20 Best Things Do & Places to See in Portugal

Are you looking for ideas of things to see and do in Portugal ? This post will not disappoint you: the Portuguese country offers the traveler an endless number of interesting plans, and it is impossible not to find a plan that suits our tastes.

There are always reasons to go (and return again and again) to our neighbouring country, Portugal . Whether it is to wander through the picturesque neighbourhoods of the capital Lisbon , to sail the waters of the Algarve , dotted with sensational caves and rock formations, to eat cod in the Ribeira de Oporto or to get lost in small and charming inland villages .

Portugal has a strong and distinctive personality that we love. This country is a delight for the eyes, the palate and the mind . And it doesn't matter if you go to the north, the centre or the south ... the tiles, the notes of fado , the peculiar Portuguese light and the special charm of its villages await you with open arms. That's why you feel longing for this land, because when you are there it treats you as if you were an honoured guest.

what to visit in portugal

Now, we are going to tell you about the 20 places to see in Portugal and the amazing things to do without fail.

1. Lisbon, the capital of the country

We start with its capital, Lisbon, not only seems to us to be an essential stop on any trip to Portugal, but we are already daring to include it in our list of the most beautiful cities in Europe . Its attractions are almost endless: from getting lost in the charming cobbled streets of Alfama , where Fado sneaks in through every corner, to the Barrio Alto , known for its nightlife and viewpoints, passing through iconic monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery or the Belem Tower …

Lisbon has a fascinating history, a lively and interesting present and promises to enchant everyone who visits it. In short, it is a must- see in Portugal.

⭐ Don't forget to book the free tour of Lisbon and read our post where we tell you everything to see and do in Lisbon .

lisbon collage

2. Porto, the decadent city that will make you fall in love

The next city that you must visit sooner or later in Portugal is none other than the wonderful Porto . Strolling along the Ribera , taking the cruise of the six bridges , contemplating the Dom Luis I Bridge , marvelling at the tiles of the Sao Bento station , having a glass (or two) of Porto … are some of the many activities that await you here.

main places to see in portugal

Dedicate at least 2-3 days of time to it and enjoy its decadent and melancholic atmosphere! We recently returned and found it more beautiful than ever.

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Porto (2025) - Must-See Attractions

3. Coimbra, the university soul

Not too far from Porto is Coimbra . If your trip coincides with May 1st, you can attend the traditional “Queima das Fita”, during which university students who have just finished their studies burn ribbons of different colours (each one representing a faculty). It is certainly something interesting to see.

But if you go at another time of year, don't worry: Coimbra is a World Heritage Site and that always means a bunch of interesting places. Stroll through the historic centre to discover them, visit the University, the Old Cathedral of Coimbra and the beautiful Joanina Library.

4. Nazaré, the capital of the waves

Nazaré is a small town known worldwide for its huge waves. Particularly famous is Praia do Norte, where giant waves form that challenge the bravest surfers. The secret? A unique phenomenon: the Nazaré underwater canyon. This peculiar geographical feature becomes a magnet for waves , which magnify and become titans of more than 20 meters.

Ok, not all of us have the skills to surf those giants, but the good thing is that we can watch someone doing it 🙂 The best time to see its famous waves is from October to March.

waves of nazareth in portugal

5. Alentejo, for lovers of rural tourism

The Alentejo region is a paradise for lovers of road trips and rural tourism. If you dare to take a route there, you can visit charming towns such as Évora , a World Heritage Site with its cathedral and Roman temple; Elvas , with its system of fortifications and aqueduct; and Monsaraz, with its medieval castle and views of Lake Alqueva.

This lake, the largest reservoir in Western Europe, and the Alentejo coastline, with its unspoiled beaches, are particularly striking for their beauty. And the surprises don't end here: in Alentejo you can see the Cromlech dos Almendros , a megalithic complex from the Neolithic, which are super impressive.

6. Algarve, our favorite region in Portugal

A couple of years ago we were lucky enough to do a housesitting in the Algarve and were able to thoroughly explore one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal. Along its coast and also inland, there are countless iconic places and interesting plans, from sailing through sea caves to stuffing yourself with grilled sardines in a fishing village.

