From well known cities like Lisbon and Porto to smaller villages and medieval towns, Portugal has plenty to discover.
Why visit Lisbon: There are just too many reasons to list why you should make a visit to Lisbon. This lovely hilly city has sights, museums, nightlife, delicious dining, sunshine and friendly people. We can’t wait to return! Lisbon also makes a great home base for day trips to other favorite places on this list. Be sure to check out our complete guide to this amazing city.
Best websites and blogs to inspire your visit to Lisbon: Atlas Lisboa, Go Lisbon, Lisboa Cool.
Why visit Porto: The old part of the city along the Douro river is a UNESCO Heritage Site, and the opportunity for port tasting across the bridge just makes it even sweeter! We’ve got a huge list of things to do in Porto including map with sights, restaurants, port cellars and places to stay. Wine lovers should definitely make a detour to the Douro Valley wine country. Look for our guide to visiting the valley without car.
Best websites and blogs to inspire your visit to Porto: Visit Porto and the North, Nelson Carvalheiro, Intelligent Travel.
Why visit Sintra: The Pena Palace at Sintra looks like something out of a fairytale with fanciful turrets and bright yellow paint against blue skies. Be sure to check out the extensive gardens as well. Stop by the nearby harbor city of Cascais afterward for an evening drink or afternoon ice cream.
Best websites and blogs to inspire your visit to Sintra: Viator Blog, Fathom, The Guardian.
Why visit Obidos: A medieval town on a hillside, Obidos is simply breathtaking. Walk the old city walls and get views over the village. Wander the streets and see the charming shops and houses covered in flowering vines. Be sure to try some of the local ginjinha served in chocolate cups.
Best websites and blogs to inspire your visit to Obidos: Uniplaces, Always Order Dessert, Obidos Tourism.
Why visit Lagos: Located in the west Algarve, Lagos is a seaside city with beautiful beaches, sandstone cliffs and fun cafes and bars. You can dive, snorkel, kayak or just relax on sandy beaches. Be sure to visit nearby Sagres and Albufeira as well.
Best websites and blogs to inspire your visit to Lagos: Good Times Lagos, Finding the Freedom, Lagos Uncovered.
Why visit Coimbra: This city was the capital of Portugal back in medieval times. Immerse yourself in history among the beautiful and colorful pink and yellow buildings in this hillside university town.
Best websites and blogs to inspire your visit to Coimbra: Sivan Askayo, Rick Steves, Frugal Traveler.
Why visit Aveiro: Do you love the gondolas of Venice? Then you will likely be fascinated by barcos moliceiros, traditional boats for collecting seaweed. Come check them out in the canals and lagoons of Aveiro, a unique city on the west coast of Portugal.
Best websites and blogs to inspire your visit to Aveiro: EZ Portugal, Viajando por Ahi, Detours du Monde.
This is simply a short list of the wonderful places to visit in Portugal, but there are so many other fascinating spots to see. What are your favorite cities and sights in Portugal? Be sure to take a look at our guides to Lisbon and Porto.
Check GetYourGuide for fun activities around Portugal
Visiting Portugal? Here are some Portuguese foods and drinks you should be sure to sample.
Portugal has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Porto, Lisbon, Evora and Sintra. Read about more UNESCO sites like Amsterdam’s canals, Bath, Mystras, Avebury Stone Circles, Cordoba, Porto’s Ribeira, Maritime Greenwich, Alhambra de Granada, and Þingvellir National Park.
Obviously we love the World Heritage Sites! 😀
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