Portugal is becoming a lot more popular in the last couple of years and honestly with good reason. It’s a beautiful country with lots to offer from delicious food, friendly people, beautiful beaches, and amazing sights.
This country has it all!
But where exactly to visit if you want to visit the most beautiful cities in Portugal? Well, this list has you covered! We’ll go over some of the most obvious and well known to ones you have most likely never heard of, but that definitely deserve your attention. I’m here to show you beautiful but off the beaten path places in Portugal that need to be on your radar.
Since they say that pictures are worth a thousand words, this post has more photos than text to really show the beautiful cities in Portugal.
Beautiful Cities in Portugal
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital city is the one I currently call home and I could not have picked a more beautiful city to live in. It is very hilly so I definitely recommend bringing comfortable shoes. Enjoy the views as you make your way up and around.
Personally, I love the colors of the houses along with the ones that have tiles. Lisbon is full of lookout points that you must check out! Find the best ones here.
Belem
Belem is close enough to Lisbon that you can take public transportation to get there like the bus, tram or train. It’s also easily accessible via a cheap Bolt ride. Bolt is more economical than Uber in Portugal.
This riverside city deserves a visit because of the architectural marvels you’ll find. A few to keep in mind are the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and Monument of the Discoveries. The constant sun helps make everything even more beautiful here.
Oeiras
I only recently visited Oeiras and wow! This small city has a beach and beautiful buildings and gardens to explore. This smaller city doesn’t get as crowded as neighboring Lisbon, Belem or Cascais. Don’t expect it to be surrounded by so many others as you wander around. Everything we visited was free so it also makes for a great budget spot!
The Palacio Marques de Pombal will have you feeling like you’re in Bridgerton. From its palace to its gardens, the whole place will transport you to a different time period. The best part, it’s free!
Sintra
No trip to Portugal would be complete without a visit to Sintra. It will be very crowded, but with good reason. With so many palaces and monasteries, you can easily understand why this is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal that can’t be missed.
- Monserrate Palace
- Seteais Palace
- Castle of the Moors
- Sintra Palace
- Pena Palace
- Quinta da Regaleira
Cascais
A well-known beach destination, Cascais should be on your list when visiting Portugal. It’s very popular during the summer which you’ll see with the crowds. One of the gems you should visit is the Santa Marta lighthouse. Here there’s a beautiful little beach with a bridge and lighthouse as beautiful backdrops. Expect crowds especially during the summer weekends.
Porto
Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, will have you amazed especially during sunset time. This city has views for days and even with all the hills I’ll guarantee you won’t want to miss any of them. Definitely head to the Gaia side to watch the sunset from the hill top of the castle. It’a a view I know you will remember for years to come. The way the sun reflects on the river while setting is a sight tot see.
Aveiro
Aveiro is known as the Venice of Portugal and although I’m not the biggest fan of comparing cities or countries, it does have a nice similar charm. Here you’ll find the Portuguese equivalent of gondolas called molheiros. They have a similar shape as gondolas and you’ll have someone guiding you through Aveiro’s many little canals.
Here you must try ovos moles as they’re very typical here. You’ll find them in most pasteleiras, but if you want to go to one of the oldest then head to Confeitaria Peixinho.
Evora
I may be slightly biased because I lived in Evora for about 7 months, but this city sure is pretty. From its cobblestone streets to its Roman temple, aqueducts, and beautiful Catedral rooftop, this city has a little bit for everyone. You can spend countless hours wandering around its streets with little town charm on every corner.
Evora is the capital of Alentejo, one of the larger interior districts of Portugal. It’s known for its olives, olive oil, quaint farms and vineyards. A must visit stop for any Portugal itinerary whether for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Monsaraz
High in the Alentejo countryside, lies the absolutely beautiful town of Monsaraz. This village perched on a mountain top will be seen as you near the area and the views from the top will not disappoint. It’s a town that’s been restored and is now mainly a tourist destination as it does not seem that many Portuguese live here. You’ll find an array of restaurants, shops, and accommodation to stay in.
Enjoy views of the surrounding lake and hills. The castle walls are a great spot to watch the sunset.
Marvao
This beautiful hilltop town has a breathtaking sunrise and sunset view and merits a visit. It’s definitely not the easiest to get to as it’s rather isolated from most public transportation routes. This spot is recommended for when you have a car and dramamine if curvy roads make you dizzy. I’d recommend visiting in spring to enjoy the beautiful flowers in bloom but during every season you’ll have a great view.
Without planning it, we ended up visiting during a yearly festival that represents the arrival of the Moors and what they brought with them. There was a whole parade with people dressed up as soldiers, Moors, and more people from that time period. It was packed and we had to take a bus all the way into town as there was no parking. Normally it is not this busy, but it was nice to see it under these circumstances.
Related Posts
- Lisbon Airport to City Center
- Lisbon Cafes to Work
- Amazing Day Trips from Lisbon
- Things You Can’t Miss in Aveiro, Portugal (Travel Guide)
- Getting from Lisbon to Evora
- Free Things to do in Evora, Portugal
- Portugal D7 Visa: Everything You Need to Apply
Which of these beautiful cities in Portugal will you visit first? Or do you have any more to add? Let me know in the comments!
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