Portugal Travel Guide

GALLERY

Nestled between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, it's no surprise that Portugal has abundant seafood and beautiful beaches. Yet the landscape unfolds in astonishing variety from the coastline to the lush vineyards of the Douro River Valley to a mountainous, green interior dotted with castles. Celtic, Roman, and Islamic influences are evident in the land and its people, whose apparent reserve belies a welcoming and friendly nature. From big cities to tiny villages, a popular pursuit is to meet with friends and family and linger over strong coffee and pastries as the hours glide by.

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Lisbon

...

The Algarve

The Algarve is deservedly popular, with millions of annual vacationers thronging here to enjoy sandy beaches, superb golf, and all the other enticements of seaside...

Estremadura and the Ribatejo

Estremadura and the Ribatejo are the two historical provinces north and northeast of Lisbon. Estremadura, with its green rural valleys, is characterized by a mix...

Northern Portugal

Perched on the steep banks of the River Douro, Porto is many people's favorite part of Portugal. A center for the arts, culture, and cuisine...

Évora and the Alentejo

The Alentejo, which means "the land beyond the Rio Tejo" (Tagus River) in Portuguese, is a vast, sparsely populated area of heath and rolling hills...

Madeira

Floral scents fill Madeira's sea-washed air. Bird-of-paradise flowers grow wild, pink and purple fuchsia weave lacy patterns up pastel walls, and jacaranda trees create purple...

Porto

Portugal's second-largest city, with a population of roughly 280,000, considers itself the north's capital and, more contentiously, the country's economic center. Locals support this claim...

Funchal

When colonists arrived in Madeira in July 1419, the valley they settled in was a mass of bright yellow fennel, or funcho in Portuguese. Today...

Sintra

...

Guimarães

Guimarães is a town proud of its past, and this is evident in a series of delightful medieval landmarks. The old town's narrow, cobbled thoroughfares...

Peso da Régua

This is the true heart of port wine country, and all the bottles from the vineyards of the Upper Douro Valley pass through on their...

Lamego

A prosperous town set amid a fertile landscape carpeted with vineyards and orchards, Lamego is also rich in baroque churches and mansions. It straddles the...

Setúbal

A colorful sister city to polished, cosmopolitan Lisbon, Setúbal lacks the tourist hordes of the capital but has plenty to offer the visitor. Along with...

Vila Nova de Cerveira

Granite hills border one side of Vila Nova de Cerveira, and the Rio Minho and Spain border the other. The town dates from the 13th...

Vila Real

The capital of Trás-os-Montes is superbly situated between two mountain ranges, and much of the city retains a small-town air. Although there's no great wealth...

Fátima

On the western flanks of the Serra de Aire lies Fátima, an important Roman Catholic pilgrimage site that is, ironically, named after the daughter of...

Tras-os-Montes

...

Amarante

Straddling the Rio Tâmega, the two halves of Amarante are joined by a narrow 18th-century bridge that stretches above the tree-shaded banks. Rowboats and other...

Braga

Braga is one of northern Portugal's nicest surprises. Founded by the Romans as Bracara Augusta, it prospered in earnest in the 6th century—under the Visigoths—when...

Tomar

TOn both sides of the Nabão River, Tomar is linked by a graceful, arched stone bridge. The river flows through a lovely park with weeping...

Torres Vedras

A bustling commercial center crowned with the ruins of a medieval castle, Torres Vedras is best known for its extensive fortifications—a system of trenches and...

Peniche

In the lee of a rocky peninsula, Peniche is a major fishing-and-canning port that's also a popular summer resort. There are several beaches to choose...

Santarém

Some historians believe that Santarém's beginnings date to as early as 1200 BC and the age of Ulysses. Its strategic location led several kings to...

Óbidos

As you enter town through the massive, arched gates of Óbidos, it seems as if you've been transported to Portugal in the Middle Ages, when...

Nazaré

Not so long ago you could mingle on the beach with black-stocking-capped fishermen and even help as the oxen hauled boats in from the crashing...

Leiria

Leiria is a pleasant, modern, industrial town at the confluence of the Rios Liz and Lena, overlooked by a wonderfully elegant medieval castle. The region...

Faro

The Algarve’s provincial capital combines a smattering of history and ample leisure opportunities in one lively package. It is one of the few places in...

Vila Franca de Xira

Vila Franca de Xira is an excellent place to see Portuguese bullfights, known as the tourada, which are held from Easter through October. Although it's...

Coimbra

Coimbra is a fascinating city that combines a tangible sense of history with all of the vibrancy and street life typically associated with a university...

Batalha

Batalha, which means "battle" in Portuguese, is the site of another of the country's religious structures that memorialize a battle victory. The monastery, classified as...

Barcelos

A bustling market town on the banks of the Rio Cávado, Barcelos is the center of a flourishing handicrafts industry, particularly ceramics (above all in...

Arraiolos

Arraiolos, dominated by the ruins of a once-mighty walled fortress, is a typical hilltop village of whitewashed houses and narrow streets. What distinguishes it is...

Constância

Peaceful little Constância is at the confluence of the Zêzere and the Tagus. It's best known as the town where poet Luís de Camões was...

Évora

Dressed in traditional garb, shepherds and farmers with faces wizened by a lifetime in the baking sun stand around the fountain at Praça do Giraldo;...

Póvoa de Varzim

Póvoa de Varzim has a long beach, but the town has little of Vila do Conde's charm—except, perhaps, for the many shops and roadside stalls...

Guadalupe

The tiny village of Guadalupe takes its name from a 17th-century chapel that is dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Gaudalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe). Henry...

Viana do Castelo

At the mouth of the Rio Lima, Viana do Castelo has been a prosperous trading center since it received its town charter in 1258. Many...

Montemor-o-Novo

Driving east from the Portuguese capital, the first hilltop castle settlement you’ll hit is also one of the most impressive. Montemor-e-Novo, or simply Montemor for...

Bragança

This ancient town in the northeastern corner of Portugal has been inhabited since Celtic times (since about 600 BC). The town lent its name to...

São Cucufate

...

Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha (Queen's Baths), the hub of a large farming area, is best known for the fantastical, colorful ceramics produced in local factories and—for...

Almeirim

Almeirim, a pretty country town just across the river from Santarém, is surrounded by vineyards and cork-oak forests. Many people from nearby cities and all...

Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

A region of stunning beauty, this natural park covers approximately 1,011 square km (390 square miles) and is home to the highest mountain in the...

Alcobaça

Alcobaça is a town that still shows its old-world roots in its downtown architecture—pretty red-tile roofs and French chateau turrets. The town is in a...

Loulé

Castle walls and three stone towers provide visual evidence of its history, while an Arabesque indoor market—complete with pink turrets—offers a true taste of Algarvian...

