The 20 BEST Cities in Portugal + What to Expect There (with photos & tips)

Full List of the 20 Best Cities in Portugal

Without further ado, here is the full list of the 20 Best Cities to visit in Portugal!

Best Cities in Portugal:

1. Sintra
2. Faro
3. Lagos
4. Aveiro
5. Coimbra
6. Porto
7. Sesimbra
8. Obidos
9. Monsaraz
10. Lisbon
11. Tavira
12. Funchal
13. Evora
14. Leiria
15. Viana do Castelo
16. Ponta Delgada
17. Braga
18. Odeceixe
19. Guimarães
20. Monsanto

If you want more details about each of these cities and their landmarks, keep reading below to see what to expect in each city, with photos and tips!

Your Guide to the 20 Best Cities to Visit in Portugal

To be honest, there are so many incredible cities in Portugal; it was hard to create this list of the 20 best cities in Portugal, and I had to make some hard choices to decide which cities were going to be included in the list.

The list was originally 10 best cities, but I added to it because I felt I couldn’t skip so many stunning cities.

Each city you’ll find in the list below is different, and is worth a visit. For each city, you’ll see what to expect with photos so you can quickly decide if you’ll add it to your bucket list or not 😉

1 – Sintra

Sintra is one of the best cities in Portugal especially if you are a fan of castles and palaces.

It used to be the place the Portuguese Royal Family would visit to escape the heat in Lisbon, so there are several castles, palaces, and beautiful gardens to explore. Sintra can be visited in a day trip from Lisbon, but there is so much to see you will want to stay longer. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The oldest castle in Sintra is the Castle of the Moors dating back to 8th or 9th century. It is now just ruins, but definitely worth a visit for the views from the castle wall walk.

The most famous palace in Sintra is the colorful Pena Palace, which has been transformed from ruins of a monastery. In the historical center of town, you will find the National Palace of Sintra, the summer residence of the monarchs from the 15th to the 19th century. Step inside and you will see some impressive tile work and period pieces.

If you have any more time, you could also visit Quinta de Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, Capuchos Convent, Palace of Seteais, and the Sintra Museum of Modern Art. There are also great coastal towns to discover in the area such as Ericeira.

2 – Faro

Faro is located in the south of Portugal and is the capital of the Algarve region.

The region is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, good surf, and steep cliffs. Even being the capital of Algarve, Faro is often overlooked as a tourist destination in favor of other towns in the region. Still, there is so much to see in Faro.

From walking the cobblestoned streets of the old town dating all the way back to the 13th century, to exploring the National Park of Ria Formosa consisting of 19 km of sand bar islands, saltwater lagoons, and animal life.

The stunning Igreja do Carmo in Faro

Faro doesn’t have a beach right in the center of town, but there are plenty of beaches in close proximity. Just a 15 minutes bus ride from the center and you will find yourself at Praia de Faro, and just a short ferry ride and you can pick & choose among the islands.

Faro is also a popular student city in Portugal and has more of a local population all throughout the year. This makes it a city full of life, not just in the tourist season.

Faro is the perfect holiday destination for those who want a little bit of everything, and definitely a great place to stay in Algarve. You can find rich history and architecture, get an insight into the real Portuguese day to day life, and escape to beach paradises for the day.

3 – Lagos

Our 3rd on this list of top cities in Portugal is still in the southern Algarve region of Portugal the fun and sinful city of Lagos. For me (Simon from Journeys to Adventure) it’s a beach city with a vibrant summer nightlife.

Lagos is a walled city is full of maritime history dating back more than 2000 year. With a population of 22000 residents, though this number dramatically expands in the summer months. Though the real reason for visiting Lagos are the fun bars and incredible beaches. Theses beaches are ranging from long and sandy, to more private coved beaches nestled between the cliffs of the Atlantic ocean.

From the stunning beaches the best other attractions are the small bars that each night turn into a massive street party. With young Europeans and many Australians ram buckling through the different small bars and clubs. All to wake and bask on the beaches, lapping up the stunning coastline and beach sights Lagos has to offer.

