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Discover the allure of Portugal, a nation swiftly becoming a sought-after destination for global travelers. For years hailed as ‘Europe’s best-kept secret’, Portugal tourism has surged, placing cities like Lisbon amongst the top city break choices. From iconic pasteis de nata to pristine, whitewashed hotels across the landscape, the authentic Portuguese experience, enriched with modern luxuries, is now widely celebrated. This guide unveils prime locations across Portugal, from bustling urban centers to serene rural escapes, ensuring an immersive journey into this captivating European jewel. Whether your preference leans towards budget-friendly exploration or opulent indulgence, prepare to uncover the essence of Portugal.
Lisbon and the Coast
Hilltop Charm: Óbidos
Perched atop a hill, Óbidos, a town characterized by whitewashed dwellings and formidable 14th-century ramparts, was bestowed upon Queen Isabel of Aragon by King Dinis as a wedding gift in 1282. Once a significant port, Óbidos now enchants visitors with its timeless beauty and renowned cherry liqueur, Ginja.
Óbidos, a stonewalled city with a medieval fortress, was a present from King Dinis to Isabel of Aragon
Travel Tip
Venture 30 minutes north along the coast to Nazaré, a historic fishing village nestled against dramatic cliffs. Witness the vibrant fish market where women in traditional attire trade their catch. Nazaré has also gained global recognition for its formidable waves, attracting surfers and setting world records.
Accommodation
Consider Areias do Seixo, a delightful hotel featuring a surf school and convenient access to historical landmarks, including Óbidos (areiasdoseixo.com). Double rooms start from £216, inclusive of breakfast. Direct flights to Lisbon are available from Birmingham with Ryanair, starting at £127 return (ryanair.com).
Royal Retreats: Cascais & Estoril
Often lauded as the Portuguese Riviera, the coastline west of Lisbon boasts a rich royal heritage. Estoril’s Palacio, once home to Ian Fleming and inspiration for his inaugural James Bond novel, Casino Royale, and Cascais, the chosen exile of Italy’s last king, Umberto II, were once favored destinations for dignitaries. Lord Byron described Estoril as a ‘glorious Eden,’ brimming with palaces and castles. Cascais is celebrated for its exceptionally fresh seafood.
The idyllic beach town of Cascais, located just west of the capital and the former home of James Bond writer Ian Fleming
Dining Recommendation
Indulge in authentic seafood cuisine at Mare in Cascais (marejoseavillez.pt).
Hotel Suggestion
The fashionable Farol Hotel offers double rooms from £126, including breakfast (farol.com.pt). Fly to Lisbon from Gatwick or Luton from £159 (easyjet.com); Manchester to Lisbon return flights are available from £92 (ryanair.com); and Edinburgh to Lisbon returns start from £231 (easyjet.com).
Historical Heart: Lisbon
Lisbon, a captivating city adorned with bougainvillea-draped cobblestone streets, iconic yellow trams, and terracotta rooftops, embodies Portuguese essence. Its rich heritage spans from the labyrinthine alleys of Moorish Alfama to the majestic Jerónimos Monastery in Belém. The monastery’s construction was funded by the immense wealth amassed during Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Begin your exploration at the grand Praça do Comércio, an arcaded square where esteemed foreign visitors once disembarked to meet the monarch.
A tram passing in Baixa, Lisbon, with the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnacao in the background
Culinary Tip
A frequent query is where to find the quintessential pastel de nata. Manteigaria, with numerous locations throughout Lisbon (manteigaria.com), is highly recommended.
Luxury Stay
Palacio Principe Real provides a verdant urban retreat with a sizable pool and a striking jacaranda tree. Double rooms start from £409, breakfast included (palacioprincipereal.com). For flights, Gatwick or Luton to Lisbon returns from £159 (easyjet.com); Manchester-Lisbon returns from £92 (ryanair.com); Edinburgh-Lisbon returns from £231 (easyjet.com).
