5 Amazing Places to Visit in Portugal
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Portugal is a very popular place to visit in Europe as it’s home to so many beautiful cities and beach destinations. It’s often cited on many people’s bucket list, but with such a vast number of places to choose from, many people don’t even know where to begin!
There are so many beautiful places to visit in Portugal, from city breaks to relaxing beach locations, it can be fairly hard to just pick one, so we’ve narrowed it down to the top five places to visit in Portugal.
Porto
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Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and has an abundance of intensely rich culture to offer everyone who visits. Often referred to as the younger sister of Lisbon, Porto is teeming with stunning streets, picturesque river views and gorgeous colourful buildings.
There’s also a vast range of cathedrals, gardens and palaces to explore when in Porto, and you’ll also get the chance to sample some of the best cuisines in the whole of Portugal during your time here.
If you’re a wine fanatic, then you’ll also love paying a visit to Porto’s plethora of vineyards!
Lisbon
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As the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is one of the country’s most popular destinations. From the winding streets and impeccable views of beaches, gardens and the sea, Lisbon is any tourist’s paradise.
Despite being a capital city, it’s actually fairly cheap, at least when compared to other European capitals; so you can rest assured that you’ll be able to indulge in a wide range of activities while you’re there, without breaking the bank.
The rich history of Alfama and the Jerónimos Monastery will provide you with a high dose of culture while you’re in Lisbon. If you’re a huge food lover and you love trying out new dishes whenever you visit somewhere new, then you’re sure to love Lisbon. Famed for its vast variety of vivacious dishes, Lisbon’s food scene certainly won’t disappoint!
Algarve
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If you’re looking for a holiday that combines an eclectic mix of beaches, warm weather, adrenaline-fuelled activities and an impeccable food scene, then look no further than the Algarve!
There are a few major towns that are part of the Algarve including Lagos and Albufeira, where you can enjoy frolicking in the bountiful beaches and caves, all the while tucking into some delicious Portuguese cuisine.
The Algarve is also a widely popular place to visit in Portugal if you’re a lover of fishing or rock climbing as there are many locations where you can take part in these activities. There are also so many beautiful hotels and resorts that reside on the coast in the likes of Lagos and Faro, as well as plenty of stunning seafront restaurants and bars where you can enjoy an indulgent meal and a refreshing beverage.
Madeira
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Madeira is home to a subtropical island system that’s fully equipped with some of the most incredible food, beaches and hiking opportunities in the whole of Portugal.
If you’re a keen hiker or walker, then Madeira would make the ideal location for you to visit in Portugal as there’s a plethora of walks, hills and mountains to endure.
You’ll also find a wonderful collection of smaller islands around Madeira that are home to a smattering of museums and structures of architecture.
History fanatics and museum lovers will be in their element when visiting Madeira as you can visit the likes of the Cristiano Ronaldo museum, the house that once belonged to Christopher Columbus and the Madeira Wine museum!
Sintra
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Sintra is just a stone’s throw away from Lisbon and is renowned as a long-time royal sanctuary that is home to many villas and palaces. These pastel coloured architectural beauties make Sintra an almost ethereal place; which is why it’s often referred to as a fairytale destination. The famous children’s author, Hans Christian Andersen, also used to live in a house in Sintra’s woods; which makes it an even more desirable place to visit!
There are so many palaces and castles to visit in Sintra, including Pena Palace and Castle of the Moors which reside on top of beatific mountainsides and hilltops. Views from almost everywhere in Sintra are truly spectacular and you can easily spend hours getting lost in the beauty of everything that it has to offer.
Portugal is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Europe; and for a good reason. Whether you opt for a weeklong holiday in the summer, or you fancy a short weekend, city break in winter, Portugal can offer you a vast variety of excellent destinations.
For a more cultural city break, make sure to pay a visit to the likes of Lisbon or Porto; for a more relaxed approach to a holiday in Portugal, then make sure you spend some time in the Algarve for stunning views and decadent dishes.