All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
On the unforgiving edge of the Atlantic where a windswept coastline was once thought to be the edge of the world, Portugal is an intrepid frontier. The southern European country is a masterclass in timeless appeal, with the best places to visit in Portugal ranging from beaches with roaring 100-foot-waves to countrysides blanketed in impossible shades of green. On any given day, one can taste wines within steeply terraced vineyards, feast upon mouthwatering pastel de nata (an addictive egg custard tart pastry), or discover allegorical scenes painted on Portugal’s iconic blue-and-white azulejos tiles.
And the beauty of it all? Portugal is a year-round destination. “In summer, you can go to the beaches in the Vicentina Coast or the Algarve; in autumn, there’s the harvest in the Douro; during winter the weather in Madeira is warm; and spring ushers in flower season in the Azores,” say Virginia Irurita, a preferred partner of luxury travel advisor, Virtuoso. “It’s a small country, but big in diversity.”
Ahead, discover 13 of the best places to visit in Portugal that highlight this diversity, and what to do once you’re there.
Ride a Historic Train Into the Douro Valley
Half the thrill of the Douro Valley is the scenic journey into the valley itself. From Porto, drive a little over an hour to reach the small town of Régua. Here, you’ll board the Douro Historical Train with its five wooden carriages, enjoying port wine and traditional music along the way. The route has a pit stop in Pinhão (a charming town in the heart of wine country), heads onward to Tua, then makes its scenic return to Régua. If you prefer to train into the Douro Valley and stick around for vineyard tastings and an overnight stay, opt for the regular CP train to Pinhão. (While you wait for your train to arrive, admire the hand-painted tiles at Pinhão’s station.)
Mark a Milestone Along the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is a historic pilgrimage route that leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain (where the apostle Saint James is believed to be buried). This network of trails has two main routes that pass through Portugal before entering Spain: the central route and the coastal route. Reasons for completing this historic stretch range from spiritual fulfillment to honoring the loss of a loved one. Or perhaps simply marking a new stage in life. If you’re in search of a bucket list excursion, lace up your hiking boots and walk the Camino Portugués.
Get Carried Away in Romantic Óbidos
About an hour’s drive north from Lisbon, this medieval fortress village is characterized by its whitewashed buildings and blooming bougainvilleas. In the late 13th century, Óbidos was gifted to a young Queen Isabel of Portugal as a wedding present, and remained an exclusive property of the queens of Portugal until 1883. The storybook village is also known for its bookstores and artisan chocolate shops, with a renowned literary festival, Fólio, taking place each October. For an overnight stay, Luxury travel advisor Sarah Casewit says to head for this 12th-century fortress to be “surrounded by ancient stone walls, suits of armor, and sweeping views of the countryside.”
Pick Up a Few Ceramics in São Pedro do Corval
.jpg)
Some of the first visuals that come to mind when dreaming up an aesthetic getaway to Portugal are the country’s photogenic ceramic tiles. Live it out in real life at the pottery village of São Pedro do Corval with a visit to master potters who still mould clay by hand. Strolling the unhurried streets, you’ll come across 20-or-so artisanal pottery workshops, spotting craftspeople at the wheel spinning their latest creations, or hand painting the sun-dappled hues of the landscape.
Taste Your Way Through Vinho Verde
Often confused as a style of wine and not a geographical location, Vinho Verde consists of nine subregions in the northwest corner of the country, stretching all the way up to the Spanish border. The landscape is one of undulating, verdant hillsides with two rivers flowing throughout (the Minho and the Lima) and diverse microclimates that allow for unique, varied wines—not all of which are the spritzy style you’ve likely come to associate with the moniker. There’s a movement among many winemakers to scrap the technique that produces this fizz altogether, instead focusing on crafting more serious and gastronomic wines. (Many of which you can’t find outside of the country.) For a rundown on the best wineries to visit, take a look at our Vinho Verde travel guide.
Go Wave Watching in Nazaré
In 2011, surfer Garret McNamara made history when he successfully rode an enormous 78-foot wave at Nazaré. Astonishingly, even larger waves have been caught since then, cementing the turbulent coastline as a surfing mecca. An underwater geomorphological phenomenon known as the Canon of Nazaré allows the formation of these powerful waves that can exceed 100 feet in height, which visitors have a front-row seat to between October and March. In between breaks, take time to explore the fishing village with its narrow streets and fresh seafood.
