The 19 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in portugal"
Named by 6 of 81. LisbonPortugalThe capital is known for steep trams, colorful buildings and rooftop bars.The Alfama district faces the Tagus and is where fado began.Best time to visit Lisbon
Named by 5 of 82. PortoNorte, PortugalPortugal's second-largest city, with a UNESCO-listed old town.One guide suggests 4 or 5 days there.Best time to visit Porto
Named by 5 of 83. SintraLisbon, PortugalA small town with large sites, from Moorish castles to Romantic palaces.A day trip from Lisbon; book Pena Palace tickets online beforehand.
Named by 4 of 8
4. Algarve
Portugal
The southern Algarve is drier and sunnier than the rest of Portugal.
Named by 4 of 85. Douro ValleyNorte, PortugalA wine region in the north, best with a hired car.One writer says the Douro deserves its own trip rather than a rushed add-on.
Named by 3 of 86. AzoresPortugalVolcanic walks, natural pools and hot springs, plus dolphin and whale watching.There are nine islands, and flights land at Ponta Delgada.Best time to visit AzoresBest beaches in Azores
Named by 3 of 87. CascaisLisbon, PortugalA coastal town reachable by train from Lisbon.Described as an Atlantic coast town, doable as a day trip from Lisbon.
Named by 2 of 89. AveiroCentro, PortugalA canal network, art nouveau buildings and nearby beaches.Canals with colorful boats on the west coast.
Named by 2 of 810. BelémLisbon, PortugalHome of the Jerónimos Monastery and the famous custard tarts, just outside Lisbon.The tart shop has a constant line of tourists and locals.
11. LagosAlgarve, PortugalRed rock cliffs and secluded beaches with year-round sun.
12. GuimarãesNorte, PortugalRegarded as Portugal's birthplace, with a UNESCO-listed historic centre.
13. NazaréCentro, PortugalKnown for some of the biggest waves in the world, due to an underwater canyon.
14. EriceiraLisbon, PortugalA small seaside town 45 minutes north of Lisbon, called the unofficial surfing capital of Europe.
15. ArrifanaAlgarve, PortugalA west-coast surf spot with cliff-top sunset views.
16. SagresAlgarve, PortugalHas a quiet surf scene in the south.
17. AlentejoPortugalCalled an underrated wine region.
18. BragaNorte, PortugalA northern city noted for its heritage.
19. FaialAzores, PortugalAn Azores island described as a sustainable tourism destination.
Fares from your city
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When to go
Travel guides most often name May to June and September to October as the best time to visit Portugal.
Named by 6 of 81. LisbonThe capital is known for steep trams, colorful buildings and rooftop bars.The Alfama district faces the Tagus and is where fado began.Best time to visit Lisbon
Named by 5 of 82. PortoPortugal's second-largest city, with a UNESCO-listed old town.One guide suggests 4 or 5 days there.Best time to visit Porto
Named by 5 of 83. SintraA small town with large sites, from Moorish castles to Romantic palaces.A day trip from Lisbon; book Pena Palace tickets online beforehand.
