Looking for the best places to visit in Portugal? You’re at the right place.
Here’s an epic list of Portugal’s beautiful places, each the perfect mix of Portuguese history, culture, and nature.
From the gorgeous castles of Sintra and the atmospheric, Fado-filled streets of Lisbon to the blue tiled churches of Porto and lesser-known monastery towns of Alcobaca and Batalha, here are the 17 most incredible places in Portugal that you need to visit.
I have divided these beautiful Portuguese towns by regions so that it is easy for you to plan your Portugal itinerary.
We start with Southern Portugal, visit Central Portugal next, and end our trip in Northern Portugal.
If you arrive in Lisbon, this is the best way to do see the country. If you arrive in Porto, you can simply reverse the order of these places.
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Beautiful Places to Visit in South Portugal
Sintra – Portugal’s Castle Town
Sintra is one of my favorite places to visit in Portugal. With its eccentric palaces and castles, thick woods, pretty gardens, and unique desserts, Sintra can enthrall travelers of all kinds.
The Romanticist Pena Palace is the biggest draw for tourists in Sintra. You surely cannot miss its eclectic architecture and the vibrant yellows and reds.
With its mysterious initiation wells and enigmatic architecture, Quinta da Regaleira is another must-visit Portuguese attraction when in Sintra.
The best part about Sintra is that it is less than an hour from Lisbon. So, you can easily cover it on a day trip.
It is easy to take a train from Lisbon to Sintra. Once you arrive, take buses within and around the city. It helps you avoid the narrow roads and single lanes of hilly Sintra.
Once done with all the palaces and castles here, be sure to visit Casa Piriquita for some delicious Portuguese desserts. Their travesseiros and queijadas are delicious.
You can easily club Sintra with a trip to Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of mainland Europe) and Cascais on the Portuguese Riviera.
✦ Pro Tip: Be sure to check out our Lisbon to Sintra day trip guide before planning your trip. Or book this full-day Sintra tour from Lisbon to enjoy a history-filled day in Sintra.
Lisbon – Portugal’s Beautiful Capital
Lisbon is one of the oldest capitals of Europe. Strategically placed at the mouth of River Tagus, Lisbon functioned as the connector between Europe and the rest of the world. It saw periods of great prosperity in the 15th and 16th centuries as well as a devastating earthquake in 1755.
When in Lisbon, check out the Commercial Square in Lisbon which was once the hub of all economic activity. Elegant, yellow buildings (they call them Pombaline) flank it on three sides while the Tagus quietly flows down the fourth.
You will want to do this highly-rated guided cruise of River Tagus on a traditional boat if you are keen to learn more about the historical center and see it from a different perspective.
Head to picturesque Alfama filled with quaint shops and cobblestoned streets. This is where Fado, a Portuguese music genre that echoes sadness and longing was born.
Take a tour of St. George’s Castle which has been used by multiple empires. The Romans, the Visigoths, the Moors, and the Portuguese Empire!
Also, see a bit of offbeat Lisbon – the National Tile Museum and the Aguas Livre Aqueduct.
✦ Pro Tip: Check out our compact, 2-day Lisbon itinerary if you’re visiting for a short time.
Belem – Portugal’s Maritime Capital
Belem, only a stone’s throw away from Lisbon, was once the maritime capital of Portugal. This is where Portugal’s seafaring history was born. Many explorers including Vasco da Gama and Pedro Alvares Cabral left for their expeditions from Belem.
During this golden Age of Discovery, Portuguese discovered naval routes to Africa, Asia, and South America. Riches flowed in. And attractive buildings were commissioned.
Therefore, Belem is the location of many iconic Portuguese monuments including the UNESCO-recognized Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. That is why it is an important pit stop for all history and culture lovers.
The Monument of Discoveries was built to celebrate the maritime history of Portugal.
Further, Belem is also home to Pasteis de Belem, the iconic Portuguese dessert. Offbeat lovers, don’t miss out on the National Coach Museum filled with opulent carriages from a bygone era.
✦ Pro Tip: Read our Lisbon to Belem day trip guide before planning your trip.
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Evora – Ancient Roman Town
Recommended by Priya Vin from Outside Suburbia
The historic center of the Evora, Portugal with its defensive wall dating from the Roman, Moorish periods and whitewashed houses adorned with bright yellow dashes and azulejos, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.
