path.
In the Alentejo, it’s no longer just about sleepy whitewashed villages and wine; the Dark Sky parks are pulling travellers into the silence of night, where stargazing becomes a kind of pilgrimage. Lisbon and Porto are still the anchors, but the energy has shifted away from tiled postcard streets and into repurposed naval warehouses and creative hubs, where chefs, artists, and misfits are doing things their own way.
Up north, the Douro Valley is pushing beyond glossy wine tours to embrace sustainability: organic vineyards, low-impact tastings, and slow boat journeys that feel less like excursions and more like rituals. And down south, Tavira is quietly emerging as the Algarve’s antidote to overdevelopment, a place where cobbled streets, salt pans, and simple seafood remind you why Portugal doesn’t need to reinvent itself—it just needs to stay honest.
Lisbon
Lisbon might be small for a capital, but it refuses to be quiet. Built on seven hills along the Tagus, it is one of the oldest cities in the world and it wears that history in the bones of its buildings, the cobbled streets, and the river light that never quite leaves you alone. Lisbon isn’t just beautiful, it hums. Azulejo tiles and graffiti murals fight for wall space, fado drifts out of doorways, and the city’s endless miradouros give you new ways to fall in love with it every time you climb another hill.
In 2025, the city’s cultural energy feels even sharper. The old haunts of Alfama and Belém are still worth your time, but Lisbon’s creative pulse has moved west to Alcântara and Marvila, where abandoned warehouses now house art studios, wine bars, and music venues that spill into the street. LX Factory remains a weekend favourite, but the newer Beato Creative Hub has turned into a proving ground for chefs and artists doing things their own way.
Food is a serious part of the conversation. Cervejaria Ramiro is still the place to drown yourself in garlic butter clams and scarlet shrimp, but Lisbon has moved well beyond the classics. Small taverns are pouring natural wines from the Alentejo, chefs are reinventing petiscos with seasonal produce, and even the city’s markets—like Mercado de Campo de Ourique—are evolving into gathering spots for locals rather than tourist traps.
Give Lisbon four days and it will give you more than you can handle. Ride the trams, eat the pastéis, linger over vinho verde, but leave time to wander. The city doesn’t reveal itself all at once. It rewards you when you get lost.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Be Poet Baixa Hotel
Stay in the heart of Lisbon and walk to all the attractions. Situated in the historic centre of Chiado near Rossia Square, Be Poet Baixa Hotel is the best place to stay for tourists wishing to explore Lisbon.
Porto
Portugal’s second city has a way of stealing the show. Built on cliffs above the Douro, Porto is moody, colourful, and unapologetically beautiful. It’s compact enough that you can see the highlights on a weekend in Porto, but the city will make you wish you had longer.
The best way to experience it is on foot, climbing steep cobbled streets where baroque churches sit next to tiled townhouses and laundry lines sway like flags of defiance.
For azulejo hunting, start at Igreja do Carmo and São Bento Station, where entire walls are turned into blue-and-white storybooks. If you want something less traditional, wander past the rainbow-tiled façade of Steak ‘n Shake, proof that even fast food gets the design treatment here. Swing by the Harry Potter Bookshop before crossing the the Dom Luís I Bridge, an iconic European landmark. On the other side, the neighbourhood of Vila Nova de Gaia is where the port wine lodges live.
Spend an afternoon tasting tawny and ruby in the cool, dim cellars, then step out into riverside bars that spill over with conversation and views of the Douro River and Porto’s skyline.
These days, Porto’s creative edge is sharper than ever. Once-industrial quarters like Bonfim and Campanhã are filling with artist studios, microbreweries, and food spaces that push the city beyond its wine-soaked reputation. The riverside Ribeira district still delivers those cinematic sunset views, but if you want a meal to remember, look for the smaller taverns serving petiscos with seasonal twists or dive into a Francesinha, Porto’s monster of a sandwich drowned in beer sauce.
