Portugal is, in my opinion, one of the best countries for a vacation. The prices are fair, the weather is sunny, the cities are stunning, and the charm is unmatched. The small country of Portugal is located in the Iberian peninsula right next to Spain and on the Atlantic Ocean. After thoroughly exploring coastal country we have put together a list of the top 10 best places to visit in Portugal for the perfect trip. Read on to discover the best Portugal places to visit in Portugal.

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1. Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a must visit city. Lisbon is easily one of my personal favorite cities in Europe. With its captivating viewpoints, beautiful architecture (especially the azulejos), cute hotels, and amazing food scene, Lisbon is a must, not only in Portugal, but in all of Europe.

🇵🇹Read Next - A Complete Guide To Lisbon, Portugal

Top 10 Things To Do In Lisbon

1. Tower of Belem
2. Lisbon Riverwalk
3. Sintra
4. Arco da Rua Augusta
5. Miradouros
6. Ajuda National Palace
7. Lx Factory
8. Eat pastéis de nata
9. Jéronimos Monastery
10. Praça do Comércio

Best Hotels In Lisbon

🛎️For a Budget Stay In Lisbon - Tempo FLH Hotel: The Tempo FLH Hotel offers lovely accommodation for an amazing price! Located in the center of Lisbon near all of the most popular attractions that Tempo FLH Hotel is perfect for anyone who wants to stay at a a budget hotel for half the price.

🛎️For a Middle Range Stay In Lisbon- Ferraria XVI - The centrally located Ferraria XVI Hotel is a great price for the quality of hotel. At the Ferraria XVI Hotel you will find an excellent breakfast, charming interior, twenty four hour reception, friendly staff, and more.

🛎️For a Luxury Stay In Lisbon - Torel Palace Lisbon - The Torel Palace Lisbon consists of three buildings, 2 of which were traditional 19th-century mansions. The unique Torel Palace Lisbon offers gardens, swimming pools, views of the Tagus River, and more. Each room at the Tagus Hotel is independently decorated. If you can - the Toral Palace should be your first choice when choosing where to stay in Lisbon.

🛎️Read Next - 8 Of The Best Boutique Hotels In Lisbon, Portugal

2. Porto

Known for port wine, incredible views, jaw dropping architecture, and a significant history, Porto is not to be missed. Located in the northern part of Portugal, Porto has been around for around 900 years and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. This small city is often overlooked by cities like Rome and Barcelona, but, dare I say - it is better.

Top 10 Best Things To Do In Porto, Portugal

1. Cais da Ribeira
2. Escada Guindais
3. Porto Cathedral
4. Bishops Palace
5. Sao Bento Station
6. Largo da Pena Ventosa
7. Igreja do Carmo
8. Go on a Boat Tour
9. Try The Local Cuisine
10. Go On a Tour Of Douro Valley

🐟Read Next - The Ultimate Guide To Porto, Portugal

Best Hotels In Porto

🛎️For a Budget Stay In Porto - Pur Oporto Boutique Hotel by actahotels - If you want to stay in a budget hotel that doesn't feel like a budget hotel than the Pur Oporto Boutique Hotel by atahotels is perfect for you. You will find lovely rooms, stylish decor, twenty four hour reception, and more at the Pur Oporto Boutique Hotel by actahotels.

🛎️For a Middle Range Stay In Porto - Architects House - The Architects House in Porto is a chic adults only hotel that provides comfortable accommodation with a private garden. This centrally located hotel is within walking distance of all of Porto's most popular attractions.

🛎️For a Luxury Hotel In Porto - Wine & Books Hotel Porto - Another lovely option for luxury hotels in Porto is The Wine & Books Hotel. The Wine & Books Hotel offers a modern feel, incredible views, restaurant, bar, spa, gym, swimming pool, and more.