Evora was an important Roman town because of its location on a trade route to Rome. From the eighth to the 12th century, the Moors ruled Evora and during its Renaissance glory years, Evora was favored by Portuguese kings.
While driving into Evora it is hard to miss the massive aqueduct! The aqueduct provided clean drinking water to Evora by connecting the city to the nearest flowing river.
Once you reach the city center of Evora, be sure to notice 14 Corinthian columns that loom above a granite block which many refer to as the Temple of Diana.
Historians say that there is no clear evidence of any association of the Roman temple with the Roman goddess. However, the associations from a legend created in the 17th century by the Portuguese priest, Father Manuel Fialho persist.
Don’t miss the Chapel of Bones, an ossuary built with the remains of bones of 1,245 monks. It is located inside the Church of St. Francis.
Another place to visit in Evora is the Sé Cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The views from the bell tower are worth the climb up.
✦ Pro Tip: Check out this unique Evora day trip from Lisbon that allows to experience stone age, Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance history all on the same day.
Elvas
Recommended by Juergen Klein from dare 2 go
The World Heritage listing for Elvas is foremost for its fortifications, which were completed in the 17th to 19th centuries. But the town dates back to the Celts. Therefore, you will find many fascinating layers of history in the old town center.
Elvas is characterized by narrow cobbled streets and small white-washed houses, accentuated with mustard-colored windows and door frames.
The old castle, on top of the mountain, goes back to Moorish times. It’s a comparatively small fort with an amazing vista across the town and to the outlying, newer fortifications.
Wandering down from here, you will come past several historic churches, built from natural stone. Picturesque sights include the old Pillory (flogging post) in front of the Arch of Dr. Santa Clara.
The main square is dominated by the 16th-century Cathedral and several Moorish inspired buildings.
Further downhill, past the Fountain de São Lourenço and the small church of the same name, you reach the old barracks, now a military museum. From the walls here you get a great view of the multi-layered star-shaped bulwark fortifications that earned Elvas its World Heritage listing.
Elvas is located in the far east of Alentejo. It’s a little over 80 kilometers east of Evora and the nearby Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa, currently on the UNESCO Tentative List.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Central Portugal
Coimbra – One of Europe’s Oldest Universities
Coimbra, a charming riverside city in Central Portugal, is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe that’s also a UNESCO world heritage site – the University of Coimbra.
The university was founded in 1290 on the top of a hill overlooking the city. It has some of the most ornate and remarkable buildings.
The opulently baroque Joanine Library is believed to have inspired the towering library shelves in Harry Potter.
The Royal Palace of Alcáçova is a magnificent structure that has been home to the university since 1537.
Santa Cruz monastery has an interesting collection of azulejos on its walls.
A guided walking tour with locals who are ex-students of the university is really the best way to explore Coimbra University.
✦ Pro Tip: Be sure to check out our one-day itinerary for Coimbra before visiting.
Conimbriga – Roman Mosaics
Conimbriga was one of the largest Roman settlements in Portugal and outside of Italy.
One of the oldest towns in Portugal today, Conimbriga has been inhabited since the 7th century BCE. The Romans arrived here in the 1st century CE. It fell into disrepair after being attacked by German tribes in the 5th century.
One of the best reasons to visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga is to see the exquisite floor mosaics. Almost all the villas had colorful mosaic floors, including the magnificent ones at the House of Fountains and the House of Cantaber.
These floors illustrate life in ancient times through images of humans, plants, birds, and animals. Decorative frames, patterns, and colors make them more attractive.
Conimbriga is easily reached in a half-day from the university town of Coimbra. You can take a car or the Transdev bus.
✦ Pro Tip: Read our detailed Conimbriga Ruins Guide before planning your trip.
Fatima – Portugal’s Sacred Center
Recommended by Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads
Fatima, a small town in Portugal, is one of the sacred places in Europe for Catholics.
Unlike other famous Christian holy sites such as Rome or Santiago de Compostela, Fatima is relatively new. The history of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima goes back to the beginning of the 20th century.
In 1917, three local shepherd children experienced the so-called Marian apparition. In 1930 the Church granted a papal indulgence to the pilgrims heading to Fatima, the same indulgence that is granted to the pilgrims to Rome or Santiago de Compostela.
The construction of the Sanctuary of Fatima started in 1928 and finished in 1954. The complex is beautiful and very different from other religious heritage sights in Europe. It is a great example of modern religious architecture.
