Where to visit in Portugal

Some of the most popular destinations in Portugal include Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. Portugal attracts many UK and US visitors each year. With its 17 white-sand beaches, the Algarve is a year-round destination. Many decide to stay there longer term or retire in Portugal because of its beauty and relatively low cost of living.

Remember that if you want to stay in Portugal longer than just a holiday you will need to get residency. If you have an EU passport you can get a CRUE Portugal in your first 3 months of being in the country and get residency for up to 5 years. If you are from the UK (post Brexit) or USA you are likely to need a visa.

Here are some of the best destinations in Portugal:

Algarve

The most visited destinations in the Algarve are Albufeira and Vilamoura, with their lively marina scenes, chic nightlife and golf courses. Portimão, on the western coast of the peninsula that goes by the same name, has good beaches, but is also an interesting city to explore. It has a 14th-century castle and museum where you can see Roman remains and archaeological finds from the Phoenician and Greek eras. You can also visit medieval chapels, silos rich in history and even a 14th-century windmill. Down by the river you'll find ancient mills and a Roman bridge.

Those who prefer a more relaxed pace of life can try Lagos in the south or Sagres in the west. Here you will find beaches, beautiful scenery and good places to eat fresh fish.

Central Portugal

Other destinations on Portugal's mainland are the charming old university town of Coimbra, dominated by a massive castle on a steep hillside; and Evora in southern Portugal with its large historical centre.

Lisbon and the Lisbon Coast

Portugal's first city, Lisbon has a young, vibrant energy that extends to its historic centre. Walk down the pedestrian streets of Baixa (downtown) or stroll along the riverfront. There are also many possibilities for shopping. In the Anjos area, just north of Baixa, you'll find a large range of shops. The Chiado district is full of trendy boutiques and design shops.

No matter where you go, you are never far from a tasty meal of fresh seafood. If you're in Lisbon, try the variety of restaurants around the Pão de Açúcar ('sugar loaf') or along the Avenida da Liberdade, near Praça dos Restauradores.

Portugal's other coastal cities are also worth a visit, because they have their own attractions – from beaches to museums to vibrant nightlife. In Cascais you can enjoy the cool summer breezes and visit a casino or spa. Estoril and Sintra close by are both charming, with small palaces and coquettish villas.

Wine Regions

Portugal's wine regions are also well worth visiting. In the north you'll find Porto with its trademark wines, red Douro and white Vinho Verde; on the Atlantic coast there's picturesque Vila Nova de Gaia and farther inland the pretty town of Alijó. The Dão region produces red wines and is also a good place for a pit stop on the way from Coimbra to Lisbon, located as it is between the two cities. In Setúbal you can find delicious sweet white wine made from the muscat grape; south of Lisbon lie many vineyards in the Alentejo region.

Porto

Portugal's second city, Porto, is famous for its cuisine and beautiful buildings. No matter what season you visit, you'll be charmed by this riverside city with cobbled streets and baroque churches. The best time to go is in early spring when Saint John's festival is held and in summer during the music festival Seaside Nights.

Do you visit Portugal? Where is your favourite destination? We’d love to hear from you so please comment on our blog.