3. Aveiro

Located just an hour south of Porto, Aveiro is an adorable seaside village known for its winding canals, amazing seafood, adorable streets, and close access to the beach. The two most noticeable things in Aveiro, for me was, the canals and the striped houses of Costa Nova. This picturques village is the perfect place to base yourself for a beach vacation, or a day trip from Porto or Lisbon!

⭐Read Next - A Quick Guide To Aveiro, Portugal

Top 10 Things To Do In Aveiro, Portugal

1. Explore the Aveiro Canals
2. Visit Costa Nova
3. Learn About The Aveiro Salt Flats
4. Go Shopping
5. Wander The Streets
6. Museu Maritimo Museum
7. Get Coffee at porta do cafe 
8. Have a Beach Day at The Praia da Costa Nova
9. Have a go at Surfing
10. Try The Local Seafood

Where To Stay In Aveiro, Portugal

🛎️For a Budget Stay In Aveiro - Hotel das Salinas - Hotel das Salinasis one of the best options for a budget hotel in Aveiro because of the location, amenities, and staff. The hotel is thoughtfully decorated and aesthetically pleasing.

🛎️For a Middle Range Stay In Aveiro - Aveiro Hotel Palace - The newly renovated Aveiro Hotel Palace is a great place to stay in Aveiro. The bright, spacious rooms with soundproof walls are equated with your own outdoor patio, a TV, a private bathroom and more. Located in the heart of Aveiro you will find restaurants and shopping right outside.

🛎️For a Luxury Stay In Aveiro - MS Collection Aveiro - Your best option for a luxury stay in Aveiro is the MS Collection Aveiro. At the MS Collection you will find elegant room decor, two swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, and more. Receiving splendid reviews the MS Collection is centrally located and is a fabulous boutique hotel.

4. Nazare

Nazare, Portugal is a beachside village located between Porto and Lisbon (just an hour north of Lisbon). Once only known as a small fishing town, Nazare has lately been booming with tourism as it is home to the biggest waves in the world. The surfing community put this small village on the map as captivating videos of surfers conquering the Nazare waves are all over the internet and receive millions of views. The best time to see the waves in Nazare is in the winter, but it is a lovely destination year round - I visited in May and had a blast!

🌊Read Next - A Quick Guide To Nazare, Portugal

Top 10 Things To Do In Nazare

1. Hike Up To Miradouro do Suberco (to see the best views of the waves)
2. The Fort of San Miguel Arcanjo
3. North Beach
4. Take a Surf Lesson
5. Do a Tour of Caves and Salt Pans
6. Explore Nazare Village
7. Eat at a Beachside Restaurant
8. Explore the Cave On North Beach
9. Praia de Nazare
10. Visit Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (a Pilgrimage site)

Where To Stay In Nazare

🛎️For a Budget Stay In Nazare - Feel Nazare - Feel Nazare is a budget friendly option. At Feel Nazare you will find an outdoor terrace, views of the ocean, stylish decor, and more. Located in the center of the village, everything you need is easily accessible from Feel Nazare.

🛎️For a Middle Range Stay In Nazare - Marisol Mar - Located right on the water, the Marisol Mar apartment offers everything you need for a spectacular holiday. You can find a terrace with sea views, fully equipped kitchen, flat screen TV, and more at Marisol Mar in Nazare.

5. Lagos

Located in the Algarve region of Portugal (the southern part of the country) is the gorgeous city of Lagos. Lagos is most well known for its picturesque beaches, rock formations in the water, walled old town, and endless spots to explore. This coastal city is perfect for you if you are looking for a beach vacation, but also want to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Southern Portugal.

Top 10 Things To Do In Lagos

1. Visit Ponta da Piedade
2. Relax at Praia Dona Ana
3. Walk through the Old Town (Centro Histórico)
4. Explore Forte da Ponta da Bandeira
5. Visit the Igreja de Santo António
6. Discover Lagos Slave Market (Mercado de Escravos)
7. Take a Boat Trip to the Benagil Caves
8. Wander around the Lagos Marina
9. Visit the Museu de Arte de Lagos
10. Take a Scenic Drive along the Via Algarviana

Where To Stay In Lagos

🛎️For a Luxury Stay In Lagos - Palmares Beach House Hotel - The Palmares Beach House Hotel is an adult only hotel located just outside the hussel and bussel of Lagos. This luxury hotel is perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful getaway.