The North
Dramatic Landscapes: Peneda-Gerês National Park
Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s sole national park, stretches from the Spanish border to the Gerês mountains. It presents a breathtaking panorama of windswept peaks, cascades, and verdant valleys. Wild horses roam freely through pine and oak forests, ancient monastic granite ruins and Roman milestones punctuate the terrain, while honey buzzards and short-toed eagles grace the skies.
Peneda-Geres, Portugal’s only national park, is home to mountains, waterfalls and wooded valleys
Local Insight
Visit the villages of Lindoso or Soajo to observe the remarkable ‘espigueiros’ (granaries), resembling tombs, prevalent in this region. Primarily constructed from granite, these structures stand elevated on pillars with slats for ventilation.
Guided Experience
An eight-night guided tour, encompassing e-biking, canyoning, and a day as a shepherd, starts from £1,900 per person, excluding flights. Accommodation includes stays at Casa do Afonso guesthouse in the preserved mountain village of Brufe (welovesmallhotels.com). Flights to Porto from Bristol, Glasgow, Gatwick, Luton, and Manchester are available from £57 return (easyjet.com).
Port Wine & Tiles: Porto
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, pulses with youthful energy, particularly on the night of June 23rd during the São João Festival. Fireworks illuminate the Douro River as locals celebrate St. John The Baptist, the city’s patron saint. J.K. Rowling, a former resident, drew inspiration for Hogwarts from the iconic staircase at Livraria Lello bookshop (livrarialello.pt). Admire the city’s blue and white tiles adorning granite structures, notably at Capela das Almas church, the cathedral cloisters, and São Bento train station walls.
The Capella das Almas, meaning the Chapel of Souls, is located in the country’s second city of Porto
Port Wine Discovery
Join a guided tour at a Port Lodge, such as Taylor’s, to delve into the history of this fortified wine and the long-standing Anglo-Portuguese alliance.
Stylish Accommodation
Rebello Hotel offers double rooms from £132, breakfast included (therebello.com). Flight options to Porto include London returns from £245 (ba.com); or from Stansted, Bristol, and Liverpool from £47 return (ryanair.com).
Riverside Vineyards: Douro Valley
The Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated and regulated wine region since 1756, is also among the most scenic. Steep vineyard terraces cascade down to the Douro River, where winding roads reveal impressive ‘quintas’ (estates) built upon Port wine wealth. Picturesque train stations with hand-painted blue and white tiles dot the riverbanks. The majestic Douro River historically served as a crucial route for transporting Port barrels downstream to Vila Nova de Gaia lodges.
The vineyards of the Douro Valley, which is the oldest demarcated and regulated wine region in the world dating back to 1756
Riverside Dining
Dine at DOC restaurant, reopening next month after renovations, for a meal by the river (docrestaurante.pt).
Luxury Retreat
Six Senses Douro Valley offers double rooms from £274 (sixsenses.com). Travel options include London to Porto with British Airways from £254 return (ba.com); or Stansted, Bristol, and Liverpool from £47 return (ryanair.com).
Nature’s Embrace: Serra da Estrela
In the Serra da Estrela mountains, wool is as vital as wine is to the Douro. The Bordaleira sheep are integral to producing the esteemed Serra da Estrela cheese and the waterproof burel fabric derived from their wool. Mainland Portugal’s highest peaks are a haven for nature lovers, offering sightings of golden eagles, black kites, otters, wild boar and diverse flora.
The sheep in Serra da Estrela are an integral part of the region, providing waterproof wool for burel fabric and milk for the acclaimed Serra da Estrela cheese
Local Craftsmanship
Visit the Burel Factory to witness the wool production process and explore their shop with vibrant designs (burelfactory.com).
Boutique Hotel
Casa de São Lourenço, a cozy boutique hotel designed by Maria Keil, overlooks a glacial valley. Double rooms from £211, breakfast included (casadesaolourenco). Flight options to Porto include British Airways from London for £254 return (ba.com); or from Stansted, Bristol, and Liverpool from £47 return (ryanair.com).
