Portugal is a destination that is becoming increasingly fashionable. But, when they visit it, most of the people limit themselves to choosing one of the most well-known cities as their vacation destination, such as Lisbon or Porto. However, Portugal has much more to offer. Far from the main tourist destinations, lost between the nature of its paradisiacal coasts or the beautiful inland areas, there are places that seem out of a fairy tale. White whitewashed villages on top of the hills, historic stone towns with medieval charm… Whether in the mountains, in the valleys, on the rivers or near the sea, the most beautiful villages in Portugal are a little treasure to discover. In this article we show them to you.
The most beautiful towns in Portugal in the Algarve area
1. Lakes
Lagos is one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal, specifically on its southern coast. Far from mass tourism, and endowed with a young spirit despite its age, Lagos conquers the hearts of its visitors thanks to its spectacular beaches, wonderful natural landscapes and a fresh environment. Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans and Muslims recognized the importance of the city’s port, which in the past was one of the most important in the Iberian Peninsula and from which many expeditions set sail. Today the biggest attraction of Lagos is what is known as the Ponta de Piedade, a series of natural rock formations next to the beaches, and also the possibility of practicing water sports, the healthy food restaurants and the presence of a strong modern art scene.
2. Tavira
Tavira is possibly the most unspoilt city in the Algarve. Despite its beautiful Mediterranean-style architecture along the Gilão River, it has escaped the great tourist development that other areas such as Albufeira have suffered, and thanks to this it has managed to keep its essence almost intact. As in Lagos, the art scene is on the rise and increasingly popular. The white streets and houses, romantic bridges and colorful fishing boats on the riverside make it an idyllic little town. Don’t forget to take a break in one of its many charming cafes. Tavira stands out for being one of the access doors to some of the most unspoilt beaches in the Algarve that are separated by the river from the mainland, including Ilha da Culatra, Fuseta and Tavira.
3. Olhao
Olhão is another of the most beautiful towns in Portugal. Halfway between a giant natural spa and a fishing port, it deserves to be called an unusual destination. It has the largest fishing port in the Algarve, with a pleasant promenade to explore. Charming cobbled streets and modest, aristocratic buildings are not lacking in the old town. Today, Olhão is world famous for hosting an important Seafood Festival, in which crustaceans and folk music share the limelight during the second week of August.
4. Cacela velha
Cacela Velha is a very small town east of Tavira whose main attraction is its unspoilt beach that bears the same name. It is worth visiting the town after a day of rest on the beach to taste some of its famous petiscos (tapas) and to see its perfect image of houses and white streets. The town was the medina of Qast’alla Daraj, an Islamic city dating back to the 10th century, when much of the Iberian Peninsula was controlled by Moors and Berbers who came from North Africa. If you visit it, forget to enjoy the views of the beach from its fortress, they are impressive.
The most beautiful villages of Portugal in the Alentejo region
5. Évora
In addition to being one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal, Évora is also one of the most famous, and undoubtedly the best known in the Alentejo area since it was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its main monuments are the Roman Temple of Diana and its Chapel of Bones. As a bonus it has the megalithic heritage of the nearby hills, known as the Portuguese Stonehenge. Like the rest of the cities in this area of Portugal, Évora does not disappoint in terms of gastronomy, cobbled streets or white houses.
6. Monsaraz
Monsaraz is another charming Alentejo town dating back to the 8th century and which, unfortunately, struggles to support its inhabitants: the population is terribly old and on its way to becoming a ghost town. But even so, this beautiful town has not lost its magic. With its castle on a hill overlooking the Alqueva dam and olive groves dotted with the classic Alentejo landscape, its beauty leaves no one indifferent. Today the town thrives on tourism with some restaurants, guest houses and craft shops. It is worth visiting for its traditional atmosphere and to taste some of the best dishes of Portuguese gastronomy.
7. Marvao
Also known as the “White City of Alentejo”, Marvão stands out for its completely white houses that can be seen from afar, since it is located on a hill. It seems that it has stopped in time so that we can contemplate the beauty of the past in another of the most beautiful towns in Portugal. Don’t forget to see the astonishing view from the castle to the vast Alentejano plains at sunset – it will mesmerize you. In addition, there are some very well-kept botanical gardens in the village that are worth getting lost in.
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8. Sintra
Sintra is the cradle of the most beautiful palaces of the Portuguese people. The most famous are the Palacio Da Pena, the Castillo dos Mouros, the Palace of Monserrate, the Quinta da Regaleira and the National Palace of Sintra, to name a few. Surrounded by lush vegetation for which its particular microclimate is responsible, Sintra looks like a landscape straight out of a fairy tale. In addition to nature, you can enjoy walks through its small and picturesque streets and eat traditional local delicacies such as queijadas and travesseiros de Sintra.
