Are you looking to take a vacation soon? Don’t you wish there was a place where you could enjoy beautiful nature, look at the incredible architecture, and experience a vibrant culture?
Well, you’ve got to book your tickets to Portugal today! This is easily one of Europe’s hidden gems. We know that you’ll enjoy your trip to Portugal and it’ll be a country you’ll want to visit again and again.
It’s a place that has attracted explorers, immigrants, backpackers, luxury travelers, digital nomads, and retirees. In other words, there’s something for everyone here!
Let’s look at the best places to go in Portugal…
NUMBER ONE – Where It All Got Started
The town of Guimaraes is often considered to be the “birthplace of Portugal.” This is where Portugal’s first monarch King Alfonso Henriques was born.
The town is in northern Portugal near the town of Braga. You’ll enjoy the 10th century castle as well as the Dukes of Braganza Palace. The nature surrounding the town is also incredible and picturesque.
You’ll also enjoy many historical monuments, museums, and art galleries. This is where you get a crash course on this fascinating country. After you’ve explored Guimaraes, you’re ready to explore the rest of Portugal.
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NUMBER TWO – Head to Porto!
One of Portugal’s most famous cities is also in the northern region of the country. Here you’ll marvel at Portugal’s incredible architecture as well as its scenic beauty.
You can explore the city through public transportation or on foot. You’ll enjoy the cafes, live music, and fine wine – which Porto is famous for.
Many parts of Porto are catered to tourists but there are plenty of places where one can blend in and experience the city as a local. In fact, Porto isn’t just a popular city for tourists. It’s also a place where immigrants and digital nomads alike congregate.
If you decide that you’d like to stay in Portugal and make it your home, we bet that Porto will be at the top of your list!
NUMBER THREE – Look at the Sight of Sintra
Say the name ‘Sintra’ and any visitor to Portugal will immediately tell you about the vibrant colors of its castles.
To say this is one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal would be a gross understatement. In fact, it’s likely one of the most beautiful villages in the whole of Europe. The English poet Lord Byron described it as such.
Apart from Portuguese Royalty, the Moors and Romans both loved ruling over Portugal from the charming village of Sintra.
If you want a great workout, Sintra is also the place to go to! You’ll have to climb up a steep hill to see Pena’s Palace – which will remind you of the German Neuschwanstein castle!
You should also visit the Toy Museum where you can see toys that go back to Ancient Egypt. If you’ve seen Sintra, you’ll be glad you did, and you’ll be eager to see it again!
NUMBER FOUR – Chill in the Capital
Portugal’s capital city Lisbon is easily of one Europe’s underrated capital cities. After you visit the city, you’ll scratch your head and wonder why!
You’ll enjoy the warm weather mixed with a cool breeze as you walk up the steep streets. You’ll enjoy sipping on coffee in one of the many charming cafes across the city. This is also a place to enjoy many of Portugal’s fine dining options.
You can also enjoy looking at Lisbon’s Gothic Cathedrals and dream about living in one of its many colorful and vibrant neighborhoods. You’ll feel stuck in time as you look at the classical architecture and then realize you’re in the present moment as you get struck by the vibrancy of Lisbon’s streets.
This is another great city where many foreigners like to live in when they decide to settle in Portugal. It’s also becoming one of Europe’s best hubs for digital nomads.
NUMBER FIVE – Head to Algarve, and then struggle to leave!
One of the biggest attractions of Europe are the continent’s charming beach towns. Among the most famous beach towns is Algarve.
You’ll enjoy the Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and the serenity of the ocean. It’s one of the most charming towns in the country as well as one of the most affordable. If you’re a backpacker or a budget travel, this is one of the best places to get value for your money.
If you enjoy seafood, there’s no shortage of great seafood restaurants here. You can expect to see many expats in Algarve as well!
NUMBER SIX – Go Mad for Madeira
Madeira Island is one of Portugal’s most picturesque locations. It’s an island filled with greenery and has great views of the Atlantic Ocean.
If you’re a nature lover then visiting Madeira Island is a must. You can fly to Madeira from the mainland but we think you’ll enjoy taking a ferry or even going on a cruise!
Apart from the nature, you’ll enjoy the beautiful churches, fortresses, and museums. There are also plenty of great restaurants and outdoor markets. As with Algarve, you’ll have a hard time leaving this place!
NUMBER SEVEN – Escape to the Azores
Sometimes, when you travel, you want to find a place where you can get away from it all. You need a place where you can escape from civilization and live in a place where time seems to stand still.
As it happens, Portugal has one of those places. The Azores archipelago is located 1500 kilometers from Western Portugal. These 9 islands offer some of the most incredible nature you’ll see in your life.
Here, many people live traditional and rural lifestyles. While the Azores has become a popular tourist destination, it hasn’t been ruined by copious amounts of tourism. It’s truly the place you can go to find peace.
It’s no wonder that writer Diana Marcum felt that Azores were the islands of her dreams! Maybe it’ll also be the place that you’ll love to live in!
NUMBER EIGHT – Float down Aveiro’s canals
Are you looking for a great alternative to Venice? Aveiro is often thought of as Portugal’s answer to the famous Italian city.
It’s located in Central Portugal and is one of the country’s most bustling cities. You’ll be able to explore the city on foot, but we think you need to get into a gondola or a speed boat! You can also rent a bicycle for the day to explore.
There are also many great beaches in this town where you can relax and work on your tan! You can also sail or go kite surfing in this town!
NUMBER NINE – Chill in Coimbra
Another great city in Portugal is Coimbra. This city is located in Central Portugal and is near the Mondego River.
There are many historical sites, live music performances, beautiful architecture, and incredible nature.
Among the popular attractions are the Tomb of Queen Isabel and the Old Cathedral. You should also visit the University of Coimbra while you’re in the city. This is one of Portugal’s most prestigious universities and this is what makes Coimbra a popular city for students.
You’ll love the exciting culture that the city has to offer. You might get to catch the Tin Can Parade that welcomes students at the start of the academic year. There’s also the Burning of the Ribbons celebration which happens at the end of the second semester.
If you’re looking to study in Europe, you might want to consider living in Coimbra. If you’re a twentysomething, this will easily be one of your favorite places to visit in the country.
NUMBER TEN – Take Yourself to Tomar
Remember when we told you that Guimaraes is where Portugal was “born?” Well, Tomar is where the nation of Portugal took off!
If you’re a history buff, then your travels to Portugal isn’t complete if you don’t take yourself to Tomar. It’s located in Central Portugal and it’s surrounded by farmland.
This ancient city was once the headquarters of the Knights Templar. You’ll find a lot of great architecture including chapels, churches, and palaces.
It’s from this town that the Portuguese began to travel overseas. It’s from here where they explored the world and built their Empire.
Don’t miss out on visiting Tomar if you want to absorb the history of this incredible country!
NUMBER ELEVEN – Take a moment to reflect from Viana do Castelo
If you’re winding down on your Portugal trip, perhaps your last stop should be the city of Viana do Castelo.
This is in Northern Portugal and is near the Atlantic Ocean. This is a small city where you can see the incredible Basilica of Santa Luzia. It’s also when you visit this Basilica, that you can turn around and look at the beautiful view of the entire town.
You can take this moment to reflect upon your trip to Portugal. We know that it’ll be one of the best trips you’ll ever take!
You’ll be glad you went, and you’ll be eager to revisit soon!
So, are you ready to book your trip to Portugal? In fact, what are you looking forward to the most?
Are you looking forward to seeing the incredible nature in this country? Or are you more interested in the historical architecture that Portugal is famous for?
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.