15 stunning places in Portugal that you can visit on one trip

Portugal’s allure is undeniable. Visitors from all over the world seek out the country’s timeless villages, gorgeous landscapes, and mouthwatering flavors. Whether you’re interested in architectural grandeur, historic villages, unique arts and cultural practices, or some of the best food and wine in the world, Portugal has something to offer every type of traveler. (And we haven’t even mentioned that Portugal is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches!) The best part? You can see the best places to visit in Portugal all on one trip when you join our Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon.

Traveler Sabrina said it best after joining the tour: “What an amazing trip!” she said. “This was the most perfect tour. Every day was a new adventure—from Porto to Lisboa and from the green mountains of vineyards to the coastline of a fishing town. A wonderful learning experience from local guides [on] history, religion, and the Portuguese economy. So many wonderful flavors of this country—the Port wines, the olives and olive oils, cork, fish and seafood, and of course the pastel de nata!” The tour covers Portugal from north to south and explores its biggest cities and iconic wine regions, not to mention some of the best coastal destinations in Europe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even cap this trip to Portugal with a few extra days on verdant São Miguel, the largest of the nine islands of the Azores.

If you’re eager to finally visit Portugal—or visit it again—this is the immersive and comprehensive trip you’ve been waiting for. Below, we list 15 stunning locales you’ll visit on tour with us. (For a deeper dive into the country and its culture, be sure to read our ultimate Portugal Travel Guide!)

1. Lisbon: Portugal’s capital of culture and charm

Is it any surprise that this capital city is also one of the best places to visit in Portugal? The last decade has seen Lisbon grow in the most exciting ways, and on our Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon, you’ll get the opportunity to experience Lisbon old and new. You’ll spend a time visiting monuments, like the Tower of Belém and Jerónimos Monastery, in the Belém neighborhood before indulging in one of Portugal’s most iconic treats: a creamy pastel de nata. “Portugal’s cuisine revolves around fish and pastries,” said staffer Jimmy while reminiscing on his tour through Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve. “While I love the simple (and delicious!) grilled sardines, what I truly crave are the pastéis de nata—local pastries that are comparable to custard tarts tucked into crusty shells. When they come out of the oven, they are to die for!” In the evening, you can sign up for our Fado Show & Dinner excursion to hear the most traditional Portuguese musical style (which happens to be on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.) Or, strike out on your own with a little help from our Lisbon Travel Guide.

2. Porto: the inviting city on the Douro River

The northern city of Porto, which is about 2,000 years old, may not be as big or as cosmopolitan as Lisbon, but it delivers its own unique take on Portuguese culture. You may have heard of the city’s Port wine and the historic caves located in Vila Nova de Gaia, nestled along the Douro River—but there’s so much more to this compact city.

Our 14-day Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon starts in Porto. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in architectural heritage with guided visits to the Baroque-style Clérigos Tower, the Gothic São Francisco Church, and the wrought-iron Maria Pia Bridge, which was built by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame). In your free time, discover Art Deco buildings and other architectural treasures, such as the Art Nouveau facade of the Lello Bookstore. At mealtimes, it’s all about sipping Port and savoring local fare in this foodie capital of Portugal. “Porto is a city to re-visit,” said traveler Susan after visiting the city on our Grand Tour of Portugal & Spain: Porto to Barcelona. “So much to see, so many ports to sample!” Porto is easily one of the best places to go in Portugal—and though it’s unlikely that you’ll find yourself at a loss for things to do, our Porto Travel Guide is a great place to find inspiration.

3. Guimarães: the birthplace of Portugal

Not far from Porto lies the charming UNESCO-recognized city of Guimarães, one of the best places to visit in Portugal if you’re interested in learning about the country’s history. Guimarães is not only the birthplace of Portugal’s first king; it also played a pivotal role in the country’s formation. In fact, it’s often referred to as the Cradle of Portugal. When you join the A Day in Guimarães & Braga excursion offered on our Grand Tour of Portugal: From Porto to Lisbon, you’ll learn about the history of the Portuguese identity as you explore the medieval Old Town and grand Paço dos Duques de Bragança, or Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. The hillside city is one of our favorite places in Portugal for its historic charm and picturesque views. “While this tour includes Porto and Lisbon, the highlights are in the small rural towns and villages,” said traveler Dennis after joining our Food & Wine: A Taste of Portugal tour. “The Guimarães [excursion] takes you to the birthplace of Portugal. The castle and the Bragança Palace were restored under the Salazar regime, and much included in the latter now are themselves antiques. Below these is the old medieval town that serves a vibrant tourist industry. Its main street is one of the Way of St. James routes. Moving south (like the reconquest), you experience the Douro and its tributaries. Rivers flow from village to village with hills rising steeply up 300 [or] 400 feet, each topped by a house [or] winery. This is a collection of spectacular views, which I felt was the highlight of the trip.”

