Our Favorite Places in PortugalOur Favorite Places in Portugal

Northern RegionNorthern Region

The Northernmost region of Portugal. Home to the city of Porto, Braga, and the beautiful Douro River Valley - and world-renowned for its vineyards. It has everything from stunning coastal destinations with idyllic beaches to mountainous terrain and beautiful cities.

PortoPorto

(Norte Region) Famous for Port wine, charming historic center, and beautiful Douro River views.

Douro ValleyDouro Valley

(Norte Region) A UNESCO-recognized wine region. Picturesque with terraced vineyards, perfect for wine tasting tours. Highly recommend taking a ferry ride down the Duoro river and doing wine tastings.

BragaBraga

(Norte Region) An hour North of Porto, Braga is known for its the multitude of finely constructed baroque churches, including the impressive Bom Jesus de Monte, and the beautiful Santa Barbara Garden.

Central RegionCentral Region

AveiroAveiro

(Central Region) Aveiro is a charming destination beloved for its colorful boats, azulejo-adorned buildings, and, of course, gorgeous canals, which travelers can walk along or ride through on a leisurely afternoon.

NazaréNazaré

(Central Region) A thousand-year-old fishing village only an hour and a half north of Lisbon, Nazaré is known for spectacular seafood and colorful costumes. Renowned for big waves and dramatic coastline. When the winter swells break on Nazaré’s shores, they roll in at close to 100 feet, making Nazaré home to the biggest waves ever surfed.

FátimaFátima

(Central Region) Portugal’s sacred destination. Our Lady of Fátima is the title given to the Virgin Mary as she appeared before three shepherd children near the village of Fátima, Portugal, in 1917. Whether you are a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, the town's profound spiritual aura and historical significance make it a compelling destination. Fun fact: Amanda's grandparents, Alvaro and Cindy, were married at Fatima!

Batalha MonasteryBatalha Monastery

(Central Region) Batalha Monastery is the most important Portuguese gothic building and quite a prominent one in the Iberian Peninsula and Europe. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

TomarTomar

(Central Region) This beautiful city is where Amanda's family is from! A Former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar, Tomar is a city of great charm for its artistic and cultural wealth, whose greatest expression is in the Convent of Christ, one of the chief works of the Portuguese Renaissance. Explore the Convent of Christ overlooking the city or go shopping in historic Tomar.

ÓbidosÓbidos

An hour North of Lisbon, surrounded by a classic crenellated wall, Óbidos’ gorgeous historic centre is a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and flower-bedecked, whitewashed houses livened up with dashes of vivid yellow and blue paint.

Lisbon RegionLisbon Region

Click the link to see Recommended Day Trips from Lisbon

LisbonLisbon

(Lisbon Region) The main city in Portugal, where the wedding festivities will occur! Rich history, lively nightlife, iconic landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and delicious pastries like Pastel de Nata.

EriceiraEriceira

(Lisbon Region) An hour drive Northwest of Lisbon is the world-class surfing town of Ericeira, Europe’s first and only World Surfing Reserve. Surfers have been flocking here since the 1970s, attracted by the mix of waves that range from beach break to powerful reef breaks. Visit the beautiful beaches of Praia Dos Pescadores, Praia De Foz Do Lizandro, or Praia De Sao Lourenzo. Enjoy sunset at Mar Das Latas, boutique shopping, or enjoy the many wonderful seafood restaurants.

SintraSintra

(Lisbon Region) The fairytale town of palaces. Sintra is a 30 minute drive from Lisbon and makes a fantastic day trip. It is also one of our favorites to spend a few days exploring. Trains are also available from Lisbon to Sintra. A longtime royal sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage location, Sintra's forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. There are 6 beautiful palaces and castles to visit here with expansive grounds to explore. Pena Palace: A national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. Parque e Palácio de Monserrate: A palace surrounded by gardens with unique interiors and many plant species Quinta da Regaleira: A historic estate with gardens that include secret tunnels, spiraling wells, and ornate fountains Parque de Monserrate: A Moorish Revival villa surrounded by botanical gardens Sintra National Palace: A medieval palace that was once home to Prince Henry the Navigator

CascaisCascais

(Lisbon Region) A 30 minute drive from Lisbon and less than 20 minutes from Sintra, Cascais a charming beachside town that makes a fantastic choice for a day trip from Lisbon.

