Best places to visit in Portugal: 2023
Occupying a narrow strip of land on the Iberian Peninsula's western coast, Portugal may appear small, but in fact offers an abundance of things to see and do.
From the long, sandy beaches of the Algarve, to the fertile wine-growing lands of the north, to the picturesque castles of the centre, Portugal offers something for all tastes and age groups.
Here's our pick of the 10 best places to put on your Portuguese bucket list!
Coimbra
Wander the steep cobbled streets of Coimbra, whose centre dates back to the time of the Moors. The city's magical atmosphere intensifies as sun falls, when the alluring sound of Guitarra - Portuguese guitar - reverberates through the alleys, accompanied by fado singers.
Portugal's 9th largest city punches above its weight in several ways - not least its vast university which is the country’s oldest and most prestigious. Don't miss the beautiful 18th-century library, built on the orders of Portugal's King John V.
Coimbra also boasts the monumental Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) which dates from 1117 and is a superb example of Romanesque architecture - and a rarity in Portugal and Europe.
Fans of ecclesiastical architecture should also make time for the New Cathedral of Coimbra, completed in the 17th century. Coimbra is one of the best places to go in Portugal for history buffs.
The Azores
Located about 900 miles from Lisbon, the Azores archipelago is composed of nine volcanic islands - which are exposed tips of vast underwater mountains. It's something of an off-the-radar destination, although that has started to change since it won UNESCO status.
Whale and dolphin watching, hot mineral springs and charming seaside towns are the main draws. It also boasts blue lakes ringed by forests, fumaroles, mud pots and a wealth of fabulous beaches.
Sai Miguel - also known as "The green Island" - is the archipelago’s largest island, while Pico is home to Portugal's highest peak
Overall, the Azores is an ideal holiday destination for nature lovers and fans of adventure sports.
Several low-cost carriers run flights to the Azores from the UK, making it especially accessible. One of the lesser-known Portugal holiday destinations, but certainly one to consider.
Aveiro
The bustling city of Aveiro is located on the Atlantic coast. It's also known as "The Venice of Portugal" thanks to its preponderance of canals and waterways crisscrossed by elegant bridges. And like the real Venice, you can get around town on colourful gondolas.
Excellent seafood restaurants, long, clean beaches and historic sites have made Aveiro a popular tourist destination - although one that's seldom visited by Britons.
Top attractions include Aveiro cathedral, the São Gonçalinho Chapel, and the Convento de Jesus.
Evora
Enchanting walled Evora is among Portugal's best-preserved mediaeval towns and offers an insight into the distant past.
The town’s winding lanes are a pleasure to stroll down at your own pace. As you do, you'll come across splendid architecture including the ornate mediaeval cathedral and its cloisters; the mighty columns of Templo Romano; and the charming town square.
History buffs will be intrigued - and quite possibly shocked - by the episodes that unfolded in the town square, largely due to the Inquisition.
Architecture and history aside, this university town promises a lively night out, with filling Alentejan cuisine readily available in the many restaurants.
If you stay for a few days, you'll have time to visit one of the local wineries, or the Neolithic ruins located outside town.
Porto
Portugal's thriving second city is located along the Douro River in the nation’s north.
The city’s heart is the Ribeira - a picturesque pedestrianised zone that you'll likely spend most of your time in. Bars with live music, cafes, restaurants and street vendors are central to this area's buzzing atmosphere.
The iconic double-decker Ponte Dom Luis bridge dominates the city centre, and makes it easy to reach the Vila Nova de Gaia zone, famed for its port wine cellars.
Port wine will be familiar to many British wine fans; the UK is the fourth biggest consumer of this sweet, fruity imbibe. Among the most-visited port houses in the city is Cálem, founded in 1859 by António Alves Cálem. Visitors here get to explore the cellars, see the house museum - and of course taste a little port at the end!
Porto is among the best places to visit in Portugal for those who love both wine and urban adventures.
Madeira
After touching down on Madeira's unique airport - whose concrete runway extends over the sea on stilts - you'll soon realise that many things on the island feel a little precarious.
Pretty houses cling to hillsides, and roads wind along vertiginous valleys.
But the locals have embraced this challenging landscape, to create one of the most alluring islands in the world.
The next striking aspect of the island is the vast array of flowers and other plant life: brightly coloured Strelitzia and Agapanthus flowers adorn Madeiran gardens - but also flourish in the wild.
You'll soon realise why Madeira is known as the "Floating Garden on the Atlantic".
Must-visits include the orchid Garden and the Laurissilva Forest, where you'll find the world’s largest concentration of laurel.
If hiking is your thing, book a guided tour to the summit of Pico Ruivo - and rise high above the clouds.
Find out more about Madeira in our useful Madeira travel guide.
Sintra
Nestled in the lower reaches of the Sintra Mountains on the Lisbon Coast, Sintra is well-loved for its forested hills, peppered with charming palaces and castles.
Chief among these structures is the colourfully painted Pena's Palace, reminiscent of Germany’s famous Neuschwanstein. Built as a summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family in the mid-1800s, this slightly eccentric palace is enveloped by well-tended parklands featuring a variety of exotic trees and flowers.
Sintra also boasts a Moorish castle on its highest hill, as well as the beguiling Monserrate Palace, whose stunning subtropical gardens are worth spending an afternoon in.
Obidos
In Western Portugal’s Centro Region you'll find the hilltop town of Obidos. Encircled by an ancient wall, the prime highlights are the magnificent mediaeval castle and the historic centre.
The labyrinthine cobbled alleys, enclosed by whitewashed homes, are a pleasure to explore on foot. Take a coffee break in one of the bustling squares and grab a few souvenirs in one of the many quaint shops.
If your budget allows, why not stay in the castle itself; today it's a luxury hotel and one of the most unique accommodation options in the country. Even if you're not staying, you can explore the mighty exterior.
The Algarve
In truth, the Algarve, located in Portugal's south, is the main draw for UK tourists. And little wonder: stunning beaches, charming old towns and enticing seafood restaurants are among the chief pleasures.
And for those on a budget, it's one of the most affordable beach destinations in Europe - and certainly the best place to visit in Portugal for beaches.
Away from the sun kissed, rugged coastline you'll find peaceful whitewashed villages and fragrant olive groves.
Golf lovers have even more to enjoy here: the Algarve has some of the finest golf resorts on the continent.
After a busy day of beachcombing and golf, Lagos is the place to go for effervescent nightlife.
Lisbon
Portugal's capital city has an epic atmosphere - in part because it was once the centre of a vast empire.
Built on seven hills through which the River Tagus winds, Lisbon is an enchanting destination boasting vibrant neighbourhoods which often reverberate to the sound of traditional fado music.
Alfama is the city’s oldest district, an old Moorish quarter known for its maze-like cobbled streets, olde-worlde architecture and the majestic St George's Castle.
The city's hills make negotiating the streets a rather sweaty affair (especially in summer) so it’s best to get around on the vintage trams. The most famous of these is tram 28, which takes you through the various historic quarters, gardens and key attractions.
Don't miss the magnificent 16th-century Belém Tower down by the sea!
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