Round it out with a cruise under six of Porto’s bridges. From the water, you see why this city is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal—old, rough-edged, and absolutely alive.
Where to stay in Porto
Porto Arte Aparments
Porto Arte Apartments is situated on a pedestrian street in the centre of Porto. The hostess, Maria, owns an antique shop across the street, and she tastefully decorated the apartment. The surrounding area is peppered with art galleries, antique shops, cafes and street art. It is fully equipped for self-catering, but there are many restaurants and cafes in the area, too.
Evora
White, yellow and blue. These are the colours of Évora, the medieval gem of the Alentejo. The old town is wrapped inside a complete set of walls, and within them you’ll find a maze of cobbled lanes lined with whitewashed houses trimmed in yellow. Above it all, a cathedral spire cuts the sky and the Alentejo sun burns everything gold.
Évora wears its history well. The Roman Temple still stands in the middle of town like a fossil from another world, and you can wander from there to baroque churches, the looming Sé Cathedral, and the old aqueduct that threads its way through the city. Praça do Giraldo is the living room of Évora, where café tables spill across the square and pastries are served with the kind of unhurried charm only the Alentejo can pull off. Don’t just stop at pastéis de nata. Skip the pastéis de nata and try the local queijadas de Évora, small cheese tarts with a tangy sweetness, instead.
What makes Évora feel special is the way tradition and creativity overlap. The city has become a hub for design workshops, food festivals, and wine experiences that go beyond the usual tastings.
At the Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo you can still sample six wines for a few euros, but many nearby wineries now run immersive experiences: vineyard walks at sunset, farm-to-table dinners, even stargazing sessions that link the region’s wine to its Dark Sky heritage. Around the city, cork forests remain an essential part of the landscape, with more farms opening their gates to travellers curious about sustainable harvesting and the many uses of cork beyond the wine bottle.
Évora is sometimes called the New Tuscany, but it doesn’t need the comparison. This is Alentejo—rustic, warm, and quietly reinventing itself without losing the soul that makes it one of Portugal’s most beautiful places.
Where to stay in Evora
Vitória House
Go local and stay at this studio apartment right in the centre of Evora near the cathedral and Roman temple. Vitória House has free public parking nearby.
Nazaré
Every surfer worth their salt knows Nazaré. This fishing town on the Costa da Prata is where nature flexes its muscles and dares humans to keep up. Praia do Norte is where the giants roll in, waves that can climb 30 meters high before detonating against the shore. Watching it is as intense as riding it.
But Nazaré isn’t only about surf mythology. The town still wears its fishing heritage in plain sight. On the main beach you’ll see women in the traditional seven skirts laying out fish and octopus to dry or renting striped cabanas to families escaping the sun. The funicular takes you from the beachfront up to Sítio, the clifftop neighbourhood that delivers one of the most staggering views in Portugal. From up here the red roofs fall away into the Atlantic like dominoes.
In Sítio you’ll find the church of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, said to hold a carving by Joseph of Nazareth, and a short walk leads to the Farol da Nazare (lighthouse) on the headland. Inside is a small surf museum that tells the story of the town’s big wave legends. Outside is the real show. When the swell is right, crowds gather on the cliffs to watch the ocean rear up against the land.
Where to stay in Nazare
Zulla Surf Village
Zulla Surf Village, a short walk from Nazare’s famous surf beach, Praia do Norte, has a fantastic pool and chilled vibes
Sintra
Sintra is a fairy tale, but one written with architecture and gardens. Just 40 minutes from Lisbon, this UNESCO town was once the playground of royalty, who competed to build palaces, villas, and gardens more extravagant than their neighbours. The result is a landscape where every hill seems to hold another piece of fantasy architecture.