Azenhas do MarAzenhas do Mar

(Lisbon Region) If you're looking for a quiet town with scenic views on the coast near Lisbon, this is it. Best suited for adventurers with stunning viewpoints and hikes like Ursa Beach and Cabo da Roca. Our favorite restaurants near here are Bar do Fundo, Resturante Nortada, Buzio, and Mugs Brunch Cafe.

Costa da CaparicaCosta da Caparica

(Lisbon Region) Just a short 30 minute drive South of Lisbon, Costa da Caparica is a small, laid back town with great surfing and beach clubs. In the summer, there are often music festivals held in the beach clubs here.

Alentejo RegionAlentejo Region

The Alentejo is the beautiful rural interior of Portugal, and is characterized by gently rolling hills, historic fortified towns and some of the best vineyards in all of Portugal. Here you will find superior wine tasting, historic landmarks, and medieval villages overlooking the Serra da Estrela Mountains. The Alentejo is now a world wine region, and the region’s winemakers have ushered in modern advancements, earning acclaim for full-bodied, fruity reds and light, oaky whites.

ComportaComporta

(Alentejo Region) A quiet, charming beach town an hour's drive south. Called the 'Hamptons of Portugal', Comporta is known for its beautiful beaches, quiet and chic town, and five-star luxury retreats. Visit the beach of Praia da Comporta, boat through Sado Estuary Natural Reserve to see flocks of flamingos, or go horse back through desert, rice fields, and beaches.

EvoraEvora

(Alentejo Region) A journey through time. If you’re wondering where to go in Portugal for a mix of ancient grandeur and Gothic allure, look no further than the ancient city of Évora. Visit Portugal’s most beautifully preserved Roman ruin: the Temple of Diana from the first century A.D. You’ll also get to visit St. Francis Church, the Gothic-meets-Manueline church from the 15th century. Inside is the spooky Chapel of Bones, the walls and ceilings of which are covered with human skulls and bones.

Algarve RegionAlgarve Region

The sun-soaked coastline located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve region is home to more than 100 spectacular beaches. Europeans have known the Algarve to be one of the best places to visit in Portugal, with its gorgeous beaches, year-round mild weather, postcard-worthy landscapes, succulent seafood, and never-ending sunshine. Plus, if you love golf, the Algarve is one of the best places in Portugal—make that the world—for tee time.

Lagos, PortugalLagos, Portugal

(The Algarve Region) Our favorite town in Portugal! Explore this historic port city. Visit the stunning cliff-side beaches of Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana, and Ponta da Piedade. Take a boat or kayak tour through the beautiful sea caves on the coast. Lagos also has incredible restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.

AlbufeiraAlbufeira

(The Algarve Region) Albufeira, a dynamic blend of traditional charm and modern vibrancy, is the Algarve's most famous tourist hotspot. It has evolved from a quiet fishing village into a bustling city, renowned for its beautiful beaches, like the expansive Praia da Falésia and the lively Praia dos Pescadores. The Old Town, with its narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings, offers a glimpse into Albufeira's past, while the newer parts of the city cater to those seeking entertainment and nightlife.

VilamouraVilamoura

(The Algarve Region) Vilamoura, synonymous with luxury and sophistication, is the Algarve's premier resort town. Its marina, one of the largest and most prestigious in Europe, is a focal point for yachts and luxury vessels, lined with stylish cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Vilamoura is a golfer's paradise, boasting some of Portugal's finest courses, set against the backdrop of the Algarve's stunning landscape.

Benagil CaveBenagil Cave

(The Algarve Region) One of the main tourist attractions in the Algarve, accessible only by sea. The Benagil Caves, located on the Algarve coast, are one of the most impressive natural formations in Portugal.

Arrifana BeachArrifana Beach

(The Algarve Region) If you're looking for a small surf town off the beaten path, this is it. A very tiny town with beautiful cliff views, sea & farm to table food, and epic surf.

Cabo de São VicenteCabo de São Vicente

(The Algarve Region) Landmark - Europe's south-westernmost point. Considered a significant landmark for sailors throughout history, it's often referred to as the "end of the world" due to its position at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.