Visiting Portugal for the First Time? Don’t Skip These Destinations

Portugal is a country that should be on everyone’s list. It truly has a little bit of everything and a little something for everyone. From beautiful, vibrant cities, to the most stunning wine region you can imagine, to magnificent oceanside cliffs, visiting Portugal will leave you wanting more. It’s one of the safest countries in Europe, as well as one of the most affordable. The food is incredible, especially if you’re a seafood lover, and have I mentioned the wine yet? Oh yes, I have, but it’s worth mentioning again!

A friend and I visited Portugal for the first time in 2022. I knew I was going to love it, but I wasn’t prepared for HOW MUCH I actually loved it. Each place we decided to visit on our trip just kept getting better than the last. Which is how I came to write this specific blog post.

In this post I will go over each destination within Portugal that I would highly recommend visiting. Especially if you’re planning on visiting Portugal for the first time. These destinations will give you a great overview of the country and will ensure that your time is spent well. Granted, depending on how much time you actually have to visit, it may not be possible to squeeze all of these destinations in. But with the descriptions I give, hopefully you’ll be able to narrow down which places sound most important to you. And chances are, you’ll want to re-visit one day just as badly as I do!

How Much Time Do You Need In Portugal

Portugal is a relatively small country, which means you can cover quite a bit of ground in a shorter amount of time. With that being said, there are still plenty of iconic cities and regions to see when visiting Portugal.

At the very least, I’d give yourself at least a full week. That will allow you to check a couple of places off of your list. But ideally, I’d recommend two weeks to truly get to experience the country. We were lucky enough to have two full weeks for our Portugal trip and it felt like the perfect amount of time.

Best Way to Get Around When Visiting Portugal

One of the easiest ways to get around Portugal,and Europe in general, is by train. The train system in Europe is extensive, easy, and affordable. The main train connections offered make it very convenient for visiting Portugal’s major cities and locations. If you plan on using the train, make sure you download and use Omio to plan ahead with buying tickets and looking at train time schedules. With Omio you will also have the option of keeping all of your tickets right on your phone, which is very helpful. However, if you’re not planning too far in advance, trains come often enough that you can head to the station and book your tickets the day of. 

Another fantastic way to get around Portugal, which is the option we chose and what I personally recommend, is by car. Again, since Portugal is a pretty small country, it’s the perfect opportunity to road trip, make fun stops along the way and enjoy the most scenic drives. You’ll also have the option to visit some smaller towns and more remote areas that would not be possible by train. Holders of US Driver’s Licenses are authorized to drive in Portugal and you don’t need any special permits to do so. Renting a car there is easy and affordable. If you’re interested in renting a car for your Portugal trip, check out Rentalcars.com to compare the best rates and options. 

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Must-Visit Destinations in Portugal

Portugal is an overall breathtaking country. We found all of these destinations remarkable and I have no doubt that you will too. These are the places you will not want to skip when visiting Portugal, especially for the first time! Okay, let’s get into it:

Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital of the county and the most popular city to visit. It’s also one of the biggest hubs for flying in and out, so chances are if you’re visiting Portugal, you will find yourself in Lisbon at some point. As you should though! Lisbon is a remarkable city made up of charming neighborhoods, gorgeous views, incredible food, and a rich, fascinating culture.

I’d recommend giving yourself 2-3 days in Lisbon to get a real feel for it. Here’s a couple of things I’d suggest doing while you’re there:

•  Stroll around the neighborhood Alfama. It’s one of the oldest areas of Lisbon and you’ll find tons of cute shops selling traditional crafts, adorable cafes, and plenty of incredible restaurants. The stunning Lisbon Cathedral is also located in Alfama as well as some other iconic landmarks

• Head to Miradouro de Santa Luzia for a breathtaking overview of the whole city- this really is one of the best view points you’ll get of Lisbon

• Eat as many pastel de natas as you can get your hands on! Most people suggest going to the famous Pastéis de Belém and waiting in a long line, but we didn’t waste our time. We tried numerous ones around the city and they were all fantastic!

