Once one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, Portugal is now a popular destination for sunbathers, history buffs and beach lovers. Popular attractions like Pena Palace and Jeronimos Monastery draw visitors, while lesser-known spots like Peneda-Gerês National Park and Algar de Benagil invite visitors to explore further. From the beloved islands of the Azores and Madeira, to the sunny Algarve and bustling cities like Lisbon and Porto, Portugal is a treasure trove of natural, historical and cultural wonders.
Best Destination: Jerónimos MonasteryUnderrated Gem: Peneda-Geres National ParkBest for Families: Pena PalaceBest for Couples: Azenhas do MarBest for Solo Travelers: Livraria Lello
Read on for a complete list of the best places to visit in Portugal.
Jeronimos Monastery
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One of Lisbon’s most visited landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jerónimos Monastery is a late Gothic-Manueline building that stands as an enduring symbol of power dating back to the Age of Discovery. Built over nearly a century, beginning in the early 1500s, the block-spanning complex continues to fascinate with its spectacular maritime details, cloisters and tombs.
Peneda-Geres National Park
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Located in northern Portugal near the Spanish border, Peneda-Gerês National Park is made up of yellowish hills, granite peaks, flowing streams, mixed forests and Roman ruins. Native wildlife such as the Pyrenean desman, Iberian frog and Barozan cattle also call this protected land home.
Pena Palace
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One of the most beautiful sites in Europe, Pena Palace is a romantic hilltop castle and Sintra’s crown jewel. Its candy-coloured façade and spacious terraces draw shutterbugs from near and far, while the stately interior is filled with antiques and the surrounding park has shady paths.
Azenhas do Mar
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Among Portugal’s charming coastal towns, Azenhas do Mar deserves special mention. A tiny town of just 800 people, with its rows of whitewashed houses and sweeping sea views, it’s a postcard-perfect place to sip local wine, sample regional seafood dishes and swim in natural rock pools.
Lello Library
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Porto’s Livraria Lello boasts a grand staircase, ornate stained-glass ceilings and towering shelves packed with books. It’s often known as “the Harry Potter bookshop” – although JK Rowling herself has denied rumors that it inspired parts of Hogwarts – but it certainly looks magical.
Cabo da Roca
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Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, has a rugged, end-of-the-world feel. Waves crash against the rocks, tourists stand on sheer cliffs and gaze out at blue waters that stretch to the horizon, and a historic lighthouse guides ships along the rugged coast.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
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The majesty of São Miguel never ceases to amaze, and for many visitors to the volcanic island of the Azores, the most striking feature are its famous and incredibly photogenic twin crater lakes, Lagoa Azul (“The Blue Lagoon”) and Lagoa Verde (“The Green Lagoon”).
Levadas da Madeira
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The Levadas da Madeira are a historic system of irrigation canals built across the island, carrying water from the higher slopes to sugarcane fields, farmland, and cities. Hiking trails follow the canals and offer visitors an up-close look at the UNESCO-listed laurel forests.
Algar de Benagil
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Accessible only by boat, this magical seaside cave seems unreal: sunlight filters through a hole at the top of the cave, illuminating the enclosed beach as the turquoise waters lapping against the sand.
Clerigos Church
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Clérigos Church is an essential stop on any trip to Porto, and while its exhibits and daily organ concerts are certainly impressive, it’s overshadowed by its iconic 246-foot-tall bell tower, which you can climb to the top for 360-degree views of the city (albeit quite a workout).
Nazareth
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Nazaré attracts intrepid surfers and curious tourists with its larger-than-life waves, the subject of the documentary series “100 Foot Wave.” The waves are so big that unless you’re a hardcore surfer, you probably won’t want to paddle out to them, but it’s worth the drive just to watch the giant waves crash against the rocks and have lunch at a local restaurant.
Vilafranca Island
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Located off the coast of São Miguel, Vila Franca Island looks otherworldly from the air, but it’s just as beautiful up close. Formed by the crater of an ancient volcano, its circular saltwater lagoon is surrounded by lush vegetation. In summer, it’s popular for swimming, snorkelling, birdwatching and cliff diving (if you’re brave).
Comporta
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About an hour from Lisbon, Comporta is an unassuming fishing village that has been transformed into a secret summer hotspot with cork trees, rice fields and beautiful beaches. In the warmer months, it’s well worth fighting for a spot on the sparkling white sands of Praia Comporta.
Douro Valley
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The oldest wine-growing region in the world and birthplace of Port wine, the Douro Valley attracts viticultural enthusiasts and casual wine lovers alike. With a mix of rolling vineyards, historic quintas, boating on its namesake river and fantastic restaurants, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the great wine.
Cacharote Natural Pool
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Madeira’s north coast is home to many beautiful spots perfect for swimming, but the Cacharote Natural Pools is one of its most iconic. This calm lagoon off the coast of Porto Moniz was formed by volcanic rocks and is filled by the currents of the Atlantic Ocean.
Poço da Alagoinha
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Majestic waterfalls are just one of the attractions of the Azores, and Poço da Alagoinha on Flores is a spectacular series of multiple falls that tumble down cliffs covered in lush vegetation into a pristine lagoon.
Arrabida Natural Park
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Arrábida Natural Park is home to many of Portugal’s best attractions: fine sandy beaches blend into blue waters, towering cliffs rise from the sea, mountain peaks are covered in lush vegetation, and beautiful hiking trails wind through enchanting landscapes.
Guimaraes Castle
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Mystery and legend still surround Guimarães Castle. A key figure in Portuguese history, it was built in the 10th century by order of Mumadona Dias as a place of refuge from attacks by Vikings and Moors.
Sagres
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Sagres sits on a windswept headland on the western tip of southern Portugal. With sunny skies, dramatic sea cliffs and uncrowded beaches, this tiny fishing village is worth a detour. It’s also a surfer’s paradise, with everything from beginner breaks to expert-level barrels.
Quinta do Balbusano
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At Quinta do Barbusano, tucked away in Madeira’s northern mountains, you can soak up the flavors of the island while enjoying wine tastings and traditional espetadas (grilled beef skewers) overlooking the São Vicente Valley. You can also take a short hike to the nearby Chapel of Nossa Senhora Fátima for even more breathtaking views.
