Where to visit in Portugal?
The best towns, cities and regions of Portugal
Portugal is a country of immense diversity and limitless holiday possibilities. There are remote (and picturesque) villages steep history through to the non-stop excitement of the Algarve’s summer beach resorts.
Many tourists are drawn to Portugal for its glorious climate and stunning beaches, but there is so much more to discover, within this fascinating country.
A pretty side street in Obidos
The two main cities, Lisbon and Porto are both vibrant and charismatic destinations, which lend themselves to intense city breaks.
The beautiful southern coastline of the Algarve is a firm favourite with families and package tourists, who adore the wonderful beaches and holiday-buzz of the resort towns. The western Portuguese coastline is much calmer, with its dramatic coastal scenery, traditional fishing towns and charming beach resorts.
The interior of Portugal is significantly less touristy, but no less fascinating, with ancient walled towns and rich cultural heritage. To the far north are hills covered in vineyards, jagged mountains, and traditional villages undiscovered by tourism.
Portugal will provide you with your dream holiday, and it is there for you to discover……
Related articles: Lisbon guide - Porto guide – 1 week in Portugal – Portugal’s best beach - Top 10 Portugal
The best towns and cities of Portugal
Below is an interactive map displaying of the best towns and cities of Portugal.
The yellow pins mark the 10 best beach resorts in Portugal and the green pins are the 10 best cities and towns. The blue markers show the 10-best lesser-known and personal favourite destinations of Portugal.
The 10 best beach resorts: 1) Cascais 2) Tavira 3) Albufeira 4) Nazaré 5) Sesimbra 6) Costa Nova 7) Tróia 8) Povoa de Varzim 9) Praia da Rocha 10) Ericeira
The 10 best towns and cities: 1) Lisbon 2) Porto 3) Coimbra 4) Sintra 5) Lagos 6) Evora 7) Faro 8) Setubal 9) Braga 10) Bragança
The 10 best lesser known towns: 1) Viana do Castelo 2) Vila Nova de Milfontes 3) Guimarães 4) Elvas 5) Lamego 6) Tomar 7) Óbidos 8) Vila Real de Santo António 9) Ponte de Lima 10) Silves
Where to go in Portugal?
The following section details each of the main tourist regions of Portugal, what to visit and highlights.
The Algarve
The Algarve is the beautiful coastline of southern Portugal, and has been a favourite with package tourists for many decades.
This is a region that specialises in the one or two-week summer holiday fun in the sun. There are mega-resort hotels, thrilling waterparks, and buzzing nightlife. For an action-packed holiday Albufeira, Lagos, and Praia da Rocha cannot be beaten.
The smaller Algarve resort towns are slightly calmer and are ideal for families or more mature visitors. Our favourites include Alvor, Carvoeiro, Praia da Luz and Olhos de Água.
Carvoeiro is a pretty beach resort, ideal for families
Much of the central Algarve region has succumbed to sprawling holiday villa complexes and golf courses, but authentic and historic Portugal can be discovered in the towns of Silves, Loule, Olhão and Vila Real de Santo António. Our favourite holiday destination of the Algarve is Tavira, which offers pristine beaches, Portuguese charm, and is set in the less-touristy eastern Algarve.
Related articles: Where to stay in the Algarve – Albufeira guide – Tavira guide – Lagos guide
Tavira is a delightful town for an Algarve holiday
Praia da Rocha maybe be a modern resort town, but it boasts a wonderful beach
Our opinion: Portugal’s beaches and resort towns are not just limited to the Algarve. The western Alentejo region around Vila Nova de Milfontes has some of the most beautiful beaches of Portugal, while there are many pretty resort towns close to Lisbon, such as Cascais, Estoril or Sesimbra. In the busy summer months, when the Algarve is completely sold out, the Costa Verde (around Porto) is a great alternative.
Lisbon and the surrounding region
Lisbon is one of the greatest cities of Europe, perfectly combining history and culture in a progressive and dynamic city.
There is so much to praise about Lisbon, from the characterful districts, its forward-thinking attitudes, or the flourishing artisan scene. Lisbon has an abundance of tourist activities and attractions, and at least three days is needed to discover the city.
The ancient Alfama district, leads up to the castle
Beyond the city are numerous fascinating day trips, which could easily extend a stay to a week. There is the picturesque town of Sintra, the charming beach resort of Cascais, the bustling port of Setubal or the relaxing beaches of Sesimbra. Lisbon is an outstanding holiday destination, and you should visit it at the earliest opportunity!
The only issue with Lisbon, is that mass tourism has fully discovered the city, and it is beginning to suffer from over-tourism. For a city break in the peak months, consider visiting Porto (which still can be busy), or completely undiscovered Viana do Castelo.
