Portugal is one of the hottest destinations for 2025, and you’ll soon discover why. This small European country is jam-packed with castles, culture, cool cities and gorgeous coastline. From the sun-kissed beaches of the Algarve to charming cobblestone streets of tiny medieval village, Portugal has a bit of everything for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of Lisbon, sipping port wine in porto, or hiking on Madeira Island, you’ll find out why people are adding Portugal to their Europe itinerary.
If you’re wondering where to go in Portugal in 2025, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit in Portugal for first-timers. You can tick some off with one of our Portugal tours!
1. Lisbon
The sun-soaked Portuguese capital is a city of seven hills, so expect to give your legs a workout! But you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views at every turn. Slow down and soak it in with coffee at a miradouro (lookout points). Or take in the city aboard one of the famous canary yellow trams as it squeaks and rattles through narrow, cobbled streets.
History buffs can’t miss the gothic Jerónimos Monastery and the waterfront Belém Tower. Both conveniently located next to Pasteís de Belém, the original Portuguese custard tart bakery. After dark, venture out for Fado music, a local style of melancholic music. Then party on with buzzing nightlife at Pink Street or in Bairro Alto neighbourhood. As the biggest city, Lisbon is easily one of the best places to visit in Portugal.
Must-see: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Alfama District, and the iconic Tram 28.
2. Porto
Porto is Portugal’s second biggest city. Here you’ll find a skyline of medieval spires, pastel-colored townhouses, and the stunning double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge that stretches over the Douro River like an acrobat.
Wander through the Ribeira district, where every corner feels like a postcard. Porto is the birthplace of port wine, so sipping a glass by the river here is basically a requirement. Pop over the river to Vila Nova de Gaia where two dozen port wine cellar await. Then lace up your walking shoes and carve a route passing between the azulejo-tiled churches, buzzing Bolhão Market, magical Livraria Lello bookstores, and São Bento train station, with its 20,000 tiles.
Must-see: Ribeira District, Dom Luís I Bridge, Livraria Lello, and the Porto Cathedral.
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3. Sintra
Sintra is a destination straight out of a storybook – complete with misty forests and majestic palaces. This hilltop haven, about a half-hour drive from Lisbon, feels like a dreamy escape from the ordinary and is one of the best day trips from the capital. Here in the mountain micro-climate you’ll stumble upon the Disney-like red-and-yellow Pena Palace, or get lost discovering the secret tunnels and gardens of Quinta da Regaleira.
Must-see: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Moorish Castle.
4. Algarve
If you love beaches, then the Algarve is a must see. The southern coastline of Portugal is the country’s golden playground where honey-hued cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea. Here the coastline is a mix of craggy caves that look like they’re hiding pirate treasure, and sandy stretches that seem to go on forever.
Spend your days boating along the coastline and zipping into caves like Benagil Cave, or lazing on the beach catching a tan. But it’s not just about the beaches – charming towns like Lagos and Tavira are filled with character, cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and a relaxed vibe. Add fresh seafood, lively beach bars, and sunsets for the ultimate seaside escape.
Must-see: Lagos, Algarve coastline, Ponta da Piedade, Benagil Cave, Ria Formosa
5. Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is like a living postcard of wine! This UNESCO World Heritage gem is a surreal landscape. Here rolling vineyards cascade down steep hillsides, hugging the Douro River like a patchwork quilt of green and gold. If you’re into wine, the Douro Valley is one of the best places to visit in Portugal. This area is the oldest demarcated and regulated wine region in the world, declared in 1756. Port wine is grown on these slopes before being shipped downstream to Porto. Here you’ll swirl glasses of vinho in a centuries-old quinta (winery), and cruise the river on a traditional rabelo boat tour. The winding roads offer jaw-dropping views at every twist and turn.
Must-see: Visit vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and take scenic drives or river cruises.
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6. Évora
Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region, is a medieval treasure. This UNESCO World Heritage site wears its history proudly – and here you’ll step through time seeing an ancient Roman temple, medieval walls, and little whitewashed houses that glow in the golden afternoon light. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, then ponder your own mortality in the Chapel of Bones, where the walls are lined with human skeletons. Shake off any spooky vibes with a glass of Alentejo wine and local cuisine!
Must-see: Roman Temple, Évora Cathedral, and Chapel of Bones.
7. Coimbra
Centuries of history and academic brilliance define Coimbra, the medieval capital of Portugal. This riverside city hums with the echoes of its illustrious past, anchored by the University of Coimbra – one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious. You can stroll through its storied halls and the beautiful Biblioteca Joanina, a baroque library straight from a fairytale. Keep your eyes out for students in flowing black capes, said to have inspired J.K. Rowling.
