Portugal is one of the most charming and affordable countries in Europe. It offers colorful cities on hills, golden cliffs above the Atlantic, fairy-tale palaces, famous wine regions and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
Most trips start in Lisbon, with its old trams, viewpoints and pastel de nata. From there you can visit the palaces of Sintra, head north to Porto and the vineyards of the Douro Valley, or go south to the beaches and sea caves of the Algarve.
Whether you are planning a city break, a beach holiday or a road trip, this guide will help you discover the best places to visit in Portugal, when to go, how much it costs and the hidden gems most travelers miss.
Before you pack your bags, read these practical guides. They cover the best time to visit, how much a trip to Portugal costs, visas, train travel, renting a car and the local customs every traveler should know.
Lisbon is a city made for walking. Ride the famous Tram 28, explore the old streets of Alfama, visit Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery and watch the sunset from one of the many viewpoints. Just 40 minutes away, Sintra is full of colorful palaces and mysterious gardens.
Porto is smaller but just as beautiful, with its riverside Ribeira district, blue-tiled churches and famous port wine cellars. From Porto, a day trip or cruise into the Douro Valley takes you through terraced vineyards that look like a painting.
In the south, the Algarve is one of the best beach regions in Europe. Visit the Benagil sea cave, walk along the golden cliffs of Lagos and relax on long sandy beaches with warm weather from spring to autumn. For something different, the islands of Madeira and the Azores offer green mountains, waterfalls and whale watching.
Portugal is also one of the best-value destinations in Western Europe. Enjoy fresh grilled sardines, bacalhau, francesinha in Porto and warm pastel de nata with coffee, and discover why so many travelers fall in love with Portugal.
From the hills of Lisbon and the palaces of Sintra to the vineyards of the Douro and the cliffs of the Algarve, every region of Portugal has its own character. Click on a destination below to find what to see, where to stay and the best things to do there.
Practical guides, trip reports and local tips to help you plan the perfect trip to Portugal.