Overview
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1 Douro Valley
The Douro Valley, located in northern Portugal, is a breathtakingly beautiful and historic region known for its scenic landscapes, vineyards, and rich cultural heritage. The landscape is characterized by steep hills with terraced vineyards, carved by the Douro River. The iconic terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley are a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Douro Valley itself is the birthplace of port wine.
It’s not only a beautiful region to drive through, but it is also the perfect place to visit a vineyard and taste wines of one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Besides wine tasting and visiting wineries, you can also enjoy boat cruises along the Douro River. Additionally, it is the perfect place for hiking and cycling through the beautiful rolling landscapes.
Must see: The Douro valley is full of beautiful viewpoints, just like Miradouro do Ujo. It is an elevated viewing platform from where you have an amazing view of the surrounding landscapes and valley.
Camping tip: Stay the night at Quinta da Padrela. You can stay at their winery for free, including a shower and a free wine tasting! We left with six bottles of wine aka the wine is good!
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2. Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga
Near Braga, in the northern part of Portugal, you find Bom Jesus Do Monte, or just Bom Jesus. It is a pilgrimage site, famous for its impressive Baroque architecture, ornate staircases, and panoramic views of the surrounding area. As it is build on top of a hill, you get a beautiful view over the city of Braga.
The most famous part of Bom Jesus is the zigzagging staircase with 577 steps. Not only the staircase but also the church at the top of the staircase and the lovely gardens and viewpoints at the Bom Jesus complex are definitely worth a visit.
3. Porto
Porto, Portugal’s lively gem, is a lovely city full of colorful tiles, port wine and bridges, located at the bank of the Douro River. It’s without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Portugal. You can walk through the city over the cobblestone streets, enjoy a good glass of wine or sangria on a terrace along the river and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Porto.
The city is not only home to Portugal’s oldest and most beautiful bookstore, but you will find many other medieval buildings that you can discover during, for example, a guided walking tour. As you can see, there are plenty of fun things to do in this small but fascinating city.
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4. 516 Arouca
516 Arouca, also known as the Arouca 516 Bridge, is a suspension footbridge located in Arouca, a town in northern Portugal. In September 2021, it was known to be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, until the opening of the Sky Bridge 721 in the Czech Republic.
Although it is no longer the longest bridge in the world, it is still a thrilling experience to walk over this 516 meter long bridge, at a height of 175m above the valley. That’s why Arouca is one of the best places to visit in Portugal, especially for outdoor lovers.
Arouca is not only known for its impressive suspension bridge but also for its stunning hiking trails such as the Paiva Walkways.
Note: To visit the bridge, you have to pay an entrance fee and book a time slot in advance. In the entrance fee, entrance to the Paiva Walkways is included.
5. Nazaré
If you like surfing, the name Nazaré will surely sound familiar to you. It is a charming coastal town known for its breathtaking cliffs and the biggest surfing waves in the world. Its picturesque beaches, colorful fishing boats, and rich maritime heritage makes Nazaré the perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure. If you want to witness the impressive big waves and the surfers, you should go in the Big Wave Season between October and March.
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6. Obidos
Óbidos is a medieval gem nestled in the heart of Portugal. In this charming and colorful town, encircled by ancient walls, you find cozy cobblestone streets with cute little houses, vibrant flowers, and a fairytale castle. You can stroll through the colorful streets or walk over the ancient walls and enjoy a magnificent view of the town and its beautiful surroundings.
7. Lisbon
A visit to Portugal wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Lisbon. It is the sun-kissed capital city of Portugal, full of vibrant neighborhoods. You can move around the city in the iconic yellow trams and taste the best fresh pastéis de nata’s in the world. It is such a vibrant city with numerous things to do, like cozy food markets and several iconic landmarks.
Hotels
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Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon
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8. Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca is the ‘North Cape’ of Portugal, but it’s the ‘west’ edition. It has the title of being the westernmost point of continental Europe. If you are standing here, it literally feels like standing on the edge of the world, where the land meets the endless Atlantic Ocean.
Activities & Tours
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9. Algarve
Last but definitely not least is the Algarve region. In our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal and together with the Douro valley our favorite part of the country. With its golden beaches, turquoise waters, and charming towns, the Algarve region is a coastal paradise.
You find countless beautiful beaches and impressive rock formations. The ideal place for a few days relaxing on the beach, alternating with discovering lovely towns and adventurous walks.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!