4. Braga: the city of Archbishops

The landlocked city of Braga is packed with stunning palaces and sprawling gardens—and is a mere half-hour away from neighboring Guimarães. It’s one of the oldest cities in Portugal, with roots in the Roman Empire. Today, it’s seen as one of the most important religious centers in Portugal, known for its sacred sites, pilgrimage routes, and profound spiritual heritage. When you visit Braga on a trip to Portugal, don’t miss the hilltop Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, one of the country’s most iconic pilgrimage sites. Climb the serpentine, statue-lined staircases or ride a funicular to the Baroque sanctuary for breathtaking views of the Portuguese countryside.

5. The Douro Valley: a UNESCO-recognized wine region

One of the world’s most iconic winemaking destinations, the Douro Valley, is simply stunning. The area’s meandering river is flanked by steep, terraced vineyards. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Portugal and the oldest designated wine region on the planet. And, of course, the wine itself is world-class. These are the very vineyards in which grapes such as touriga nacional, touriga francesa, and tinta roriz (also known as tempranillo) are picked to make Port wine. You’ll get to sample wines from the Douro Valley’s most renowned winemakers when you visit a winery and stop for lunch in a charming local restaurant on our Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon. If you’re wondering what to do in Portugal, it doesn’t get much better than enjoying a glass of wine while surrounded by these rolling vineyard views. And if you’re looking for a more hands—or feet—on experience, join our Portugal Food & Wine: Porto to Lisbon with America’s Test Kitchen tour for a chance to stomp the grapes yourself. “Visits to the Quintas learning about and sampling Port were great,” said traveler Keith after joining the tour. “I even got to stomp grapes at Quinta da Pacheco—great fun!”

Your day in the picturesque Douro Valley won’t just be about getting wined and dined. You’ll also get a guided tour of the 18th-century Casa de Mateus, a glorious Baroque mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens. This was designed by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect who was critical in bringing Baroque and Rococo architecture to Portugal.

6. Coimbra: the city of students

If you’re planning a Portugal vacation, you might be tempted to overlook cities like Coimbra, which aren’t as well-known as Lisbon or Porto. However, when you join our Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon, you’ll see why this riverfront city shouldn’t be skipped. Coimbra once served as Portugal’s capital and is home to one of the world’s oldest universities. When you visit Coimbra on a tour of Portugal, you’ll have ample time to explore the waterfront Old Town and Coimbra University, including its library, which was built atop the ruins of a medieval prison. You’ll also visit the Old Cathedral, or Se Velha, the 12th-century Romanesque beauty where Portugal’s first king was crowned. At the end of each academic year, male graduates gather in the cathedral to sing Coimbra’s distinctive version of Fado, which is more closely connected to academic tradition than Lisbon’s Fado music. Coimbra is the ultimate destination for studious travelers—especially since a trip to Portugal ranked on our list of the best graduation trips to book—but it’s also a must-see destination if you want to take a deeper dive into the history and cultural traditions of Portugal.

7. Fátima: Portugal’s sacred destination

An hour south of Coimbra lies Fátima, one of Catholicism’s most significant pilgrimage sites and a famous stop on the Way of St. James. When you join our Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon, you’ll be guided through the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, where, it’s said, the Virgin Mary appeared six times in front of three young shepherds. Later, you’ll even get to visit the House of Jacinta, where one of the three children lived. For many travelers, this is one of the best places to visit in Portugal. “The stop in Fatima was just terrific,” said traveler Timothy, who visited the town on our Marian Shrines & the Way of St. James tour. “In the evening, we walked in the procession to honor Our Lady of Fátima, which is done each evening.”

8. Batalha: a masterpiece of Gothic architecture

While in Fátima on our Grand Tour of Portugal: From Porto to Lisbon, you’ll have one free day to explore on your own or join our optional Old World Portugal: Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos excursion to roam the charming town of Batalha. The town is a history buff’s dream and one of the best places to see in Portugal if you’re interested in architecture. Here, you’ll marvel at a 14th-century monastery featuring Manueline design details. Manueline style, which typically references the sea, is one of Portugal’s most popular architectural movements. It’s a unique fusion of Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish influences and embodies Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

9. Nazaré: a surfer’s paradise

After exploring Batalha, head a half-hour west to take a seaside lunch in Nazaré. This town is famous for its skyscraping waves and is one of the best day trips you can take from Lisbon. Once a sleepy fishing village, Nazaré has become a world-renowned surfing destination—make sure you keep your eyes peeled for surfers trying to take on walls of water up to 80 feet tall. It also happens to be one of our favorite places to enjoy Portugal’s famous fresh seafood, especially flavorful fish stews and sardinhas assadas, or grilled sardines. “I will honestly say the food in Portugal was better overall than Italy,” said traveler Brian after returning from our Portugal for Solo Travelers tour.