Calheta

Not so long ago this was a quiet village huddled around a 17th-century church, but Calheta has exploded in popularity because it has the island’s...

Montemor-o-Velho

The small town of Montemor-o-Velho is most notable for its impressive ruined castle which sits high on a hill, overlooking the surrounding huddle of houses...

Camara de Lobos

On coastal route N101, you'll pass many banana plantations on the way to Câmara de Lobos—a former fishing village made famous by Winston Churchill, who...

Barca d'Alva/Castelo Rodrigo

These two small villages, a stone's throw from the Spanish border, make good jumping-off points for visiting the other Douro River villages, and even for...

Monção

The riverside town of Monção is a fortified border settlement with a long history of skirmishes with the Spanish. In town there are the remains...

Bitetos

Crawling up the cliffs of the Douro, this quaint village dates back to Roman times and was historically a key docking point for rebelos, the...

Peneda-Geres

The northeastern corner of the Minho is quite unlike most of this densely populated, heavily cultivated region. Here several forested serras (mountain ranges) rise up...

Espinho

A string of quiet beaches lead to Espinho, an increasingly fashionable resort. The long, sandy beach is extremely popular in summer, but you can find...

Pinhão

Pinhão is heaven on earth for oenophiles, who can visit quintas (vineyards), tour the facilities, and sip port and wine to their hearts' content. For...

Caniçal

Multicolored boats bob in water flanking this village with a long history as a whaling station—the industry ceased operation in 1981. In 1985, 5 acres...

Ericeira

Ericeira, an old fishing town tucked into the rocky coast, is a popular seaside resort. Its core fans out from the sheer cliff, beneath which...

Ofir and Esposende

On the south bank of the Rio Cávado, Ofir has a lovely beach with sweeping white sands, dunes, pinewoods, and water sports—a combination that has...

Curral das Freiras

The views of the valley itself is the main reason to visit. This was where the sisters of the Convent of Santa Clara took refuge...

Abrantes

A stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of Abrantes is a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon, especially if it winds up at the...

Machico

Come to the second-largest town on the island after Funchal to wander through the old quarter, attractively situated in a crescent bay with a lovely...

Ponte de Lima

Giving the town its name, Ponte de Lima's long, low, graceful bridge is of Roman origin. The main square by the old bridge has a...

Monte

The village of Monte sits above Funchal at a height of 1,804 feet. The cool mountain air and dramatic views made it a healthy retreat...

The Coast and the Douro

...

Azeitão

The region around the small town of Azeitão, on the western side of the Serra da Arrábida, retains a disproportionately large number of fine manor...

Valença do Minho

Valença do Minho is the major border crossing in this area, with roads as well as rail service into Spain. Valença's Old Town is enclosed...

Costa da Caparica

Costa da Caparica is a 20-km (12-mile) stretch of beach on the northwestern coast of the Setúbal Peninsula. White sand and a laid-back holiday vibe...

Vila do Conde

Vila do Conde has been making wooden boats since the 15th century. The shipyards are probably Europe's oldest, and the traditional boat-making skills used in...

Guincho

The wide beach at Guincho is one of the most famous—and most visited—in the country. Atlantic waves pound the sand even on the calmest of...

Vila Nova de Foz Côa

The higher reaches of the Douro are known for their harsh terrain, with baking hot summers and cold winters. Yet this apparently inhospitable region was...

Peninsula de Tróia

Across the estuary from Setúbal is the Peninsula de Tróia—a long spit of land blessed with clean water and fine beaches on both the Sado...

Chaves

Chaves was known to the Romans as Aquae Flaviae (Flavian's Waters). They established a military base here and popularized the town's thermal springs. The impressive...

São Pedro de Sintra

...

Pico do Arieiro

It’s a 45-minute drive from Funchal to the soaring peak of Madeira’s third-highest mountain, when on clear days visitors are rewarded with panoramic views around...

Benavente

Benavente is a small, country town in the heart of rural Ribatejo and of the Lezíria, which is Portuguese for the rich and fertile landscape...

Cascais and Boca do Inferno

Once a mere fishing village, the town of Cascais—with three small, sandy bays—is now a heavily developed resort town packed with shops, restaurants, and hotels...

Porto da Cruz

The little fishing village of Porto da Cruz is a charming spot on the northeast coast. While sights are few, the town still makes a...

Estoril

Having long ago established its reputation as an affluent enclave, Estoril is still the place to go for glitz and glamour. In the 19th century...

Porto Moniz

The island's northernmost village was a whaling station in the 19th century. These days its natural pools, formed by ancient lava flows, make it one...

Palmela

The small town of Palmela lies in the center of a prosperous wine-growing area, and every September the community holds a good-natured Festa das Vindimas...

Porto Santo

Beachcombers have long loved the tiny, parched, and barren island whose golden beach is famous for its therapeutic properties. By packing themselves in the sand...

Queluz

Halfway between Lisbon and Sintra, the otherwise rather unremarkable town of Queluz is dominated by its magnificent palace and gardens, located in the plaza of...

Ribeira Brava

This pleasant village, with a pebbly beach and bustling seafront fruit market, was founded in 1440 at the mouth of the Ribeira Brava (meaning "wide...

Sesimbra

Sesimbra, a lively fishing village surrounded by mountains and isolated bays and coves, is a popular day trip for Lisboetas. And, despite high-rise apartments that...

Ribeiro Frio

The landscape grows more lush on the northern side of the island, and the road is full of waterfalls. Ribeiro Frio (Cold Brook) is known...

Santana

The village of Santana is famous for its A-frame, thatch-roof palheiros (wooden houses), which are unique to the island. Traditionally painted in bright colors, they...

São Vicente

The little town of São Vicente is nestled in a narrow gully just inland from the dramatic north coast. Most of the central streets are...

Armação de Pêra

If it weren't for the interesting seascapes, beautiful beaches, and interesting eateries, this massively overdeveloped community wouldn't be worth a visit. Local captains can take...

Serra de Água

North from Ribeira Brava the N104 snakes through a sheer-sided canyon. In every direction you can see high waterfalls tumbling down canyon walls and into...

Lagos

Breezy and cool in every sense of the word, Lagos has an infectious energy and a laid-back feel. This bustling fishing port has many buildings–-the...

Western Madeira

...

Tavira

With its castle ruins, riverfront gardens, and atmospheric streets, Tavira—at the mouth of the quiet Rio Gilão—is immediately endearing. Many of the town's white 18th-century...

Coimbra and Central Portugal

While frequently sidestepped by tourists, this region is arguably the most unspoiled and quintessentially Portuguese part of the country. Even the coastal resorts have, as...