A day trip to Sintra is enough to get a taste. Most travellers pair the pastel-hued Pena Palace with the mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, where underground towers spiral into the earth and moss-covered statues hide in the greenery. Both are breathtaking, but the crowds can be relentless. Arriving early or staying overnight is the trick. After dark the day-trippers vanish and Sintra takes on a hushed, otherworldly feel that makes you believe in fairy tales again.
Beyond the palaces, there is a growing appreciation for Sintra’s natural side. Trails lace through the Serra de Sintra, leading to viewpoints over the Atlantic and quiet forests that feel worlds away from the palace queues. Hike a little, linger in the old town’s tiled cafés, then climb to a miradouro and watch the mist roll in. Sintra has been beautiful for centuries, but it rewards those who slow down and let it breathe.
Where to stay in Sintra
Smart Chapel
The vast majority of those visiting Sintra do so on a day trip from Lisbon. However, those who choose to stay the night will be rewarded with seeing Sintra in quiet after all the daytrippers have gone back to Lisbon.
For something unique, check into 17-Century Smart Chapel with free parking and is fully equipped for self-catering.
Aviero
Aveiro has long been called the Venice of Portugal, but it deserves more than an easy comparison. Just an hour by train from Porto, this small city mixes maritime history, colourful Art Nouveau façades, and canals lined with cafés where you can spend an afternoon doing nothing more than watching life drift by.
The moliceiro boats, once used to harvest seaweed, now ferry visitors through the waterways. They’re bright, painted with cheeky scenes, and remain the best way to see the heart of the city.
Aveiro still charms with its tiled buildings, like the Old Train Station and Misericórdia Church, and the lagoon remains its soul. The salt pans tell stories of centuries of hard work, now reinvented as an open-air eco-museum. Food is part of the rhythm here too: the fish market buzzes each morning and plates of grilled catch appear in simple taverns nearby. Ovos Moles, those sugar-heavy egg yolk sweets, are non-negotiable.
What makes Aveiro feel fresh today is its focus on sustainability and slow travel. Cycling paths connect the city to the nearby beaches of Costa Nova, where striped fishermen’s houses stand out against the sand. Small craft shops are finding new ways to keep old traditions alive, from salt flower products to contemporary tilework. Aveiro is still picturesque, but it’s no longer just a pretty stopover. It’s a place to linger.
Where to stay in Aviero
Central Tiled Apartment
A spacious and tastefully decorated apartment with a sunny rooftop terrace awaits you when staying at Central Tiled Apartment in the heart of Aveiro. Fully equipped for self-catering and comes with AC for summer and heating in winter. The central location is perfect for exploring Aveiro on foot. Previous guests claim this apartment is better than Ovos Moles (blasphemy!!)
Terceira: The Most Beautiful Island in the Azores
By Greta from Greta’s Travels
Terceira is the Azores at their untamed best. This volcanic island is for travellers who want to trade polished resorts for rugged landscapes and old-world charm. Hiking trails lace the hills, natural pools cut into black lava rock promise cold plunges, and every turn seems to lead to another staggering viewpoint over the Atlantic.
Biscoitos remains the island’s iconic swim spot, its volcanic formations creating natural breakwaters that protect pools of impossibly clear water. Algar do Carvão is something rarer still, a lava tube you can actually walk inside, lined with ferns and moss that cling to the cooled rock. Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO-listed town, anchors the island with its colonial streets and pastel façades. Monte Brasil, the extinct volcano at its edge, offers views across both the city and the endless sea beyond.
What’s new here is the way locals are leaning into what makes Terceira unique. Farm stays and volcanic vineyards give visitors a chance to slow down and taste the island, while whale watching tours and diving trips highlight its wild waters. Terceira is not the busiest of the Azores islands, which is exactly why it feels special. It’s beautiful, rugged, and just far enough off the radar to keep its edge.
Where to stay in Terceira
Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao
Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao is a modern hotel located inside the 16th-century fortress of Angra do Heroismo. This unique hotel offers sweeping sea views across the Atlantic and towards Monte Brasil. There are two pools, of which one is for adults only. Offers exceptional value and ambience.
