With everything the incredible small country of Portugal generously offers her visitors, it’s no wonder that Portugal’s heightened popularity increasingly attracts those looking for intrigue, cultural immersion and authentic Old Europe experiences. In my opinion, the 4 top spots in Portugal to travel like a local and experience immersively are Lisbon, the Algarve region, Porto, and Cascais.
The welcoming country exceeds expectations thanks to stunning naturally landscaped beauty, a dramatic romantic sea coast, sparkling sanded beaches, almost perfect climates throughout, and an abundant rich heritage left behind by Celts, Visigoths, Romans, Knights Templar, and Moors.
Portugal represents Old Europe at its best, preserving deep-seated traditions and protecting her legendary past, while at the same time offering first world amenities. Indeed, throughout the country, you can sense its storied history in today’s local culture scene including traditional music, dance, architecture, and land & sea cuisine as well as in the Portuguese easy-going lifestyle itself which revolves around family and friends.
The Top Spots in Portugal
There are a myriad of top spots in Portugal to experience and enjoy. Everywhere you venture, remnants of Portugal’s extensive history proudly emerge revealing mysterious medieval towns, soaring clifftop castles, exotic luxurious palaces, decorative monasteries, secluded beach coves and ornate churches plus 15 UNESCO world heritage sites.
Thanks to 1,100 miles of Atlantic coastline dotted with alternating golden-hued beaches, dizzying craggy sandstone cliffs, roller coaster hills, and quaint fishing villages, you are sure to encounter breathtaking seascapes when exploring the striking coast.
An added attraction for many travelers is that Portugal, with all it has to offer everyone, on any budget, is today considered the most affordable European destination.
To help with your trip planning, here are 4 of the top spots in Portugal to experience Portugal like a local.
Lisbon – One of 4 top spots in Portugal
From my rental apartment snugly perched hillside above the city, I steadily continued my winding walk to city-center turning left then right, up and then down, along narrow cobblestone streets until I zig-zagged a corner that suddenly took my breath away, stopping me mid-step.
Still today, I remember the moment when Lisbon’s expansive cityscape abruptly appeared seemingly out of nowhere, projecting an unforgettable elevated panoramic cityscape high over Old Town, tucked in along the glittering ocean port, just below the clifftop castle watching over the city.
I had arrived at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol square teeming with handicraft markets, cafes and strolling guitar strummers – the midway point of the day’s discovery stroll. Caught up in the park’s festive vibe and glorious views, I decided to treat myself with an espresso and local favorite custard pastry (pastel de nata) before resuming my walk – luckily, all downhill from the café to downtown.
One of few European capitals facing the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon shines as an exceptionally rewarding destination oozing with Old Europe charm, brimming with deep seated culture, renowned historic architecture and unique traditional cuisine – all rooted in a melting pot of cultures passing through over the centuries.
Culturally rich, Lisbon’s fame is partly due to their distinct handicrafts, cork jewelry, clothing, artwork and ceramic items originating in heritage tradition. Just a few blocks away from ocean breezes, pedestrianized streets cut a wide swath through downtown showcasing Lisbon’s shopping venues where you can find handmade items, upscale clothing stores, local art studios, crafted pottery and linens.
Lining the lively cobbled walkways day or night are crowds of outdoor cafes with colorful umbrellas, specialty coffee shops, fancy pastry shops, food vendors, romantic music and street performers everywhere you look, guaranteeing a holiday atmosphere full of fun, fantastic food and serious people-watching.
While downtown, you can look up and see flights of stone stairs climbing surrounding gentle hills leading to nearby neighborhoods above the city center. If you look close, you’ll spot packed outdoor cafes straddling more than one flight of stairs and waiters busily serving customers who are contentedly taking advantage of the splendid cityscape views from their perch.
Walking back to my apartment from old town was always delightfully eventful. Although trams, metro, taxis, escalators and street elevators are readily available to help navigate the flights of stairs up to the higher neighborhoods above city-center, I usually chose to scale the stairs on the way home.
Along the way home, I always treated myself to a lovely glass of local wine at one of the cafes straddling the ascending stairs to drink in the best view, bar none, of the romantically lit port and cobbled streets as evening slowly descended.
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Algarve – One of 4 Top Spots in Portugal
Known as a high-end wildly popular and spectacularly beautiful seaside resort on Portugal’s southern coast, the Algarve offers surprising discovery beyond its playground fame of catering to sun-seekers and golfers.
There’s actually a lesser known, more laid back side, to the picture postcard Algarve region awash with undiscovered hidden gems along the 149 mile dramatic coastline.
The Algarve proudly claims some of the best beaches in Europe with one of the best climates in the world, thanks to glorious sunshine 3,300 hours out of the year – making its mild climate hard to beat.
Warmer than the rest of Portugal, the bountiful region excels in the abundance of almond trees, gorgeous fruits & vegetables, and famed grapes which deliciously contribute to the area’s varied traditional cuisine and sublime local wines.
With such perfect weather, spectacular scenery, and stunning beaches, it’s easy to see how the Algarve is normally associated with luxury resorts. Like many, I originally envisioned the Algarve only as a high-end resort area before learning about its rich regional diversity neatly bundled into an area measuring 25 miles from top to bottom.