Lisbon

...

The Algarve

The Algarve is deservedly popular, with millions of annual vacationers thronging here to enjoy sandy beaches, superb golf, and all the other enticements of seaside...

Estremadura and the Ribatejo

Estremadura and the Ribatejo are the two historical provinces north and northeast of Lisbon. Estremadura, with its green rural valleys, is characterized by a mix...

Northern Portugal

Perched on the steep banks of the River Douro, Porto is many people's favorite part of Portugal. A center for the arts, culture, and cuisine...

Évora and the Alentejo

The Alentejo, which means "the land beyond the Rio Tejo" (Tagus River) in Portuguese, is a vast, sparsely populated area of heath and rolling hills...

Madeira

Floral scents fill Madeira's sea-washed air. Bird-of-paradise flowers grow wild, pink and purple fuchsia weave lacy patterns up pastel walls, and jacaranda trees create purple...

Porto

Portugal's second-largest city, with a population of roughly 280,000, considers itself the north's capital and, more contentiously, the country's economic center. Locals support this claim...

Funchal

When colonists arrived in Madeira in July 1419, the valley they settled in was a mass of bright yellow fennel, or funcho in Portuguese. Today...

Sintra

...

Guimarães

Guimarães is a town proud of its past, and this is evident in a series of delightful medieval landmarks. The old town's narrow, cobbled thoroughfares...

Peso da Régua

This is the true heart of port wine country, and all the bottles from the vineyards of the Upper Douro Valley pass through on their...

Lamego

A prosperous town set amid a fertile landscape carpeted with vineyards and orchards, Lamego is also rich in baroque churches and mansions. It straddles the...

Setúbal

A colorful sister city to polished, cosmopolitan Lisbon, Setúbal lacks the tourist hordes of the capital but has plenty to offer the visitor. Along with...

Vila Nova de Cerveira

Granite hills border one side of Vila Nova de Cerveira, and the Rio Minho and Spain border the other. The town dates from the 13th...

Vila Real

The capital of Trás-os-Montes is superbly situated between two mountain ranges, and much of the city retains a small-town air. Although there's no great wealth...

Fátima

On the western flanks of the Serra de Aire lies Fátima, an important Roman Catholic pilgrimage site that is, ironically, named after the daughter of...

Tras-os-Montes

...

Amarante

Straddling the Rio Tâmega, the two halves of Amarante are joined by a narrow 18th-century bridge that stretches above the tree-shaded banks. Rowboats and other...

Braga

Braga is one of northern Portugal's nicest surprises. Founded by the Romans as Bracara Augusta, it prospered in earnest in the 6th century—under the Visigoths—when...

Tomar

TOn both sides of the Nabão River, Tomar is linked by a graceful, arched stone bridge. The river flows through a lovely park with weeping...

Torres Vedras

A bustling commercial center crowned with the ruins of a medieval castle, Torres Vedras is best known for its extensive fortifications—a system of trenches and...

Peniche

In the lee of a rocky peninsula, Peniche is a major fishing-and-canning port that's also a popular summer resort. There are several beaches to choose...

Santarém

Some historians believe that Santarém's beginnings date to as early as 1200 BC and the age of Ulysses. Its strategic location led several kings to...

Óbidos

As you enter town through the massive, arched gates of Óbidos, it seems as if you've been transported to Portugal in the Middle Ages, when...

Nazaré

Not so long ago you could mingle on the beach with black-stocking-capped fishermen and even help as the oxen hauled boats in from the crashing...

Leiria

Leiria is a pleasant, modern, industrial town at the confluence of the Rios Liz and Lena, overlooked by a wonderfully elegant medieval castle. The region...

Faro

The Algarve’s provincial capital combines a smattering of history and ample leisure opportunities in one lively package. It is one of the few places in...

Vila Franca de Xira

Vila Franca de Xira is an excellent place to see Portuguese bullfights, known as the tourada, which are held from Easter through October. Although it's...

Coimbra

Coimbra is a fascinating city that combines a tangible sense of history with all of the vibrancy and street life typically associated with a university...

Batalha

Batalha, which means "battle" in Portuguese, is the site of another of the country's religious structures that memorialize a battle victory. The monastery, classified as...

Barcelos

A bustling market town on the banks of the Rio Cávado, Barcelos is the center of a flourishing handicrafts industry, particularly ceramics (above all in...

Arraiolos

Arraiolos, dominated by the ruins of a once-mighty walled fortress, is a typical hilltop village of whitewashed houses and narrow streets. What distinguishes it is...

Constância

Peaceful little Constância is at the confluence of the Zêzere and the Tagus. It's best known as the town where poet Luís de Camões was...

Évora

Dressed in traditional garb, shepherds and farmers with faces wizened by a lifetime in the baking sun stand around the fountain at Praça do Giraldo;...

Póvoa de Varzim

Póvoa de Varzim has a long beach, but the town has little of Vila do Conde's charm—except, perhaps, for the many shops and roadside stalls...

Guadalupe

The tiny village of Guadalupe takes its name from a 17th-century chapel that is dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Gaudalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe). Henry...

Viana do Castelo

At the mouth of the Rio Lima, Viana do Castelo has been a prosperous trading center since it received its town charter in 1258. Many...

Montemor-o-Novo

Driving east from the Portuguese capital, the first hilltop castle settlement you’ll hit is also one of the most impressive. Montemor-e-Novo, or simply Montemor for...

Bragança

This ancient town in the northeastern corner of Portugal has been inhabited since Celtic times (since about 600 BC). The town lent its name to...

São Cucufate

...

Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha (Queen's Baths), the hub of a large farming area, is best known for the fantastical, colorful ceramics produced in local factories and—for...

Almeirim

Almeirim, a pretty country town just across the river from Santarém, is surrounded by vineyards and cork-oak forests. Many people from nearby cities and all...

Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

A region of stunning beauty, this natural park covers approximately 1,011 square km (390 square miles) and is home to the highest mountain in the...

Alcobaça

Alcobaça is a town that still shows its old-world roots in its downtown architecture—pretty red-tile roofs and French chateau turrets. The town is in a...

Loulé

Castle walls and three stone towers provide visual evidence of its history, while an Arabesque indoor market—complete with pink turrets—offers a true taste of Algarvian...

Calheta

Not so long ago this was a quiet village huddled around a 17th-century church, but Calheta has exploded in popularity because it has the island’s...

Montemor-o-Velho

The small town of Montemor-o-Velho is most notable for its impressive ruined castle which sits high on a hill, overlooking the surrounding huddle of houses...

Camara de Lobos

On coastal route N101, you'll pass many banana plantations on the way to Câmara de Lobos—a former fishing village made famous by Winston Churchill, who...