Some of the essential stops to make in the deep south of Portugal are: Benagil Beach and its caves (book the boat tour in advance!), Praia da Marinha , Lagos , Albufeira , Faro , Tavira , or Cape St. Vincent .

There is no doubt that the Algarve is one of the most spectacular areas to see in Portugal, take your time, if you can travel outside of high season and enjoy every corner of the region. We are looking forward to returning 🙂

⭐ Here we give you tips for traveling to the Algarve .

what to do in portugal

7. Guimaraes, where Portugal was born

We continue with the things to do in Portugal by telling you about a city that we think is a must-see. The truth is that not everyone visits Guimaraes , even though it is a World Heritage Site. Go ahead: it is pretty, small and has a fascinating history… in fact, many say that “ Aqui nasceu Portugal ” and Guimaraes is like a small Portugal condensed into a handful of streets.

Without many pretensions, but with a lot of charm. And a plus: the food is luxurious.

8. Try the gastronomy, a must-do in Portugal

Food in Portugal deserves a chapter of its own. There are countless typical dishes to savour, but some stand out in particular: bacalhau com natas , with its irresistible creaminess; francesinha , a VERY loaded sandwich that is a must in Porto; cataplana , a feast of seafood cooked to perfection; and all the soups, which are authentic comforting delicacies.

And of course, we can't forget dessert: a nice pastelito de Belem , crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Actually, we like everything about Portuguese cuisine, and we can't help but say it: it's absolutely delicious!

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cod dish in oporto

9. Évora, a curious corner

We already mentioned it when we talked about Alentejo, but we want to make it clear that Évora is a must-see. In fact, one of the most curious destinations in Portugal (and probably the most macabre) is located in Évora and it is a chapel decorated with thousands of skulls and bones. It is the Capela dos Ossos and it gives you goosebumps.

But it is not the only one: we saw one, smaller but equally impressive in Alcantarilha , a small town in the Algarve.

10. Sintra, one of the most beautiful places to see in Portugal

And from a macabre place we move on to one that could easily be the set of a Disney movie: Sintra . It is one of the most typical day trips from Lisbon , so it is worth extending your stay in the capital to dedicate at least a few hours to this beautiful destination.

A tip: get up early because there are plenty of things to do here, including seeing the Pena Palace and walking the spiral staircases of Quinta da Regaleira . But there is much more (we will tell you about it soon on the blog). Come on, don't miss Sintra, which is one of the best things to see and do in Portugal , without a doubt!

⭐ This is the best things to see and do in Sintra .

what to see in sintra Pena Palace

11. Fatima, much more than religious tourism

We did not go, but if you are a believer, in Portugal there is a place where more than 5 million pilgrims go every year: Fátima , where the Virgin appeared on several occasions, and its famous Sanctuary .

In May 1917 , according to Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to three children: Lucia Dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto. These apparitions were repeated for six consecutive months at the place known as Cova da Iria. As a result, Fatima became an important place of pilgrimage.

⭐ There are tours from Lisbon that also include a visit to Óbidos and Nazaré.

12. Attend a Fado show

A more down-to-earth experience that you should definitely have in Portugal is to attend a Fado show . What is it? Fado is a well-known Portuguese musical genre that emerged in Lisbon in the 19th century and has become a cultural symbol of the country. It is deeply emotional and melancholic and its lyrics and music reflect saudade , a feeling of nostalgia and longing.

The Alfama district in Lisbon is an ideal place to do so (although it is not the only one). Listening to those popular songs full of melancholy will soften your little traveler's heart.

boy playing and singing fado

13. Douro Region, a beautiful place to visit in Portugal

The Douro region is one of the most beautiful to see in Portugal, characterized by a picturesque landscape dotted with wineries, extensive vineyards and charming villages that seem stuck in another era. This region, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is famous for the production of Port wine, with numerous quintas (wine cellars) where you can taste this prized wine.

We recommend renting a car and touring the area over several days, but if you only have one day, a good idea is a tour that includes a cruise through the Pinhão region, wine tasting, lunch, a visit to villages and a Spanish-speaking guide. More info here.

14. Braga

We continue with another of the gems to see in Portugal and that is that the city of Braga boasts a fascinating history: during the Roman occupation it was a very important administrative centre and over time it became the religious and spiritual soul of the country.

