The Most Scenic Places to Visit in Portugal

Tired of looking at travel influencers’ Insta-posts and want your own postcard-like pictures? Well, we have the perfect destination for you, it’s Portugal! Home to sun-kissed beaches, bewitching castles, pretty cobblestone villages, and intriguing sea-side cities, Portugal is the ultimate European getaway; and hey, the affordable wine and the scrumptious food are just some added bonuses!

If you need some more convincing, we have compiled a list of some of the most beautiful places in Portugal that will just melt your heart!

1. Lisbon: Portugal’s Picture-perfect Capital

Lisbon didn’t just make it to our list for being Portugal’s capital, it has a lot in store for you! Its deep-rooted history and eye-catching monuments will take you back to the glorious times. Explore the vibrant coffee bars in the cobblestoned heart of the city and ride the old-school trams to visit the hotspots.

For blogger-like pictures head to the mesmerizing São Jorge Castle, the 16^th century Belém Tower, and the gothic Jerónimos Monastery.

2. Lagos: Home to Glittering Beaches

Get that perfect sun-tan at some of Europe’s prettiest beaches and fill your adventure-starving soul by signing up for some thrilling water sports. That’s not all! Treat your eyes with a visit to the medieval Castle of Lagos and head to the cliffs of Ponta de Piedade to soak in the beautiful vistas.

3. Porto: Charming Ancient City

Say hello to Portugal’s second-biggest city–Porto. Welcoming you with baroque mansions and ruined ancient churches amidst colourful buildings, the city will steal your heart with a glance.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ribeira Square and watch the colourful boats glide on the shimmering blue waters. Add a touch of magic to your city tour with a visit to Palácio da Bolsa and Clérigos Church. And hey, don’t forget to click some memorable pictures for your photo frames!

4. Aveiro: The Venice of Portugal

Home to a network of canals winding their way through the city, Aveiro looks straight out of a painting! From charming white-washed houses to traditional façades, from quaint beaches to small bridges, you’ll find the perfect-picture-spot at every turn.

Head to the Cathedral of Aveiro to admire the Portuguese Baroque architecture, the Santo António Park for its serene lake, and the Fisherman’s Wharf for some unbeatable views of the ocean. Once you’re tired of exploring the city on foot, navigate through the canals on a boat and lose yourself in the picture-perfect surroundings.

Read More: New #TravelGoal: A Solo Trip to Portugal

5. Sintra: Straight Out of a Fairy-tale

Tucked in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, the fairy-tale land of Sintra is blessed with extravagant palaces, ancient castles, and exotic gardens. Easily one of the top-rated destinations in Portugal and an ideal hiking spot for its forested terrain, the city is the perfect getaway from Lisbon.

Check out the Castle of the Moors, the Monserrate Palace, and the Pena Palace for some beautiful no-filter pictures.

6. Évora: Drenched in History

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Evora is a beautifully preserved town that must definitely be included in every history-buff’s travel bucket list. Also a member of the Most Ancient European Towns group, the city is known for its historical hotspots like the Cathedral of Évora, the Roman Temple of Évora, and Praça do Giraldo.

Oh, and how can we forget the star attraction of Évora, the Chapel of Bones?! Located right next to the entrance of the Church of St. Francis, the chapel is known for its interior walls, that are decorated with human skulls and bones. Bizarre, right?!

Read More: 5 Aww-Inspiring Romantic Things to Do In Portugal

7. Guimarães: The Birth City of Portugal

The first capital of Portugal, Guimaraes, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved medieval monuments like the Guimarães Castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and the Church of São Miguel do Castelo.

Strike a pose with the traditional half-timbered houses and the tiny Gothic chapels in the backdrop and if you’re in for some adventure, hike along the trails of Penha Park.

8. Douro Valley: Home to Scenic Vineyards

Overlooking the river Douro, winding through Spain and Northern Portugal, Douro Valley is known for supplying grapes to some of the best port wine companies.

Take a ride on the zigzagging roads running through the hills and enjoy the stunning vistas of boats swiftly passing through the river. Hold on! You can’t leave the area without tasting some of the finest port wines, and if you want to take it up a notch, you can sign up for a grape stomping tour at a vineyard.

Well, are you ready to spam your Insta-family with some breath-taking pictures? Plan a memorable trip to Portugal ASAP!

Book Your Flight to Portugal