Devotees often visit Fatima as a part of their pilgrimage from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela, which includes the Camino de Fatima. The pilgrimage ends at the square in front of the sanctuary.
Pilgrims can stay at the Albergue de Pilgrims Sao Bento da Labre for a couple of days before continuing their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Convent of Christ Tomar
Recommended by Corina from Another Milestone
The small town of Tomar in Portugal is home to a beautiful UNESCO Heritage site: Convent of Christ.
The Convent was built in the 12th century by the Order of the Templars and is surrounded by the walls of the Castle of Tomar.
After you step inside, before reaching the Convent’s entrance, you can walk on the walls and admire the city from above. Or you can explore the beautiful garden with lemon trees.
Inside the Convent, you can see the style of different periods since it took almost five centuries to finish. The beautiful fountain, the 12th-century rotunda, and the Oratory of the Templars are unmissable highlights.
Portuguese azulejos decorate several interiors. The Templers Order symbol, the famous red cross, appears in several rooms, a testimony to their presence here.
The convent is a real labyrinth with stairs going up and down, with rooms very well-preserved on one side and with ruins on the other.
You will need at least one hour to visit the whole convent. After you finish, you can add to your list the other two UNESCO-recognized monasteries near this one: Batalha and Alcobaca.
Monastery of Batalha
The Batalha Monastery is an impressive religious monument that dominates the skyline of Batalha town in the Leiria district.
It is a beautiful mix of Gothic architecture and Manueline art. UNESCO considers Batalha Monastery an absolute masterpiece of Gothic art.
Batalha Monastery was one of the first buildings to use stained glass in Portugal.
Mosteiro da Batalha was built in the 16th century to commemorate the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota. It took several years to build the monastery – almost two centuries.
Apart from being the burial ground of many Portuguese kings, the monastery is also the final resting place of Henry the Navigator.
You can visit the main church for free. But you need to pay to visit the cloisters, which are the prettiest part. The detailing on the stone is exquisite.
The Unfinished Chapel, which you will visit at the end of your tour, is an added attraction. It has no roof but beautiful Manueline carvings.
✦ Pro Tip: Visiting Central Portugal? Check out our guide on the 8 Best Places to Visit in Central Portugal.
Monastery of Alcobaca
Alcobaca is an attractive town in Central Portugal. It is home to the Alcobaca Monastery, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alcobaca Monastery was the first-ever Gothic building in Portugal.
Today, the monastery is home to the graves of King Pedro I and his mistress, Ines de Castro—the casualties of a tragic love story. Their tombs are magnificent, with elaborate carvings dotting each inch.
Don’t miss the panel showing the Last Judgement on Ines’ tomb. It is absolutely magnificent.
The Monastery has seen a succession of art styles over its existence. It began as a Gothic church. Manueline components were later added to it, followed by Baroque sculptures and altarpieces.
Today, it is an attractive piece of art and one of the most iconic places to visit in Portugal.
Obidos – Portugal’s Medieval Town
Obidos is a quintessential European walled town located along the Atlantic coast of Central Portugal. It is very different from the other heritage sites in Central Portugal because it is not overwhelmingly Manueline.
Obidos is charming, colorful, photogenic, and full of history. Flower-laden streets and vibrantly painted houses fill up the town.
Be sure to check out the Gothic Saint Peter Church, which has now been converted into a library and bookshop.
The town also has a medieval castle, which has now been converted into a castle hotel. You can choose to stay at one of the three suites located in the tower or in 5 smaller rooms. Choose any and feel like royalty in Portugal.
You can book your stay at Pousada Castelo Óbidos here.
UNESCO recognized Obidos as a Creative City of Literature. A great time to visit is during FOLIO – The International Literary Festival of Obidos.
📖 Read Next: How to visit Obidos on a day trip from Lisbon?
Beautiful Places to Visit in North Portugal
Porto – Portugal’s Beautiful Blue City
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and one of the prettiest. It is full of exciting things to do.
Take a leisurely stroll on the Porto Ribeira, marvel at the grandeur of the Bolsa Palace, climb the Clerigos Tower for stunning city views, take a cruise down River Douro, or simply amble down picturesque alleyways.
If you need some artistic inspiration, go see the azulejos of Porto – the famous blue and white tiles.
