Portugal is small enough to explore without stress, but diverse enough to feel like multiple trips in one. If you’re deciding where to go in Portugal, this list blends icons with quieter gems so your itinerary doesn’t feel like a copy-paste route of the same hotspots.

Before you start hopping coastlines and hill towns, add a simple travel upgrade: Jetpac with a Portugal eSIM. Many travelers choose Jetpac as the best eSIM for Portugal because it activates fast and keeps your trip moving when you’re navigating remote viewpoints, ferry changes, and last-minute bookings.

This 2026 shortlist spotlights places to visit in Portugal across cities, coast, wine country, national parks, and islands, including several nice places in Portugal to visit that most people miss.

Quick planning: how to build the route

• Base-and-branch works best: Lisbon + Porto + Faro (or Lagos/Tavira) covers most of the best places in Portugal with easy day trips.
• For the best time to visit to Portugal, aim for April-June or September-October for city walks + hikes, and June or early September for beach days with fewer crowds.
• If you want the most efficient travel days, prioritize the best cities to travel in Portugal as hubs, then add 1-2 “slow stops” (Douro, Alentejo, Madeira, Azores).

Below are the top 25 places to visit in Portugal in 2026:

Lisbon cluster (day trips + city depth)

1) Lisbon (Belém + Alfama)

Lisbon is often considered the best tourist destination in Portugal for first-timers because it combines history, food, and viewpoints with easy day trips. Do not miss out on getting an eSIM Portugal.

Don’t miss: Jerónimos + sunset from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Local tip: Ride elevators/funiculars to save your legs.

2) Sintra (Pena + Moorish Castle)

One of the best places to visit in Portugal, but you can make it feel quieter by going early and picking fewer sites.

Do this: Book the earliest palace slot, then wander the park trails.

3) Cascais + Boca do Inferno

A coastal reset near Lisbon that still feels local outside peak weekends.

Perfect for: beach walk + seafood lunch without changing hotels.

4) Azenhas do Mar (hidden cliff village)

One of the most photogenic and best places to see in Portugal near Sintra, white houses stacked on cliffs with a natural seawater pool.

5) Óbidos (walled medieval town)

Compact, charming, and easy, one of the best places to go in Portugal when you want history without the big-city pace.

Smart move: Visit late afternoon after day-trippers leave.

Central Portugal (often skipped, highly rewarding)

6) Coimbra (University + riverside lanes)

Quietly, one of the strongest cultural places to visit in Portugal, especially if you like layered history and student energy.

7) Buçaco Forest (fairytale woodland)

A seriously underrated stop, mossy trails, hidden paths, and a palace-like hotel setting.

Best for: A half-day nature reset.

8) Aveiro + Costa Nova

Canals + striped houses = one of the nice places in Portugal to visit for photos and low-effort exploring.

Add-on: A short moliceiro boat ride.

9) Nazaré (clifftop lookout + big wave energy)

A must if you’re chasing Atlantic drama.

Local tip: Even in summer, the cliff views are the star.

10) Alcobaça Monastery

A strong “stop-between” destination with a powerful history story, an easy win if you want meaningful culture without crowds.

11) Tomar (Convent of Christ)

A highlight for architecture lovers and one of the best heritage-focused places to visit in Portugal beyond Lisbon/Porto.

Porto + North (wine + heritage + wilderness)

12) Porto (Ribeira + Gaia)

Porto is one of the best cities to travel in Portugal for walkability, viewpoints, and food. It’s also frequently called the best tourist destination in Portugal for couples who love scenic evenings.

13) Douro Valley (Pinhão viewpoints + tastings)

Terraced vineyards, river bends, and slow travel. This is one of the best places to visit in Portugal when you want “wow” with minimal effort.

Tip: Choose one winery + one short cruise, not five tastings in a day.

14) Braga (Bom Jesus funicular)

A hillside sanctuary that’s visually striking and easy to pair with Porto.
Good for: a half-day cultural outing + city views.

15) Guimarães (UNESCO old town feel)

Historic and walkable, with a “Portugal origin story” vibe that feels different from Porto.

16) Peneda-Gerês National Park

Portugal’s only national park is among the most nature-rich and best places in Portugal. 

Go here for: Waterfalls, stone villages, and cooler hiking days.

Rule: Pick one trail loop per day for a happier pace.

Alentejo (quiet Portugal, big atmosphere)

17) Évora (UNESCO + slow streets)

Often labeled a best tourist destination in Portugal for travelers who want culture without rush.

Do this: Roman Temple area + a small museum + long lunch.

18) Monsaraz + Alqueva Dark Sky

One of the most peaceful and nice places in Portugal to visit if you want a “white village + stargazing” night.

Best experience: sunset viewpoint, then a short dark-sky session.

19) Marvão (hilltop fortress town)

A hidden “wow”, dramatic views, quiet lanes, and a cooler mountain feel.

20) Vila Viçosa (palace-town elegance)

A lesser-known royal-feeling stop that adds variety to an Alentejo loop.

Algarve + wild coast (beyond the same beaches)

21) Lagos (cliffs + coves)

A classic coastal base and one of the best places to see in Portugal, if you want dramatic shoreline views with good amenities.