Apart from basking in the sun and raging through the bars at night. There are many other activities in Lagos to explore, like the following:

• Surfing, which is best from autumn to spring. Lagos offers some super fun waves with many  surf schools and surfboards for rent.

• Sea kayaking is a fun adventure, as you paddle along the sea cliffs. It’s a great way to spend a morning or afternoon if your more into exploring than just relaxing on the beach.
• Scuba diving is popular with crystal clear waters and rocky caves to explore. Recommend booking with the dive shop “Dive Time” and ask for Chris, he’s very helpful.
• But if your more interested in running a muck and want to keep the party going or kick started, then I strongly recommend booking a very popular booze cruises. This is a great option and depart from the local port daily.

4 – Aveiro

Aveiro is a coastal city on the west coast of Portugal, 1 hour south of Porto. It’s set in a lagoon, Ria de Aveiro, and it’s often called the Venice of Portugal. It’s a must in any great Northern Portugal road trip! 

One of the best activities in the city is to go on one of these traditional boats and go on a cruise on the canals. Far from the classic tourist destination, Aveiro is a weekend getaway for the locals. It’s one of the most romantic locations in Portugal, and definitely one of the top Portugal cities to visit.

5 – Coimbra

The charming city of Coimbra was the first capital city of Portugal until the country’s borders were pushed much further south and Lisbon became the seat of power. You’ll find it in the centre of Portugal, on the banks of the Mondego River, about 200 kms north of Lisbon and 100 kms south of Porto.

It’s famous for its UNESCO World Heritage University, which is partly housed within what used to be the Royal Palace and commands sweeping views across the city and down to the river. Coimbra also has its own version of fado music which originated as serenades by lovesick students and is still only sung by male fadistas.

Within this ancient city, you’ll find an underground Roman cryptoporticus, one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, 12^th century Romanesque cathedral, a Gothic monastery and the palace where a real life Romeo and Juliette style love affair took place between Prince Pedro and his wife’s lady’s maid, Inês de Castro, now known as Quinta das Lágrimas.

There’s plenty more to see and do here although most visitors don’t allocate enough time to explore it properly. I’d recommend spending at least one night in Coimbra to give yourself time to visit the Machado de Castro Museum, the Botanical Gardens and other hidden treasures like the cat café.

6 – Porto

I’m sure you expected this one on the list: Porto, 2nd in the list of biggest cities in Portugal.

Porto is a coastal city located in the Northwest of Portugal, and a must in this list of best Portugal cities according to Mal from Raw Mal Roams.

It is famous for its picturesque riverside, charming cobbled lanes and grand bridges. It’s also home to the unique, sweet, Portuguese wine- Port.

Stroll along the Porto’s riverside – Cais da Ribeira. Admire its colourful houses and side narrow, cobbled lanes. You can relax here in one of the cafes. There are also many riverside cruise options to enjoy this place from a comfort of a boat deck.

When you are ready head to the other side of the river and tour Porto’s finest port cellars like Calem or Ferreira. Port is a Portuguese fortified, sweet wine produced with distilled grape spirits.

As you go further down the river, you’ll be able to see Luis I Bridge which was constructed by the German engineer Théophile Seyrig who cofounded the Eiffel Company (famous for the Eiffel Tower of course). The bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Porto.

Walk a bit further and you’ll get to Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Ocean. There is a lovely promenade and many fancy restaurants and cafe. You can also take a dip in the breeze ocean here.

While you’re in Porto, don’t miss the Igreja de Carmo! This is probably the most famous place in Porto on Instagram and it definitely deserves to be on your Porto itinerary. It’s because the side facade of the church is entirely covered with stunning blue tiles that attract many ‘perfect picture hunters’.

7 – Sesimbra

Sesimbra is a small fishing village about 40 kilometers south of Lisbon. This hidden gem is well worth at least a day trip to enjoy its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and delicious seafood.