Related articles: Our Lisbon guide - Top 10 Lisbon – Sintra – Cascais
The grand avenues of the Baixa district in central Lisbon
Sintra is a popular day trip from Lisbon, and a highlight is always the Pena Palace
The Alentejo region
The Alentejo is the rural heartland of Portugal, dotted with walled towns and ancient castles. This is often the image of Portugal that tourists envisage before arriving in the country. There are rolling plains of olive groves and cork plantations, and a pace of life that has barely altered in centuries.
Elvas has some of the strongest city defences along the Spanish border.
Along the Spanish border are heavily fortified towns of Marvão, Elvas and Monsaraz, constructed from centuries of fighting with Spain. The historic city of Evora is the standout destination of the central Alentejo, and is a great base from which to explore the region.
The Alentejo coastline offers some of Portugal’s most dramatic natural scenery but is rarely visited by foreign tourists. This is a windswept coastline of massive beaches, powerful seas and jagged cliffs. If you are wanting an alternative beach holiday destination, then Vila Nova de Milfontes and Porto Covo, could be just what you are seeking.
Advice: A rental car is needed to get the most from the Alentejo region.
Related articles: Evora guide - Vila Nova de Milfontes guide
The unspoilt Alentejo coastline and this is the Praia do Almograve in the summer months…..
Evora flourished in the 14th century as an important trading town, and has barely altered since….
Porto and the Douro Valley
Porto, maybe Portugal’s second city but this hardworking and unassuming city is as fascinating and enjoyable as Lisbon. Porto is an instantly likeable city, that is centred around the mighty Douro River, with charming districts and a laid-back atmosphere.
The city prospered on the production of Port wine, and today, the vast cellars and port tasting tours are the unique attraction of Porto.
The iconic Ponte Luís I bridge spans the Douro River
Popular day trips from Porto include Braga and Guimarães, and in the summer months, there are the beaches of the Costa Verde coastline.
To the east of Porto the Douro River snakes upstream into the hilly, vineyard region of the Douro Valley. This region offers, wonderful scenery, leisurely boat cruises and picturesque towns such as Lamego, Pinhão and Peso da Régua.
Our advice: Lisbon may be more famous, but Porto will provide just as varied and enjoyable city break.
Related articles: Porto Guide – Top 10 Porto
Porto cathedral standing high above the ancient Ribeira district and Douro River
Guimarães is known as the birthplace of Portugal and was where the first king of Portugal resided
Central Portugal
Central Portugal is a diverse and fascinating region, which is ideal for a touring holiday.
The historic university city of Coimbra is the largest city of the region, and offers magnificent educational institutions along with the progressive ideals of the students.
The coastline of central Portugal is dominated by the powerful Atlantic Ocean, and is the setting for the famed surfing towns of Peniche and Nazaré – with Nazaré boasting the world’s largest surfed wave (at 30m high). Further along the coast is pretty Figueira da Foz and the colourful beach houses of Costa Nova.
The impressive beach at Nazaré
Inland are the incredibly scenic schist villages, and the mountains of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Other highlights include Tomar, the 13th century base for the Knights Templar, Obidos a delightful walled city, the canals of Aveiro and Fatima, a sacred pilgrimage destination.
Central Portugal is a wonderful region which could take weeks to fully explore, but often tourists skip the region entirely by catching the express train from Lisbon to Porto.
Related articles: Tomar guide – Obidos guide – Nazaré guide – Coimbra guide - Aveiro guide
The Convento de Cristo at Tomar was the religious fortification of the Knights Templar
Obidos is a charming Portuguese walled town, which can be visited as a day trip from Lisbon
Discover more of Portugal with our guides
Top 10 Portugal
Which are the best 10 towns and cities in Portugal?
1 week
Suggested itineraries for a week holiday and tour of Portugal
Best Beach
Discover the finest beaches in Portugal
Lisbon
The vibrant and dynamic capital of Portugal
Porto
Historic districts and port wine tasting in Portugal’s second city
Lagos
History, beaches, and nightlife - Lagos is rightful popular!
Tavira
The most charming town of the eastern Algarve
Braga
The religious centre of Portugal and likeable city
Sintra
Extravagant palaces, opulent villas, and stunning scenery
Sesimbra
Delightful beach town, which is a favourite with the Portuguese
Obidos
The classic Portuguese walled town, owned by the Queen of Portugal
Vila Nova de Milfontes
Authentic Portugal on the undiscovered Alentejo coastline
Setúbal
Experience true Portugal in this busy fishing port
Nazaré
A charming town, famed for the world’s highest surfing waves
Viana do Castelo
The charismatic and undiscovered north of Portugal
Cascais
The finest resort town of the Lisbon coastline
Tomar
The ancient stronghold of the Knights Templar
Evora
The capital of the Alentejo region is steeped in history
Albufeira
The largest and liveliest resort town of the Algarve
Guimarães
The birthplace of Portugal and pretty city
A complete list of all of our guides to Portugal
Obidos
Tomar
Evora
Fatima
Mafra
Ericeira
Central Portugal
Portugal Guides
Sintra
Cascais
Sesimbra
Setubal
Near Lisbon
North Portugal
Porto
South Portugal