Douro Valley: One of the Most Beautiful Places in Portugal
By Soumya from Stories by Soumya
The Alto Douro Wine Region, better known as the Douro Valley, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Portugal. Terraced vineyards climb the hillsides in green and gold patterns, carved by generations of winemakers who have worked this land for centuries. The Douro River snakes through it all, catching the light in a way that makes the valley look almost painted.
This is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, a UNESCO site since 2001, and the home of Port. Travellers come here to taste but also to slow down. A rabelo boat ride on the river, followed by a visit to a family-run quinta for wine tasting, is the perfect way to understand what makes this valley so unique. Increasingly, the quintas are leaning into sustainability, offering organic tastings, farm-to-table meals, and even overnight stays in renovated vineyard houses.
Getting to Douro Valley from Porto by train is not just convenient, it’s one of the most scenic rides in Europe. The Linha do Douro follows the river for hours, with views that roll past like a film reel. Grab a seat on the right-hand side heading east toward Pinhão, the most popular stop, and let the valley unfold around you.
Where to stay in the Douro Valley
Vintage House
Bask in the lap of luxury when staying at the magnificent Vintage House. Located in Pinhão on the banks of the Douro River, this stunning hotel is housed in a former 18th-century wine estate.
Cascais
By Katja from Travel n History
Cascais is a coastal town less than an hour from Lisbon, where white-sand beaches, ivy-draped mansions, and a lively old town make it one of the country’s most attractive seaside escapes.
The waterfront is calm enough for paddleboarding, while just beyond the harbour the coastline turns wild, with cliffs and surf breaks that keep adrenaline-seekers happy. Rent a bike and you’ll find hidden coves and sea-swept viewpoints that most visitors miss.
Once the summer playground of Portuguese nobility, Cascais still carries itself with a certain elegance. Many of the ornate villas now house cultural spaces and museums, including some excellent collections on Portuguese folklore and maritime history. The town itself is easy to explore on foot, with cobbled lanes that lead from boutique shops to seafood restaurants serving fish landed only hours earlier.
Cascais is the perfect day trip from Lisbon, thanks to regular trains that drop you right in the heart of town. But if you linger overnight, you’ll see another side to it—the beaches empty, the sea breeze cools, and the lights from the old mansions glow across the water.
Where to stay in Cascais
Bem Lembrados Apartment
The bright and well-equipped Bem Lembrados Apartment in the centre of Cascais has 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, and two bathrooms. Within easy walking distance from the beach, restaurants and sightseeing spots of Cascais, it’s one of Cascais’s most popular holiday apartments.
Pico do Arieiro – Madeira
By Kitti from Kitti Around the World
Whilst there are many beautiful places in mainland Portugal, you shouldn’t forget about the country’s stunning island of Madeira. The island is packed with natural attractions, so you can easily spend a week exploring Madeira.
For outdoor lovers, the bucket-list hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is an absolute must. At 1,818m, Pico do Arieiro is Madeira’s third-highest peak, while Pico Ruivo towers at 1,862m as the island’s tallest. The point-to-point trail between the two spans around 10km and is one of Europe’s most spectacular ridge walks.
Expect steep climbs, narrow paths, tunnels cut through rock, and views that shift from sun-drenched peaks to swirling seas of cloud below. Allow 5 to 6 hours to complete it, and only attempt if you’re reasonably fit and confident with heights.
The best time to begin is at sunrise, when the sky glows gold and the jagged peaks emerge dramatically from the clouds. Even if you don’t plan on hiking, Pico do Arieiro is easily accessible by car. There’s a car park, a café, and a viewpoint terrace where you can take in the panoramas, making it one of Madeira’s most iconic spots for both adventurers and casual visitors alike.