Cascais

Cascais is located just about a half an hour drive outside of Lisbon and is often overlooked. It’s not nearly as popular a destination but it absolutely deserves to be! Nestled on the Portuguese Riviera, this charming town is a perfect oasis away from the bustling city life when visiting Portugal. Especially if you want some relaxing down time or to just be close to the ocean.

I’d recommend giving yourself 1-2 days in Cascais. It’s a perfect place to visit right from Lisbon and spend one evening before moving on. Here’s a couple of things I’d suggest doing while you’re there: 

• Wander around the historic center, which is filled with colorful houses, a 16th-century citadel, and a beautiful church

• Stay at Fortaleza do Guincho, which literally looks like a castle and overlooks the water. It’s an absolutely beautiful, peaceful retreat with an incredible Michelin star restaurant on site. If you’d like to book Fortaleza, click here.

• Enjoy amazing seafood! Most of the restaurants in Cascais are very seafood forward and it’s all incredibly fresh and delicious. We particularly loved all of the octopus and highly recommend it.

Sintra

Next on the list is Sintra. This fairytale town is nestled into the hills, less than an hour from Lisbon. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Captivating visitors with its whimsical palaces, lush greenery, and mysterious castles, there is surely an unmistakable charm here that you will not want to miss when visiting Portugal.

I’d recommend giving yourself a full day in Sintra. Especially if there are multiple points of interest you would like to experience while you’re there. A full day will give you time to check a few of them off. Here are a couple of recommendations:

• Pena National Palace– This is definitely the most popular attraction in Sintra. This 19th-century palace blends different styles of architecture along with vibrant colors. It’s richly decorated and a must-see while visiting Portugal.

• The Moorish Castle– Perched on a rocky cliff, high above Sintra, the Moorish Castle offers stunning panoramic views of the town and surrounding areas. The castle was an important defensive point during the middle ages. Its history alone makes it a fascinating place to visit

• Quinta da Regaleira– Quinta da Regaleria is a fascinating estate with a palace, gardens, and grottoes. It was built buy a Portuguese millionaire in the early 20th century and is full of mystery and enchantment

Óbidos

Óbidos is a charming medieval town located in central Portugal. Encircled by a castle wall, experiencing Óbidos is like stepping back in time. To be fair, it is over 700 years old! You’ll be enchanted as you walk the cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, shops, and lovely restaurants. You’ll even see horse drawn carriages stroll by. 

Because Óbidos is so small, you can experience it in an afternoon. If you’re not tight on time, give yourself one full day at the most. Here are some things you can plan on doing while in Óbidos:

• Wander the medieval walls- encircling the town, the well-preserved castle walls offer a glimpse into the town’s past. Walk along the walls and enjoy a panoramic view of the town

• If you’re a book lover, check out some of the bookstores- there’s apparently more than 14 bookstores in this small town! Whether you’re looking for some new literature or maybe a unique souvenir, it’s worth seeking a few of them out

• Have a taste of traditional Ginja de Obidos- Ginja is a sour cherry liqueur that is considered a specialty of Óbidos. It is traditionally served in a small chocolate cup. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, then Óbidos is the place to experience it 

Cortegaça

Cortegaça was on my radar for one particular reason, which I’ll get to in a moment. But just a little background info on it: This small village is located in the Ovar Municipality of Portugal and it dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries. It’s known for its natural beauty, rich history, and great surfing. It’s also located just about a half an hour drive outside of Porto, making for a perfect pit stop. So, what exactly intrigued me to visit Cortegaça?

A church. An unbelievably beautiful church! I’m not religious, but when I stumbled upon this magnificent blue tiled cathedral while researching what to do when visiting Portugal, I knew I had to see it in person.

We didn’t need more than an hour in Cortegaça before heading off to our next destination, but I’d say it was absolutely worth the stop to see Igreja de Santa Marinha de Cortegača.

