I was not expecting what greeted me around every corner as I descended my hillside neighborhood’s winding cobbled streets into historic Lisbon, one of the 3 best spots in Portugal to experience, neatly nestled below on the waterfront. The surprise was that a stunning cityscape popped into view with each downward turn, spurring me onward in anticipation of what other Portugal experiences awaited in this most charming seaside town.
A country of surprises, Lisbon’s charms were just the beginning of many of Portugal’s immersive experiences found in the 3 best spots in Portugal where you can experience the surfing beach, Nazare, boasting 80 foot waves in the winter and some of the world’s best beaches found in Portugal’s southern Algarve coast.
Whether looking to explore iconic cities rich in storied history, idyllic sun-drenched beaches, breathtaking natural scenery, 14 World Heritage sites, or top rated cuisine and wine – it’s no surprise – you can find it in Portugal.
Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve region stand out as the 3 best spots in Portugal to travel like a local – staying longer, spending less, and experiencing more – and also work well as home bases from which you can day trip to immersive activities, exciting attractions, and authentic experiences.
Lisbon and Vicinity – Best Spots in Portugal for Culture
Lisbon, one of the best spots to take in Portugal’s indescribable beauty, is ideally positioned for an abundance of local adventure and amazing day trips outside the city.
St. George’s Castle
Separate and apart from a bustling Lisbon and the seaport below, the hilltop-perched medieval castle complex felt like I had crossed over to another time and place, a safe and serene island within a city, decorated with abundant pine, cork and olive trees.
Just a quick uphill tram ride followed by a short walk around the corner, you’re suddenly greeted by the imposing ochre-hued St. George’s Castle dominating the horizon with well-preserved fortified walls and most of its original watch towers.
You can spend most of a day wandering around castle buildings including ruins from the original hilltop-perched Moorish settlement and the Royal Palace of the Alcácova where the royal family went in times of battle. And, in the courtyard, you can enjoy a traditional lunch at outdoor cafés, and browse unique cork jewelry shops and other handicraft.
Monastery of St. Jerome and Belem Tower
Venturing out by train to two amazing World Heritage Sites, about 25 minutes beyond Lisbon, caught me off-guard. Little had I expected to experience such magnificence in lesser known small towns. Once again, Portugal had surprised me with her deep rich culture and legacy history, brimming over from a long storied past.
On one exploratory day trip, you can experience the beautiful architecture and history of the 16th c. Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Monastery of St. Jerome) and the Belem Tower, both World Heritage sites. The monks at the stunning ornate monastery administered to sailors for over four centuries. Not far from the monastery, the Belem Tower sits on the banks of the Tagus River as part of the famous medieval fortifications.
Cascais Beach, Estoril Coastline
Excited to explore Cascais Beach, 35 minutes outside Lisbon by train, I eagerly hopped off my train one stop early to feast on the coastal eye-candy of seaside azure vistas, former fishing villages, and elegant pastel-hued villas. Strolling the embankment, dotted with colorful seafood restaurants and lively bars, I began to understand why locals fondly refer to the area as their “Portuguese Riviera”, and why it was once the elite retreat for the wealthy and the royal.
One of 18 picturesque white sandy beaches along the Estoril coastline, the famed beach village of Cascais stands out due to its quaint fishing village “feel” (each morning, local fisherman still go out in their boats to supply local restaurants) and pretty old town offering cobblestone streets lined with family-run traditional cuisine and seafood restaurants and shops.
Evora
Evora sits on a hill above a plain in the Alentejo region, 1 ½ hrs away by train from Lisbon. Seeped with ancient history, you can discover a treasure trove of historic experiences at this World Heritage site including the university, Roman Temple, Roman Baths, the Capela dos Ossos (Bones of Chapel), and ancient megaliths dating back 4,000 BC.
Further testament to Evora’s historical importance, the intriguing medieval walled city is listed in the prestigious “Most Ancient European Towns Network”. You can wander the winding narrow streets in and around the historic center of town and discover multi-era landmarks from Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic, and Roman times.
Sintra
Named “Glorious Eden” by Lord Byron, sublime Sintra used to draw Portuguese royalty to its gates to enjoy serene verdant gardens, exquisitely tiled villas, and enchanting storybook palaces. Just 45 minutes by train from Lisbon, like the Royals in the past, you too can “escape” to the World Heritage site and revel in an oasis of astounding beauty and splendor.
Surrounded by pine forests, the fairy-tale, pastel-painted Palace of Pena, a 19th-century Romanticist feat, looms high atop Sintra’s hill, dominating the landscape. Other historical gems include the Castle of the Moors, Monserrate Palace and the Convent of the Capuchos built into the stony hillside.