Where to stay when hiking Pico do Areiro
Valley of Nuns Holiday Apartments
The Valley of Nuns with its spectacular mountain scenery and traditional charm is just the right place to spend a few days before or after hiking Pico do Arieiro. You can choose to do more hiking, explore the area’s traditional culture and food, or simply relax. Valley of Nuns Holiday Apartments is hands-down the best place to stay near Pico do Areiro.
Lagos
By Danny from Danny Explores
Set along the Algarve’s dramatic coastline, Lagos combines history, culture, and some of the most photogenic beaches in Portugal. Within its old town you’ll find remnants of 2,000 years of history, from Moorish walls and baroque churches to the striking Castelo de Lagos. Stroll the cobbled streets, browse artisan stalls near the harbour, and stop at a café terrace to soak up the relaxed southern vibe.
But Lagos is just as much about the coastline as the town itself. Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana are famed for their golden cliffs and turquoise waters, while Ponta da Piedade offers jaw-dropping sea stacks, grottoes, and rock arches best explored by kayak or boat. Dolphin-spotting tours also depart from the marina, offering another unforgettable way to experience the Atlantic.
If you’re up for a day trip, don’t miss a boat ride to the Benagil Caves, one of Portugal’s most photographed natural wonders. Back in town, end the day with fresh seafood and vinho verde at a traditional restaurant, watching the sun sink behind the cliffs that make Lagos one of the Algarve’s most beautiful destinations.
Where to stay in Lagos
Carvi Beach Hotel
Located right on Dona Ana Beach, Carvi Beach Hotel features a rooftop pool, amazing sea views and free parking. Previous guests particularly liked the location.
Monsaraz
The clifftop village of Monsaraz with its castle and city wall gets our vote for the most beautiful village in Portugal. Perched on a narrow hilltop and surrounded by medieval walls, Monsaraz offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional life of rural Portugal.
Like elsewhere in the Alentejo, the food and wine in Monsaraz are top-notch. Enjoy the slow pace of village life and cycle through the surrounding countryside dotted with olive groves, whitewashed hamlets and cork forests.
From Monsaraz you’ll find excellent views over the Alentejo hinterland and the vast Alqueva Reservoir, the largest artificial lake in Western Europe. Water sports are growing in popularity here, with kayaking, sailing, and boat tours offering a different perspective on the region’s landscapes.
This hilltop village is also where some of Portugal’s best pottery comes from. Visit São Pedro do Corval, a short drive away, to see artisans at work throwing clay on the wheel, painting, glazing, and baking. You can even try it yourself if you’re feeling creative.
As night falls, Monsaraz becomes one of the best places in Europe for stargazing thanks to the region’s clear skies and minimal light pollution. The Observatório do Lago Alqueva offers nightly stargazing sessions with telescopes and expert guides, making it an unforgettable experience.
Where to stay in Monsaraz
Dom Nuno
With panoramic views from the balconies and relaxing garden, Dom Nuno offers spacious rooms and a breakfast spread to look forward to in the morning.
Serra da Estrela Natural Park
By Cath from Moving to Portugal
If you are looking for beautiful places to visit in Portugal, they don’t get more beautiful than the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Located in Central Portugal, this protected area is home to the country’s highest mountain range and the highest point in mainland Portugal.
Throughout the natural park, you’ll discover waterfalls, glacial valleys, rivers, and reservoirs framed by dramatic peaks. The Serra da Estrela’s highest summit is the Torre, marked by a monument and accessible by road. At the top, you’ll find Portugal’s only ski lift, which operates during the snowy months, as well as a visitor centre selling regional crafts, Serra da Estrela cheese, and cured ham.
Other highlights include the Senhora da Boa Estrela, a 7-metre-high rock carving of the shepherds’ patron saint, and a network of hiking trails where you can spot wild horses and native flora. The Zêzere Valley, shaped by glaciers, is particularly striking for its sweeping views and unique geology.