Must-see: University of Coimbra, Biblioteca Joanina, and the Old Cathedral.
8. Nazaré
Nazaré is both a charming fishing village and adrenaline-fueled surf mecca. Famous for its record-breaking waves, this coastal gem draws big-wave surfers from around the globe. They come to tackle the towering monsters at Praia do Norte. When the waves aren’t pumping it’s still worth visiting to see the golden sands, traditional fishing boats, and narrow streets lined with seafood restaurants.
Must-see: Praia do Norte, Nazaré Lighthouse, Nazaré’s Fishermen’s Quarter, and the Chapel of Our Lady of Nazaré.
9. Guimarães
Known as the “birthplace of Portugal,” charming Guimarães feels like stepping into a medieval storybook. Between the towering Guimarães Castle, dominating Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and cozy stone squares, you can feel the history in every step of this small city. It’s one of the best places to visit on a day trip from Porto, in the north of Portugal.
Must-see: Guimarães Castle, Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and Largo da Oliveira.
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10. Fátima
Spirituality meets serenity in Fátima, a pilgrimage site that draws millions of visitors each year. This place is famous for the Marian apparitions of 1917, and has since become a deeply spiritual spot where pilgrims from around the globe come to reflect and pray at the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of Fátima.
Must-see: Basilica of Our Lady of Fátima, Chapel of the Apparitions, and Sanctuary of Fátima.
11. Cascais
Cascais (cash-cayzh) is an idyllic and glamorous seaside town close to Lisbon. This former fishing village has blossomed into a chic coastal retreat, where you can hop between charming colorful houses, trendy cafes, and stunning beaches. Nearby you can’t miss Boca do Inferno, where the ocean crashes dramatically against rugged cliffs, or the expansive sands of Guincho Beach. It’s one of the best places to visit in Portugal on a day trip from Lisbon.
Must-see: Relax on Guincho Beach, visit the Boca do Inferno cliffs, and explore the historic town center.
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12. Tomar
Tomar is famous for its Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Portugal’s Templar past. The convent is a masterpiece of architecture that mixes Romanesque, Gothic, and Manueline styles. After, you can visit the charming town and pause for lunch by the Nabão River.
Must-see: Convent of Christ, Tomar Castle, and the beautiful Jardim do Mouchão.
13. Madeira Island
Madeira Island is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes, eternal springtime weather, and a splash of adventure. Known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” this lush volcanic island is a hiker’s dream. Trails wind through misty forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along the jaw-dropping cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço. In the island capital, Funchal, you can take the cable car up to Monte for epic views, then toboggan back down in a wicker sled. Don’t miss the colorful fruit market here, or the nearby Cabo Girão Skywalk, a glass-floored balcony perched over a 580-meter drop.
Must-see: Funchal, Ponta de São Lourenço, whale watching and Cabo Girão.
14. Azores
Portugal’s other autonomous archipelago, the Azores, is a well-kept secret. This set of nine volcanic islands are found scattered across the Atlantic, each one brimming with natural beauty and adventure. Picture crater lakes nestled between green hills, dramatic cliffs dropping into the ocean, and hot springs where you can soak your cares away. São Miguel, the largest island, is famous for its stunning Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, while Terceira offers a unique mix of history and volcanic landscapes. On Pico Island you can tast wine and conquer an active volcano, while São Jorge is the land of cheese.
Must-see: São Miguel, Terceira, and Pico.
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15. Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
Does it snow in Portugal? Yes! Serra da Estrela Natural Park is Portugal’s rugged, alpine paradise, where you’ll find the highest point snow-capped in winter. As the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, the park is nature’s playground with great hiking trails and even ski slopes. Don’t miss tasting the famous Serra da Estrela cheese, a gooey sheep’s cheese made here.
Must-see: Torre (the highest point in mainland Portugal), Lagoa Comprida, the picturesque village of Belmonte, and Poço do Inferno waterfall.
16. Óbidos
Óbidos is a picture-perfect medieval village completely encircled by towering stone walls. Within you’ll find a fairytale whitewashed town with cobblestone streets, overflowing bougainvillea, and cute shops and cafes. At the far end the Óbidos Castle is now a luxury hotel, and the village often hosts festivals.
Must-see: Óbidos Castle, the medieval city walls, Porta da Vila, and the charming Rua Direita filled with shops and cafés.
Anywhere missing from our list of the best places to visit in Portugal? Leave us a comment…