22) Costa Vicentina (Odeceixe to Sagres)

This is the Algarve’s wilder edge and one of the most scenic and best places to go in Portugal for cliff beaches and quieter trails.

23) Tavira + Ria Formosa islands

Tavira is one of the calmer places to visit in Portugal, and the lagoon islands are ideal for relaxed beach time.

Family-friendly move: Choose calmer crossings on windy days.

Islands (worth the “slow travel” commitment)

24) Madeira (Funchal + levada walks)

Year-round outdoor energy, coastal viewpoints, and lush trails make Madeira a top-tier island pick among the best places to visit in Portugal.

Tip: Do one levada walk + one cable-car day to balance effort.

25) Azores (São Miguel: Sete Cidades + Furnas)

Volcanic lakes, hot springs, and green landscapes, one of the most nature-rich and best places in Portugal.

Tip: Rent a car for viewpoints; the weather changes quickly.

Staying connected in Portugal with Jetpac 

If you’re exploring beaches, hill towns, national parks, and islands, mobile data is non-negotiable. A Jetpac Portugal eSIM is the easiest way to stay online without SIM-store detours or roaming shock, and many travelers rate it as the best eSIM for Portugal for smooth travel days. Jetpac stands out as the best eSIM for Portugal for several reasons:

🌍 Fast activation before you land
One eSIM works in 200+ places so that you can start navigating immediately with your Portugal eSIM upon arrival.

🧭 Essential apps still work after data runs out
Core apps like Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Uber will continue to work even when your data runs out, so you’re never stranded while deciding where to go in Portugal next.

💸Up to 70% cheaper than roaming
Jetpac plans can save up to 70% compared to traditional international roaming charges, helping you avoid unexpected mobile bills while moving between places to visit in Portugal.

📞 In-app voice calls (50+ countries)
Call hotels, tours, or restaurants without relying on your physical SIM.

📡 Multi-network access with 5G where available
Automatically connects to the strongest local network for more stable coverage across cities, coastlines, and rural regions.

📲 Unlimited hotspot sharing
Share data with travel companions without data restrictions, ideal when visiting remote and nice places in Portugal to visit.

💬 24/7 support via WhatsApp + email
Help is available anytime if setup or activation gets tricky via email or WhatsApp.

If you’re comparing options, adding a backup eSIM Portugal can also be helpful for longer trips, but most travelers find that one Jetpac setup covers their needs.

Read More: Exploring several regions in one trip can quickly increase daily expenses like transport, attraction tickets, and accommodation. Whether you're planning a multi-country itinerary or just trying to stretch your travel budget further, having a cost strategy makes a real difference. Read our blog 👉 How to Save Money While Traveling Without Sacrificing Fun

Money & timing tips (so the “25” feels doable)

• Mix paid highlights with free viewpoints to keep costs steady.
• Use regional trains for day trips, and book timed-entry monuments early.
• Your trip will feel smoother if you plan “one paid highlight per day” plus free walks and beaches as your main things to do in Portugal.
• Portugal can be amazing on a mid-range budget if you time it right, especially when you balance paid highlights with free viewpoints and everyday things to do in Portugal.

FAQs

How many days do you need to cover the best places to visit in Portugal?

To comfortably explore the best places to visit in Portugal, plan at least 10-14 days. This allows time for Lisbon, Porto, one Algarve stop, and either Madeira or the Azores without rushing between major places to visit in Portugal.

What are the best places in Portugal for a balanced mix of city and nature?

If you want both culture and scenery, combine Lisbon or Porto (among the best cities to travel in Portugal) with the Douro Valley or Costa Vicentina. These combinations represent some of the most rewarding and best places in Portugal for varied experiences.

Which are the most underrated nice places in Portugal to visit?

Beyond the well-known spots, Monsaraz, Côa Valley, and parts of central Alentejo are excellent places in Portugal to visit. They offer quieter atmospheres compared to popular tourist destinations in Portugal, like Sintra or Lagos.

What are the best places to go in Portugal for families?

Families often prefer Lisbon, Porto riversides, Aveiro, and the Ria Formosa islands. These are some of the safest and best places to go in Portugal, thanks to flat walkways, beach access, and strong transport links.

How do I choose where to go in Portugal based on the season?

If you’re deciding where to go in Portugal, consider spring and autumn for cities and hiking, summer for Algarve beaches, and Madeira for year-round mild weather. Timing affects which of the best places to visit in Portugal feel most enjoyable.

Is a Portugal eSIM better than roaming when visiting multiple places?

Yes. Using a Portugal eSIM avoids roaming fees and works immediately on arrival. Travelers choose Jetpac among the best eSIM for Portugal options, especially when visiting islands and remote places to visit in Portugal that require reliable navigation.

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Travel conditions, opening hours, ticket prices, transport schedules, and entry requirements may change without notice. Always verify official sources before making bookings. Jetpac is not responsible for network coverage, speed variations, service interruptions, or any changes related to Portugal eSIM, eSIM Portugal, or connectivity services.