Top 5 Places to Visit in Portugal, 2023

Although a small European nation, Portugal is a tourist paradise due to its delicious gastronomy, idyllic climate, rich cultural history, and affordable travel costs.

Porto and Lisbon are two common destinations for those looking for a short vacation. However, there are so many gorgeous places in this country beyond the two major cities. 

Here are the top 5 places to visit Portugal for this year:

1. Algarve’s beaches

Portugal is a coastal country with glorious beaches. Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve region is home to more than 100 spectacular beaches scattered along 155km of golden coastline. This remote beach offers gentle waves and several popular seafood restaurants sheltered behind the rolling dunes.

2. Sintra’s palaces and castles

With so much history contained in these picturesque mountains, it’s not surprising that Sintra is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forested hilltops of Sintra are home to some of Portugal’s most opulent palaces and castles. Your first port of call must be the Palacio Nacional – or Town Palace with its renowned twin conical chimneys that overlook the small city.

3. Lisbon, the vibrant capital

Lisbon is without a shadow of a doubt one of Europe’s most captivating cities.  It is home to some of the country’s most famous landmarks, including the 11th-century São Jorge Castle and the 16th-century Torre de Belém. You will love this city for its welcoming, warm residents, colorful buildings, and sunny weather. 

4. Porto and its wine cellars

Located on the mouth of the Rio Douro, Porto is the second-largest city – after Lisbon and is the birthplace of port wine. It boasts a colorful mix of medieval relics, extravagant churches, and wine cellars that are open for tastings. There are dozens of wine cellars to choose from along the Duoro River; nearly all of which provide guided tours and a selection of different port wines to try.

5. Azores for nature lovers

The Azores is the perfect destination for nature lovers who’d like to visit Portugal. The Azores is an archipelago of nine islands characterized by volcanic landscapes, green pastures, and one of the best marine habitats in the world. While the islands are a hot spot for diving, hiking, and water sports, they are best known for whale and dolphin watching. 

If you need more information about the best places to visit in Portugal, check out our reliable DMC and tour partners in the country. 

Visit www.dmcfinder.com!

Author: Deb Davad