Check out more Lisbon Things to Do & See here.
Porto and Vicinity – Best Spots in Portugal for Port Wine
Porto, the best spot to enjoy Portugal’s famous port wine, makes an excellent base for exploring the historic northern region.
City-Center
Exploring the medieval city, you can find Roman ruins, traditional azure-tiled buildings, archaeological landmarks, and plenty of museums. Just across the Dom Luis I Bridge, you can visit the famous centuries-old port wine houses at Vila Nova de Gaia where you can discover anything and everything about port wine production.
Douro River Valley
A World Heritage listed region, the Douro Valley’s famous port wine vineyards along the Douro River can be visited by boat cruise from Porto and, of course, offer wine tastings. Once there, you can pair your wine tasting with sampling authentic regional specialties in villages along the river bank such as in Pinhao.
Guimarães
Just 45 minutes from Porto, you can explore Guimaraes, a World Heritage site famed for its 10th c. castle and popular 15th c. Dukes of Braganza Palace. As the 12th c. birthplace of Portugal’s 1st king Afonso (also considered the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality), you can discover in Guimaraes a significant slice of Portugal’s legacy history as well as its architectural and religious heritage.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
A famous Pilgrimage destination, this World Heritage site is 2 ½ hrs due north from Porto across the border in Spain. For centuries, the magnificent and inspiring Gothic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, has been the end destination of pilgrims making their way along the inspiring Camino de Santiago trail (Way of St. James) in Northern Spain. A World Heritage site, the city’s historic old town offers a spectacular “mix” of art and architecture – for example, the looming Cathedral boasts three styles – Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque.
As one of the westernmost cities in Spain, the town has a melded personality with Spanish and Portuguese cultures overlapping – resulting in some unusual and exotic food specialties. In the outskirts, you may still today spot a fisherman (or woman) carrying fresh ocean catch like eel in wicker baskets carried upon their head. (It’s a sight to see, one I never forgot as part of my fond experiences there.)
Check out more Porto Things to Do & See here.
The Algarve Region – Best Spots in Portugal for Paradise
One of Portugal’s beloved “crown jewels”, the Algarve is the best spot to experience Portugal’s unique Southern Coast. The sun-saturated seaside escape and lively holiday playground known as The Algarve region, caresses Portugal’s southern East to West 149 mile coastline – dotted with quintessential fishing villages, beach and golf resorts, dramatic hidden rock coves, secluded island beaches, and storybook mountain towns – yielding an astounding and wildly diverse playbook of things to see and do.
As a multi-destination brimming with stunning natural scenery, cultural and historic immersion discovery, golden beach frolicking, and land and sea adventures, you can pick and choose your adventure preferences from a smorgasbord of attractions at your finger-tips. At each destination, you can experience wildly different, but equally rewarding, activities.
Within about two hours non-stop, from Sagres in East Algarve to Tavira in West Algarve by the Spanish border, you can drive the entire coastline. However, with so much to see and do, you can easily home base in one or two beach villages and venture out from there, either on your own self-guided discovery routes or day trip with a small local tour company.
West Algarve, many of the popular best spots in Portugal
In the west, you can explore the best spots in Portugal’s Algarve where you find colorful beach towns decorated with picturesque cobblestone streets, laden with cafes and bars, centuries old castles, and historic landmarks like those in Lagos and Albufeira. You can explore secluded coves at Ponta da Piedade, golf resorts at Albufeira, and lively beach spots at Vilamoura. If looking for a more laid back vibe, you can escape to tranquil, idyllic Carvoeira which boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and a hiking coast adorned with huge sandstone cliffs.
Lagos and Albufeira are two good home bases for hassle-free day trips to other coastal towns, resorts, and nearby mountain villages, a little inland from the coast.
East Algarve, many of the lesser known best spots in Portugal
In the east, you can discover historic gems like the medieval walled town of Faro, its Municipal Museum containing prehistoric artifacts, and good location for day trips to many attractions like the Roman ruins in Estoi, and a plethora of activities including the Rio Formosa Nature Park’s salt marshes filled with flamingos and migratory birds. Other top spots include the charming Moorish fortified town of Tavira and its stunning sandbar island “Ilha de Tavira”, the traditional fishing port of Olhao (Algarve’s largest fish market), and many discovery day trips such as two castles at nearby Castro Milam.
Faro and Tavira are two good home bases for exciting day trips to other coastal towns, historic landmarks, the Nature Park, and traditional fishing villages. An alternative could be Tavira with its many restaurants and guesthouses and island beaches.
Related Articles for more Best Spots in Portugal:
Portugal Itinerary: Where to Go in Portugal for the Best Experiences
Portugal for Traveling Like a Local
