Located at Europe’s most Westerly point, Portugal faces out to the Atlantic Ocean and as a result, the country has distinct character which sets it apart from the rest of the continent. Laidback, beautiful, historic and elegant, Portugal has huge appeal.
Visitors can choose from the elegant cities of the North, the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon, the less-visited Central regions, the sun-kissed Algarve or even the beautiful Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores or Madeira. Let us look at the best places to visits in Portugal.
The streets of Lisbon, paved with glistening enamelled tiles, await you when you decide to book yourself into one of the budget friendly hotels in the sunny capital of Portugal. Other amazing cities to experience in this country include Porto and Albufeira.
Of course, no mention of Portugal would be complete without mentioning the fact that this nation is home to some of the best beaches you will ever see in your life time – so be sure to check out accommodation in the coastal regions of Portugal as well.
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Lisbon (Lisboa)
Portugal’s capital is a vibrant and thriving global city which appeals to every type of visitor, thanks to a choice of where to stay from boutique hotels to budget hostel and everything in between. This hilly, coastal capital is home to some of the most significant historical landmarks in the country from Gothic forts to white domed cathedrals and ancient ruins.
It’s also the best place for a night out in the whole of Portugal, where those beautiful narrow cobbled streets that you wandered by day fill with a throng of jolly locals by night. Unlike most European capitals, Lisbon still retains the laid-back air that Portugal is famous for. Nothing gets off to any early start in Lisbon and to get the best out of the city’s nightlife it really is advisable that you go with the flow.
Porto (Oporto)
The country’s second biggest city, Porto in the north west, is an elegant and cosmopolitan destination. Porto is ideal for a city break or as a base to explore the north of the country.
Home of course, of the world-famous wine, Port, this city has in recent years become somewhat of a foodie haven too. It’s also a place rich in history with a Medieval centre and a hotchpotch of coloured houses built on both banks of the River Duoro.
Algarve Region
Portugal’s sunniest and most famous holiday resort, the Algarve is located in the south west of the country. As a ready made holiday destination it’s easy to find everything from five star hotels to cheap accommodation here.
Boasting sun-kissed beaches, mountain villages, fresh seafood, outdoor activities and plenty of family friendly attractions, those looking for a family holiday to remember will struggle to find somewhere better than the famous Algarve.
Madeira
The archipelago of Madeira is found 1000 km southwest of mainland Portugal. Somewhat lost in time, these floral islands are stunning, but are arguably better geared up for couples looking for solace than families looking for fun.
Many flock here in summer to see the landscape in full bloom, but if you come at New Year you can experience the biggest firework display in the world.
The Azores
The Azores, an autonomous archipelago, lying in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, has long been a top honeymoon destination. The Azores features dramatic landscapes of lake filled calderas, white sand beaches, lush forest covered mountains, springs, UNESCO listed biospheres and best of all, a distinct lack of crowds.
Not just for honeymooners, the Azores are becoming increasingly popular with watersports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Coimbra
This one-time capital of Portugal retains an air of venerable authority, with a picturesque riverfront location and array of historical buildings. Most famous are the Baroque Library, the Bell Tower and Romanesque Cathedral.
As a large and historic university city a buzzing cultural scene makes for an excellent nightlife and artistic enlightenment.
Sintra
The elegant resort town of Sintra is found nestled at the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, enveloped by lush forestry. Just a short daytrip from Lisbon, it’s well worth taking some time out of your holiday to visit.
As a long-time royal retreat, visitors will find upmarket restaurants and bars here along with exceptional landmarks as the Sintra National Palace and the majestic hilltop Pena National Palace.
Alentejo Region
The large region of Alentejo lies south of Lisbon, and despite its size is somewhat of a mystery still to international visitors. This sparsely populated region is actually home to some of the best beaches in the country.
What makes them special is the distinct lack of development in the area. Holiday makers will enjoy a slow pace of life in Alentejo, an area that seems unchanged from decades ago.
Guimarães
Guimarães is a well-preserved medieval town in the north of the country and easy enough to visit via a day trip from Porto or Braga. A hilltop walk or cable car allows visitors to take in the sights of the city; a collection of characterful plazas and cobbled streets.
Long believed to the birthplace of Portugal, the city centre itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aveiro Region
The central coastal region of Aveiro is frequently shunned for the sunnier Algarve, but to miss the Aveiro is to miss the heart of Portugal. The city of Aveiro itself is made up of fine Art Nouveau architecture and a network of canals whilst the outlying region is also worth exploring.
Along the region’s coast visitors will discover the country’s tallest lighthouse, a collection of stripy houses at Costa Nova and stunning beaches reaching from Barra to Costa Nova.
Braga
Tucked up in the far northwest of Portugal is historic Braga, the county’s less-visited but third biggest city. This city has a strong religious heritage and is popular with both Catholics and historians alike who marvel at its Gothic Chapel, Neoclassical Church and Medieval Cathedral.
The historic centre is made up of a fine Baroque plazas and narrow streets, much of which are closed off to traffic, making for a most serene setting.
