10 Best Places to Visit in Portugal – Adventurer Edge

10 Best places to visit in Portugal : An Ancient Jewel Worth Exploring

Portugal is like one of those ancient jewels that our grandparents often pass on to us. It usually goes unnoticed but has immense value. If you pass through Europe or plan a vacation in the old continent, don’t forget to stop by this beautiful country. From its southern tip to its northernmost spot, you’ll find more than 100 reasons to stay for more than a week.

Adventure lovers will enjoy exploring its deep valleys and beautiful mountain ranges that will steal your breath away. So pack your bags and join Adventurer Edge as we take you on a tour of the 10 Best Places to Visit in Portugal that you must visit at least once in your life.

1. The Picturesque Village of Lagoa

It’s a beautiful and picturesque village located in the municipality of Lagoa, Algarve, west. It is nowadays a great tourist attraction thanks to its paradisiacal sands and beautiful sea. You can take the best pictures at sunset here. Its beaches are full of cliffs and caves that you can explore, making the place an earthly paradise.

Walk along the carve where the sea meets the land and enjoy the most incredible views of the Atlantic Sea. Or explore the Lighthouse of Cabo Carvoeiro. You will fall in love with this building and the stunning views that visitors have enjoyed since 1920.

If you want to enjoy your summer vacation differently, you can also tour the Slide and Splash Water Park just outside the fishing village.

2. Natural Parks Along the Portuguese Coast

This place is one of the best-preserved natural parks in Europe and has an extension of at least 110 kilometers along the Portuguese coast. This beautiful place is accessible to tourists and is home to many species of animals and vegetation.

Its geographic diversity results from years of wind and sea erosion that have generated large and incredible rock formations, now symbols of this park. You can swim, surf, hike, and even ride your bike around this place and get to know all that nature in Portugal has to offer for you.

3. Monsanto: The Village of Rocks

If you want to see the area that best represents the country’s culture, you must go through Monsanto. This village rocks—literally speaking—because everywhere you look in this place, you will see rocks and granite around.

Most of the houses and buildings are founded or supported on large stones. In 1938, this beautiful area received the award for being the most purely preserved village in all of Portugal. Here, you will find structures dating back more than 900 years.

This city stands still in time. You can take a tour through what was once the city’s castle—or what is left of it—and discover the past of this beautiful place.

4. The Bone Chapel in Évora

It’s a horrifying and spectacular installation that will take your breath away. As its name explains, the whole structure has bones in every corner. You can visit this fantastic place if you are in Évora.

The entire building was decorated with more than 5,000 skulls, baroque paintings, and sculptures with religious themes. Imagine how grand the whole structure is! Not everyone could feel comfortable inside the chapel, but it’s a unique experience that many visitors recommend. One thing’s for sure: in this place, you’ll get goosebumps.

5. Lisbon: Portugal’s Capital

This city is one of the most attractive in the country. Besides being Portugal’s capital, it’s also host to many festivals and musical events.

One of the oldest cities on the European continent, it was founded by the Phoenicians around the 13th century BC. Today, this city is one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions, thanks to many massive castles, beautiful facades, and the historical value of its streets, monuments, and boardwalks.

You can explore the city on its iconic railroad. Try especially the route to the city’s older districts, leading to the Alfama district. When you get there, don’t forget to walk through its stone streets that look like a giant maze.

You’ll find beautiful places to have a drink or a snack, as well as lovely souvenirs for your friends. You can also visit Jerónimos Monastery, built in 1502, and discover the secrets that keep the continent’s oldest walls.

Imagine if these walls could talk! If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’ll love visiting one of the city’s highest points: the Senhora do Monte viewpoint. Your pictures will look like magazine covers.

If you feel your stomach is empty, check out the menu of Bica do Sapato and enjoy the flavors of the best chefs in Lisbon.

6. Madeira Island: Home to Cristiano Ronaldo

Located in Funchal on Madeira Island, this place represents one of the best tourist attractions for soccer lovers. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Spanish soccer fan or just a World Cup enthusiast—everyone knows Cristiano Ronaldo is considered one of the best players in the world.

In the museum, you’ll find all the information about his achievements, along with the awards he has won during his sporting career. If you’re a CR7 fan, we recommend exploring the whole city. There is even a hotel named after him, Pestana CR7 Hotel.

7. Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley

You can find this site in the northeast area of the country. It has the most extensive and famous set of rock art known today.

The Portuguese government created the Archaeological Park in 1996 to protect and showcase these ancient human traces. While the entire area is not accessible, you can always take a guided tour through essential points, such as Ribeira de Piscos, Canada do Inferno, and Penascosa.

8. The Gil Eannes Museum Ship

In this museum, you’ll learn about the Portuguese fishing lifestyle during the golden years when the ship of the same name operated. Built in Viana do Castelo in 1955, the Gil Eannes served as a supply ship, icebreaker, and tugboat for almost 30 years.

After years of neglect, the ship was rebuilt as a museum. Today, it displays objects and tells the adventurous stories of its past.

9. Saint Mary’s Church in Óbidos

Portugal is known for its Catholic tradition and some of Europe’s most beautiful churches. Saint Mary’s Church, located in the walled city of Óbidos, is a prime example.

Built during the 12th century, this temple witnessed King Alfonso V’s wedding, which brought it fame throughout the country. During your visit, you’ll admire various artworks dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the locals’ patron saint.

10. Aveiro: Portugal’s Venice

Aveiro is a city where the sky meets the sea, often called Portugal’s Venice. Its vibrant colors, beautiful buildings, and elongated boats make touring the city a delight.

You can take sightseeing tours on boats or explore the Aveiro Museum, famous for its Catholic exhibits. Besides its architectural and historical richness, Aveiro offers excellent gastronomy.

Don’t miss seafood delicacies like grilled fish or pickled eels—meals you must try during your visit. Above are the top 10 Best Places to Visit in Portugal.

Conclusion:
Portugal may be small, but it offers countless reasons to stay and explore. From natural beauty to cultural richness, it caters to every traveler’s taste. Here’s our list of the top 10 best places to visit in Portugal.

Experience its festivals, friendly people, and delicious cuisine. Once you visit Portugal with Adventurer Edge, you’ll always want to return.