Porto

Porto is often overlooked when compared to the more popular Lisbon. But, if I had to be honest on which one I enjoyed more or would run back to visit again, it’s Porto, hands down. The charm of Porto is unparalleled in my opinion. There’s a captivating blend of history, scenic beauty, and vibrant history as well as culture. The UNESCO-listed Ribeira district boasts a maze of narrow streets lined with colorful houses, charming squares, and a lively atmosphere. The views overlooking the iconic Douro river and bridges are magical. And taking a boat ride in Porto and experiencing it from the water is even more magical! Also, not to mention the food- some of the best meals I had in Portugal, happened to be in Porto. 

I’d recommend giving yourself 2-3 days in Porto. This will offer you enough time to experience the charm, the views, and some of the incredible food. If you aren’t pressed for time, I’d definitely recommend spending an extra day! Here are a few things you should absolutely do while in Porto:

• Take a boat ride! Getting to experience Porto from the water really opened up a new perspective of the city. There are a bunch of private boat tours, which I highly recommend. The groups are much smaller and more intimate

• Climb the Clérigos Tower- This tower is an iconic landmark of Porto. From here you will get breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire city. That comes at a price though- you will have to climb 225 steps to get to the top!

• Check out the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Porto- this is the main cathedral in Porto and it’s one of the city’s oldest monuments. This stunning cathedral showcases a beautiful blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles and is unbelievably impressive

Douro Valley

This region of Portugal may be one of the most breathtaking, which is why I highly suggest it when visiting Portugal! The Douro Valley is located in the northern part of the country. It’s famed for its stunning terraced vineyards and steep hillsides framing the Douro River. Douro Valley is also quite famous for being the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, dating back to 1756. It’s also the birthplace of Port wine, a fortified wine known for its sweetness and complexity. 

I’d recommend 2-3 days in the Douro Valley. If you’re a wine enthusiast, I could not blame you for wanting to stay longer! Here are a couple of things worth doing while visiting this outstanding region of Portugal:

• Stay at Quinta Da Gricha- this remodeled farmhouse has four luxury rooms located on a gorgeous vineyard. It was one of the most beautiful stays I’ve experienced to date! Because of the small size of the property it felt so intimate and cozy. The food and wine was exceptional. And the views were out of this world. If you’re interested in staying at Quinta Da Gricha, book here.
• Take a river cruise- this is your best option for soaking in the beauty of the valley and getting to experience it from a different perspective

Algarve

I saved one of the bests for last. If you’re looking to experience a little slice of paradise, Algarve is the place for you. Its golden beaches are a sun-seekers haven, while the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves will keep any adventurer in awe. You’ll discover charming, historic towns, super chic hotels, and incredible food. There’s actually an impressive eight Michelin-starred restaurants located in Algarve! You do not want to miss out on this outstanding part of the country when visiting Portugal.

I’d recommend up to five days in Algarve. But that strongly depends on your interests and your trip length. Because of the amount of towns along the coast, you can easily hit up a few of them during your time there and see something new every day. Here are some things worth experiencing during your time in Algarve:

• Take a boat tour of the coast-It is absolutely remarkable! Very different from the rest of Portugal’s landscapes, the Algarve is home to several natural arches carved by the thrashing waves over millions of years. These dramatic rock formations are truly a sight to behold, and the famous boat tours operated in Algarve will showcase them along with beautiful beaches.

• Speaking of beautiful beaches, spend ample time relaxing on Algarves outstanding Mediterranean beaches. This region of the country sees an average of 300 days of sunshine per year

• Go to Benagil Cave- it is a masterpiece sculptured by nature! Accessible only by boat or kayak, this is one of Algarve’s most impressive gems. It also makes for a really cool photo op!

Enjoy Your Time Visiting Portugal

As I’ve mentioned already, probably multiple times, Portugal is AMAZING! It’s worth saying again. I hope this post has given you some insight into planning your own trip there and has given you some great ideas of where you’ll want to spend your time while visiting this fascinating country. If you have any specific questions about a destination, or the country in general, please let me know below! Happy travels.