In recent years, the park has also gained recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark, celebrating its remarkable geological heritage. The towns in the foothills, such as Covilhã and Manteigas, have embraced eco-tourism, with boutique mountain lodges and spa hotels offering cosy retreats after a day of adventure.
Where to stay in Serra da Estrela
Forest House
A countryhouse experience near Parque Natural Serra da Estrela and Manteigas Hot Springs, the Forest House also has the perfect hosts.
Tavira
There are many beautiful towns in Portugal’s Algarve region but Tavira, which sits on the banks of the Rio Gilão just 25 kilometres from the border with Spain, has to be one of the prettiest.
Tavira’s old town is a postcard of cobbled lanes and tiled facades. For the best view, wander up to the Castelo de Tavira and climb the watchtower, where the panorama stretches across the town and down to the shimmering Ria Formosa lagoon.
The lagoon itself is a highlight. Boat tours leave from the riverfront, or you can walk to the nearby salt pans, where birdlife thrives. Flamingos are a frequent sight, adding flashes of pink to the landscape.
Beach lovers are spoiled here. Tavira’s golden stretches—Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Praia da Terra Estreita, and Praia do Barril—are only accessible by ferry or water taxi. The journey takes just 20 minutes, and stepping off onto the sands feels like arriving on a private island. Praia do Barril is especially memorable for its Anchor Cemetery, a striking reminder of Tavira’s tuna fishing past.
Food in Tavira is firmly rooted in the sea. Sardines, octopus, and the signature seafood stew cataplana are essential experiences. In recent years, a younger wave of chefs has been blending traditional recipes with modern techniques, giving the town’s dining scene fresh energy. Tavira’s mix of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it one of the Algarve’s most timeless destinations.
Where to stay in Tavira
Altanure Almatere – Food Forest Boutique Stay
A stunning adults-only hotel, Altanure Almatere, gets raving reviews for its comfort, style, location, and food.
Olhao
By Linn from Brainy Backpackers
Olhao is one of the most underrated towns in Algarve, yet it’s also one of the most beautiful places to visit in Portugal. Set right on the edge of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the town is a gateway to some of the Algarve’s most pristine islands. From here, you can hop on a boat to Ilha da Culatra or Ilha da Armona, where white-sand beaches stretch for miles and the pace slows to a whisper.
Olhao itself is full of character. The old quarter is a maze of narrow lanes, with cube-shaped houses that reflect the town’s Moorish heritage. Street art has flourished here, and a whole alley above the port is dedicated to murals celebrating its fishing history. The massive red-brick Mercado de Olhão remains the town’s beating heart, where locals buy fresh catch in the morning and linger at waterfront cafés later in the day.
The town has also developed a reputation as one of the Algarve’s most exciting foodie destinations. Seafood is still the star, but you’ll also find creative vegetarian and vegan spots tucked between traditional marisqueiras. New boutique hotels and guesthouses have opened in renovated fishermen’s homes, giving visitors stylish bases within walking distance of the harbour.
For a dose of history, visit the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário in the old quarter, then cross the square to the Museu Municipal de Olhão to learn more about the town’s maritime past. Between its authentic character and easy access to Ria Formosa’s islands, Olhao is where Algarve life feels most genuine.
Where to stay in Olhao
Casa Magica
With stunning views from the rooftop terrace and fully equipped for self-catering, Casa Magica is pure magic! If you want something unique, quiet, and traditional, you can’t go wrong with this unique holiday home right in the centre of Olhao, near the market and ferry dock to Culatra Island.
Ericeira: A Beautiful Surf Town
By Josefine & Dominik from Red White Adventures
You’ve probably heard of Ericeira already. This little beach town on Portugal’s central coast, specifically the Estremadura coastline, has built a reputation as one of the most beautiful beach towns in Europe and one of the world’s top surfing destinations. Once a humble fishing village, it now balances its maritime heritage with a vibrant surf culture that draws travellers from across the globe.
