Portugal, a picturesque country in southwestern Europe, blends rich history with modern charm. Its stunning coastline, diverse landscapes, and maritime heritage make it an enticing destination for travelers seeking history, culture, and natural beauty. Welcome to Portugal, where tradition meets the future in a captivating blend. Here are 9 must visit places in this beautiful country.
Overview
Douro Valley
- 41° 08′ N, 07° 49′ W
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 winding 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, the valley’s natural beauty makes it a perfect destination for hiking, cycling, and outdoor exploration.
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.
Tip for campers
Stay the night at Quinta da Padrela. You can stay at their winery for free, including a shower and a free wine tasting!
Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga
- 41° 33′ N, 08° 22′ W
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.
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Porto
- 41° 08′ N, 08° 35′ W
Porto, Portugal’s lively gem, is a lovely city full of colorful tiles, port wine and bridges, at the bank of the Douro River. Here, history and modern art meet. 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.
516 Arouca
- 60° 26′ N, 07° 09′ W
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 n 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.
Arouca is not only known for its impressive suspension bridge but also for its stunning hiking trails such as the Paiva Walkways.
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.
Nazaré
- 39° 36′ N, 09° 04′ W
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.
Obidos
- 39° 21′ N, 09° 09′ W
Óbidos is a medieval gem nestled in the heart of Portugal. In this charming and colorful town, encircled by ancient walls, you find these 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 the beautiful surroundings.
Lisbon
- 61° 50′ N, 08° 34′ W
A visit to Portugal wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Lisbon. It is the sun-kissed capital of Portugal, full of vibrant neighborhoods, where you can move around in the iconic yellow trams and smell the aroma of fresh pastéis de nata. It is such a vibrant city with numerous things to do. From cozy food markets to iconic landmarks, there’s is something for everyone in this amazing city!
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Cabo da Roca
- 38° 46′ N, 09° 29′ W
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.
Algarve
- 37° 00′ N, 07° 55′ W
Last but definitely not least is the Algarve region. Together with the Douro valley, it is our favorite part of Portugal. With its golden beaches, turquoise waters, and charming towns, the Algarve region is a coastal paradise. Here, 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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- Last updated September 2, 2023