Barca d'Alva/Castelo Rodrigo

These two small villages, a stone's throw from the Spanish border, make good jumping-off points for visiting the other Douro River villages, and even for...

Monção

The riverside town of Monção is a fortified border settlement with a long history of skirmishes with the Spanish. In town there are the remains...

Bitetos

Crawling up the cliffs of the Douro, this quaint village dates back to Roman times and was historically a key docking point for rebelos, the...

Peneda-Geres

The northeastern corner of the Minho is quite unlike most of this densely populated, heavily cultivated region. Here several forested serras (mountain ranges) rise up...

Espinho

A string of quiet beaches lead to Espinho, an increasingly fashionable resort. The long, sandy beach is extremely popular in summer, but you can find...

Pinhão

Pinhão is heaven on earth for oenophiles, who can visit quintas (vineyards), tour the facilities, and sip port and wine to their hearts' content. For...

Caniçal

Multicolored boats bob in water flanking this village with a long history as a whaling station—the industry ceased operation in 1981. In 1985, 5 acres...

Ericeira

Ericeira, an old fishing town tucked into the rocky coast, is a popular seaside resort. Its core fans out from the sheer cliff, beneath which...

Ofir and Esposende

On the south bank of the Rio Cávado, Ofir has a lovely beach with sweeping white sands, dunes, pinewoods, and water sports—a combination that has...

Curral das Freiras

The views of the valley itself is the main reason to visit. This was where the sisters of the Convent of Santa Clara took refuge...

Abrantes

A stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of Abrantes is a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon, especially if it winds up at the...

Machico

Come to the second-largest town on the island after Funchal to wander through the old quarter, attractively situated in a crescent bay with a lovely...

Ponte de Lima

Giving the town its name, Ponte de Lima's long, low, graceful bridge is of Roman origin. The main square by the old bridge has a...

Monte

The village of Monte sits above Funchal at a height of 1,804 feet. The cool mountain air and dramatic views made it a healthy retreat...

The Coast and the Douro

...

Azeitão

The region around the small town of Azeitão, on the western side of the Serra da Arrábida, retains a disproportionately large number of fine manor...

Valença do Minho

Valença do Minho is the major border crossing in this area, with roads as well as rail service into Spain. Valença's Old Town is enclosed...

Costa da Caparica

Costa da Caparica is a 20-km (12-mile) stretch of beach on the northwestern coast of the Setúbal Peninsula. White sand and a laid-back holiday vibe...

Vila do Conde

Vila do Conde has been making wooden boats since the 15th century. The shipyards are probably Europe's oldest, and the traditional boat-making skills used in...

Guincho

The wide beach at Guincho is one of the most famous—and most visited—in the country. Atlantic waves pound the sand even on the calmest of...

Vila Nova de Foz Côa

The higher reaches of the Douro are known for their harsh terrain, with baking hot summers and cold winters. Yet this apparently inhospitable region was...

Peninsula de Tróia

Across the estuary from Setúbal is the Peninsula de Tróia—a long spit of land blessed with clean water and fine beaches on both the Sado...

Chaves

Chaves was known to the Romans as Aquae Flaviae (Flavian's Waters). They established a military base here and popularized the town's thermal springs. The impressive...

São Pedro de Sintra

...

Pico do Arieiro

It’s a 45-minute drive from Funchal to the soaring peak of Madeira’s third-highest mountain, when on clear days visitors are rewarded with panoramic views around...

Benavente

Benavente is a small, country town in the heart of rural Ribatejo and of the Lezíria, which is Portuguese for the rich and fertile landscape...

Cascais and Boca do Inferno

Once a mere fishing village, the town of Cascais—with three small, sandy bays—is now a heavily developed resort town packed with shops, restaurants, and hotels...

Porto da Cruz

The little fishing village of Porto da Cruz is a charming spot on the northeast coast. While sights are few, the town still makes a...

Estoril

Having long ago established its reputation as an affluent enclave, Estoril is still the place to go for glitz and glamour. In the 19th century...

Porto Moniz

The island's northernmost village was a whaling station in the 19th century. These days its natural pools, formed by ancient lava flows, make it one...

Palmela

The small town of Palmela lies in the center of a prosperous wine-growing area, and every September the community holds a good-natured Festa das Vindimas...

Porto Santo

Beachcombers have long loved the tiny, parched, and barren island whose golden beach is famous for its therapeutic properties. By packing themselves in the sand...

Queluz

Halfway between Lisbon and Sintra, the otherwise rather unremarkable town of Queluz is dominated by its magnificent palace and gardens, located in the plaza of...

Ribeira Brava

This pleasant village, with a pebbly beach and bustling seafront fruit market, was founded in 1440 at the mouth of the Ribeira Brava (meaning "wide...

Sesimbra

Sesimbra, a lively fishing village surrounded by mountains and isolated bays and coves, is a popular day trip for Lisboetas. And, despite high-rise apartments that...

Ribeiro Frio

The landscape grows more lush on the northern side of the island, and the road is full of waterfalls. Ribeiro Frio (Cold Brook) is known...

Santana

The village of Santana is famous for its A-frame, thatch-roof palheiros (wooden houses), which are unique to the island. Traditionally painted in bright colors, they...

São Vicente

The little town of São Vicente is nestled in a narrow gully just inland from the dramatic north coast. Most of the central streets are...

Armação de Pêra

If it weren't for the interesting seascapes, beautiful beaches, and interesting eateries, this massively overdeveloped community wouldn't be worth a visit. Local captains can take...

Serra de Água

North from Ribeira Brava the N104 snakes through a sheer-sided canyon. In every direction you can see high waterfalls tumbling down canyon walls and into...

Lagos

Breezy and cool in every sense of the word, Lagos has an infectious energy and a laid-back feel. This bustling fishing port has many buildings–-the...

Western Madeira

...

Tavira

With its castle ruins, riverfront gardens, and atmospheric streets, Tavira—at the mouth of the quiet Rio Gilão—is immediately endearing. Many of the town's white 18th-century...

Coimbra and Central Portugal

While frequently sidestepped by tourists, this region is arguably the most unspoiled and quintessentially Portuguese part of the country. Even the coastal resorts have, as...

Lisbon

...

Porto

Portugal's second-largest city, with a population of roughly 280,000, considers itself the north's capital and, more contentiously, the country's economic center. Locals support this claim...

Funchal

When colonists arrived in Madeira in July 1419, the valley they settled in was a mass of bright yellow fennel, or funcho in Portuguese. Today...

Sintra

...

Guimarães

Guimarães is a town proud of its past, and this is evident in a series of delightful medieval landmarks. The old town's narrow, cobbled thoroughfares...