The waves are Ericeira’s claim to fame, with the coastline designated as a World Surfing Reserve. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, there are plenty of surf schools, like Lapoint Surf Camp, that will get you out on the water. If surfing isn’t your thing, coastal hikes toward landmarks like Forte de São Julião da Ericeira offer stunning Atlantic views.
Food is another highlight. Fresh seafood is delivered daily, and the town’s marisqueiras serve everything from grilled sardines to rich shellfish stews. Grab a drink at one of the cliffside bars and watch the sun dip into the ocean, or line up for a pastel de nata at O Pãozinho das Marias, a spot many locals swear makes the best in town.
Despite its growing fame, Ericeira retains its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and laid-back rhythm. Bring your camera, sunscreen, and an appetite—you’ll need all three to enjoy this gem of Portugal’s coast.
Where to stay in Ericeira
Eco Soul Ericeira Guesthouse
Eco Soul Ericeira Guesthouse is strictly for couples only, and couples looking for a memorable break will love this amazing guesthouse. Active guests can enjoy activities that are popular in the area, such as surfing, bodyboarding, standup paddling, cycling and fishing, while those looking to relax can sit and stare at the Atlantic Ocean from their private balcony.
Sesimbra: Beautiful Seaside Town Near Lisbon
By Amy from The Travel Fairies Blog
One of the most beautiful places in Portugal is Sesimbra, a seaside town that still feels like a local secret. Just 45 minutes south of Lisbon, it’s a popular weekend escape for Lisboetas yet still manages to stay under the radar for most tourists.
The old town is classic Portugal, with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and a scattering of churches. Overlooking it all is Sesimbra Castle, offering panoramic views of the bay. Down by the water, the town’s maritime heritage is celebrated at the fort-turned-museum and the colourful fishing harbour.
Two golden beaches, Praia da Califórnia and Praia do Ouro, frame the town. Both are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, though they do fill up in summer. Beyond the town, the natural setting steals the show. Backed by the Serra da Arrábida, Sesimbra has access to one of Portugal’s most striking coastal landscapes. Parque Natural da Arrábida offers forested hills for hiking, hidden coves for kayaking, and turquoise waters where you can sometimes spot dolphins.
While Sesimbra is reachable by public transport, having a car gives you the freedom to explore its surrounding cliffs, hills, and secluded beaches at your own pace. For travellers looking to swap Lisbon’s bustle for sea air, seafood, and scenery, Sesimbra is the perfect retreat.
Car Hire in Lisbon
Don’t wait for the bus.
We recommend Discover Cars when looking to hire a car in Portugal.
Águeda: A Colourful Town on the Camino Portugues
By Jackie from jou jou travels
Águeda is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, though small in scale with just 14,000 inhabitants. Conveniently located along the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, it has become a joyful stop for travellers seeking colour and creativity.
The main draw is the famous Umbrella Sky Project, which turns Águeda’s streets into a kaleidoscope of floating umbrellas every summer. What started as a quirky installation has grown into a global icon, drawing photographers and street art lovers from around the world. Beyond the umbrellas, the town is filled with vibrant murals, painted benches, and playful urban art that change from year to year, giving repeat visitors something new to discover.
Águeda also hosts AgitÁgueda, a three-week festival that brings live music, art performances, and cultural events to the town each July. Pair that with riverside walks, small museums, and cosy cafés, and Águeda feels like a living canvas.
The closest airport is in Porto, and Aveiro is only a 30-minute drive away. Public transport connections are limited, so driving is the easiest option. For many visitors, Águeda makes for a perfect colourful detour or a day trip combined with Aveiro.
Where to stay in Agueda
XTP Agueda
Want to enjoy the cute pathways and pops of colour of Agueda at a slower pace? Then stay at the cosy XTP Agueda right on Umbrella Street. If you’re on the Camino, XTP will also stamp your Camino passport for you.
