20 Best Places to Visit in Portugal

Aerial view of clock tower of Nossa Senhora de Fatima chapel in the green valley, Sao Vicente, Madeira island, Portugal — Photo:
Roberto Moiola/Sysaworld/Getty Images

Once one of Europe's best-kept secrets, Portugal is now a favorite destination among sun-seekers, history enthusiasts, and beach bums alike. Popular attractions like Pena Palace and the Jerónimos Monastery draw tourists, while lesser-known spots like Peneda-Gerês National Park and Algar de Benagil keep them coming back to explore more. From the ever-loved Azores and Madeira to the sun-splashed Algarve and bustling cities like Lisbon and Porto, Portugal offers a treasure trove of natural, historical, and cultural wonders.

Best tourist destination: Jerónimos Monastery
Underrated hidden gem: Peneda-Gerês National Park
Best for families: Pena Palace
Best for couples: Azenhas do Mar
Best for solo travelers: Livraria Lello

Read on for our full list of the best places to visit in Portugal.

Jerónimos Monastery

JerÃ³nimos Monastery — LUke1138/Getty Images

One of the most-visited landmarks in Lisbon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the late Gothic Manueline-style Jerónimos Monastery stands tall as an enduring symbol of power dating back to the Age of Discovery. Constructed over about a century starting in the early 1500s, the block-long complex continues to impress with its magnificent maritime details, cloisters, and tombs.

Peneda-Gerês National Park

The group of espigueiros (raccards or granaries lifted to be protected against rodents) crowned with crosses on the stone hill in Soajo settlement of Peneda-Geres national park — Denis Kabanov/Getty Images

Set in northern Portugal near the Spanish border, Peneda-Gerês National Park spans yellow-tinged hills, granite peaks, high-flowing streams, mixed forests, and Roman relics. Native wildlife — including the Pyrenean desman, Iberian frog, and Barrosã cattle — also call this protected land home.

Pena Palace

Image of Palacio de Pena in Sintra, Portugalia — chechele/Getty Images

One of the most beautiful places in Europe, Pena Palace is a hilltop Romanticist castle and the crown jewel of Sintra. Its candy-colored facade and sweeping terraces draw shutter-happy tourists from near and far. The stately interiors are filled with antiques, while the surrounding park provides tree-shaded pathways.

Azenhas do Mar

Of all the charming coastal towns in Portugal, Azenhas do Mar deserves special mention. Small in size, with just 800 inhabitants, whitewashed houses, and commanding sea views, it’s a postcard-worthy setting to sip local wine, savor regional seafood dishes, and swim in the natural rock pool.

Livraria Lello

Visitors climbing stairs in the Lello bookshop — SOPA Images/Contributor/Getty Images

Porto's Livraria Lello shows off opulent staircases, an ornate stained-glass ceiling, and towering shelves packed with tomes. It's well known as "the Harry Potter bookstore," but J.K. Rowling herself has debunked the rumors that it inspired parts of Hogwarts. Rest assured, it does look magical, though.

Cabo da Roca

The westernmost point in continental Europe, Cabo da Roca exudes a wild, edge-of-the-Earth mystique. Waves crash against the rocks, tourists standing atop sheer cliffs stare out at nothing but blue to the horizon, and a historic lighthouse guides boats sailing along the rugged coast.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades

The majesty of São Miguel never ceases to amaze. Topping the list for many travelers visiting the volcanic main island in the Azores archipelago are the famous and impossibly photogenic twin crater lakes, Lagoa Azul ("blue lagoon") and Lagoa Verde ("green lagoon").

Levadas da Madeira

Levada do CaldeirÃ£o - hiking path in the forest in Levada do Caldeirao Verde Trail — Simon Dannhauer/Getty Images

The Levadas da Madeira is a system of historic irrigation canals built across the island to carry water from the high-altitude slopes to sugar cane fields, farmlands, and cities. Hiking trails that run along the waterways give travelers a close-up look at the UNESCO-listed laurel forests.

