Stunning Locations That Prove Portugal Is a Must-Visit European Country

Make the most of your Portugal experience by joining Culture Trip’s specially curated nine-day Portugal tour, led by our local insider.

Fancy being a beach bum for a long weekend? Head to the Algarve in the southernmost region of Portugal. With more than 100 beaches, this region is no stranger to coming up top on best beach-break polls. Anticipate temperatures of 24C (75F) in high summer. SPF and a phone on silent come highly recommended.

Is there more of a Lisbon icon than its yellow trams? Having been in action since 1873 – going fully electric in 1902 – they are a reminder of Lisbon’s past. And a very Instagrammable reminder at that.

What beats drinking wine in the sunshine? Few things. A beautiful place to do it is at one of the oldest wine regions in the world, Douro Valley. From Porto, you can reach the valley by an incredibly scenic three-hour-long train. It also features on Culture Trip’s exclusive small-group Portugal adventure, which includes a boat ride on the Douro River and a stay in a traditional quinta (rural lodge).

The town of Sintra, in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, is like something out of a fairytale – with the Unesco World Heritage-protected Pena Palace the pinnacle of its romanticism. Being just 30 minutes from Lisbon, you can make it a day trip.

Passing by the vineyards in Douro Valley and four Unesco World Heritage sites, a cruise down the Douro River is about as glorious as it gets. Some argue the river is one of the most underrated in the world.

Madeira may just be a tiny speck on the map, off the coast of Africa, but this Portuguese region comprises four islands and vast natural beauty. Pack hiking boots to explore the mountainous landscapes it’s best known for.

Much like Madeira, the archipelago of Azores is minuscule on the world map. What it lacks in size, however, it makes up for in its dramatic landscapes. These are islands full of natural wonders, such as the hot springs on São Miguel Island and the waterfalls of Poco da Ribeira do Ferreiro on Flores Island.

Lisbon is the city to visit if you love history. Where to go? Praça Dom Pedro IV, known as Rossio Square. Since the Middle Ages, this cobbled plaza in downtown Lisbon has been one of its main squares.

Thanks to its coastline conditions on the western coast of Portugal, Ericeira is a destination professional surfers love. As the only European spot in the World Surfing Reserves, by default, it’s earned recognition as the surfing capital of the continent.

The unspoilt fishing town of Ferragudo makes another case for visiting the Algarve. In this quaint town of fishermen’s cottages, with not a high-rise hotel in sight, it’s all about a slow pace of life, sunshine and seafood.