Faro
By Paulina from Paulina on the Road
Faro, the capital of the Algarve, blends historic charm with modern energy and remains one of the region’s most underrated destinations. While many travellers pass through on their way to resort towns, those who linger discover a city that is both authentic and vibrant.
The Cidade Velha, Faro’s old town, is enclosed by ancient walls and filled with cobblestoned streets, leafy plazas, and landmarks like the Faro Cathedral and Arco da Vila. Igreja do Carmo, with its haunting Chapel of Bones, is one of the city’s most striking sites. Beyond the old town lies a modern centre with pedestrian shopping streets, lively cafés, and plenty of bars and restaurants.
Nature is just as much a part of Faro’s appeal. The city is the gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a maze of lagoons and barrier islands. Boat tours leave daily, taking visitors to the unspoiled beaches of Ilha Deserta, Ilha da Culatra, and Ilha do Farol. Birdwatchers will also find the park a paradise, especially during migration seasons.
For food, expect excellent seafood—from cataplana stews to grilled octopus—along with a growing number of modern restaurants and rooftop bars. Wondering where to stay in the Algarve? Faro has options for every budget, from boutique hotels in the old town to contemporary resorts near the water, though summer bookings fill quickly.
Where to stay in Faro
Roots Hotel
Aparthotel-style with a great swimming pool, conveniently located between the Old Town, marina, and train station. See rates here.
Fátima: A Beautiful Place in Portugal for Pilgrims & Tourists
Fátima may be a small town in central Portugal, but it looms large on the world map as one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage sites. About an hour’s drive north of Lisbon, it draws millions of visitors each year who come to honour the place where three shepherd children reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1917.
At the heart of the town is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, an immense plaza that can hold hundreds of thousands of worshippers. Within the complex you’ll find the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of the Apparitions, and the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity. Pilgrims often walk the candlelit procession route at night, an atmospheric experience even for non-believers.
The story of the Miracle of the Sun, reportedly witnessed by 70,000 people, is deeply tied to the site’s spiritual weight. Yet Fátima also offers cultural and historical insight. The Museu Interativo tells the story of the apparitions and their impact, while nearby shops and bakeries offer a taste of local hospitality.
Whether you come as a pilgrim or a curious traveller, Fátima is a moving stop that combines history, faith, and a sense of shared human experience.
Where to stay in Fátima
Coração de Fatima
A 5-minute walk to the sanctuary, Coração de Fatima, is a top-rated boutique hotel perfect when seeing the sites in Fátima
Tomar
By Stephanie from History Fangirl
Tomar is a city in the central region of Portugal. It is part of the Metropolitan Area of Tomar e Castanheira do Ribatejo.
The town has a fascinating history. It started as a convent and then became an important military base. The castle and monastery were built to protect pilgrims who would stop by on their way to the Holy Land during the crusades.
Most visitors come to see The Convent of Christ Tomar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was established in 1160 by the Order of the Knights Templar.
The convent is known for its Manueline architecture as well as the amazing views. Henry the Navigator built one of the chapels in the fifteenth century, and many other Portuguese monarchs left their mark on this essential Portuguese landmark.
The convent is the most famous landmark in Tomar, but it’s not the only reason to visit! Come to see the Pegões Aqueduct, Tomar’s Old Town, and the Chapel of Saint Gregório.
Tomar is easily reached from both Lisbon and Porto but Tomar is also a destination in its own right, and it’s worth spending a day or two here. The town is very easy to drive, allowing you to see sites like the aqueduct that aren’t as easily reached by public transportation.
Where to stay in Tomar
Thomar Boutique Hotel
The new Thomar Boutique Hotel offers comfortable, tastefully decorated rooms, an eggcellent breakfast, parking, and friendly staff right in the centre of town.
Beautiful Places in Portugal: Where Will You Go Next?
Where is the prettiest place in Portugal? Let us know in the comments below, or also tell us if we missed one that we can add. Enjoy your trip to Portugal – It’s full of beautiful places.