Just about anywhere you travel within the region, you’re treated to miles of winding coastline dotted with dramatic rock formations, and quintessential fishing villages. And, when inland a bit where three mountain ranges reign, you’ll discover peaceful storybook mountain villages to explore.
Each Algarve sub-area has its own appealing personality and potential for discovery adventures. Luckily, it’s quite possible to enjoy all that Algarve has to offer, especially if you pick a home base like Algarve’s capital Faro, or one of the popular beach towns like Lagos.
Faro
Algarve’s provincial capital, Faro, serves well as a home base for exploratory day-trips up and down the coastline and inland. Public transportation or local tours are available, if you’re without a car.
Central Algarve
Generally speaking, this is the liveliest resort area where you’ll find high-end villa and hotel lodging with upscale resort amenities, including golf courses.
Eastern Algarve
Somewhat undiscovered, this laid-back, idyllic scenic area includes isolated sandbar islands, intrepid cove beaches and bold rock formations.
Western Algarve
A popular area, you’ll find strikingly beautiful, low-key Lagos Beach here as well as other unspoiled grottoes, and secluded pristine beaches. For exploring, Lagos is an excellent spot for day trips to other beaches and, a little inland, to quaint mountain villages.
Tip: A good way to experience local traditions and the area’s most “authentic Portugal” is to venture beyond the seaside to explore some rural hill villages and market towns. You don’t have to go far before you feel a palpable lifestyle shift from coastal living to provincial living which is quite different, fun and interesting.
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Cascais – One of 4 top spots in Portugal
A short 30 minutes jaunt via the local train from Lisbon dropped me beachside of the train station in the small village of Sao Joao do Estoril. I left the train one stop before Cascais because I wanted to walk the beach promenade along the seven beaches between historic Estoril and the resort town of Cascais.
Slowly strolling the 2 mile walkway among lively beach cafes, exquisite gardens, ornate mansions, sea defenses, and former royal villas was magical. In fact, I was already thinking how nice it would be to spend some extended time here – tuck in for a while on one of the perfectly positioned beach chairs to simply gaze at the glistening turquoise ocean waves gently lapping the crescent golden beach.
I immediately saw why friends had raved about Cascais as being one of the most talked about spots rimming the glorious Lisbon coastline. Not only did the charming hideaway live up to its beach paradise fame of breathtaking natural beauty and lavish villas (dating back to when the town was a royal summer retreat), but the pretty village itself was especially enchanting and welcoming.
A short walk away from the beaches, narrow winding cobblestone streets, punctuated with lively squares, trace the eclectic colorful buildings sporting a variety of shops, traditional restaurants, and seafood-specialty eateries. Cascais’ charm reminded me of the coastal villages along the French Riviera where, like Cascais, they reflect more of an understated resort vibe than a beach vibe.
Cascais is within the Lisbon district, a quick day trip away from the capital. Instead of Lisbon as your home base, some people prefer Cascais. You can easily and quickly go into Lisbon whenever you want and day-trip to surrounding places like Sintra, Estoril, Alcacer do Sal and the Alentejo Coast.
It’s been said about Cascais … “The best place in Portugal to spend a day, or a lifetime.”
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Porto – One of 4 Top Spots in Portugal
Lauded as Portugal’s 2nd city (after Lisbon), Porto vastly differs from Lisbon, and any other Portuguese city for that matter.
Located in the northernmost section and oldest part of Portugal, the popular town has been titled the #1 top European city destination three times in the last decade – most recently in 2017. Even more remarkable is Porto’s reputation as the heart and soul of Portugal due to its authentic culture and charm evident in the day to day rhythm of local life.
It’s easy to see why this hilly riverfront town is a favorite European destination. The warm and welcoming city offers an authentic peak into the essence of Portuguese long-held traditions, rich heritage, and romantic culture
You can meander along the Pergola (walkway) bordering the river Douro, visit signature wine cellars, sip wine at a riverside outdoor café, and explore antique districts and cozy book stores – all within easy walking distance of each other.
Many of Porto’s neighborhoods have retained old-world charm with winding cobblestone streets showcasing local grocery stores, vintage shops and attractive apartment buildings.
Surprisingly, Porto also has an Atlantic coastline with stunning beaches about 20 to 30 minutes away by car or bus. With mostly temperate climates, sunbathing is popular year-round as well as beach walks (and surfing the strong Atlantic waves).
And, while all of Portugal is celebrated for their amazing traditional dishes, Porto stands out with heavier meat and seafood dishes such as sauced sandwiches, scrumptious fish or vegetable soups and savory stews reflecting the cooler climate of a northern city nestled between mountains and the sea.
And, of course, Porto’s famous wines are proudly served everywhere in Porto.
With Porto as your regional home base, you are privy to rugged beaches, quintessential fishing villages, famed vineyards, dramatic ocean coastline, Roman ruins, Portugal’s birthplace, university town of Coimbra, historic cellars, and the Douro Valley – all near enough for a discovery day trip.
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