Algar de Benagil

Beautiful Sea Cave Known as Grotte de Benagil "Benagil Grotto" on the Famous Algarve Coast in Southern Portugal — Bkamprath/Getty Images

Only reachable by boat, this fantastical seaside cave doesn’t even look real. Sun beams in through the hole on the top, bathing the enclosed beach in light while turquoise waters lap the sand.

Clérigos Church

Martires da Patria square and Clerigos Church tower — mtcurado/Getty Images

Clérigos Church is a must-see on any trip to Porto. While the artifacts and daily organ concerts certainly wow, both are overshadowed by the iconic 246-foot bell tower, which visitors can climb for 360-degree views of the city (and a serious workout).

Nazaré

Large waves in Nazare — Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Nazaré lures fearless surfers and attracts many curious tourists thanks to the larger-than-life swells that were the subject of the docuseries 100 Foot Wave. The huge breaks mean you’re not likely to paddle out unless you're a serious surfer, but it’s worth the drive just to see the enormous waves crash into the rocks and to grab lunch at one of the local restaurants.

Vila Franca Islet

Top view of Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is formed by the crater of an old underwater volcano near San Miguel island, Azores, Portugal — aroxopt/Getty Images

Located off the coast of São Miguel, the Vila Franca Islet looks otherworldly from above and just as pretty up close. The circular saltwater lagoon, which was formed by the crater of an ancient volcano, is ringed by lush vegetation. In the summer, it’s popular for swimming, snorkeling, bird-watching, and cliff diving (if you dare).

Comporta

About an hour from Lisbon, Comporta is a low-key fishing village turned in-the-know summer hot spot with cork trees, rice fields, and blissful beaches. During the warmer months, it’s well worth vying for a spot on the brilliant white sand of Praia Comporta.

Douro Valley

The oldest demarcated wine region in the world and the birthplace of port, the Douro Valley wows viticulture enthusiasts and casual sippers. A mix of rolling vineyards, historic quintas, boat rides along its namesake river, and excellent restaurants means there’s plenty to appreciate besides incredible pours.

Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools

Natural swimming pools in Portugal — JoanaCarvalho

The north coast of Madeira brims with beautiful spots to take a dip, none more iconic than the Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools. These placid lagoons off the shore of Porto Moniz were formed by volcanic rocks and filled with the tides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Poço da Alagoinha

PoÃ§o da Alagoinha at Flores island, Azores — CarolinaGNP/Getty Images

Majestic waterfalls are one of the many enticements of the Azores. Poço da Alagoinha on the island of Flores is a stunning example with multiple cascades that gush from lush, vegetation-covered cliffs down to a pristine lagoon.

Parque Natural da Arrábida

ArrÃ¡bida natural park in Setubal Portugal — Americo Lopes/Getty Images

Parque Natural da Arrábida shows off many of Portugal’s best assets. Fine-sand beaches fade into blue waters, towering cliffs rise from the sea, verdant vegetation covers the mountain peaks, and scenic hiking trails wind through the spellbinding scenery.

Castelo de Guimarães

GuimarÃ£es Castle — LuisPortugal/Getty Images

Mystery and legend still swirl around Castelo de Guimarães. A major presence in Portuguese history, the castle was built under the orders of Mumadona Dias in the 10th century to serve as a place of refuge and protect against attacks by Vikings and Moors.

Sagres

Sagres sits on a windswept headland at the western tip of southern Portugal. Sunny skies, dramatic sea cliffs, and uncrowded beaches make this tiny fishing village deserving of a detour. It’s also a surfer’s paradise that provides plenty of beginner-friendly breaks as well as expert-level barrels.

Quinta do Barbusano

Tucked away in the mountains on the north side of Madeira, Quinta do Barbusano invites visitors to savor the flavors of the island with wine tastings and plates of traditional espetada (beef skewer) while overlooking the São Vicente Valley. It’s also possible to take a short hike to nearby Nossa Senhora Fátima Chapel for even more breathtaking vistas.