Must Visit Places in Portugal

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Portugal is one of my favorite countries in the world! Portugal’s mild weather, natural beauty and most importantly people make this one of my top destinations! Portugal consists of its mainland on the continent of Europe and the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. This post covers all the must visit places in mainland Portugal.

Lisbon

My number one must visit place in Portugal is its capital Lisbon! Lisbon is one of the oldest capital’s in Europe. From museums to historic places and lookout points with amazing views of the city, there is a lot to see and do in Lisbon. Spend at least 3 days in Lisbon to really enjoy what this city has to offer.

My post HERE covers how to spend 3 days in Lisbon

Porto

Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and is a must visit place. This city has a beautiful river side and a marvelous bridge that offers stunning views of the cityscape. Stroll through its narrow and hilly cobblestone streets, pop into its churches or enjoy its colorful tiled façade buildings.

Read my post on all the best things to do in Porto HERE

Douro Valley

Douro Valley is the birthplace and source of port wine. It’s an easy day trip from Porto if you have your own car or you can join an organized tour. You can visit several wineries, learn about and taste port wine, cruise down the Douro river, and enjoy some spectacular views.

See some tour options below.

Sintra

Fairytale Sintra, with its hilltop castles and whimsical mansions is one of my favorite and must visit places in Portugal. Sintra is easily accessible from Lisbon and a popular day trip from Portugal’s capital city.

Read all about Sintra and how to plan a trip to Sintra in my detailed post HERE

If you finish sight seeing in Sintra and have a bit more time, check out nearby Cabo da Roca. Cabo da Roca is the western most point in the continent of Europe and is a great place to catch the sunset.

HERE is how to visit Cabo da Roca from Sintra.

Algarve

Sunny Algarve is a must visit place in Portugal. The Algarve is the southernmost region in Portugal and is know for its golden sandy beaches, whitewashed fishing villages and unique cave and rock formations. Don’t forget to check out the famous Benagil caves while in the region.

HERE are 5 must visit sites in the Algarve

Coimbra

Coimbra is Portugal’s former capital and is home to one of the oldest universities in the world! It also has a well preserved medieval old town. A visit to Coimbra should include seeing its university, old cathedral and old town.

HERE is a detailed post on how to spend one day in Coimbra!

Honorable Mentions

Obidos

Tiny Obidos with its narrow cobblestone street, whitewashed houses with brightly colored trim and castle is worth a quick stop if you have the time on your visit to Portugal.

Want to check out what to do in Obidos? Click HERE

Évora

Évora is a beautifully preserved medieval town with ancient walls, narrow lanes and even Roman ruins.

Nazaré

Nazaré is a fishing village that has recently risen to fame as a world class surfing destination with over 100 foot waves. It’s also a wonderful place if you love to eat seafood.

Aveiro

Dubbed the venice of Portugal, Aveiro is famous of its canal system that is navigated by colorful boats (barcos moliceiros), traditionally used to harvest seaweed. 

See HERE for how to spend 10 days in Portugal that incorporates these must visit places.

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