Peso da Régua

This is the true heart of port wine country, and all the bottles from the vineyards of the Upper Douro Valley pass through on their...

Lamego

A prosperous town set amid a fertile landscape carpeted with vineyards and orchards, Lamego is also rich in baroque churches and mansions. It straddles the...

Loulé

Castle walls and three stone towers provide visual evidence of its history, while an Arabesque indoor market—complete with pink turrets—offers a true taste of Algarvian...

Vila Real

The capital of Trás-os-Montes is superbly situated between two mountain ranges, and much of the city retains a small-town air. Although there's no great wealth...

Góis

...

Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha (Queen's Baths), the hub of a large farming area, is best known for the fantastical, colorful ceramics produced in local factories and—for...

Vila Real

...

Ponta Delgada

...

Monção

The riverside town of Monção is a fortified border settlement with a long history of skirmishes with the Spanish. In town there are the remains...

Nazaré

Not so long ago you could mingle on the beach with black-stocking-capped fishermen and even help as the oxen hauled boats in from the crashing...

Óbidos

As you enter town through the massive, arched gates of Óbidos, it seems as if you've been transported to Portugal in the Middle Ages, when...

Leiria

Leiria is a pleasant, modern, industrial town at the confluence of the Rios Liz and Lena, overlooked by a wonderfully elegant medieval castle. The region...

Mafra

...

Fátima

On the western flanks of the Serra de Aire lies Fátima, an important Roman Catholic pilgrimage site that is, ironically, named after the daughter of...

Ericeira

Ericeira, an old fishing town tucked into the rocky coast, is a popular seaside resort. Its core fans out from the sheer cliff, beneath which...

Constância

Peaceful little Constância is at the confluence of the Zêzere and the Tagus. It's best known as the town where poet Luís de Camões was...

Faial

...

Peniche

In the lee of a rocky peninsula, Peniche is a major fishing-and-canning port that's also a popular summer resort. There are several beaches to choose...

Madalena

...

Ponte da Barca

...

Coimbra

Coimbra is a fascinating city that combines a tangible sense of history with all of the vibrancy and street life typically associated with a university...

Viana do Castelo

At the mouth of the Rio Lima, Viana do Castelo has been a prosperous trading center since it received its town charter in 1258. Many...

Santarém

Some historians believe that Santarém's beginnings date to as early as 1200 BC and the age of Ulysses. Its strategic location led several kings to...

Benavente

Benavente is a small, country town in the heart of rural Ribatejo and of the Lezíria, which is Portuguese for the rich and fertile landscape...

Póvoa de Varzim

Póvoa de Varzim has a long beach, but the town has little of Vila do Conde's charm—except, perhaps, for the many shops and roadside stalls...

Tomar

TOn both sides of the Nabão River, Tomar is linked by a graceful, arched stone bridge. The river flows through a lovely park with weeping...

Vila Nova de Cerveira

Granite hills border one side of Vila Nova de Cerveira, and the Rio Minho and Spain border the other. The town dates from the 13th...

Torres Vedras

A bustling commercial center crowned with the ruins of a medieval castle, Torres Vedras is best known for its extensive fortifications—a system of trenches and...

Bragança

This ancient town in the northeastern corner of Portugal has been inhabited since Celtic times (since about 600 BC). The town lent its name to...

Vila Franca de Xira

Vila Franca de Xira is an excellent place to see Portuguese bullfights, known as the tourada, which are held from Easter through October. Although it's...

Batalha

Batalha, which means "battle" in Portuguese, is the site of another of the country's religious structures that memorialize a battle victory. The monastery, classified as...

Arraiolos

Arraiolos, dominated by the ruins of a once-mighty walled fortress, is a typical hilltop village of whitewashed houses and narrow streets. What distinguishes it is...

Faro

The Algarve’s provincial capital combines a smattering of history and ample leisure opportunities in one lively package. It is one of the few places in...

Évora

Dressed in traditional garb, shepherds and farmers with faces wizened by a lifetime in the baking sun stand around the fountain at Praça do Giraldo;...

Tavira

With its castle ruins, riverfront gardens, and atmospheric streets, Tavira—at the mouth of the quiet Rio Gilão—is immediately endearing. Many of the town's white 18th-century...

Guadalupe

The tiny village of Guadalupe takes its name from a 17th-century chapel that is dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Gaudalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe). Henry...

Praia do Almoxarife

...

Montemor-o-Novo

Driving east from the Portuguese capital, the first hilltop castle settlement you’ll hit is also one of the most impressive. Montemor-e-Novo, or simply Montemor for...

Água de Pau

...

Alcobaça

Alcobaça is a town that still shows its old-world roots in its downtown architecture—pretty red-tile roofs and French chateau turrets. The town is in a...

Sete Cidades

...

Calheta

Not so long ago this was a quiet village huddled around a 17th-century church, but Calheta has exploded in popularity because it has the island’s...

Camara de Lobos

On coastal route N101, you'll pass many banana plantations on the way to Câmara de Lobos—a former fishing village made famous by Winston Churchill, who...

Caniçal

Multicolored boats bob in water flanking this village with a long history as a whaling station—the industry ceased operation in 1981. In 1985, 5 acres...

Peneda-Geres

The northeastern corner of the Minho is quite unlike most of this densely populated, heavily cultivated region. Here several forested serras (mountain ranges) rise up...

Curral das Freiras

The views of the valley itself is the main reason to visit. This was where the sisters of the Convent of Santa Clara took refuge...

Pinhão

Pinhão is heaven on earth for oenophiles, who can visit quintas (vineyards), tour the facilities, and sip port and wine to their hearts' content. For...

Abrantes

A stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of Abrantes is a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon, especially if it winds up at the...

Ponte de Lima

Giving the town its name, Ponte de Lima's long, low, graceful bridge is of Roman origin. The main square by the old bridge has a...

Machico

Come to the second-largest town on the island after Funchal to wander through the old quarter, attractively situated in a crescent bay with a lovely...

Valença do Minho

Valença do Minho is the major border crossing in this area, with roads as well as rail service into Spain. Valença's Old Town is enclosed...

Monte

The village of Monte sits above Funchal at a height of 1,804 feet. The cool mountain air and dramatic views made it a healthy retreat...

Vila do Conde

Vila do Conde has been making wooden boats since the 15th century. The shipyards are probably Europe's oldest, and the traditional boat-making skills used in...

Azeitão

The region around the small town of Azeitão, on the western side of the Serra da Arrábida, retains a disproportionately large number of fine manor...

Vila Nova de Foz Côa

The higher reaches of the Douro are known for their harsh terrain, with baking hot summers and cold winters. Yet this apparently inhospitable region was...

Estoril

Having long ago established its reputation as an affluent enclave, Estoril is still the place to go for glitz and glamour. In the 19th century...

