The Chapels of Blue Tiles and 5,000 Bones: A Spotlight on Evora
Twelve Most Beautiful Places in Portugal
Famous for its windswept beaches, heady port wine and incredible maritime history, Portugal is the perfect year round vacation spot. With our round up of the most beautiful places in Portugal, we’re shining a light on the many treasures this European gem offers. Connect with the culture on a premium guided tour and discover quaint towns, beautiful beaches, colorful monasteries and tantalizing cuisine.
What is the prettiest part of Portugal?
Many consider the Algarve coast to be the most picturesque part of Portugal. Its stunning beaches, golden cliffs, hidden coves and turquoise waters create a breathtaking coastal landscape. While the Algarve is renowned for its stunning coastline, other beautiful parts of Portugal offer inland charm and rich history. Sintra, just outside Lisbon, boasts enchanting palaces, mystical forests and breathtaking castles, making it a favorite for lovers of fairy-tale landscapes and historical sites. The Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards and river vistas, is perfect for those who appreciate scenic beauty combined with wine culture and heritage. For history enthusiasts, Évora offers well-preserved Roman ruins, medieval walls, and a stunning cathedral in a UNESCO World Heritage city.
What is the number 1 attraction in Portugal?
The number one attraction in Portugal is often considered to be Sintra. This enchanting town, just outside Lisbon, is famous for its fairytale palaces, mystical forests, and romantic castles, such as the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. Sintra’s stunning architecture and lush landscapes have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status and make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a magical blend of history, nature and fairy-tale charm.
1. Lisbon
From its picturesque cobbled streets to the welcoming hospitality of the locals, Lisbon is known for capturing the hearts of travelersas one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. First stop on our Country Roads of Portugal premium tour, it gives visitors a true flavor of the country with incredible hilltop views across terracotta roofs to the Atlantic Ocean. The attractive squares shaded by trees are a perfect place to sample the local speciality, pasteis de nata and a visit to the Belém Quarter recalls the Age of Discoveries, the time when Portugal ruled the oceans.
2. Sintra
Once the summer retreat for Portuguese royalty, this UNESCO World Heritage town just north of Lisbon has palaces, castles and gardens alive with beautiful blooms. Its many scenes resemble a fairy tale storybook and make it popular with couples. While the marvelously colorful Pálacio de Pena is a huge draw, presiding over the town like a cartoonish fantasy, there are plenty of enchanting walks and other historical buildings to explore too.
Beginning and ending in Lisbon, when travelling on Country Roads of Portugal, why not book a day tour to Sintra or add on some time to see the Quinta de Regaleira and the majestic royal residence Queluz National Palace?
3. Évora
This ancient university city is one of the oldest in Europe and one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, which becomes clear to guests from the stunning Roman Temple at its center. The Templo de Diana was built in the first century A.D. to honor Augustus, the Roman Emperor at that time. Travelers will find many other fascinating ruins and artefacts from the city’s diverse past.
Take in this wonderful city on our Amazing Spain & Portugal premium tour, and a stop at Capelo dos Ossos, where visitors are invited to ponder their own existence. Don’t miss the magnificent Praça do Giraldo with the pretty Henriquina fountain and arched arcades.
4. Lagos
A pretty fishing village and port, Lagos offers dramatic scenery, fantastic cuisine and some wonderful museums. The multi-hued sandstone cliffs and golden sands provide wonderful photo opportunities, or simply take a stroll alongside the fine combed waves meeting the shore.
If you’d prefer more history, walk the old fortified walls of the town, which date back to the eighth century. You can also take a peek into the oldest church in the Algarve, São João Baptista, built in 1174.
5. Tomar
Another stop on on Country Roads of Portugal is the charming city of Tomar, another of the most beautiful places in Portugal. Once the seat of the Order of the Knights Templar, it is a must for history buffs (or fans of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code). The Convent of Christ showcases Portuguese Manueline architecture and a number of other styles, although perhaps most impressive is the 12th century rotunda, which was inspired by the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
Aside from its rich history and associations, Tomar is also home to the quirky Museu dos Fosforus, a private collection of more than 43,000 different matchboxes from all over the world.
