Nine Of The Most Beautiful Places in Portugal

Famous for its windswept beaches, heady port wine and incredible maritime history, Portugal is the perfect year round vacation spot. With our round up of the most beautiful places in Portugal, we’re shining a light on the many treasures this European gem offers. Connect with the culture on a premium guided tour and discover quaint towns, beautiful beaches, colorful monasteries and tantalizing cuisine.

From its picturesque cobbled streets to the welcoming hospitality of the locals, Lisbon is known for capturing the hearts of travelersas one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. First stop on our Country Roads of Portugal premium tour, it gives visitors a true flavor of the country with incredible hilltop views across terracotta roofs to the Atlantic Ocean. The attractive squares shaded by trees are a perfect place to sample the local speciality, pasteis de nata and a visit to the Belém Quarter recalls the Age of Discoveries, the time when Portugal ruled the oceans.

Once the summer retreat for Portuguese royalty, this UNESCO World Heritage town has palaces, castles and gardens alive with beautiful blooms. Its many scenes resemble a fairy tale storybook and make it popular with couples. While the marvelously colorful Pálacio de Pena is a huge draw, presiding over the town like a cartoonish fantasy, there are plenty of enchanting walks and other historical buildings to explore too.

Beginning and ending in Lisbon, when travelling on Country Roads of Portugal, why not book a day tour to Sintra or add on some time to see the Quinta de Regaleira and the majestic royal residence Queluz National Palace?

A pretty fishing port, Lagos offers dramatic scenery, fantastic cuisine and some wonderful museums. The multi-hued sandstone cliffs and golden sands provide wonderful photo opportunities, or simply take a stroll alongside the fine combed waves meeting the shore.

If you’d prefer more history, walk the old fortified walls of the town, which date back to the eighth century. You can also take a peek into the oldest church in the Algarve, São João Baptista, built in 1174.

Reach the tranquil village of Monsaraz on Country Roads of Portugal , perched on a hilltop amid vineyards and olive groves. Just moments from the Spanish border, visitors are afforded incredible views across to one of the largest lakes in Europe, Alqueva Lake and its azure hue contrasts beautifully with the white washed buildings of the village. Take a gentle cruise across its waters, hearing more about life in the area from a local boat captain.

Indulge in a feast of tapas at a former olive mill, tasting dish after dish of Alentejo specialties. We promise that this food experience will be a highlight of your vacation.

Explore the tranquil village of Fátima on Best of Spain & Portugal, perched on a hilltop amid vineyards and olive groves. Just moments from the Spanish border, visitors are afforded incredible views across to one of the largest lakes in Europe, Alqueva Lake and its azure hue contrasts beautifully with the white washed buildings of the village. Take a gentle cruise across its waters, and see for yourself why Fátima is known as one of the most beautiful places in Portugal.

The charming town of Óbidos is where to travel next, as it’s less than 100 kilometers from Fátima. It has a romantic history of its own, beginning when King Dinis made it a gift to his new bride Queen Isabel in the 13th century. The narrow, cobbled streets are adorned with bougainvillea and each doorway tells a story through the intricate tiling.

History is everywhere in this medieval town, but among its most treasured sites are chapels such as Igreja de Santa Maria and Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra.

Arrive to Porto, where quaint chapels sit alongside bustling new bars serving the famous port wine that is made here. The city sits on the Douro River and has an infectious energy that captivates visitors throughout their stay. Saunter along the famous Dom Luis I Bridge, climb the steps of Clerigos Tower to take in the views or cruise down the Douro in a traditional Rabelo boat. The locals are friendly, the food simply divine and visitors will find it easy to make many Insight memories in Portugal’s second city.