Vinhais

...

Palmela

The small town of Palmela lies in the center of a prosperous wine-growing area, and every September the community holds a good-natured Festa das Vindimas...

Chaves

Chaves was known to the Romans as Aquae Flaviae (Flavian's Waters). They established a military base here and popularized the town's thermal springs. The impressive...

Sesimbra

Sesimbra, a lively fishing village surrounded by mountains and isolated bays and coves, is a popular day trip for Lisboetas. And, despite high-rise apartments that...

Porto da Cruz

The little fishing village of Porto da Cruz is a charming spot on the northeast coast. While sights are few, the town still makes a...

Almeirim

Almeirim, a pretty country town just across the river from Santarém, is surrounded by vineyards and cork-oak forests. Many people from nearby cities and all...

Costa da Caparica

Costa da Caparica is a 20-km (12-mile) stretch of beach on the northwestern coast of the Setúbal Peninsula. White sand and a laid-back holiday vibe...

Porto Moniz

The island's northernmost village was a whaling station in the 19th century. These days its natural pools, formed by ancient lava flows, make it one...

Guincho

The wide beach at Guincho is one of the most famous—and most visited—in the country. Atlantic waves pound the sand even on the calmest of...

Ribeira Brava

This pleasant village, with a pebbly beach and bustling seafront fruit market, was founded in 1440 at the mouth of the Ribeira Brava (meaning "wide...

São Pedro de Sintra

...

Santana

The village of Santana is famous for its A-frame, thatch-roof palheiros (wooden houses), which are unique to the island. Traditionally painted in bright colors, they...

Setúbal

A colorful sister city to polished, cosmopolitan Lisbon, Setúbal lacks the tourist hordes of the capital but has plenty to offer the visitor. Along with...

São Vicente

The little town of São Vicente is nestled in a narrow gully just inland from the dramatic north coast. Most of the central streets are...

Armação de Pêra

If it weren't for the interesting seascapes, beautiful beaches, and interesting eateries, this massively overdeveloped community wouldn't be worth a visit. Local captains can take...

Serra de Água

North from Ribeira Brava the N104 snakes through a sheer-sided canyon. In every direction you can see high waterfalls tumbling down canyon walls and into...

Lagos

Breezy and cool in every sense of the word, Lagos has an infectious energy and a laid-back feel. This bustling fishing port has many buildings–-the...

Amarante

Straddling the Rio Tâmega, the two halves of Amarante are joined by a narrow 18th-century bridge that stretches above the tree-shaded banks. Rowboats and other...

Quinta do Lago

...

Barcelos

A bustling market town on the banks of the Rio Cávado, Barcelos is the center of a flourishing handicrafts industry, particularly ceramics (above all in...

Capelo

...

Bitetos

Crawling up the cliffs of the Douro, this quaint village dates back to Roman times and was historically a key docking point for rebelos, the...

Horta

...

Braga

Braga is one of northern Portugal's nicest surprises. Founded by the Romans as Bracara Augusta, it prospered in earnest in the 6th century—under the Visigoths—when...

Lajes do Pico

...

Bragança

...

São Roque do Pico

...

Caminha

...

Furnas

...

Chaves

...

Ribeira Grande

...

Espinho

A string of quiet beaches lead to Espinho, an increasingly fashionable resort. The long, sandy beach is extremely popular in summer, but you can find...

Angra do Heroísmo

...

Arouca

Arouca was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2009, and it's easy to see why—the spectacular scenery, fascinating geological history, and amazing natural formations...

Lisbon

...

Porto

Portugal's second-largest city, with a population of roughly 280,000, considers itself the north's capital and, more contentiously, the country's economic center. Locals support this claim...

Funchal

When colonists arrived in Madeira in July 1419, the valley they settled in was a mass of bright yellow fennel, or funcho in Portuguese. Today...

Sintra

...

Guimarães

Guimarães is a town proud of its past, and this is evident in a series of delightful medieval landmarks. The old town's narrow, cobbled thoroughfares...

Peso da Régua

This is the true heart of port wine country, and all the bottles from the vineyards of the Upper Douro Valley pass through on their...

Lamego

A prosperous town set amid a fertile landscape carpeted with vineyards and orchards, Lamego is also rich in baroque churches and mansions. It straddles the...

Loulé

Castle walls and three stone towers provide visual evidence of its history, while an Arabesque indoor market—complete with pink turrets—offers a true taste of Algarvian...

Vila Real

The capital of Trás-os-Montes is superbly situated between two mountain ranges, and much of the city retains a small-town air. Although there's no great wealth...

Góis

...

Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha (Queen's Baths), the hub of a large farming area, is best known for the fantastical, colorful ceramics produced in local factories and—for...

Vila Real

...

Ponta Delgada

...

Monção

The riverside town of Monção is a fortified border settlement with a long history of skirmishes with the Spanish. In town there are the remains...

Nazaré

Not so long ago you could mingle on the beach with black-stocking-capped fishermen and even help as the oxen hauled boats in from the crashing...

Óbidos

As you enter town through the massive, arched gates of Óbidos, it seems as if you've been transported to Portugal in the Middle Ages, when...

Leiria

Leiria is a pleasant, modern, industrial town at the confluence of the Rios Liz and Lena, overlooked by a wonderfully elegant medieval castle. The region...

Mafra

...

Fátima

On the western flanks of the Serra de Aire lies Fátima, an important Roman Catholic pilgrimage site that is, ironically, named after the daughter of...

Ericeira

Ericeira, an old fishing town tucked into the rocky coast, is a popular seaside resort. Its core fans out from the sheer cliff, beneath which...

Constância

Peaceful little Constância is at the confluence of the Zêzere and the Tagus. It's best known as the town where poet Luís de Camões was...

Faial

...

Peniche

In the lee of a rocky peninsula, Peniche is a major fishing-and-canning port that's also a popular summer resort. There are several beaches to choose...

Madalena

...

Ponte da Barca

...

Coimbra

Coimbra is a fascinating city that combines a tangible sense of history with all of the vibrancy and street life typically associated with a university...

Viana do Castelo

At the mouth of the Rio Lima, Viana do Castelo has been a prosperous trading center since it received its town charter in 1258. Many...

Santarém

Some historians believe that Santarém's beginnings date to as early as 1200 BC and the age of Ulysses. Its strategic location led several kings to...

Benavente

Benavente is a small, country town in the heart of rural Ribatejo and of the Lezíria, which is Portuguese for the rich and fertile landscape...

Póvoa de Varzim

Póvoa de Varzim has a long beach, but the town has little of Vila do Conde's charm—except, perhaps, for the many shops and roadside stalls...