🛎️For a Middle Range Stay In Lagos - Lagos Avenida Hotel - Located in the heart of Lagos, The Lagos Aveida Hotel is the perfect place to base yourself in Lagos. With beautifully appointed rooms, breakfast served daily, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, an on site restaurant, and more, Lagos Avenida is a great option!

🛎️For a Budget Stay In Lagos - Lagos Atlantic Hotel - If you are hoping to stick to a budget, but still want a luxury feel, the Lagos Atlantic Hotel is for you. Situated in the center of the city, at the Lagos Atlantic Hotel you will have access to an outdoor swimming pool, gym, breakfast served daily, and more.

6. Madeira

Madeira is a autonomous region off the coast of Morocco and a bit south of mainland Portugal. This region consists of four tiny islands that is home to a captivating coastline, tranquil hiking routes, and a subtropical climate, making for the perfect winter escape. While Madeira is considered a part of Portugal it is really its own place. If you plan to visit Madeira keep in mind that it is harder to get to than mainland Portugal and a bit more difficult to navigate - but it is totally worth it!

Top 10 Things To Do In Madeira

1. Hike Pico Ruivo
2. Explore the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site
3. Relax at the natural volcanic swimming pools in Porto Moniz
4. Visit the beautiful botanical gardens in Funchal
5. Take a cable car ride from Funchal to Monte
6. Walk along the levadas (irrigation channels)
7. Discover the stunning Cabo Girão skywalk
8. Sample Madeira wine at a local vineyard
9. Explore the charming village of Santana with traditional houses
10. Visit the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço

Where To Stay In Madeira

🛎️For a Budget Stay In Madeira - Thomas Suite Calheta - The Thomas Suite Calheta is an adorable apartment located in the charming town of Lombada dos Marinheiros. This affordable apartment is complete with a small kitchen, a cozy bedroom, a full bathroom, a private balcony, and views of the sea!

🛎️For a Middle Range Stay In Madeira - Enotel Sunset Bay - Located in the stunning village of Ponta do Sol, Enotel Sunset Bay is an seaside hotel perfect for a island vacation. At the middle range hotel you will find an on site restaurant, a gym, bar, and more.

🛎️For a Luxury Stay In Madeira - 1905 Zino's Palace - The 1905 Zino's Palace is an adorable boutique hotel located in Ponta do Sol. Situated on a cliff at the 1905 Zino's Palace you will find stunning coastal views, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, bar, and more.

7. Sintra

Located just 30 minutes west of Lisbon you will find the enchanting village of castles, Sintra. Home to six fairytale like castles, Sintra is the perfect day trip from Lisbon or weekend getaway destination. The castles date back to the 8th century and are truly a must visit in Portugal.

Important Tip: You must book your tickets online! I wasn't able to see all of the castles because I didn't book ahead of time. Book Sintra Here

Top 10 Things To Do In Sintra

1. Explore Pena Palace
2. Moorish Castle
3. Quinta da Regaleira s.
4. Monserrate Palace
5. National Palace of Sintra
6. Cabo da Roca
7. Convento dos Capuchos
8. Sintra Historic Center
9. Park and Palace of Monserrate
10. Seteais Palace

8. Ericeira

Ericeira is one of my favorite places in Portugal. This small beachtown is located just about an hour north west of Lisbon. Ericeira is the perfect destination for surfers and beach goers looking to experience coastal Portugal. This coastal village is home to amazing streetside cafes, cobblestone streets, gorgeous beaches, plenty of cool surf shops!

