Melo Villareal
Bucket List: 10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Portugal
Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula and a neighbor of Spain. Porto and Lisbon are the two most popular destinations, but the country has no shortage of beautiful places to showcase to tourists. The country is also popular for its medieval city walls, Moorish castles, Roman bridges, and romantic palaces.
Portugal is one of Europe’s countries with diverse culinary traditions, golden beaches, mountainous parks, lush river valleys, cultural heritage, and amazing landscapes. Portugal is also known for its soccer legends, fado music, historical cities, and port wine.
From modern cities to quaint towns and historic villages – this list covers all the best places in Portugal that you should visit at least once.
Coimbra
Coimbra is a city and a municipality and is a popular day trip destination for tourists from Porto and Lisbon. Coimbra is famous for its University, and it has two beautiful Cathedrals. Coimbra also has one of Portugal’s most beautiful abandoned monasteries. Coimbra was long the intellectual capital of Portugal and remains one of its most picturesque cities.
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Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is frequently visited not just by wine lovers but because of its beautiful landscape, vast wineries, and friendly people. Due to its popularity, the area is now surrounded by restaurants, luxury accommodations, and wine-tasting establishments.
Tasting and learning about the Douro wines are the most popular activities at Douro Valley. In 2001, a large section of Duoro Valley was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nazare
Nazare is not known for having major landmarks or tourist attractions, but the local traditions, beautiful scenery, and beautiful coastline are some of the reasons why tourists love this place. Be ready to get amazed at the huge waves visible off the coast of Nazare.
All Guinness World Records for giant waves have been broken in Nazaré (Portugal) due to a 200km long submarine canyon. Nazare becomes the world epicenter of big wave surfing from October to March. Surfers can catch a wave towering around 24 meters (80 feet) on an exceptional day.
Braga
The city of Braga is known as it’s one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. In fact, the first cathedral of Portugal was constructed here in 1089. Braga was named after the first bishop of Portugal, Pedro de Braga (1035 – 1096). Braga has the highest number of religious buildings in any Portuguese city.
With very low crime rates, Braga is reputed as one of the safest cities in Europe to live in.
Sintra
Sintra is one of Portugal’s most unique places to visit, with fairytale-like castles and the most enchanting gardens. Sintra is considered a must on any Portugal itinerary, and it’s easy to see why.
Since it’s only a 45-minute journey from the capital city Lisbon, you can schedule your visit on a day tour.
Visiting tourists can explore both Sintra’s beaches and mountains in just one afternoon.
Algarve
The Algarve region is known for its beautiful coastline, great beaches, world-class golf courses, adventure activities, and delicious cuisine having six Michelin-starred restaurants.
Tavira is one of the Algarve’s main towns and one of the most beautiful. It’s situated along the River Gilao and has a great historical legacy left by the Romans and the Arabs.
The Algarve is one of the best value-for-money holiday destinations in Western Europe, being more affordable than the most popular destinations in Europe.
Aveiro
Aveiro is known for its Lagoon and its network of canals. Aveiro’s most popular tourist activity is the “Moliceiros” ride (Portuguese gondola).
If you love man-made wonders, you will surely love the Art Nouveau buildings and tiled facades that can be found all over town.
Traveling to Aveiro from Lisbon is easy by car or train. Both transport options take around the same amount of time, 2.5 hours.
Evora
If you are passionate about historical and medieval buildings, you must visit Evora. Home to beautifully preserved architecture from the Roman era, Evora was considered a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1986. UNESCO regarded Evora as a museum city with roots dating back to roman times.
Evora’s popular attractions are the Roman temple and aqueduct, as well as a medieval cathedral complete with a bone chapel ossuary. If you want to see the panoramic view of the city, Make sure to climb to the top of the cathedral.
Porto
Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The city has a stunning old town located along the beautiful Douro river.
Architecture lovers will surely appreciate the amazing Beaux Arts and Baroque churches, palaces, and other historic buildings scattered around the city.
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and is World-famous for its port wine. When visiting Porto, it’s important not to miss a tour of at least one port wine cellar. This historic city has a lot to offer to tourists of any kind, from beautiful architecture to delicious food and great culture.
There is something undeniably romantic about its steep cobbled streets and medley of crumbling houses and ornate buildings.
Lisbon
Located on the banks of the Tagus River, Lisbon is a charming city with a well-preserved culture and history. Its rich culture results from many influences, including Celtic, Lusitanian, Phoenician, Germanic, Visigoth, Viking, Sephardic Jewish, and Moorish.
Lisbon is also popular for its rich culture, sunny weather, spectacular hilltop vistas in Alfama or St. George’s Castle, culinary delights, unique cork souvenirs, and historical yellow trams.
We recommend that you visit Sao Jorge Castle to appreciate the stunning view of the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge.
The oldest operating bookstore in the world is located in Lisbon. The most popular area in Lisbon is the old quarter and Bairro Alto. If you love to go out at night, Bairro Alto has a bustling nightlife, with various local and international restaurants,
Have you been to any of these places in Portugal? Let us know in the comment section below!
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Watch -> Top 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Portugal – Travel Video