Tomar

TOn both sides of the Nabão River, Tomar is linked by a graceful, arched stone bridge. The river flows through a lovely park with weeping...

Vila Nova de Cerveira

Granite hills border one side of Vila Nova de Cerveira, and the Rio Minho and Spain border the other. The town dates from the 13th...

Torres Vedras

A bustling commercial center crowned with the ruins of a medieval castle, Torres Vedras is best known for its extensive fortifications—a system of trenches and...

Bragança

This ancient town in the northeastern corner of Portugal has been inhabited since Celtic times (since about 600 BC). The town lent its name to...

Vila Franca de Xira

Vila Franca de Xira is an excellent place to see Portuguese bullfights, known as the tourada, which are held from Easter through October. Although it's...

Batalha

Batalha, which means "battle" in Portuguese, is the site of another of the country's religious structures that memorialize a battle victory. The monastery, classified as...

Arraiolos

Arraiolos, dominated by the ruins of a once-mighty walled fortress, is a typical hilltop village of whitewashed houses and narrow streets. What distinguishes it is...

Faro

The Algarve’s provincial capital combines a smattering of history and ample leisure opportunities in one lively package. It is one of the few places in...

Évora

Dressed in traditional garb, shepherds and farmers with faces wizened by a lifetime in the baking sun stand around the fountain at Praça do Giraldo;...

Tavira

With its castle ruins, riverfront gardens, and atmospheric streets, Tavira—at the mouth of the quiet Rio Gilão—is immediately endearing. Many of the town's white 18th-century...

Guadalupe

The tiny village of Guadalupe takes its name from a 17th-century chapel that is dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Gaudalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe). Henry...

Praia do Almoxarife

...

Montemor-o-Novo

Driving east from the Portuguese capital, the first hilltop castle settlement you’ll hit is also one of the most impressive. Montemor-e-Novo, or simply Montemor for...

Água de Pau

...

Alcobaça

Alcobaça is a town that still shows its old-world roots in its downtown architecture—pretty red-tile roofs and French chateau turrets. The town is in a...

Sete Cidades

...

Calheta

Not so long ago this was a quiet village huddled around a 17th-century church, but Calheta has exploded in popularity because it has the island’s...

Camara de Lobos

On coastal route N101, you'll pass many banana plantations on the way to Câmara de Lobos—a former fishing village made famous by Winston Churchill, who...

Caniçal

Multicolored boats bob in water flanking this village with a long history as a whaling station—the industry ceased operation in 1981. In 1985, 5 acres...

Peneda-Geres

The northeastern corner of the Minho is quite unlike most of this densely populated, heavily cultivated region. Here several forested serras (mountain ranges) rise up...

Curral das Freiras

The views of the valley itself is the main reason to visit. This was where the sisters of the Convent of Santa Clara took refuge...

Pinhão

Pinhão is heaven on earth for oenophiles, who can visit quintas (vineyards), tour the facilities, and sip port and wine to their hearts' content. For...

Abrantes

A stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of Abrantes is a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon, especially if it winds up at the...

Ponte de Lima

Giving the town its name, Ponte de Lima's long, low, graceful bridge is of Roman origin. The main square by the old bridge has a...

Machico

Come to the second-largest town on the island after Funchal to wander through the old quarter, attractively situated in a crescent bay with a lovely...

Valença do Minho

Valença do Minho is the major border crossing in this area, with roads as well as rail service into Spain. Valença's Old Town is enclosed...

Monte

The village of Monte sits above Funchal at a height of 1,804 feet. The cool mountain air and dramatic views made it a healthy retreat...

Vila do Conde

Vila do Conde has been making wooden boats since the 15th century. The shipyards are probably Europe's oldest, and the traditional boat-making skills used in...

Azeitão

The region around the small town of Azeitão, on the western side of the Serra da Arrábida, retains a disproportionately large number of fine manor...

Vila Nova de Foz Côa

The higher reaches of the Douro are known for their harsh terrain, with baking hot summers and cold winters. Yet this apparently inhospitable region was...

Estoril

Having long ago established its reputation as an affluent enclave, Estoril is still the place to go for glitz and glamour. In the 19th century...

Vinhais

...

Palmela

The small town of Palmela lies in the center of a prosperous wine-growing area, and every September the community holds a good-natured Festa das Vindimas...

Chaves

Chaves was known to the Romans as Aquae Flaviae (Flavian's Waters). They established a military base here and popularized the town's thermal springs. The impressive...

Sesimbra

Sesimbra, a lively fishing village surrounded by mountains and isolated bays and coves, is a popular day trip for Lisboetas. And, despite high-rise apartments that...

Porto da Cruz

The little fishing village of Porto da Cruz is a charming spot on the northeast coast. While sights are few, the town still makes a...

Almeirim

Almeirim, a pretty country town just across the river from Santarém, is surrounded by vineyards and cork-oak forests. Many people from nearby cities and all...

Costa da Caparica

Costa da Caparica is a 20-km (12-mile) stretch of beach on the northwestern coast of the Setúbal Peninsula. White sand and a laid-back holiday vibe...

Porto Moniz

The island's northernmost village was a whaling station in the 19th century. These days its natural pools, formed by ancient lava flows, make it one...

Guincho

The wide beach at Guincho is one of the most famous—and most visited—in the country. Atlantic waves pound the sand even on the calmest of...

Ribeira Brava

This pleasant village, with a pebbly beach and bustling seafront fruit market, was founded in 1440 at the mouth of the Ribeira Brava (meaning "wide...

São Pedro de Sintra

...

Santana

The village of Santana is famous for its A-frame, thatch-roof palheiros (wooden houses), which are unique to the island. Traditionally painted in bright colors, they...

Setúbal

A colorful sister city to polished, cosmopolitan Lisbon, Setúbal lacks the tourist hordes of the capital but has plenty to offer the visitor. Along with...

São Vicente

The little town of São Vicente is nestled in a narrow gully just inland from the dramatic north coast. Most of the central streets are...

Armação de Pêra

If it weren't for the interesting seascapes, beautiful beaches, and interesting eateries, this massively overdeveloped community wouldn't be worth a visit. Local captains can take...

Serra de Água

North from Ribeira Brava the N104 snakes through a sheer-sided canyon. In every direction you can see high waterfalls tumbling down canyon walls and into...

Lagos

Breezy and cool in every sense of the word, Lagos has an infectious energy and a laid-back feel. This bustling fishing port has many buildings–-the...

Amarante

Straddling the Rio Tâmega, the two halves of Amarante are joined by a narrow 18th-century bridge that stretches above the tree-shaded banks. Rowboats and other...

Quinta do Lago

...