Top 10 Things To Do In Ericeira

1. Surf at world-class beaches
2. Spend The Day At Ribeira d'Ilhas and Coxos
3. Explore the charming old town
4. Visit the stunning Mafra National Palace
5. Stroll along the Ericeira coastline and enjoy scenic views
6. Sample fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese cuisine
7. Visit the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem for ocean views
8. Hike to the secluded Santa Cruz Beach.
9. Join a lesson at Ericeira Surf School
10. Shop for local handicrafts and unique souvenirs

Where To Stay In Ericeira

🛎️For a Budget Stay In Ericeira - The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat Ericeira - The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat is the perfect option for solo travelers and the younger crowd. This retreat offers stylish boho decor, surf lessons, yoga lessons, and amazing food served daily!

🛎️For a Middle Range Stay In Ericeira - Hotel Vila Galé Ericeira - The Hotel Vila Galé is a great middle range option for families and couples. At the Hotel Vila Galé you will have access to a stunning outdoor pool that overlooks the water, an in house restaurant, and spacious rooms.

🛎️For a Luxury Stay In Ericeira - Aethos Ericeira - Aethos is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Ericeira. At Aethos you will find beautifully appointed rooms, a yoga studio, stunning ocean views, a gym, and a minimalistic boho vibe.

9. Fátima

Located just east of Nazare, Fátima is a historic village in the Portuguese countryside. Fátima is interesting because it is home to Sanctuary of Fátima, a catholic pilgrimage site as it is where the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared in 1917. This small village is best for a day trip from Lisbon or a short stop on your Portugese road trip as there is not much going on.

Top 10 Things To Do In Fátima

1. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima
2. See the Chapel of the Apparitions
3. Explore the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
4. Walk the Pilgrim's Route (Via Sacra)
5. Visit the Museum of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima
6. Explore the Parish Church of Fatima
7. Visit the Homes of the Shepherd Children in Aljustrel and Valinhos
8. Attend the International Mass at the Sanctuary
9. See the Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
10. Take part in the Candlelight Procession

10. Cascais

Just a tiny bit west of Lisbon, on the Atlantic coast, Cascais is a adorable beachtown perfect for travelers looking for a Portuguese beach vacation. What makes Cascais unlike your typical beach town is its unique rock formations, fascinating museums, adorable downtown area, and pristine golf courses.

Top 10 Things To Do In Cascais

1. Stroll along Cascais Marina
2. Explore the dramatic Boca do Inferno cliffs
3. Relax at Praia do Guincho
4. Visit the historic Cascais Citadel
5. Discover the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães
6. Bike or walk along the Cascais Coastal Bike Path (Ciclovia)
7. Tour the fairy-tale Palácio da Pena in nearby Sintra
8. Parque Marechal Carmona.
9. Visit the Cabo da Roca
10. Enjoy fresh seafood at Mercado da Vila

Where To Stay In Cascais

🛎️For a Budget Stay In Cascais - Pestana Cidadela Cascai - Located in the center of Cascais the Penstana offers a pool, restaurants, spacious rooms, and more. If you are hoping to stick to a budget in Cascais, the Pestana Cidadela may be the hotel for you!

🛎️For a Middle Range Stay In Cascais - The Albatroz Hotel - Situated right on the beach, literally on the beach, you will find the stunning Albatroz Hotel. The Albatroz offers affordable luxury and makes for a lovely stay in Cascais.

🛎️For a Luxury Stay In Cascais - Estoril Vintage Hotel - Located on the outskirts of Cascais is the charming Estoril Vintage Hotel. This boutique hotel is located atop a cliff that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. All the rooms at The Vintage are beautifully appointed with historic decor making for a beautiful and unique stay.

Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Portugal Wrap Up

Portugal is truly a wonder. With captivating ocean views on its rocky coastline, plenty of fascinating history, and gorgeous cities, Portugal is a must visit country for every traveler. We hope that this post all about the top 10 best places to visit in Portugal helps you plan the best trip to Portugal. If you liked this post be sure to checkout our complete guide to Lisbon and the 13 best day trips to take from Lisbon!

Happy Travels,

Daisy

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