9. Azenhas do mar
Just 10 km north of Sintra is the small town of Azenhas do Mar, a whitewashed wonder hanging on top of the ocean that can be considered on its own merits as one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal. It has a famous seafood restaurant with the same name that is worth trying, and the waters of its beaches are perfect for bathing… But only for the brave, because the water is very cold all year round. Even so, the views are so impressive that it is definitely worth a visit.
10. Ericeira
Would you like to relax in a natural spa an hour from Lisbon? Then, Ericeira is your place. With its relaxed and cool atmosphere, numerous affordable seafood restaurants and low-key beaches, this town is the best place for a relaxing holiday. In addition, if you like water sports you can enjoy activities such as windsurfing or paddle surfing on its beaches with great waves, and then relax walking through its beautiful old town.
11. Óbidos
Óbidos is a beautiful walled town with a medieval fortress, cobbled streets and cozy little houses that look like something out of a movie. Don’t miss the central church, whose mosaic is impressive. The main street is lined with small restaurants, craft shops and pastry shops where you can soak up the atmosphere of Portugal.
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12. Piódao
Piódao is one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal, and until not long ago, one of the most unknown. Before the 70s there was no road for cars to get to Piodão, so the region itself is quite remote and still seems frozen in time: It looks like a town taken directly from ancient times and embedded in the hill of an otherwise modern country. When you travel to Piódao, you realize how green and silent a landscape can be. It does not matter if you stay just one night or an eternity because you will not notice the difference, since it is the kind of place where time passes on its own terms, without rush, stress or noise from the city: just pure and beautiful nature.
13. Belmonte
Belmonte is a beautiful town in the Beira Baixa region and also the birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral, the Portuguese who conquered Brazil for the Portuguese in 1500. There is a museum dedicated to his life, a classic castle on a hill, and a large amount of Jewish heritage, as many came to collect here during the persecution and expulsion that occurred in the previous century in Spain.
14. Monsanto
Monsanto holds the title of “The most Portuguese people” (awarded by the Portuguese themselves during a contest several decades ago) and it is also one of the most impressive. What makes it so curious are the medieval stone houses that simply blend into the ancient rocks. If you walk to the highest peak in the village, you will find a beautiful Moorish castle and enjoy the impressive views of the surroundings.
15. Sortelha
Sortelha is the oldest of a network of fortresses that guarded the border east of Guarda and Covilha. The 12th century castle sits proudly on a hill, while its gigantic walls surround the charming village. It dates back to Arab times, and the old part is so well preserved that its appearance gives the impression that time has not passed.
16. Penha Garcia
Very few people visit Penha García, probably due to its proximity to other more famous destinations such as the aforementioned Monsanto, Belmonte and Sortelha. Away from mass tourism, there are only a few Spanish visitors, mainly on weekends. But not visiting it is a mistake, because Penha Garcia is one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal. Its natural and geological beauty is unmistakable, since it has an amazing canyon that presents fossils and mill-houses converted into a free open-air museum. In addition, in summer you can take a bath on Pego beach or in the municipal swimming pool.
The most beautiful villages in the north of Portugal
17. Aveiro
Aveiro is probably one of the most romantic cities in Portugal. It is the art deco capital of the country with its buildings with Rococo and Renaissance facades. During your visit you can get on a moliceiro , a traditional fishing boat, eat the local specialty, ovos moles (egg cream cakes) and enjoy a walk through its picturesque streets.
18. Guimarães
Guimarães is known as the place where Portugal emerged as a concept, as Alfonso Henriques, the first independent king of Portugal (and therefore the Kingdom of Portugal), was born there. Born in 1100, from Guimarães he launched the military attacks against the Moors that helped him to reconquer the country. It is a charming medieval town whose old town has beautiful squares that form a maze of cobbled streets. You can also visit a castle that is more than 1000 years old and is located on a hill, right next to the Palace of Duque de Bragança.
19. Bragança
Bragança is not only one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal, but it also has a very interesting historical past that dates back to the times of the Celts and Romans. It has grown so much over the centuries that it could be considered more of a city by now, but it deserves to be included in the list because its main attraction remains the old walled citadel on top of a hill at the eastern end of Bragança. Go through the gate and walk through the exceptionally well-preserved medieval city and let your imagination work its magic. It will be like you are back in the Middle Ages.
20. Get in lime
Ponte de Lima is a small and picturesque town located on the banks of the river with the same name: Lima. One of the most beautiful monuments is the elegant 31-arched Roman bridge that is limited to foot traffic only. The town has a beautiful medieval quarter, dotted with cafes and narrow streets. In addition to being able to enjoy a walk along the river, you can also enjoy the wines of the area in one of the many vineyards in the surroundings.
