Where is the best place to go in Portugal for the first time?

For a first trip to Portugal, you absolutely have to see Lisbon and Porto .

How many days are enough for Portugal?

How much time should I spend in Portugal? We recommend at least a week to 10 days in Portugal. This timeframe will let you fully experience the best of Portugal and still go beyond tourist cities to explore the country's natural beauty.

Where do most people go in Portugal?

Lisbon , the Portuguese capital and one of the oldest cities in the world. Lisbon is the most popular place among travellers and the state's capital.

What is the best month to visit Portugal?

Spring and fall offer the best combination of good weather, long days, and plenty of tourist and cultural activities — particularly during Holy Week, Lisbon's series of June festivals (which peak on St. Anthony's Day, June 13), and Porto's celebrations of St. John's Day (June 23–24).

Which is better, Porto or Lisbon?

Big sister Lisbon is twice the size, more cosmopolitan, faster paced and 200 miles further south , so in summer it can be sweltering. Compact, walkable Porto has a more traditional feel and is cooled by Atlantic breezes through summer, though fog and rain can roll in via the same route during the winter.

How much money do I need per day in Portugal?

You might want to budget approximately EUR60 per day per person . It's a good idea to have plenty of EUR1, EUR2, and EUR5 with you. A good back up can be USD singles and fives. In a pinch, you can use these for tips although they are not preferred, and you will not be able to use them in shops and restaurants.

Where are most Americans in Portugal?

Where Do Americans Live in Portugal? Along with such a great country, you might ask where to live in Portugal as an American. The answer stretches through the cities of Lisbon and Porto, Cascais, and the Algarve region .

What is the most luxurious part of Portugal?

The Golden Triangle An area of the Algarve that encompasses Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, and Vilamoura is known for housing some of Portugal's most expensive properties. The region is famed for its exclusive resorts, breathtaking beaches, and a vibrant social scene that caters to the elite.

Is North or South Portugal better to visit?

Inside: Probably you'll find the North cozier . Porto, for example, has a lot of places you can visit like museums, castles, markets and so on. At Alcobaça, Batalha and Obidos you'll find beautiful castles and monasteries but also emblematic Portuguese sites. Outside: Go South!

The 11 best places to visit in Portugal (2024)

Lisbon and Porto may get a lot of love, but there's so much more to Portugal than its captivating historic cities.

Fromgolden beachesand mountainous peaks to lush river valleys, every region has its own diverse highlights across this small Iberian nation.

Finding the best places to go here depends largely on your own interests. If you’re after sun-kissed beaches and aquatic adventures, head to the Algarve; for historic architecture-filled towns with a rich, traditional dining scene, aim for Évora. Start planning your itinerary now with our 11 favorite places to visit in Portugal.

1. Lisbon

Best for nightlife

Seven iconic hills overlookLisbon's postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, white-domed cathedrals and grand civic squares – a captivating scene crafted over centuries.

The Portuguese capital is packed with things to do,from browsing galleries (including the Museu Nacional do Azulejo with its trove of ceramic tiles) and exploring castles (such as the hilltopCastelo de São Jorge) to satisfying your sweet tooth with the city's incrediblepastéis de nata(custard tarts).

By night, Lisbon’s party people take over, filling old-school drinking dens, brassy jazz clubs and open-all-night clubs that burst into life once the sun goes down.

Planning tip: Lisbon has an emerging craft beer scene that you can experience at the city's breweries and bars.

2. Douro Valley

Best place to drink wine

One of Portugal’s most beautiful areas lies just east of Porto. Here, the meandering Rio Douro flows past towering hillsides covered by the steeply terraced vineyards that make up Europe’s oldest demarcated wine region. Whether you come by boat, train or car to the Douro Valley, you’ll be rewarded with astonishing views at every turn, especially as you near the lovely village of Pinhão in the heart of the region.

Planning tip:Many travelers dash in on a quick day trip, but to make the most of the region, spend the night at one of the vineyard-surrounded guesthouses in the area, such as Quinta Nova or the Casa Cimeira.

3. Óbidos

Best hilltop village

Wandering the tangle of ancient streets in the historic town ofÓbidos is enchanting at any time of year, but come during one of its festivals and you're in for a special treat. Whether you fancy the idea of a mock-up jousting match at a medieval fair or delving into the written word at Folio – Portugal's biggest international literature festival – you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop.

4.Sintra

Best for a fantastical escape

Less than an hour by train from the capital Lisbon,Sintra feels like another world. It's a great day trip away from the city hubbub. Like a setting from a fairy tale, this historic hillside township is sprinkled with stone-walled taverns and lorded over by amulticolored palace.

Forested hillsides form the backdrop to this storybook setting, with imposing castles, mystical gardens, strange mansions and centuries-old monasteries hidden among the trees. The fog that sweeps in by night adds another layer of mystery.

