An Insider’s Guide to Portugal: What to See and Where to Stay

Portugal: a stunningly beautiful country filled with vibrant cities, stunning beaches, rolling vineyards, and breathtaking mountains. From historic cities to quaint villages, Portugal has something for everyone. If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation, Portugal is a great place to explore. Here’s an insider’s guide to Portugal – what to see and where to stay.

Explore Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and it’s known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning architecture. Start your visit by exploring the cobblestoned streets of the Alfama district, the oldest part of the city. Here you’ll find quaint cafes and restaurants, as well as traditional Fado music venues. From Alfama, make your way to the iconic Belem Tower, a 16th-century fortress located on the banks of the Tagus River. From here, you can take a boat tour to explore the city’s iconic bridges and waterfront neighborhoods. End your day with a stroll along the waterfront, admiring the stunning architecture of the Jeronimos Monastery and the 25th of April Bridge.

Visit Sintra

Sintra is a small town located just outside of Lisbon. It’s known for its breathtaking landscapes and stunning palaces. Start your day at the Pena Palace, an extravagant 19th-century palace located on top of a hill. From here, you can explore the picturesque town of Sintra and its charming cobblestone streets. Make sure to visit the Moorish Castle, a fortress built by the Moors in the 8th century. After exploring Sintra, make your way to Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point. Here, you can admire the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Discover the Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region and it’s known for its stunning beaches and beautiful coastline. Start your visit by exploring the stunning Algarve coastline. Make sure to visit the Praia da Marinha, a stunning beach located in the heart of the region. From here, you can explore the stunning cliffs of the Algarve and take a boat tour to explore the stunning grottos and caves. Once you’ve had your fill of the coastline, make your way to the town of Lagos. Here you can explore the cobblestone streets of the historic center and visit the 16th-century fortress of Sao Miguel de Odrinhas.

Visit the Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s most stunning regions. From the rolling vineyards to the quaint villages, this region has something for everyone. Start your visit by exploring the stunning vineyards of the region. Make sure to visit the Quinta do Noval, one of the most famous vineyards in the region. After exploring the vineyards, make your way to the town of Pinhao. Here you can explore the charming cobblestoned streets and visit the Douro Museum, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the region.

Visit the Azores

The Azores is an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty and unique culture. Start your visit by exploring the city of Ponta Delgada. Here you can explore the charming cobblestone streets and visit the Sao Miguel Park, a botanical garden filled with exotic plants and flowers. From Ponta Delgada, make your way to the island of Sao Miguel. Here you can explore the stunning crater lakes and take a boat tour to explore the coastline. End your day by visiting the Furnas Valley, where you can admire the stunning views of the volcanic crater.

Explore Porto

Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and it’s known for its stunning riverfront and vibrant culture. Start your visit by exploring the cobblestone streets of the Ribeira district. Here you can admire the stunning views of the Douro River and visit the Sao Francisco Church, a stunning 18th-century church. From here, make your way to the Palacio da Bolsa, a 19th-century palace located in the heart of the city. End your day with a stroll along the riverfront, admiring the stunning views of the city.

Discover the Minho Region

The Minho region is located in northern Portugal and it’s known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture. Start your visit by exploring the city of Braga. Here you can explore the charming cobblestone streets and visit the Bom Jesus do Monte, a stunning baroque church located on top of a hill. From here, make your way to the city of Guimaraes. Here you can explore the historic center and visit the 10th-century castle, a stunning castle located in the heart of the city. End your day by exploring the stunning coastline of the Costa Verde.

Visit Coimbra

Coimbra is a charming city located in central Portugal. It’s known for its vibrant student culture and stunning architecture. Start your visit by exploring the cobblestone streets of the city. Make sure to visit the University of Coimbra, the oldest university in Portugal. From here, make your way to the Se Velha, a 12th-century cathedral located in the heart of the city. End your day with a stroll along the Mondego River, admiring the stunning views of the city.

Explore the Alentejo Region

The Alentejo region is located in southern Portugal and it’s known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture. Start your visit by exploring the city of Evora. Here you can explore the historic center and visit the Roman Temple of Evora, a stunning temple located in the heart of the city. From here, make your way to the town of Monsaraz. Here you can explore the cobblestone streets and visit the 14th-century castle, a stunning castle located on top of a hill. End your day by exploring the vineyards of the region and tasting some of the region’s famous wines.

Visit the Douro River Valley

The Douro River Valley is a stunning region located in northern Portugal. It’s known for its rolling vineyards, stunning views, and quaint villages. Start your visit by exploring the picturesque vineyards of the region. Make sure to visit the Quinta do Crasto, one of the most famous wineries in the region. From here, make your way to the town of Pinhao. Here you can explore the charming cobblestone streets and visit the Douro Museum, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the region.

Visit the Serra da Estrela

The Serra da Estrela is Portugal’s highest mountain range and it’s known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture. Start your visit by exploring the historic town of Covilha. Here you can explore the cobblestone streets and visit the 15th-century castle, a stunning castle located in the heart of the city. From here, make your way to the stunning mountain village of Manteigas. Here you can admire the stunning views of the mountain range and explore the surrounding trails. End your day by visiting the Torre, a stunning observation tower located on top of the mountain.

Explore the Beaches of the Algarve

The Algarve region is known for its stunning beaches and beautiful coastline. Start your visit by exploring the stunning beaches of the region. Make sure to visit the Praia da Marinha, a stunning beach located in the heart of the region. From here, you can explore the stunning cliffs of the Algarve and take a boat tour to explore the stunning grottos and caves. Once you’ve had your fill of the coastline, make your way to the town of Lagos. Here you can explore the cobblestone streets of the historic center and visit the 16th-century fortress of Sao Miguel de Odrinhas.

Where to Stay in Portugal

Portugal has a wide variety of accommodation options for visitors. From luxury hotels to quaint guesthouses, there’s something for everyone. Popular cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve have a wide variety of hotels and resorts. For a unique experience, consider staying in a traditional Portuguese pousada, a type of inn located in rural villages. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, consider staying in one of Portugal’s many rural villages. Here you can stay in a traditional guesthouse and experience the local culture and cuisine.

From vibrant cities to stunning beaches, Portugal has something for everyone. With this insider’s guide to Portugal, you’ll be able to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, unique culture, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious vacation or a more authentic experience, Portugal has something for everyone.