Start your visit in the morning with a hike to one of the best beaches in Portugal, Ribeira do Cavalo. Hidden beneath a steep cliff, this beach requires a 30-minute trek down a rocky path to get there, but it’s well worth the effort, according to Stephanie from Poppin Smoke.

Spend a couple hours relaxing on the beach and enjoying the calm, turquoise waters, then make your way back to the center of Sesimbra for a late lunch. Join the line of locals waiting to eat at Tasca do Isaías, and choose your meal from the list of freshly-caught fish and seafood on their daily menu. They cook it on their outdoor grill, and you will enjoy your meal at the communal tables in their small, bustling restaurant.

After lunch, stroll the boardwalk along Praia da California, and if you still have energy, hike up to Sesimbra Castle, a Moorish castle that stands on the cliff overlooking the town.

8 – Obidos

Just one hour away from Lisbon is the small medieval town of Óbidos.

It’s incredibly well-preserved and still retains the charm of centuries gone by. Castle ruins surround the entire town and inside you’ll find cobbled streets, white-washed houses with splashes of blue and yellow, and a beautiful gate with traditional Portuguese tiles. Óbidos is situated upon a hilltop so as you walk around the town’s old castle walls you will be treated to glorious views over the Portuguese countryside.

There are lots of small boutiques selling souvenirs for tourists and you can try a shot of ginjinha, a Portuguese liqueur made from ginja berries served in a chocolate shell.

Óbidos has also recently become a top destination for book lovers because of its unique use of bookshops. In this down you’ll find a church converted into a bookshop, a wine cellar converted into a bookshop, a market turned into a bookshop and more. You could definitely spend a whole afternoon wandering through the quirky bookshops in Óbidos!

The city is even home to the largest literary hotel in the world, The Literary Man, which holds over an incredible 36,000 books.

It’s a unique town and a great place to visit as a day trip from Lisbon. If you’re visiting in July, you can participate in Óbidos’ Medieval Market where people dress up, watch jousting, spit-roast hogs and put on other traditional medieval activities.

9 – Monsaraz

Monsaraz is one of the oldest villages in Portugal, and retains its old charm even today, so much that it was recently listed as a Monument Village.

In the village, you’ll see marks of the Knights Templar, all the way up to the Castle, which is a must visit in the city. Monsaraz is located up on a hill, and offers a stunning view over the Guadiana river.

10 – Lisbon

One of the best cities to visit in Portugal is its capital, Lisbon. It’s number 1 on the list of largest cities in Portugal.

Located at the point where the Tagus River estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean, be prepared for fantastic riverfront views when you tour this lovely city. Made up of 7 steep hills, this stunning destination is filled with cobblestone alleys, quaint shops, and colorful lines of houses.

Experience the best attractions of Lisbon by hopping on the vintage Tram 28 that passes through historic quarters and gardens. During the trip, the stunning colors of Alfama and the reverberating traditional Fado will fill your senses.

Rising high above Lisbon’s Alfama District is the regal structure of the Sao Jorge Castle where the Romans, Visigoths, and Portuguese royalty once lived. A climb up the castle’s ramparts leads to a spectacular view of the city.

Lisbon also has the best restaurants in the country. Here, you will find amazing versions of the local culinary delights like Arroz de Tamboril and Bacalhau. Within the district of Alfama, most of the restaurants are housed in antique structures, like A Casa Do Bacalhau which translates to “House of Cod” and was once the stables of the Duke of Lafoes. As the name suggests, you will probably find the best codfish dish here.

11 – Tavira

Although a very small city in comparison to the capital Lisbon or even Porto, Tavira in the East Algarve is one of the best cities to visit in Portugal according to Cath from Passports and Adventures.

28 kilometers east of Faro, where the main airport for the Algarve is, Tavira straddles the Gilão River and its origins date as far back as the Bronze age, although it became a proper settlement and town during the Moorish years, between the 8th and 13th centuries.