→ Our advice is to take a free tour in Braga to break the ice with the city and learn about its rich history.

So you can understand that there is no shortage of churches here, in fact Braga is home to the oldest in all of Portugal: the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Braga . However, the most beautiful is, without a doubt, the Santuario Bom Jesus do Monte with its famous baroque staircase. Get ready to climb up and down more steps than in the gym, but the views are worth it!

⭐ This is all there is to see and do in Braga

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte Braga

15. Costa Vicentina, for adventurers

Explore the Costa Vicentina in depth – technically part of the Algarve, but with a totally different vibe. This coastline is a haven of wild nature and untamed landscapes. The Atlantic waves crash hard against dramatic cliffs, and the native vegetation creates a vibrant contrast with the deep blue of the ocean.

An extra tip: don't miss a sunset at the Cabo de San Vicente Lighthouse , the westernmost point of southern Portugal. The combination of the golden light of the sun, the roar of the ocean and the majesty of the lighthouse is an experience you won't forget.

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16. Azores Islands, nature in its purest form

Oh, the Azores Islands , that volcanic archipelago of 9 small islands bathed by the Atlantic is a paradise for nature lovers.

It will be a trip within a trip, where you will find wild beaches, natural pools , you will be able to spot whales and dolphins , visit towns full of personality, do adventure sports , relax in the sun or enjoy dream landscapes like Lagoa do Caldeirão . Come on, they are much more than “the home” of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in Madeira, in case you didn’t know…

⭐ Here we tell you the best things to do in the Azores Islands .

Azores

17. North Coast Beach

Another place that no Instagrammer misses is Playa de Costa Norte , a very charming setting, with a huge beach on one side and houses ready to be immortalized on the other. I don't know how many times I saw photos of those red/blue and white striped houses online!

18. Aveiro, the (almost) Portuguese Venice

We're not going to be very original in defining Aveiro as the Portuguese Venice, but that's what everyone knows it as. This little corner of the Portuguese coast is full of canals, bridges, gondoliers (well, here they're called timoneiros ) and houses with the most striking colours.

It's a lively and very photogenic place (it's one of the meccas for Instagrammers in Portugal, that says it all). But Venice is unique, there's no comparison!

Recommendation : You can visit Aveiro and the North Coast on the same day , as they are about 10 km away.

⭐ If you don't have a car, you can opt for a guided tour to Aveiro+Costa Nova that departs from Porto.

Aveiro

19. Peneda-Gerês National Park, right next to Spain

In the northeast of Portugal, very close to the border with Spain, is the Peneda-Gerês National Park , full of hiking options (for all types of people and fitness levels), villages and panoramic roads that wind through the park, offering spectacular views and perfect opportunities for a photo stop.

20. Berlengas Islands

We end this list of the best things to do in Portugal with one of its most beautiful and half-unknown corners: the Berlengas Islands . They are a small archipelago of 3 islands ( Berlenga Grande, Estelas Islands and Farilhoes-Forcadas ), located just 10 km from the coast.

If you have the chance to go, don't think twice, because we assure you that you won't regret it! Cliffs, crystal-clear waters and the Sao Joao Batista fort, which could very well be a setting for Game of Thrones , await you. Note: due to sea conditions, you can only visit from May to September.

⭐ Here you can see the excursion to the Berlengas Islands 🙂

Berlengas Islands in Portugal

2-week route to Portugal

We visit the country during specific trips and dedicate our time to specific areas, but if you had 2 weeks to make a complete itinerary through Portugal, this could be an interesting route:

- Day 1-3: Algarve
- Day 4-5: Lisbon
- Day 6: Sintra
- Day 7-8: Porto
- Day 9: Douro wine region
- Day 10: Braga
- Day 11: Guimarães
- Day 12: Aveiro and Costa Nova
- Day 13-14-15: route through Alentejo or an island in the Azores or extend days in the Algarve at the beginning of the trip (for example).

collage of places to see in portugal

There are certainly many more things to see in Portugal , but these 20 are a good start, don't you think? The best thing is that we have the country right next door, flights are cheap (and we can even get there by car/bus!). Don't hesitate to go and come back again and again: there is always something new to discover.

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