Oyster Delights: Arrábida
Arrábida, a mere 30 minutes south of Lisbon, derives its name from the Arabic term for ‘place of prayer’. This tranquil region is characterized by rolling vineyards, golden coves bordering azure waters, and a resident bottlenose dolphin community. Explore Azeitao, a charming town celebrated for its robust sheep’s cheese and Muscatel wines.
Oyster Tasting
Visit Mercado Livramentos in Setúbal and sample exceptional local oysters at the Exporsado stand.
Boutique Hotel
Hotel Casa Palmela offers double rooms from £182, breakfast included (hotelcasapalmela.pt). Flights to Lisbon are available from Gatwick or Luton from £159 return (easyjet.com); Manchester-Lisbon from £92 (ryanair.com); Edinburgh-Lisbon from £231 (easyjet.com).
Enchanting Evora: A Walled City
Évora, a captivating walled city rising from the Alentejo plains, reveals a rich tapestry of Roman, medieval, and 17th-century architecture. Within its walls lies a remarkably preserved Roman Temple, a 13th-century cathedral, and the macabre 17th-century Chapel of Bones. Rua 5 de Outubro is a hub for local handicrafts, including painted furniture, pottery, and cork creations.
Wine Experience
Just 10 km from Évora, Fitapreta winery, set in a modern cork structure near a 14th-century palace, offers wine tastings reflecting a blend of tradition and innovation.
Historic Stay
Pousada Convento, Évora, situated in a 15th-century monastery overlooking the Roman Temple, offers double rooms from £109, breakfast included (pousadas.pt). Flights to Lisbon depart from Gatwick or Luton from £159 return (easyjet.com); Manchester-Lisbon from £92 (ryanair.com); Edinburgh-Lisbon from £231 (easyjet.com).
Pretty Estremoz: The ‘White City’
Estremoz, a beloved destination, blends the warmth of a local town with historical significance, highlighted by its vibrant weekly market. The medieval upper town, enclosed by ramparts, features a dominant 13th-century marble keep. Discover local shops offering regional red clay figurines, known as ‘bonecos,’ recognized by UNESCO. These figurines depict Nativity scenes and Alentejo artisans.
Local Cuisine
Gadanha Mercearia restaurant provides a delightful dining experience with a range of local dishes (merceariagadanha.pt).
Luxury Accommodation
Da Licenca offers double rooms from £376, breakfast included, with a two-night minimum stay (dalicenca.pt). Flights to Lisbon are available from Gatwick or Luton from £159 return (easyjet.com); Manchester-Lisbon from £92 (ryanair.com); Edinburgh-Lisbon from £231 (easyjet.com).
Exclusive Coastline: Comporta
Comporta, often termed the ‘Hamptons of Portugal’, is a discreet haven favored by discerning travelers. Characterized by turquoise waters, expansive beaches, verdant rice paddies, and reed-thatched cabanas, it epitomizes understated luxury. Once homes of fishermen, these cabanas now attract creative individuals seeking tranquility.
Boutique Shopping
A quaint shop in Comporta offers a curated selection of clothing, homeware, books, and jewelry (thelifejuice.com).
Luxury Stay
Quinta da Comporta provides double rooms from £239, breakfast included, with rice field views (quintadacomporta.com). Flights to Lisbon from London Gatwick or Luton with Easyjet start from £158.63 return (easyjet.com).
Medieval Marvel: Marvão
Marvão, a captivating medieval village perched at nearly 3,000ft, presents a compelling reason to visit Portugal. Its 13th-century walls merge with the granite mountains bordering Spain, encompassing whitewashed houses, a 15th-century church, and a 13th-century castle.
Scenic Drive
Allow ample time for the drive through the Serra de São Mamede range, known for Bonelli’s Eagles and dolmens.