You can find azulejos literally everywhere in Porto. Church facades, walls of houses lining narrow streets, and even the main train station are covered with blue tiles. No doubt, Porto is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Portugal.
Porto is also home to Livraria Lello, the famous bookstore that inspired JK Rowling. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you would not want to miss that. This Harry Potter Inspiration tour comes highly recommended.
✦ Pro Tip: Check out our easy-to-implement, 3-day Porto itinerary.
Braga – Ancient and Charming
Recommended by Julie from Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal
The ancient city of Braga is both charming and fascinating, thanks to its Roman heritage and abundance of churches and flower-filled public spaces.
However, many visitors never get to experience this as they head straight to Braga’s main draw, the UNESCO World Heritage sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (Good Jesus of the Mount), just a few kilometers from the city center.
The sanctuary has been attracting pilgrims since the 14th century, although the main Neoclassical church building dates from the 18th century.
Bom Jesus is most famous for its monumental Baroque staircase, decorated with painted tile panels, sculptures, and fountains that allude to the five senses, the Passion of Christ, and the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
Climbing up them is not for the fainthearted – pilgrims are encouraged to go up on their knees. But the view from the top is remarkable.
For those with neither the will nor physical capacity to face the 600 steps, there is a delightful water-powered elevator that will take you to the top of the staircase.
Aside from the views of the surrounding countryside and the city of Braga, the grounds around the sanctuary offer several pathways through the woods to secluded picnic tables, ornamental gardens, and grottoes, making it a great spot for a family outing with a dose of culture.
📖 Read Next: How to spend one culture-filled day in Braga Portugal?
Historic Centre of Guimaraes
Recommended by Joel from World Heritage Journey
The historic center of Guimaraes is a fascinating place. Located in northern Portugal, about an hour’s drive north-east of Porto, Guimaraes is central to Portugal’s history and national identity.
It’s here that Portugal’s first king, Afonso I, was born, and near where he claimed victory in the Battle of São Mamede, ensuring Portugal’s independence in 1128. The city was also home to the development of the Portuguese language.
But Guimaraes is much more than just another old European castle town – although the main castle here certainly is fantastic. It’s actually on the world heritage list because it’s a living example of how cities develop and evolve over time.
You can see evidence of the medieval history, with the gorgeous and well-preserved castle.
But there’s also sparkling Renaissance heritage on show here, with the Palace of the Dukes of Braganca, along with the Old Town Hall and other buildings on Oliveira Square.
Alto Douro Wine Region
The Portuguese wine region of Douro Valley is nestled amidst lush green mountains and rolling hills around the River Douro.
Douro Valley is only a couple of hours away from the cultural city of Porto. You can easily do a day trip from here.
A scenic train journey from Porto to Douro Valley starting at the pretty Sao Bento station is the perfect way to do it.
Alto Douro, or Upper Douro Valley, has long been home to traditional winemakers, literally as early as 2000 years ago.
In the 18th century, the Port Wine of Douro Valley became popular around the world. There has been no stopping ever since.
Douro Valley was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2001 for its longstanding heritage of traditional winemaking coupled with a beautiful landscape that has grown and evolved with the winemaking process.
📖 Read Next: How to plan the perfect Porto to Douro Valley day trip by train?
Archaeological Park of Foz Coa
Recommended by Jorge & Claudia from Portugal Things
The Archaeological Park of Foz Coa is a Prehistoric Rock Art site located in the Foz Coa municipality, about 200 km from Porto.
The rock engravings were discovered during the construction of a dam in the valley of the Coa River. They include thousands of engraved rock drawings of horses, bovines, and other animals, as well as human and abstract figures, dated from 22,000 to 10,000 years B.C.
In 1998, the Prehistoric Rock Art of the Coa Valley was classified as a UNESCO heritage site. Due to the construction of the dam, this was the fastest classification process ever.
Besides its historical importance, the Coa Valley is simply breathtaking. It’s like an open-air museum with the best view.
There are organized tours from Porto to Foz Coa, but if you have a car, you’ll be able to enjoy it even better.
Note that you can’t really do this day trip using public transport; it’s too long and has very few options. This is a very remote area.
✦ Pro Tip: Visits to the park need to be scheduled with the guides because you can’t access the gravures without an official guide. There are organized tours both in the morning and in the afternoon. You really should book your visit as soon as possible as they tend to sell out pretty fast.