8 Destinations in Portugal That Will Leave You Spellbound
There’s a Reason Why People are Drawn to Portugal
Singled out as one of the go-to destinations of the past year, Portugal has been enjoying a steady increase in international visitors. Drawn to the country’s prolific food and wine scene, spectacular beaches and medieval towns, Portugal continues to enjoy status as a popular European summer vacation destination as well.
And good news for those who are looking to have a Euro trip on a budget — Portugal is an affordable family vacation destination with plenty of activities for all ages.
Whether the country has already been on your radar for a while or you’re just becoming aware of its draw, take a peek at some of the best places to visit in Portugal.
The Bone Chapels
Portugal’s Capelas dos Ossos, or “bone chapels,” constantly pop up on social media as tourists take selfies in front of human skulls and bones. But the photos don’t truly do the bone chapels justice — they need to be seen in person to experience the full impact of standing among the remains of thousands of people.
Created by Franciscan monks during medieval times, these chapels were meant to humble their visitors and remind them of the impermanence of life. One of the most impressive and popular examples can be found in Évora, but there are smaller, less crowded chapels in Faro, Alcantarilha, Lagos, Campo Maior and Monforte as well.
Porto
Regarded as Portugal’s northern capital, Porto is a charming riverside city well-known for its production of port wine. With a UNESCO World Heritage honored city center and a medieval era waterfront district, rich history abounds everywhere you look. Porto also eschews the crowds and steep prices that are typical of major cities like Lisbon, making it the ideal destination for a cheap summer vacation.
Hundreds of gorgeous churches and cathedrals dating back to the 16th century line the narrow streets along with well-traveled cafes, bookstores and shops. Climb 250 steps up the Clérigos Tower for the best views of the city, admire the iconic Dom Luis I bridge, and take in the sights inside the Palácio da Bolsa, the former home of Porto’s stock exchange.
For a more unique perspective on this historic city, take a European river cruise down the Douro, which flows from Northern Spain to Portugal.
Silves Castle
Located in the Algarve region, Silves Castle stands as one of the best preserved Moorish fortresses in Portugal. Towering over the ancient city, the castle and its nearby cathedral dominate the skyline. Walk among the brick ruins and imagine what life might have been like in the castle’s glory days.
In fact, you can actually experience a piece of its history every August. Each year, the castle and surrounding area hosts a living history medieval festival that lasts for 10 days. Indulge in hearty servings of authentic regional dishes while musicians, fire dancers, healers and acrobats perform as they would have during the time period.
Sintra
In Sintra, a picturesque town at the foot of the Sintra Mountains, you’ll find stunning vistas, elaborate palaces and impressive castles. Best experienced over the course of a few days, Sintra is like a fairy tale come to life, even attracting famed Danish author Hans Christian Andersen who briefly lived there.
Admire the decorative splendor of the Palacio Nacional’s throne room and its immaculately landscaped gardens. Then, take a bus up to the Castelo dos Mouros, a fortress that feels woven into its natural surroundings. However, probably the most popular attraction in Sintra is the Palácio da Pena, a colorful 19th-century palace that seems straight out of a theme park.
The Azores
Known as Portugal’s Hawaii, The Azores are a volcanic archipelago sought out for their verdant landscapes and Eden-like beauty. One-third of the islands were designated as biosphere reserves by UNESCO for the sustainable relationship that exists between nature and the people living on the islands.
There are also over 30 Blue Flag beaches, hot springs, wetlands and other impressive natural features spread across the archipelago. As a result, eco and sustainable tourism reigns here, with plenty of adventurous activities available such as hiking, whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and paragliding — the latter which has its own festival in São Miguel.
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon has a timeless charm, encapsulated perfectly in its retro yellow tram. Jump aboard and head to the Belém district for a visit to the world-famous Pasteis de Belem, a bakery that specializes in a type of flaky Portuguese egg tart pastry dusted with cinnamon.
Head up the hill at the south end of the city to the historic Moorish neighborhood where the 11th-century São Jorge castle still stands and tour the grounds and various towers. Then, for a taste of the local culture, head to the Alfama district with its medieval alleyways filled with shops, cafes and fado clubs where you can listen to musicians playing traditional melancholy guitar music until the wee hours of the morning.
Vinho Verde Wine Route
Believe it or not, Portugal consumes more wine than both Italy and France combined. Much of that wine is in fact made within Portugal, specifically, along the Vinho Verde wine route in the north. Like Tuscany in Italy, this wine route is filled with medieval towns, lush green landscapes and pleasant weather year-round.
You can rent a car or take a wine tour, stopping at multiple wineries and vineyards along the way. Some of the most celebrated wineries in the region are Quinta da Aveleda in Penafiel (which has been around since 1870), Quinta de Soalheiro in Melgaço (specializing in organic varieties of the Alvarinho variety) and Adega de Monção (a cooperative that has produced some of the most popular and award-winning wines along the route).
Lagos
Lagos’ sandstone cliffs alone are reason enough to visit the seaside Portuguese town. Day cruises and boating excursions explore the coastline and allow for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Lagos’ beaches too are a thing of beauty, with secluded coves and turquoise waters. Camilo and Batata beaches, in particular, are favorites among locals and tourists alike for their unique features such as a long wooden staircase leading down to the shore and a nearby fortress rising above the water, respectively.
Its city center also has a ton to offer, from zoos and water parks to museums and cinemas to bars and restaurants. As it’s impossible to get bored in Lagos, the town has become a popular vacation destination for families with kids.
