I would be kidding if I said Portugal isn’t one of my favourite destinations in Europe. Great food, great people, incredible coast lines… there really isn’t anything I don’t love about this country! After a few visits to Portugal over the past few years, I’ve found some standout favourites to encourage you to get there on your next Euro adventure… so here they are! The 8 places you must visit in Portugal!
1. Lisbon
Starting in Lisbon is not only the most convenient way to get going with your visit to Portugal, but also a great insight into what this country and its people are all about. My favourite neighbourhood is hands down Alfama, my favourite restaurant is Mini Bar and my favourite food is the traditional Portuguese tart. Try all three and I promise you, you won’t have a bad time!
Read more: A Quick Guide to Lisbon
2. Sintra
Just a short drive from Portugal’s capital is the gorgeous, charming little town known as Sintra. The buildings are playfully colourful and the small cafe-lined streets are a great excuse to people-watch. I could have spent an entire day here meandering the sloped alleyways!
Read more: Visiting Sintra & Cascais as a day trip from Lisbon
3. Lagos
If you ask me Lagos is where you will find the most impressive beaches in Portugal. The colourful red rock cliff faces, the secluded beaches and the never-ending year round sunshine make this one of my all time destinations in the Mediterranean! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, I checked in for a girls weekend at the Villa Vita Parc and it was one of my favourite holidays of all time!
Read more: A Guide to the Algarve: Portugal’s most loved holiday destination
4. Pastéis de Belém
One of the most popular places just outside of Lisbon and an absolute must visit (let me make sure I don’t overstate this —- MAKE SURE YOU GO!) is Pastéis de Belém – home to the famous Portuguese Tarts. The tarts have a warm eggy centre due to the constant output and never ending line of tourists and locals waiting to get their hands on a bagful.
Make your own at home! Pastel de Nata Recipe
5. Douro
If you hire a car for your time in Portugal and want a beautiful region to discover, check out the Douro Valley in the North of Portugal. The landscape are absolutely stunning but as always in Portugal, the food and wine are just as mesmerising!
(Image via Marco Varisco)
6. Pena Palace
If you make your way to Sintra (which I highly suggest you do), you absolutely cannot miss Pena Palace, located high on the hill overlooking the surrounding region. The colourful castle is one of Europe’s most beautiful – the photo is proof!
Shutterstock
7. Porto
Outside of Lisbon, Porto is one of the most popular cities to visit in Portugal. With a medieval past and incredibly authentic riverside, this is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous cities in Western Europe to discover.
(Image via)
8. Aveiro
Located on the West Coast of Portugal is this gorgeous, quintessential coastal town that surprisingly is little-known. Expect canals filled with colourful boats, intricate architecture and extremely welcoming locals. If you’re looking for a hidden gem to discover, this is it.
(Image via Gabriel Gonzalez)
Shame on me, I’ve never been there… Must be stunning. Aaaand delicious!!!
Really want to go to Portugal lately, this list is definitely gonna be saved in my fav link.
Thank you for sharing.
Kenza from
Thanks for this article as I am about to go to Portugal. Just hope it to be really great !
I can’t chose a favourite picture from this post, I really want to go to Portugal now! It was never at the top of my list but I think I could be swayed after some of these photos 🙂 Love your work!
Hello brooke!! just wanna say thank you for being an inspiration. every time i read world of wanderlust, it makes me feel that the world is incredibly beautiful and so worth exploring. every time i read your blog i feel a little happier and filled with hope. anyway, portugal is absolutely breathtaking. its definitely on my bucket list now. <3
Oh my I need to make sure I visit all these places. They all seem so charming and beautiful! x
Absolutely stunning photos wow!! Wish I’d read your post sooner – I’m leaving Portugal today and hardly got to see any of these amazing places. Rookie! Definitely have to come back
I have never been to Portugal before, which is such a shame.. I’ve been wanting to go to lisbon for so long now. Maybe a roadtrip down the coastline. From porto to lagos.
Lovely post another amazing region is the whole Costa Vicentina. The coast line of the whole Alentejo region 😀
Portugal is a beautiful place. Ive only ever been there briefly once but I would love to spend a whole week there exploring.
I’ve been to all of these places whilst traveling through Portugal! 🙂
Personally, I did not enjoy Sintra as much as the other places on this list (partially due to the weather though).
I NEED to go to Portugal soon! Lisbon and Porto are on the top of my list, can’t believe I haven’t visit them yet!
Well you need to visit where I was born the Azores. Totally missing out.
Great places to visit in portugal 🙂
I can’t believe I’ve still never been to Portugal. Lisbon is definitely near the top of my bucket list though!!
I did Lisbon and Sintra:) I want to visit Porto too:)
I would add Madeira – definitely place to go!
I feel so fortunate to have travelled to Portugal. I am originally from California and Lisbon is very similar to San Francisco with its many hills and the bridge I think was designed by the same person that designed the Golden Gate Bridge. I love Sintra. It reminds me of Carmel with its quaint streets. I would visit Portugal again and again if I could and I would visit the other lovely places you described!
Sandra
All of these places sound so amazing! I’ll have to start planning my trip immediately haha xx
Hello,
This is a great post about Portugal. I loved it.
And since you’re a passionate of my country can I suggest you to visit Gerês? It’s a protected nacional park up in the north and it’s very beautiful and mesmerising 🙂
I’ve been to Lisbon and it was truly amazing! And Sintra is just a dreamy town!! really good post! kisses:D
I’m off the Portugal in September for the first time so your post have come in pretty handy. Cannot wait to visit the beautiful beach of Lagos.
Leonie ♥
Portugal is definitely one of the prettiest – and friendliest – cities in Europe! xx
Wow Douro looks particularly incredible – I never knew Portugal had such a varied landscape!
Anna x
This made me wanna go to portugal again
Xoxo
Portugal is amazing! Here is our movie – Portugal in a nutshell 🙂
We love Portugal as well! Haven’t seen much of it yet (only Lisbon), but your list is a good reminder to go back asap! Especially Pena Palace looks stunning and so colourful.
Wow, these look like amazing places. We thought about visiting Spain, and adding in Portugal next year, but then after seeing pictures of Positano, Italy, I think we are heading there instead. I’ll definitely have to keep these places in mind for the year after!
You had me at that picture of Lagos.
*swoon*
Nice post! Portugal seems amazing!
That Douro Valley looks amazing <3
I just got back from Portugal, from Lagos and Lisbon, I absolutely loved it! I can’t wait to go back and explore some more 🙂
I’ve had Portugal on my list of places to visit for a while now so definitely saving this post for when I start planning my next trip to Europe =o)
I have never been to Portugal before, which is such a shame.. I’ve been wanting to go to lisbon for so long now. Maybe a roadtrip down the coastline. From porto to lagos.
glad you enjoy portugal!! 🙂 it is indeed a beautiful country
dorky-and-weird.blogspot.com
Xoxo Jessy (from southern portugal hehe)
And Coimbra! City of the Students, One of the oldest universities in Europe, J.K.Rowling inspiration for Hogwarts students! And it’s just stunning!