Today, Tavira is a more traditional Portuguese city if compared to some of the more touristy spots in the Algarve. It is not very big, which means getting around is easily done, even on foot. There is a daily market in which you buy fresh and dry fruit such as organic dates, vegetables, fish, and spices, among other things.
During the tourist season, there is a train that wanders around the city and has audio guides to point out places of interest. There is a small castle to explore, many churches, and the park off the main square is lovely to wander through.

If you fancy hitting the beach, then take a ferry across to the Ilha de Tavira. The beaches in the area form park of a natural reserve called the Rio Formosa and are detached from the mainland and are reachable by ferry or water taxi.
Around the city you will find many cafes for a coffee, make sure to have a Pastel de Nata with it, the main Portuguese cake. There are plenty of restaurants in the city and although there is a shopping center, it is away from the city center, ensuring it retains some of its traditional charm and character.

12 – Funchal

Number twelve on our lost if top cities to visit in Portugal is not in mainland Portugal; Funchal is the attractive capital city of the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira.

It is a sprawling, charming city nestled between the Atlantic ocean and Madeira dramatic, mountainous interior. Funchal’s varied attractions are within a compact area and are easily explored on foot.

Funchal is bursting with colour ranging from colourful, ornate architecture, to the tropical flowers and trees lining the boulevards to the iconic black and white mosaic pavements Funchal is renowned for.

One of the best things to do in Funchal is to catch the Teleferico or cable car from the seafront which rises steeply up to 560 metres above sea level to the village of Monte, providing fantastic views of the city as you ascend. In Monte, explore the gorgeous Monte Tropical Gardens before descending to Funchal by the famous wicker toboggans. You may reach speeds of up to 30 mph on this thrilling, no brakes ride!

Enjoy a break from the bustling city in the pretty Municipal Park or Santa Catarina Park. Sample delicious Vinho Madeira at Blandy’s Wine Lodge. Visit Funchal’s many churches and marvel at the craftsmanship on display in the gilded altars, carved woodwork and painted frescos.

Don’t miss the chance to tour the Santa Clara convent which was the highlight of Sinead from Map Made Memories to Funchal. Soak up the Madeiran sun on one of the city’s beaches or lidos and wander the pretty seafront promenade.

Football fans will want to visit the CR7 museum at Funchal Marina, which houses the trophies and medals of Madeira icon Cristiano Ronaldo. They will also love visiting the many other places associated with Cristiano Ronaldo in Madeira.

13 – Evora

Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best cities in Portugal if you love architecture.

The main attraction is the Roman Temple of Evora, dating from the 1st century. In the city, you’ll also find a stunning Gothic Cathedral, and an unusual attraction: the Chapel of Bones, made out of more than 5,000 bodies.

14 – Leiria

Leiria is a city between Porto and Lisbon (1h from Lisbon), and the perfect destination for a quick stop during your road trip.

Leiria is famous for its castle, built on a hill and standing above the city. From the castle itself, you’ll have the best view over the city and the surroundings.

15 – Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is the most northerly Atlantic city in Portugal, right before the border with Spain. Oh and it has also been voted Best District to live in Portugal by the locals, which is a pretty solid reason to put it on your list of cities to visit in Portugal!

The main point of interest is the magnificent church of Santa Luzia, overlooking the city. Viana do Castelo is located right on the coast, so you’ll also get to enjoy beautiful coastlines.

16 – Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the main city in the Azores, islands far removed from Portugal despite still being governed by the European country.

The “capital” city of the Azores is located on Sao Miguel, a long island brimming with some of the most beautiful nature in the world.

Sao Miguel lends itself ideally to a wonderful road trip with many raw and dramatic stops along the way, but many people that travel to the Azores tend to overlook Ponta Delgada as a city worthy of spending time in.

I completely disagree with this notion and think that the Colonial city deserves time and to be put with a firm place on your Azores itinerary.

