15+ Stunning Places To See In Portugal

19 July 2023

Explore the top places to see in Portugal with our comprehensive travel guide. Start planning your unforgettable Portugal adventure today.

A place that dances until dawn, where the rhythm of life is set to the beat of the party.

The beauty of Portugal is its versatility.

It’s like water. It takes the shape of your desires, molding itself to offer you the perfect holidays in Portugal.

As the Portuguese actress Maria de Medeiros once said, “I like to dream about Portugal, and it’s less easy when you are there.”

But we’re here to make it easier for you.

How to make sure your itinerary includes the best places to see in Portugal? What are the top things to do in Portugal?

Whether you’re planning a whirlwind two-day Portugal holiday package or a leisurely month-long sojourn, this guide is designed to help you navigate the wonders of Portugal with ease.

Before you book your Portugal travel package, find out the top places to see in Portugal.

The Short Read: Top Places to See in Portugal

Let’s explore the best holiday destinations in Portugal and discover the best they have to offer.

Lisbon
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Belém Tower
- Alfama District
- Bairro Alto
Porto
- Ribeira District
- Port Wine Cellars
The Algarve
- Various Beaches
- Golf Courses
Madeira
- Various Natural Parks and Gardens
- Volcanic Landscapes
The Azores
- Nine Islands with diverse natural beauty and wildlife
- Outdoor Activities Locations
Central Portugal
- Coimbra University
- Aveiro Canals
- Serra da Estrela
- Various Historic Villages and Towns

Let’s dive into the best holiday deals in Portugal now.

Find out more about these unmissable places to see in Portugal.

Lisbon: A Must-See Place in Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a city that effortlessly blends traditional heritage with striking modernism and progressive thinking.

Belém Tower: This fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the Age of Discovery. Its intricate architectural details and stunning views of the Tagus River make it a must-visit among the places to see in Portugal.
LX Factory: Once a commercial complex, it is now a creative island filled with restaurants, galleries, and shops. It’s a vibrant hub where you can enjoy art, fashion, and gastronomy.
Alfama District: Wander through the narrow, winding streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. It’s a step back in time, filled with traditional houses, Fado music, and a charming, laid-back atmosphere.

Porto: Home to Top Places to See in Portugal

Porto, known for its stately bridges and the production of Port wine, is a coastal city in northwest Portugal.

Ribeira District: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ribeira District is filled with narrow, cobbled streets, colourful houses, and stunning views of the Douro River.
Livraria Lello: One of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, Livraria Lello’s stunning interior architecture and its connection to J.K. Rowling, make it a must-visit for book lovers.
Serralves Museum: This contemporary art museum is not only known for its exhibitions but also for its Art Deco architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Combine Lisbon and Porto with this wonderful Portugal holiday deal.

The Algarve: A Prime Place to See in Portugal

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, known for its sunny Mediterranean climate and beautiful coastline.

Praia da Marinha: Often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Praia da Marinha is known for its stunning cliffs, clear waters, and rich marine life.
Lagos: A town in the western Algarve, Lagos is known for its walled old town, cliffs, and Atlantic beaches.
Ria Formosa Natural Park: This coastal lagoon is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. It’s a unique coastal ecosystem that is a must-visit for its natural beauty.

Madeira: A Key Place to See in Portugal

Madeira, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, is known for its rugged landscape, wine, and warm, subtropical climate.

Funchal: The capital of Madeira, Funchal, is known for its harbor, gardens, and the backdrop of mountains.
Pico do Arieiro: At 1,818 meters high, it offers some of the most incredible views of the island. On a clear day, you can even see the neighbouring island of Porto Santo.
Santana: Known for its traditional A-frame houses, Santana is a beautiful village that offers a glimpse into Madeira’s past.

Add Madeira to your Lisbon and Porto itinerary, and do it all in 9 days.

The Azores: A Remarkable Place to See in Portugal

The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic known for its dramatic landscapes.

Sete Cidades Lake: Located on São Miguel Island, it’s one of the most beautiful natural settings in the Azores, with its twin lakes nestled in the crater of a dormant volcano.
Angra do Heroísmo: A UNESCO World Heritage site located on Terceira Island, it’s known for its Renaissance-era architecture and beautiful bay.
Pico Island: Known for its eponymous volcano, vineyards, and whaling history, Pico offers a unique blend of natural and cultural attractions.

Central Portugal: A Must-Visit Place in Portugal

Central Portugal is a diverse region encompassing historical cities, stunning beaches, and picturesque countryside.

Coimbra: Home to one of the world’s oldest universities, Coimbra is a city steeped in history and tradition, with a rich cultural scene and beautiful architecture.
Óbidos: A charming medieval town with narrow, cobbled streets, colorful houses, and a well-preserved castle.
Serra da Estrela: The highest mountain range in continental Portugal, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers, offering a range of outdoor activities and stunning landscapes.

Discover Your Perfect Portugal

As we journeyed through Portugal, we uncovered a diverse array of destinations.

Each comes with its unique charm and appeal.

To help you plan your perfect Portuguese adventure, we’ve categorised our top picks based on the type of traveller they’re most likely to captivate.

For the History Buffs

If you’re fascinated by the past, these destinations offer a deep dive into Portugal’s rich history.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Belém Tower in Lisbon, Ribeira District in Porto, and Angra do Heroísmo in the Azores.
Wander through the medieval town of Óbidos in Central Portugal and the ancient Alfama District in Lisbon.
Don’t miss the historic city of Coimbra, home to one of the world’s oldest universities.

These are among the top things to do in Portugal for history enthusiasts.

For the Nature Lovers

If you’re drawn to the great outdoors, these destinations offer stunning landscapes and natural beauty.

Discover the rugged cliffs and clear waters of Praia da Marinha in the Algarve.
Find time for the coastal lagoon of Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Witness the dramatic landscapes of Pico Island in the Azores.
For a unique natural setting, visit Sete Cidades Lake in the Azores.
For mountainous adventures, head to Serra da Estrela in Central Portugal.

These are the places to see in Portugal that will leave nature lovers in awe.

For the Culture Enthusiasts

If you’re intrigued by local culture and lifestyle, these destinations offer a vibrant cultural scene.

Experience the creative hub of LX Factory in Lisbon.
Savour the glamour of Livraria Lello in Porto.
Find joy and wonder in the unique traditions of Santana in Madeira.

These are the Portugal holiday destinations that offer a deep dive into the country’s rich cultural tapestry.

Portugal offers a wealth of experiences that promise to make your visit unforgettable.

So why wait?

Start planning your dream Portugal holiday today with our Portugal holiday packages and discover the many wonders this beautiful country has to offer.

Boa viagem!