Planning tip:Chilly evenings are best spent by the fire in one of Sintra’s many charming B&Bs.

5. Setúbal Peninsula

Best for wild, cliff-backed beaches

South of Lisbon, the Setúbal Peninsula has long been the weekend playground of Lisboetas (Lisbon residents). A ferry ride, followed by a short bus or bicycle ride, takes you to the Costa da Caparica, a seemingly endless beachfront that gets wilder and less crowded the further south you go. If you want a surf lesson, some downtime on the sands, or a meal overlooking the lapping waves, this is the place to come.

If you’re seeking a bit more solitude, head down to the Parque Natural da Arrábida at the southern end of the peninsula. Here, you'll find cliffs covered with thick vegetation, picturesque coves and beaches such as Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, with fine sand, azure waters, and the ruins of an ancient site that dates back to Roman times.

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6. Évora

Best for historical architecture

The heart of the Alentejo region, Évora is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, and it's an enchanting place to spend a couple of days. Inside the 14th-century walls, narrow, winding lanes lead to striking monuments, including an elaborate medieval cathedral, Roman ruins and a picturesque town square.

But this isn't a musty museum piece – Évora is also a lively university town, and its many restaurants serve up some excellent, hearty Alentejan cuisine.

7. Porto

Best for urban exploring

It would be hard to dream up a more romantic city thanPorto. Portugal’s second-largest urban center is laced with narrow pedestrian lanes, baroque churches and cafe-dotted plazas, leading the eye down to the Douro River and its landmark bridges. Needless to say, there's no shortage ofgreat experiences here. Start in theRibeira district – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – then cross the bridge to explore centuries-old port wineries inVila Nova de Gaia, where you can sip the world’s best port.

You can also learn about Porto’s history (both the drink and the city) and other facets of Portuguese identity at the World of Wine, a sprawling complex of museums, restaurants and bars overlooking the city. Though Porto is defined by its air of dignified history, modern architecture, cosmopolitan dining, vibrant nightlife and artistic activity are injecting new life into the city.

8. The Minho

Best for traditional villages and wilderness trails

The Portuguese have a special fondness for the Minho, a verdant region of vineyard-covered valleys, mountainous wilds, isolated beaches and picturesque river towns that seem little changed by time. The gateway to the region is Braga, a city with Roman ruins, a fabled medieval cathedral, and tranquil flower-trimmed plazas sprinkled with outdoor cafes and restaurants.

Further north, you’ll find Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, a vast, rugged wilderness of dramatic peaks, meandering streams and frozen-in-time stone villages. Dozens of hiking trails crisscross the reserve, taking walkers past old Roman roads, castle ruins or sparkling waterfalls.

Planning tip:If you're here in summer, cool down in the idyllic swimming holes – these are among the best places to be in Portugal during the hot weather.

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9. Coimbra

Best for a student vibe

Portugal’s most atmospheric college town,Coimbra, rises steeply from the Rio Mondego, and its handsome medieval quarter houses one of Europe’s oldest universities. Students roam the narrow streets clad in black capes, while the sound of fado (Portugal’s soulful traditional style of music) drifts through the Moorish town gates towards the stained-glass windows of the historicCafé Santa Cruz.

Planning tip:Grown-ups may well appreciate the town’s student-driven nightlife and the medieval lanes of the steeply stacked historic center. Visitors with younger kids can keep busy at Portugal dos Pequenitos, a theme park with miniature versions of Portuguese monuments.

10. Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

Best for hiking and alpine activities in winter

The Serra da Estrela – Portugal’shighest mountain range – is the place to come for rugged scenery, outdoor adventures, and glimpses of a vanishing traditional way of life. Hikers can choose from an expansive network of high-country trails with stupendous vistas, and the region's fascinating mountain villages make perfect bases for outdoor adventures.

At the country’s highest point – the summit of Torre, artificially pushed to 2000m (6561ft) by the addition of a not-so-subtle stone monument – you can slalom down Portugal’s only ski slope. Oh, and did we mention the furry sheepdog puppies that frolic by the roadside? You’ll long to take one home.

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11. The Algarve

Best for a relaxing family holiday

Sunseekers have much to celebrate in Portugal. Along the south coast,the Algarve is famed for its gorgeous and varied coastline – you can either join the crowds on the people-packed sands at major resorts or find seaside peace on dramatic wild beaches backed by wind-carved cliffs. Days are spent playing in the waves, taking long oceanfront strolls, or surfing some of Europe's most memorable breaks.

The Algarve is also one of the best places in Portugal for kids. You’ll find family-friendly beaches, water parks and plenty of outdoor adventures (from boating to hidden sea caves to exploring undeveloped islands).

Planning tip:There’s never a bad time to visit this region, with its 300 days of sunshine each year, though you’ll find the best prices and thinnest crowds in winter.

This article was first published Jun 28, 2021 and updated Nov 17, 2023.