Shop Embroidered Linens in Madeira
Madeira is world famous for its namesake fortified wine, but it’s not the only reason you should make the journey to this subtropical destination 600 miles off of mainland Portugal—the island has a significant history with hand embroidery that dates back to the 15th century. There are several types of lacework techniques used and around 100 embroiderers currently working in Madeira, with some pieces taking several months to be completed. Pick up a new tablecloth or set of napkins while you’re in town to support the island’s cultural heritage. Even better: “From June 2025, United Airlines will connect New York (EWR) to Funchal with direct flights, opening the island of Madeira to a new wave of popularity,” Casewit says.
Find a Dreamy Miradouro In Lisbon
The first thing you should know about Lisbon is the concept of the miradouro. These coveted viewpoints peppered across the city are part of the magic here, and every sunset should be enjoyed from your chosen miradouro. Beyond the views, Casewit points out that Lisbon continues to evolve into a leading European hub for art, design and cuisine. “Open in March 2025, MACAM is Europe s first museum to include a luxury hotel, offering an immersive art experience in a beautifully restored 18th-century palace.” Or if you prefer to stay on Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s most prestigious boulevard, Valverde Lisboa Hotel Garden with its famous restaurant can’t be beat.
Bask in the Sun at Comporta Beach
Often described as “hidden” and “unspoiled,” this compelling region on the southern tip of the Tróia Peninsula is made up of seven hamlets (including Comporta) and runs the coastline between the Sado Estuary and the sea. “It’s just one-and-a-half hours south of Lisbon, two hours north of the Algarve, and evolving from a boho-chic beach retreat to a discreetly luxurious haven,” Casewit says, who attributes much of its appeal to Comporta’s unique landscape of wild dunes and cork forests. For post-swim snacks, “don’t miss out on a good rice and fish meal at any of the many beach restaurants here,” Irurita suggests. As for accommodation, less than 30 minutes south is Vermelho Melides, Christian Louboutin’s glamorous hotel that has become one of the hottest destinations in the country.
Explore Ancient Roman Ruins in Évora
Évora is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site perhaps best known for its Temple of Diana, one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the Iberian Peninsula. There’s also a Gothic cathedral, a small chapel lined with human bones and skulls, and a central square encircled by arcades and cafés. The city is completely walkable, allowing for an immersive experience along its cobblestone paths and beside white homes tucked away on narrow streets.
Soak in Thermal Springs Throughout the Azores
This archipelago is made up of nine islands sprinkled off the western coast of Portugal. All together, there are 26 active volcanoes in The Azores, which translates to a massive amount of thermal springs. Unsurprisingly, this is taken advantage of in full by visitors and locals alike. As one Vogue writer suggests, “Walk to Ponta da Ferraria when the tide is low, and the ocean is calm. This small, volcano-made swimming hole has warm geothermal water cooled by the ocean waves.” Or, if you’re after a touch of luxury, the spa at Octant Hotels Furnas features various pools filled with geothermal waters heated to different temperatures.
Savor Fresh Seafood in the Algarve
As a whole, Portugal is obviously well-regarded for its seafood. But within the Atlantic waters down in the Algarve, good conditions allow for as many as 200 species of fish and shellfish to thrive. This translates to an abundance of wild-caught seafood that punctuates the region’s already covetable offerings. Of course, the Algarve (sometimes referred to as the “California of Europe”) is best known for its beaches, but with a steadily increasing amount of tourism, more and more visitors are retreating to its countryside. Follow suit and book a room at the new Viceroy at Ombria Algarve just 30 minutes from the coast, or if you re itching for waterfront accommodation, check out Quinta do Pinheiro situated in the protected nature reserve of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
Listen to Fado in Coimbra
Whether it’s bagpipes in Scotland or yodeling in Bavaria, traditional music has a way of cementing a travel memory. And for Portugal, Fado (from the Latin fatum, meaning fate) typically features a pear-shaped guitar and melancholic singing. “Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Fado only exists in Portugal,” Casewit says. “Ideally, you would experience its heart-wrenching notes in a tavern in Coimbra.”