In Ponta Delgada, there are a lot of delicious restaurants. Many of them specialize in wine, an Azorean favorite, or even craft beer as it has finally made waves in the islands. The food of the Azores varies depending on where you’re at, but you can find it all in Ponta Delgada.

The Azores are also known for specialty cheese and none is better than what comes from Sao Jorge and you’re able to taste this, alongside pumpkin spreads, in many cafes and restaurants in the city.

17 – Braga

Braga is one of the main cities in Portugal, with a population of 200,000 inhabitants (Porto is 240,000). Still, it doesn’t feel like a huge city, but has a distinct old charm that makes it one of the most beautiful city in Portugal.

Braga is known as the religious center of Portugal, and you’ll find a lot of incredible churches in the city, along with the oldest cathedral in Portugal, the Sé de Braga.

It’s also where you’ll find the Bom Jesus do Monte, a church with an incredible baroque staircase with 580 steps!

18- Odeceixe

Odeceixe is more a village than a city, but trust me it still deserves a top spot in this list of best cities in Portugal. The village is built on a small cliff, right above an absolutely magical beach, the Praia de Odeceixe Mar.

It’s without a doubt one of the best beach cities in Portugal, and the area is also know for being a top destination for surf and yoga retreats in Portugal.

19 – Guimarães

Guimarães is a city in Northern Portugal, 25mn away from Braga and 45mn away from Porto. The city is famous for its medieval vibe, with several 11th century buildings, all very-well preserved.

Igreja de Nossa senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos

The historic center is filled with gems to visit, such as the church on the image above, or the Palace of the Dukes. There’s even a castle in the city, built in the 10th century and offering panoramic views over the city.

20 – Monsanto

The last city on this list of best cities in Portugal is Monsanto, one of the most unique cities in the country. What’s so unique about it? Well, …

The city is built on the mountaintop, and the boulders of the mountains were used as decoration elements rather than destroyed, creating some very unusual scenes.

Monsanto was named “Most Portuguese town in Portugal”, and it’s definitely worth a visit.

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So there you have them, the 20 best cities in Portugal! Did you already know all of them? Or did you discover some new bucket-list destinations? Either way, I’m sure it will give you some inspiration for your next trip to Portugal!

Which City is Best for You?

If after reading the list above you’re thinking “Well which one should I visit first?“, I completely get it. There are a lot of incredible cities in Portugal, and it can be hard to know which one is the best for you.

You’ll see below what cities to visit in Portugal, based on categories. I’ve also included cities that are not in the list above 😉

Major Cities in Portugal

Here are the 5 main cities in Portugal, based on population:

1. Lisbon – population 518,000
2. Porto – population 250,000
3. Amadora -population 180,000
4. Braga – population 123,000
5. Setúbal – population 118,000

Best Mountain Cities in Portugal

If you’re looking for the charm of a city or village nestled up in the mountains, then these are the best cities for you:

1. Monsanto
2. Piódão
3. Funchal
4. Sintra
5. Unhais da Serra

Azenhas do Mar and its ocean pool

Best Beach Cities in Portugal

Looking to tan under the sun and chill on the beach? These are the best Portugal coastal cities:

1. Odeceixe
2. Azenhas do Mar
3. Faro
4. Lagos
5. Ponta Delgada

Best Historic Cities

If you’re fond of history, here are the cities I recommend for you:

1. Lisbon
2. Porto
3. Coimbra
4. Evora
5. Braga

I hope these lists of cities divided in categories will help you make up your mind about which cities to visit in Portugal! My advice? Just pick one and go, you’ll go to a different one next time.

Visit Portugal

Planning a trip to Portugal? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:

Portugal Guides:

Best Itineraries for Your Trip to Lisbon

The 36 Best Places in Algarve

6 Best Things to See in Sintra

Europe Guides:

Your Complete Guide to the Cinque Terre, Italy

Day Trip from Madrid to Segovia

The 10 Best Places to See the Eiffel Tower

I hope you enjoy your trip to Portugal!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

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