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Where to go in Portugal? The best towns, cities and regions to visit in 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 the heavily fortified towns of Marvão, Elvas and Monsaraz, constructed from centuries of fighting with Spain. The historic city of Evora, with its Roman temple, Gothic cathedral and charming cobbled plazas is the standout destination of the central Alentejo.
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 Praia do Almograve on the Alentejo coastline is always deserted, even in the peak 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 to visit as Lisbon. It is an instantly likeable city, that is centred around the mighty Douro River, with charming districts and a laid-back atmosphere.
Porto prospered on the production of Port wine, and today, the vast cellars and port tasting tours are the unique attraction of the city.
The iconic Ponte Luís I bridge spans the Douro River
Close to Porto are the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, while in the summer months the beautiful beaches of the Costa Verde coastline can be visited.
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 you just as varied and enjoyable city break.
Related articles: Porto Guide – Top 10 Porto
The hillside vineyards which line the Douro River, grow grapes which are used to produce Port wine
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 buzz of a university city.
There are the incredibly scenic Schist Villages to discover, while the wild mountains of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park offer remote hiking routes and even skiing in the winter.
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.
Obidos is a charming Portuguese walled town, which can be visited as a day trip from Lisbon
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.
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 – Nazare guide – Coimbra guide - Aveiro guide
The Convento de Cristo at Tomar was the religious fortification of the Knights Templar
The impressive beach at Nazaré
A Quick Overview of Portugal’s Most Popular Destinations
(Please click on the underlined links to be taken to the destination guide - each link opens a new window.)
For a City Break:
Lisbon and Porto
For history and culture:
Evora, Coimbra, Sintra or Guimarães
For a Family Summer Holiday:
The Central Algarve or the Cascais-Estoril coastline
Picturesque and Traditional towns:
Tavira, Sesimbra, Obidos and Elvaz
For Stunning Scenery:
The Douro Valley, the Western Algarve, or the Serra da Arribida
To Party:
Albufeira, Praia da Rocha, Lisbon
To Escape the Summer Crowds:
Sesimbra, Vila Nova da Milfontes, the Alentejo coastline or Porto
Back-packer hang out:
Lisbon or Lagos
For a surfing experience:
Sagres, Nazaria or Penechie
The Algarve’s main resort towns:
Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura and Praia da Rocha
Discover more of Portugal with our guides
A complete list of all of our guides to Portugal
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