6 best places to visit in Portugal
Planning a trip and searching for the best places to visit in Portugal? This southern European nation has something for every kind of traveller. From golden sun-kissed beaches to fantastical castles and dynamic cities, Portugal is a one-size-fits-all destination! Whether you’re planning a whistle-stop tour or looking for the perfect base for your summer getaway, here are the best places to visit in Portugal!
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Lagos
Situated in the popular region of the Algarve, Lagos is one of the best places to visit in Portugal for a beach break. Surrounded by golden sand beaches and sheltered coves, this coastal town has retained much of its original charms. Indeed, its walled old town is bursting with Baroque facades and 18th-century townhouses. On the other hand, the dramatic scenery of the rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs makes Lagos a joy to explore. Furthermore, without the mass tourism of other resort towns on the Algarve, Lagos is one of the best places to visit in Portugal for authentic cuisine, tranquil beaches and charming atmosphere.
Sintra
An enchanting destination, Sintra is a resort town on the Portuguese Riviera. Sprawled across the verdant Sintra Mountains, Sintra is famous for one thing in particular: its otherworldly architecture! Exhibited in a joyful array of hilltop villas, castles, palaces and mansions, Sintra is an architectural paradise. A sparkling array of styles and multi-coloured facades are on display here. Visiting Sintra is like stepping into the pages of a fairytale! Undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in Portugal, be sure to put a trip to Sintra on your itinerary!
Porto
On the banks of the River Douro is the coastal city of Porto, located in the northwest of Portugal. Famously the home of port wine, behind the pretty facade of Porto is a seriously trendy city, with amazing food, street art, culture and cuisine. Like Lisbon, Porto has the characteristic vintage trams and exudes a faded elegance, with its ancient streets and Azulejo tiles. At the heart of Porto is the River Douro, with its six iconic bridges, whilst at the core of the city is the postcard-perfect district of Ribeira. Furthermore, the city is home to countless riverside port cellars. Therefore, Porto is one of the best places to visit in Portugal for budding wine connoisseurs!
Coimbra
Undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in Portugal for history lovers, Coimbra is famed for its Roman and medieval ruins. Rising from the banks of the Rio Mondego, it’s home to the legendary Coimbra University, one of the oldest in the world. Furthermore, its library, the Baroque-style Biblioteca Joanina, is considered one of the most important and beautiful on the planet. A cultural treasure trove, Coimbra exudes an intellectual atmosphere and is a key destination for anyone interested in Portuguese literature.
Obidos
A wonderful example of a traditional Portuguese walled town, Obidos is situated just 80 kilometres from the capital of Lisbon. A small town, with a modest population, Obidos has become an important travel destination thanks to its charming medieval streets and well-preserved architecture. In fact, Obidos is famous for its frequent festivities, making it one of the best places to visit in Portugal for an authentic cultural experience! One such celebration is the annual Medieval Festival which takes place in and around Obidos Castle. Expect to find all manner of medieval revelry, including performances from jesters in traditional costumes, themed entertainment and music.
Lisbon
Spread across seven hills on the banks of the Tagus Estuary, Lisbon is Portugal’s vibrant capital. The westernmost capital in Europe and the only capital on the Atlantic coast, Lisbon has a unique character and appearance; a masterpiece, crafted over many centuries. Lisbon is famed for its colourful hill-climbing street trams and Ponte 25 Abril bridge. Here, you can explore one of the oldest cities in the world, with countless historic sights to discover! Furthermore, the capital is famed for its incredible food scene and melancholic fado music. Although it can get a little busy in the peak season, you can always head to Lisbon’s beaches!
So, now you know the best places to visit in Portugal where will you go first? Travel with Exoticca and discover our selection of Portugal tours:
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