Top 3 Cities in Portugal
The most beautiful destinations in Portugal
From the sun-drenched Algarve coast to the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal offers an unforgettable holiday experience. The country entices visitors with its rich history, brought to life in impressive castles and palaces.
Discover the picturesque fishing villages, ornate cities and vibrant culture. Enjoy the warm waves of the Atlantic on beautiful beaches and explore the green vineyards of the inland.
In this article, we present our Top 3 favourite cities with the most beautiful sights in Portugal.
Exciting facts about Portugal
- Portugal also includes the archipelagos of the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores. With their consistently warm climate, both Madeira and the Azores are ideal for a beach holiday at any time of year.
- Official language: Portuguese
- The Capela dos Ossos in Évora is one of the country's more special sights. The interior of the chapel is decorated with the bones and skulls of over 5,000 real deceased people.
- A world-famous dessert from Portugal is the delicious Pastéis de Belém. These are small tarts made from puff pastry and filled with a vanilla cream.
- Although Portugal has numerous impressive landscapes and natural parks to offer, the country only has one national park: the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
- In Coimbra, Portugal, you can explore the world in miniature at the Jardim de Portugal dos Pequenitos.
Top 3 Cities in Portugal
Lisbon
Portugal's capital Lisbon nestles in the picturesque bay at the mouth of the River Tagus into the Atlantic Ocean. The cityscape is characterised by its proximity to the river and the Atlantic coast. One of Lisbon's most striking sights is the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge over the Tagus, whose red colour is strongly reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. At the southern end of the bridge, the Cristo Rei statue watches over the city with outstretched arms.
On the northern bank of the Tagus, you can visit the magnificent Torre de Belém. The Torre de Belém is one of the few surviving buildings in the Manueline style. This is an architectural style that is unique to 16th century Portugal. Another example of Manueline architecture in Lisbon is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery complex. Further upriver are the ruins of the medieval Castelo de São Jorge and the Bairro Alto pub district.
Unspoilt nature can be discovered to the north-west of Lisbon in the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park. From the steep cliffs on the wild Atlantic coast to Mediterranean pine forests and the Serra de Sintra mountain range, the park impressively demonstrates the diversity of the Portuguese landscape.
On the eastern border of the park lies the town of Sintra, which is also worth a visit in its own right. Among the most beautiful sights in Sintra are the colourful Pena Palace and the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, which stands out from afar with its two funnel-shaped structures. These funnels are the chimneys of the palace kitchen. The interior of the Palácio Nacional de Sintra impresses with its tile art, which depicts various elaborate scenes in the different halls of the palace.
Summary: The Portuguese capital impresses with its significant architecture and the exuberant atmosphere in the trendy Bairro Alto neighbourhood. Anyone on holiday in Lisbon should also take time to explore the surrounding countryside and the sights in the neighbouring town of Sintra.
Porto
Porto is located in the north of Portugal at the mouth of the Douro River into the Atlantic Ocean. The city is located on the north bank of the river and is connected to the city of Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank of the Douro via the Ponte Dom Luís I . The upper level of the 60 metre high bridge is reserved for trams and pedestrians. The lower level can be used by cars.
A walk across the bridge is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the Douro and the shorelines of the two cities from a completely new perspective. From here you can catch a glimpse of the Ribeira , among other things. Ribeira is the nickname of Porto's historic centre, which stretches in terraced structures to the banks of the Douro. In the winding alleyways of the old town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, you can browse through numerous shops or relax in local cafés and restaurants.
You can enjoy one of Porto's biggest export hits with your meal in the restaurant: the port wine named after the city. The wine is grown in the Alto Douro region in the Douro Valley and then exported from Porto all over the world.
About an hour's drive north of Porto is the city of Braga, which is known for being one of the most beautiful places of pilgrimage in Portugal. The sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is characterised by its location on the mountain and the Baroque monumental staircase, which overcomes a total height difference of over 116 metres in a zigzag pattern. If you don't want to take the 581 steps on foot, the parallel funicular railway Elevador do Bom Jesus takes you to the top of the mountain in just three minutes.
Summary: Portugal's second largest city is famous for its port wine cellars, historic old town and picturesque location between the Douro and the Atlantic Ocean.
Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve on the south coast of Portugal. The landscape of the Algarve is characterised by golden yellow cliffs that extend into the turquoise blue sea in spectacular formations. In the natural bays of the rugged coastline and on the beaches of the Ria Formosa Nature Park, you can relax for hours in the golden sand and swim in the pleasantly warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Those looking for a change from sunbathing and swimming can explore the winding alleyways of the charming old town of Faro. There are several monasteries and interesting museums to discover in the town, such as the Maritime Museum at the harbour. You can also learn more about the people of the region and life in the Algarve at the Museu Regional.
Even if you want to experience the Algarve for yourself, Faro is the ideal starting point for your trip. The natural forces of the Atlantic have created impressive shapes along the coast over thousands of years. The most impressive of these is the Benagil Cave, a breathtaking, dome-shaped grotto with a hole through which the sun falls on the sparkling water and shimmering golden rock faces.
The Benagil cave can only be reached from the water. If you feel up to it, you can swim from Praia de Benagil, which is around 100 metres away. Alternatively, boat trips to the cave are offered.
The Cabo de São Vicente or Cape St Vincent can also be reached from Faro. This is the south-western end of the Algarve and the most south-westerly point of the European mainland. As such, the cape played a spiritual role in ancient times. For example, the Cabo de São Vicente was known to the Romans as the end of the world and the dwelling place of the gods.
Summary: As the gateway to the Algarve, Faro is popular with tourists who want to enjoy the beautiful beaches, rocky coastline and warm climate.
Conclusion: Relaxation and Culture in Portugal
Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or culture, Portugal will inspire you with its diversity and beauty. Immerse yourself in the inviting destination on the Iberian Peninsula and experience unforgettable holiday moments in Portugal.
Have you been bitten by the travel bug and want to experience Portugal for yourself?
► Here you can find more information about the toll regulations in Portugal so that you are optimally equipped for your trip.