The Best Places to Visit in Portugal
During my years of traveling, I have found myself loving many different countries. However, at times, some of them stick out a bit more than others. And Portugal is one of them. It is the perfect place to go with friends in college, go on a couple’s getaway or vacation on the beach with your family.
@elisamichelet
Why visit Portugal?
Easy transportation
@mparzuchowski
My favorite way to get around the country is by train. Portugal has a very good train network which makes it very easy to travel around in the country without a car. It is also very cheap to take a train in Portugal. The average price of a train ticket is between 5-10 euros.
Another way you can get around, especially at night or if you are with friends is by getting an Uber. It is a lot cheaper than taking a taxi and if you are with a larger group of people it is often cheaper to take an Uber than taking a tram or train.
(New to Uber? Use my code and get 2$ of your first 3 rides with uber)
Delicious cheap food
Portugal is known for its great food. Some of the most famous dishes are:
Fresh seafood
Peixinhos da horta (vegetarian dish)
Pasteis de nata (dessert)
@felixkolthoff
Everywhere you go in Portugal you will find these cute little restaurants near the beach where fisherman bring fresh fish on a daily basis. But also the desserts are one of my favorite things in Portugal, you can find so many coffee shops where you can watch people and enjoy a fresh pastry whilst you are at it.
Beautiful beaches
If you say Portugal, I immediately think of beautiful beaches. Especially in the south there is no lack of hidden gems when it comes to beaches. In the summer these can be really busy, which is why I’d recommend going in the shoulder season (June or September) the weather will still be really nice and you can enjoy the breathtaking views with a bit more privacy.
@pixelatelier
Great party atmosphere
Albufeira is known for its party life. And on the strip there is no shortage of places to go out and have fun with your friends. But also the other towns in Portugal are not shy of a party or just a good night out at a bar.
@overdriv3
Where to stay?
Portugal has a lot of different accommodation options, I recommend a
Hostel (if you travel solo)
AirBnB (if you travel solo, with friends, with your family)
Hotel (if you travel as a couple or a family).
@saltedhoney
Where to Visit?
Porto
Porto is mostly known for its famous river Douro and the delicious Porto wine. The city is located in Northern Portugal. The city is very diverse as it is the home to some beautiful parks, great history, buzzing nightlife and food & wine to die for.
Porto is Portugal’s second largest city, after Lisbon. It is also a very ancient city, although parts have become very modernized. Being so close to the river, the city is very hilly and leaves room for steep river banks.
Beware that Porto is cooler and sometimes also wetter than most other areas in Portugal. It is thus best to visit the city during the summer (June – September).
@_everaldo
What to do?
Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello is a bookshop with an extraordinary historical and architectural value. In 1881 the brothers José and António Lello opened an establishment at the nearby Rua do Almada, Porto, dedicated to publishing and selling books. Since then, the shop has become one of the hot spots of the city to visit. The store is most famous for its beautiful staircase.
@ivoafr
Sao Bento Station
Sao Bento station is one of the most beautiful in the world. The exterior of the building is beautiful, but it isn’t until you walk in that you will be truly amazed. Just look at those tiles. Half the people in there are photographing the ceiling and the other half waiting for their train. It is a unique place to visit knowing it has been there since 1916.
@muchenz
Igreja Do Carmo
Connected to its twin church by a house, this baroque church has a well-known tiled side façade. Next to the façade there is also a famous door with which many photographers / tourists like to pose.
@dominikkuhn
Luis 1 Bridge
This double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the River Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal. At the time of its construction, it was the largest in the world with a 172-meter span. You can both walk as well as ride across the bridge. This bridge is one of Porto’s most photographed spots.
@vannien
Douro River
This river is mainly known because of its area: the Douro Valley. In this area the famously known Porto wine is made, and as you cruise down the river, you will see endless vineyards.
@pizzzalovers
Vila Nova De Gaia
This is the best area in town to go and have a wine tasting. Be sure to check websites such as; Airbnb – experiences, trivago and getyourguide.com to find the wine tasting which fits your wants and needs.
@brunus
Aveiro
Aveiro is a city on the west coast of Portugal set along a lagoon called Ria de Aveiro. It's distinguished by its canals navigated by colorful boats (barcos moliceiros), traditionally used to harvest seaweed. Aveiro is called the little Venice of Portugal.
It is easily accessible by train from Porto in under 1 hour (fast train 40min).
@rresenden
What to do?
Parque Dom Pedro Infante (City Park)
This city park is every IG’ers dream location. It has some spectacular locations to make some beautiful pictures of your trip in Portugal.
Ruas Coloridas
Wander around the streets of Aveiro to find beautifully decorated houses and streets in all colors.
@hmiguelsousa
Aveiro Canals
If you plan on visiting Aveiro, there is no chance of not walking past the beautiful canals. It is the perfect resting place to sit back and enjoy the sun. Jardim do Rossio is a canal front park that is worth a visit as well.
@rresenden
Costa Nova Beach
This stretch of beach is known because of its colorful houses lined along the coast. Costa Nova and Barra beach are easily reached via public transport from Aveiro.
@oria_hector
Faro / Olhão
Faro is one of the most popular cities in the Algarve region. The city itself does not have particular highlights that other towns don’t have. But the location makes it a perfect spot to stay and adventure out on day trips or relax by the beach depending on what you are looking for.
Olhão is a small town next to Faro which is a lot cheaper to stay and eat and is only a short uber drive or train ride away from Faro.
@rush_intime
What to do?
Ria Formosa Tour
The Ria Formosa National Park is one of Portugal's 7 Natural Wonders. It is definitely worth a visit and you could make a day trip out of it.
gotoportugal.eu
@lisauraa
Day trips:
Tavira, Albufeira, Lagos, are all cities near Faro which are worth it to visit for a day. Another option is to do a Southern Portugal Road Trip where you discover multiple cities over a 10day period.
Tavira
What to do?
Tavira Castle
The Castle of Tavira is located in the old town center. During most days it is free to visit, but be sure to check the website.
The Roman Bridge & Praca da Republica (main square)
Connecting both sides of the town, the central square and the roman bridge are the perfect resting spot for your day trip, enjoy some lunch, go for a stroll near the water and grab a dessert at one of the main coffee shops.
Santa Maria do Castelo
One of the larger churches in Tavira, built over an old mosque after the revolution in the 17 hundreds.
Jardim Publico
This park is a small but nice park next to the Roman Bridge and main square, it is well maintained and a nice area to walk around.
Tavira Beach
And just like every town in Portugal, Tavira has a nice beach as well where you can relax and enjoy the sun.
Albufeira
What to do?
Benagil Cave Tour
Everyone who has looked on Pinterest for what to do in the Algarve region will have seen something about the Benagil Cave. It is this beautiful spot off the coast of Albufeira. I recommend taking a tour with a company to visit the cave, and maybe you can add a dolphin spotting tour with it.
@mondogenerator
Old Town
The Old Town of Albufeira is a place where you can relax, enjoy some food and walk around the many souvenir shops. During the summer this area can become very crowded, so be warned for pickpockets.
www.vrbo.com
The Strip
If you are looking for some good nightlife in Portugal, Albufeira’s Strip is the place to be. At night, this street transforms into one of the most buzzing areas in all of Portugal.
Beaches
And lastly, the beaches are also very nice in Albufeira. I recommend going a bit out of the town’s center and finding some more remote beaches to enjoy.
@edusantos