10. Óbidos: the enchanted medieval village

The medieval hilltop village of Óbidos, known as the Wedding Present Town, is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. The storybook town of whitewashed, red-roofed homes and intricate azulejo tiles was given as a gift to Queen Isabel from King Dinis on their wedding day. It’s crowned with a castle (complete with imposing watch towers) whose foundations may date back to Roman times. When you explore Óbidos on one of our trips to Portugal, stop to enjoy a tasting of ginjinha de Óbidos, a traditional cherry liqueur that originated in town. “For a small country, [Portugal has] such incredible history, delicious food, and excellent wines—especially the ginjinha, vinho verde, and Port,” said traveler William after returning from our A Week in Portugal: Porto, Évora & Lisbon tour.

11. Évora: a journey through time

If you’re wondering where to go in Portugal for a mix of ancient grandeur and Gothic allure, look no further than the ancient city of Évora. During the Évora portion of our Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon, get ready to marvel at Portugal’s most beautifully preserved Roman ruin: the Temple of Diana from the first century A.D. You’ll also get to visit St. Francis Church, the Gothic-meets-Manueline church from the 15th century. Inside is the spooky Chapel of Bones, the walls and ceilings of which are covered with human skulls and bones. (Visiting the macabre chapel is one of the best things to do in Portugal.) There’s a lot of grand history here, but what makes Évora one of the best places to go in Portugal is the atmosphere. There’s something charming about taking a stroll around town, whether you decide to people watch in the main square or get lost in the maze-like side streets that snake around Evora’s striking whitewashed homes. “Evora was charming, the views from the walled city were great—and the Chapel of Bones!” said traveler Susan after joining our Grand Tour of Portugal & Spain: Porto to Barcelona.

12. The Algarve: the sun-soaked coastline

When it comes to Portugal travel, the Algarve region is the original MVP. For decades, Europeans have known the Algarve to be one of the best places to visit in Portugal, with its gorgeous beaches, year-round mild weather, postcard-worthy landscapes, succulent seafood, and never-ending sunshine. Plus, if you love golf, the Algarve is one of the best places in Portugal—make that the world—for tee time. On our Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon, you’ll have two nights to work through our list of five things to do in the Algarve, or simply soak in the rich allure of Portugal’s southernmost region. You’ll learn how cork is made, visit an olive oil farm, and sample local petiscos—the Portuguese version of small, shareable plates. The other option here is to explore the Algarve’s coastal majesty. Its seaside splendor is one of the reasons the region has been so beloved for so long. On our Algarve Coastal Cruise: Cliffs, Beaches & Caves excursion, you’ll board a boat in the town of Lagos (home to one of the best beaches in Europe) and set off on a scenic adventure, visiting pristine beaches, craggy cliffs, and atmospheric caves. Keep that camera handy!

13. Silves: the historical gem of the Algarve

If you want to experience a quieter, more traditional side of the Algarve, head to the tranquil town of Silves on the Historic Silves & Farmhouse Dinner excursion offered on our Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon. Silves, the region’s original capital, was originally founded by the Romans and was later occupied by the Moors, and you can see remnants of both cultures all over. Pop into the old castle—built by the Moors—and peek into a deep underground cistern. Or visit the archeological museum to marvel at exhibits of ancient walls. Later, you’ll enjoy a multi-course dinner at a local farmhouse surrounded by serene countryside.

14. Sintra: the fairytale town of palaces

No trip to Portugal would be complete without seeing Sintra. It’s a bucolic, hilly destination that’s been made famous by its colorful, fairytale buildings and imposing Moorish castles. On our Sintra & the Portuguese Riviera excursion, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Sintra and Pena Palace, the sunset-colored castle in the clouds, and see why this tiny little village is among the most beautiful places in Portugal. “My trip to Portugal was amazing!” said traveler Lisa after joining our Portugal for Solo Travelers tour. “We saw amazing architecture, countryside, and bustling cities. Sintra was my favorite. The beautiful castle and park-like setting with its charming little town was exactly my idea of Portugal.”

15. São Miguel, Azores: the green island

One of the most exciting parts of our Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon is the opportunity to extend your trip and spend three nights on lush São Miguel, the largest of the Azores’ nine islands. Located about 900 miles west of Lisbon in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, São Miguel is green, wild, and awe-inspiring. With its rugged mixture of volcanic topography, tea plantations, hydrangea gardens, and glistening lakes, São Miguel is truly one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. “Visiting the Azores, specifically São Miguel, feels like you’re getting the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland paired with the lushness of Hawaii,” said staffer Emily when discussing why you should visit the Azores.

In your three nights on São Miguel, you’ll explore Caldeira Velha (it’s home to hot springs and waterfalls), marvel at the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, and discover the magic of the islands’ hundreds of pineapple plantations. In your free time, you can add our Gorreana Tea Plantation, Lunch & the Furnas Valley excursion, and see where tea plants have been harvested since 1883. Did you know that São Miguel is the only part of Europe where scalable tea production is possible?

“Do not, under any circumstances, skip the extension to the Azores,” said traveler Jessie after adding the extension to our Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon. “That may have been my favorite part!” A few days in the Azores is the perfect way to cap off a trip to Portugal!

Ready to experience everything Portugal has to offer? Check out our Grand Tour of Portugal: Porto to Lisbon.