Barcelos

A bustling market town on the banks of the Rio Cávado, Barcelos is the center of a flourishing handicrafts industry, particularly ceramics (above all in...

Capelo

...

Bitetos

Crawling up the cliffs of the Douro, this quaint village dates back to Roman times and was historically a key docking point for rebelos, the...

Horta

...

Braga

Braga is one of northern Portugal's nicest surprises. Founded by the Romans as Bracara Augusta, it prospered in earnest in the 6th century—under the Visigoths—when...

Lajes do Pico

...

Bragança

...

São Roque do Pico

...

Caminha

...

Furnas

...

Chaves

...

Ribeira Grande

...

Espinho

A string of quiet beaches lead to Espinho, an increasingly fashionable resort. The long, sandy beach is extremely popular in summer, but you can find...

Angra do Heroísmo

...

Arouca

Arouca was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2009, and it's easy to see why—the spectacular scenery, fascinating geological history, and amazing natural formations...

The Algarve

The Algarve is deservedly popular, with millions of annual vacationers thronging here to enjoy sandy beaches, superb golf, and all the other enticements of seaside...

Estremadura and the Ribatejo

Estremadura and the Ribatejo are the two historical provinces north and northeast of Lisbon. Estremadura, with its green rural valleys, is characterized by a mix...

Northern Portugal

Perched on the steep banks of the River Douro, Porto is many people's favorite part of Portugal. A center for the arts, culture, and cuisine...

Évora and the Alentejo

The Alentejo, which means "the land beyond the Rio Tejo" (Tagus River) in Portuguese, is a vast, sparsely populated area of heath and rolling hills...

Madeira

Floral scents fill Madeira's sea-washed air. Bird-of-paradise flowers grow wild, pink and purple fuchsia weave lacy patterns up pastel walls, and jacaranda trees create purple...

Queluz

Halfway between Lisbon and Sintra, the otherwise rather unremarkable town of Queluz is dominated by its magnificent palace and gardens, located in the plaza of...

Peninsula de Tróia

Across the estuary from Setúbal is the Peninsula de Tróia—a long spit of land blessed with clean water and fine beaches on both the Sado...

Cascais and Boca do Inferno

Once a mere fishing village, the town of Cascais—with three small, sandy bays—is now a heavily developed resort town packed with shops, restaurants, and hotels...

Sintra, the Estoril Coast, and the Setúbal Peninsula

The capital’s backyard offers some seriously enticing side trips. A succession of attractive coastal resorts and camera-ready towns lie within a 50-km (31-mile) stretch north...

Tras-os-Montes

...

The Coast and the Douro

...

Montemor-o-Velho

The small town of Montemor-o-Velho is most notable for its impressive ruined castle which sits high on a hill, overlooking the surrounding huddle of houses...

Barca d'Alva/Castelo Rodrigo

These two small villages, a stone's throw from the Spanish border, make good jumping-off points for visiting the other Douro River villages, and even for...

Western Madeira

...

Side Trips from Évora

A trip through the countryside surrounding Évora will take you to some of the earliest-inhabited sites in Portugal, the country’s carpet- and tapestry-making center, and...

Ofir and Esposende

On the south bank of the Rio Cávado, Ofir has a lovely beach with sweeping white sands, dunes, pinewoods, and water sports—a combination that has...

The Azores

...

Coimbra and Central Portugal

While frequently sidestepped by tourists, this region is arguably the most unspoiled and quintessentially Portuguese part of the country. Even the coastal resorts have, as...

The Algarve

The Algarve is deservedly popular, with millions of annual vacationers thronging here to enjoy sandy beaches, superb golf, and all the other enticements of seaside...

Estremadura and the Ribatejo

Estremadura and the Ribatejo are the two historical provinces north and northeast of Lisbon. Estremadura, with its green rural valleys, is characterized by a mix...

Northern Portugal

Perched on the steep banks of the River Douro, Porto is many people's favorite part of Portugal. A center for the arts, culture, and cuisine...

Évora and the Alentejo

The Alentejo, which means "the land beyond the Rio Tejo" (Tagus River) in Portuguese, is a vast, sparsely populated area of heath and rolling hills...

Madeira

Floral scents fill Madeira's sea-washed air. Bird-of-paradise flowers grow wild, pink and purple fuchsia weave lacy patterns up pastel walls, and jacaranda trees create purple...

Queluz

Halfway between Lisbon and Sintra, the otherwise rather unremarkable town of Queluz is dominated by its magnificent palace and gardens, located in the plaza of...

Peninsula de Tróia

Across the estuary from Setúbal is the Peninsula de Tróia—a long spit of land blessed with clean water and fine beaches on both the Sado...

Cascais and Boca do Inferno

Once a mere fishing village, the town of Cascais—with three small, sandy bays—is now a heavily developed resort town packed with shops, restaurants, and hotels...

Sintra, the Estoril Coast, and the Setúbal Peninsula

The capital’s backyard offers some seriously enticing side trips. A succession of attractive coastal resorts and camera-ready towns lie within a 50-km (31-mile) stretch north...

Tras-os-Montes

...

The Coast and the Douro

...

Montemor-o-Velho

The small town of Montemor-o-Velho is most notable for its impressive ruined castle which sits high on a hill, overlooking the surrounding huddle of houses...

Barca d'Alva/Castelo Rodrigo

These two small villages, a stone's throw from the Spanish border, make good jumping-off points for visiting the other Douro River villages, and even for...

Western Madeira

...

Side Trips from Évora

A trip through the countryside surrounding Évora will take you to some of the earliest-inhabited sites in Portugal, the country’s carpet- and tapestry-making center, and...

Ofir and Esposende

On the south bank of the Rio Cávado, Ofir has a lovely beach with sweeping white sands, dunes, pinewoods, and water sports—a combination that has...

The Azores

...

Coimbra and Central Portugal

While frequently sidestepped by tourists, this region is arguably the most unspoiled and quintessentially Portuguese part of the country. Even the coastal resorts have, as...

Parque Nacional de Peneda-Gerês

...

Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

A region of stunning beauty, this natural park covers approximately 1,011 square km (390 square miles) and is home to the highest mountain in the...

Parque Nacional de Peneda-Gerês

...

Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

A region of stunning beauty, this natural park covers approximately 1,011 square km (390 square miles) and is home to the highest mountain in the...

Terceira

...

São Miguel

...

Faial

...

Pico

...

Porto Santo

Beachcombers have long loved the tiny, parched, and barren island whose golden beach is famous for its therapeutic properties. By packing themselves in the sand...

Terceira

...

São Miguel

...

Faial

...

Pico

...

Porto Santo

Beachcombers have long loved the tiny, parched, and barren island whose golden beach is famous for its therapeutic properties. By packing themselves in the sand...

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