Historic Inn
Pousada Marvão within the village walls offers double rooms from £105, breakfast included (pousadamarvao.com). Flights to Lisbon are available from Gatwick or Luton from £159 return (easyjet.com); Manchester-Lisbon from £92 (ryanair.com); Edinburgh-Lisbon from £231 (easyjet.com).
The Algarve
Spectacular Vistas: Sagres
Sagres, situated on the Algarve’s western edge, was the site of Prince Henry’s 15th-century navigation school. The ancient mariner’s wind compass remains visible today. Currently popular among surfers, Sagres serves as an ideal base for accessing exceptional nearby beaches.
The lighthouse of Cabo Sao Vicente, Sagres, on the southwester tip of Europe
Marine Excursion
From Baleeira harbor near Sagres, embark on a RIB tour for dolphin watching (marilimitado.com).
Coastal Hotel
Memmo Baleeira hotel in Sagres offers double rooms from £99, breakfast included (memmobaleeira.com). Flights to Faro from London Stansted start from £85 (ryanair.com).
Tranquil Tavira: Historical Town
Tavira, often regarded as the Algarve’s most charming town, features numerous churches, terracotta roofs, and mansions with delicate balconies. It was historically a significant Moorish settlement.
Houses reflected off the quiet waters of the Gilao river in Tavira. The town was one of the most important Moorish settlements.
Island Escape
Take a ferry from Tavira’s center to Ilha de Tavira island.
Seaside Retreat
Casas da Quinta de Cima provides double rooms from £209, breakfast and sea views included (casasdaquintadecima.com). Flight options to Faro include Gatwick returns from £180 (ba.com); Edinburgh-Faro returns from £168 (ryanair.com); Manchester-Faro returns from £106 (easyjet.com).
Secluded Beaches near Lagos
Lagos, a highly frequented tourist town, offers tranquil escapes for those in the know. Visit Santo António Church, a national monument with ornate interiors and a museum (museu.cm-lagos.pt), and explore Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana beaches.
The Church of Santo Antonio in Lagos, one of the town’s main attractions that neighbours the Museu de Lagos
Wine & Dine
Begin your evening at Travia Wines & Food, specializing in natural wines and traditional cuisine.
Bay View Hotel
Palmares hotel in Lagos overlooks the bay and offers double rooms from £193, breakfast included (palmaresliving.com). Flights to Faro are available from Gatwick from £180 return (ba.com); Edinburgh-Faro from £168 (ryanair.com); Manchester-Faro from £106 (easyjet.com).
Michelin Star Dining in Porches
The Algarve’s character and water temperature (warmer towards the Mediterranean) vary considerably from east to west. The central Algarve, while most developed with amenities, also attracts the largest tourist influx. Porches offers proximity to Silves, a former Moorish stronghold, and beaches like Praia de Benagil and Praia da Marinha, renowned for limestone caves.
Vila Vita beach in the Algarve, just one of the many beautiful beaches in Portugal’s southern region
Pottery Shopping
Visit Porches Pottery for a range of homeware (porchespottery.com), with international shipping.
Luxury Resort
Vila Vita Parc Resort in Porches, featuring a Sisley Spa and a two-Michelin-star restaurant, offers doubles from £255 (vilavitaparc.com). Flights to Faro are available from Gatwick from £180 return (ba.com); Edinburgh-Faro from £168 (ryanair.com); Manchester-Faro from £106 (easyjet.com).
Avoid These Spots During Peak Season
It is advisable to bypass congested Algarve areas during peak summer. Overcrowded beaches, parking scarcity, and overflowing restaurants are common.
Albufeira, formerly a fishing village but now a major tourist hub known for British stag parties, and Vilamoura, undergoing upscale developments but still very crowded in peak season, are best avoided during summer.
However, Albufeira should be avoided as the town has become a hotbed for British stag dos and restaurants that overflow in the summer months
Further north, Fatima, a significant pilgrimage site due to the 1917 Virgin Mary apparitions, is now dominated by tourist shops.
Aveiro, often dubbed ‘the Venice of Portugal’, may also be underwhelming for some travelers.