5 Best Places to Visit in Portugal

Portugal may be small, but it’s also affordable, versatile, welcoming, and full of natural wonders to explore. Portugal has a mesmerizing culture, as well as a fascinating blend of old and new world aesthetic that spreads across a sensational landscape. For those who are looking for culture, history, beaches, and adventure while road tripping, here are the best places to visit in Portugal.

1. Lisbon

Welcome to a city of sunshine and smiles. Home of delicious custard tarts (get a dozen, you won’t regret it), castles, tram cars, and creative people, Lisbon is a magical destination that plucks at the heartstrings of all age groups. There is something iconic for everyone in Lisbon, such as the Belem Tower, Santa Justa Elevator, Village Underground Lisboa (a quirky art gallery), a red light district, clubs, bars, museums and so much more. For those who love books, head to the Chiado district, where has one of the oldest bookstores in the entire world.

2. Coimbra

For those who want to brighten up their Insta feed, head to Coimbra. In the past, this charming city was the capital of Portugal and is overflowing with botanical gardens, medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and the University of Coimbra, which was founded in 1209, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Don’t forget to stroll along the Mondego River while you’re here or visit the most beautiful library in the world, Biblioteca Joanina.

3. Porto

Not only is Porto the second largest city in the country, it’s the exact opposite of Lisbon—full of Portuguese cultural elements and old world charm. Here you can feast on some of the best food in the country while walking streets decorated with historical attractions, gardens, cathedrals, and more. Porto is also loved by wine drinkers, for its renowned Port wine comes from the nearby Douro Valley.

4. Evora

Sitting on the foot of a mountain with the same name is this breathtaking city that has been given the UNESCO World Heritage Site title. Evora has a vast landscape of Gothic, Moorish, Victorian, medieval, and Spanish elements that have fused together to create a place with over 2,000 years of history and culture. This is also one of the few places in Portugal where you can take a dip at a traditional Roman public bath!

5. Peneda-Geres National Park

There is only one national park within Portugal—the Peneda-Geres National Park; and it shouldn’t be underestimated. In Minho, a region of intense beauty, this national park has everything from Roman ruins, summer campsites, waterfalls, towering oak trees, and much more. It’s the excellent place to stretch your legs after driving around the countryside.

How many of these places are giving you a case of wanderlust? Since you’re going to want to visit each of them, be sure to reserve a car hire in advance with holidayautos, a trusted car rental website that saves you both time and money. Get some wheels and go see what everyone is talking about in Portugal.