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Reach the tranquil village of Monsaraz on Country Roads of Portugal , perched on a hilltop amid vineyards and olive groves. Just moments from the Spanish border, visitors are afforded incredible views across to one of the largest lakes in Europe, Alqueva Lake and its azure hue contrasts beautifully with the white washed buildings of the village. Take a gentle cruise across its waters, hearing more about life in the area from a local boat captain.
Indulge in a feast of tapas at a former olive mill, tasting dish after dish of Alentejo specialties. We promise that this food experience will be a highlight of your vacation.
7. Fátima
Explore the tranquil village of Fátima on Best of Spain & Portugal, perched on a hilltop amid vineyards and olive groves. Just moments from the Spanish border, visitors are afforded incredible views across to one of the largest lakes in Europe, Alqueva Lake and its azure hue contrasts beautifully with the white washed buildings of the village. Take a gentle cruise across its waters, and see for yourself why Fátima is known as one of the most beautiful places in Portugal.
8. Óbidos
The charming town of Óbidos is where to travel next, as it’s less than 100 kilometers from Fátima. It has a romantic history of its own, beginning when King Dinis made it a gift to his new bride Queen Isabel in the 13th century. The narrow, cobbled streets are adorned with bougainvillea and each doorway tells a story through the intricate tiling.
History is everywhere in this medieval town, but among its most treasured sites are chapels such as Igreja de Santa Maria and Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra.
9. Porto
Arrive to Porto, where quaint chapels sit alongside bustling new bars serving the famous port wine that is made here. The city sits on the Douro River and has an infectious energy that captivates visitors throughout their stay. Saunter along the famous Dom Luis I Bridge, climb the steps of Clerigos Tower to take in the views or cruise down the Douro in a traditional Rabelo boat. The locals are friendly, the food simply divine and visitors will find it easy to make many Insight memories in Portugal’s second city.
10. The Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is renowned as one of Portugal’s most stunning and picturesque regions. Towering terraced vineyards stretch along steep hillsides, meeting the winding Douro River below. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a harmonious blend of nature and tradition, with rustic villages, historic wine estates and scenic views. The region’s history dates back centuries, as it has long been a vital wine-producing area, famous for its Port wine. The Douro Valley’s winemaking heritage was established in the 18th century, making it one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world. The stunning scenery, combined with its rich history of viticulture and charming villages, makes it a captivating destination. Indulge in wine tastings, explore historic quintas, and soak in panoramic views that have inspired artists and travelers alike for generations.
11. The Algarve
The Algarve stands out as Portugal’s premier seaside paradise – a sun-drenched region famous for its striking coastline, golden beaches and rugged cliffs. Beyond its natural beauty, the Algarve boasts a rich history rooted in maritime trade and Moorish influence, evident in its Moorish castles and historic towns like Lagos and Silves.
From surfing the Atlantic waves to exploring limestone caves or savoring fresh seafood in seaside restaurants, the Algarve truly has something for everyone. Its storied past and vibrant culture come alive through local festivals, traditional crafts and a warm hospitality that will make you never want to leave.
12. Guimarães
Nestled in northern Portugal, Guimarães is more than just a charming medieval town, it’s the birthplace of Portuguese identity. Its well-preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels like stepping back in time with cobblestone winding streets, ancient castles and picturesque squares.
Walking through Guimarães is an immersion into history, where medieval walls and Gothic churches tell stories of a proud heritage. It was a key location in the formation of Portugal, with events like the Battle of São Mamede (1128) contributing to its independence and the birth of the Portuguese kingdom. Lively streets buzz with local life, traditional festivals and culinary delights, offering visitors a true taste of regional Portugal.
If you are feeling inspired to visit the most beautiful places in Portugal in premium style then take a look at our collection of premium guided tours.
About Alex Allen
Alex is the Editor of Insightful, and has over 10 years' experience as a writer and editor within the travel industry. In his professional travels, he has been all over the world – from road-tripping in Australia and New Zealand, to eating his way around the Canadian Maritimes and criss-crossing Italy from Sardinia to Emilia-Romagna.
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