\n
Porto<\/h2>\n Perhaps only second to Lisbon, Porto is one of the best-known cities of Portugal. Surrounded by the stunning beaches of Costa Verde, this gorgeous city was recognized for its Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.<\/p>\n
Porto is a dream base for exploring the wider region. This is one of those places where you can choose your own adventure.<\/strong><\/p>\nWander amongst the architectural wonders of the city then sip your way around the Green Wine Region. Hike amongst the rugged coastline then soak in the sun at one of the countless golden beaches. Whatever you are in the mood for, you can do it here.<\/p>\n
Feeling inspired already? Pack your beach gear, hiking shoes, and my Porto Travel Guide then hit the ground running.<\/h4>\n
\n
Madeira<\/h2>\n This archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa is famous for its unique wine variety and dreamy tropical climate. You\u2019ll often hear the islands compared to Hawaii and it\u2019s easy to see why.<\/p>\n
Comprised of four islands, each area of Madeira has its own unique charm.<\/h4>\n Explore the urban wonders of Funchal and hike the lush green hills and dramatic cliffs of the main island. Surf the waves of Jardim do Mar or go for a family-friends stay in the picturesque village of Santa Cruz. Planning to live in your bikini? Look to Machico and Calheta.<\/p>\n
\n
Faro<\/h2>\n Faro is a popular destination thanks to its international airport (which, by the way, is served by low-cost airlines like Ryan Air who will fly you to your next European destination for less than 20 euros in many cases).<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, far too many sun-hungry tourists take the first bus out of town to lounge in the Algarve. While the nearby beach resorts are gorgeous and you could easily spend your entire trip there, Faro is a destination in its own right.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe well-preserved heart of this old town has incredible seafood restaurants, hopping nightclubs, and some of the best prices you will find in any city in Western Europe. I\u2019d recommend having at least one overnight stay here if not an entire weekend.<\/p>\n
\n
Lagos<\/h2>\n The Algarve is one of Europe\u2019s favorite seaside destinations. \u200b\u200bIt\u2019s a picture-perfect destination for hiking amongst the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic and living the good life on the golden beaches.<\/p>\n
Lagos and Albufeira are the two hubs of the Algarve and they serve as the bases for most travelers.<\/h4>\n They\u2019re both worth exploring and I especially adore Lagos because it\u2019s got far more to offer than your average beach town. Once you\u2019ve explored the sea arches and hidden grottos, take in the culture of the buzzing old town. There\u2019s always something going on and it\u2019s a dream spot to simply sit at a sidewalk cafe and people watch.<\/p>\n
Planning Tip: If you\u2019ve got an itinerary pack with outdoor activities, you\u2019ll want to arrive at the right time of year. Before you book, be sure to grab my guide to the best time to visit Portugal.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Sintra<\/h2>\n This charming destination in the foothills of a mountain is straight out of a fairytale. The UNESCO World Heritage town is an easy train trip from Lisbon and well worth the journey.<\/p>\n
Explore the epic Pena Palace and wander amongst the terraces and courtyards. This colorful castle is home to Parque de Pena and a quick trip to the gothic wonder that is the Quinta da Regaleira.<\/strong><\/p>\nIf you only have one afternoon to get out of Lisbon, head to this beautiful tucked-away town and you will feel like you\u2019re wandering through a Disney movie.<\/p>\n
\n
Estoi<\/h2>\nJust outside of Faro, you\u2019ll find the cobbled streets and whitewashed houses of this quaint village.<\/h4>\n Take your time exploring the village\u2019s main square then head over to the Pal\u00e1cio do Visconde de Estoi and explore this famous 19th-century palace.<\/p>\n
Just outside of the palace, you can see the Roman complex of Milreu. This spot is home to some remarkably well-preserved ruins from the second century. Be sure to bring your camera and snap a few shots of the mosaics that surround the former bathhouse.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t Old Town of Obidos, Portugal<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
Obidos<\/h2>\n Another beautiful village in the countryside, this is home to one of the so-called seven wonders of Portugal: the Moorish Castle of Obidos. Climb the castle walls then wander amongst the whitewashed cottages.<\/p>\n
I promise, it is well worth the trip.<\/h4>\n Fun Fact: The Obidos was considered such a beautiful village that King Alfonso II offered it to his wife in 1210 as a gift. And this Instagram-friendly town is just as impressive today as it was way back then!<\/strong><\/p>\n
The Douro Valley<\/h2>\nThis region of Northeast Portugal is a mecca for foodies and wine lovers.<\/h4>\n In fact, it was the very first place on the planet to be officially designated as a wine region. Also known as Alto Douro, this UNESCO World Heritage destination has been producing impressive vintages since all the way back to Roman times.<\/p>\n
Sample the port wine, take a cruise down the Douro River, and explore the countless picture-perfect villages and wineries that dot the land.<\/p>\n
Worked up an appetite exploring? Grab a plate!<\/strong><\/p>\nPortuguese food is one of the all too often forgotten European cuisines. There are countless treats that most of us have never heard of. Save my guide to the top \u200b\u200b10 Local Foods to Try in Portugal and eat your way around the country.<\/p>\n
\n
Aveiro<\/h2>\n The Venice of Portugal (without the throngs of tourists!), Aveiro is one of my favorite hideaways. You might have already seen my post on How to Spend a Day in Aveiro, Portugal, but that barely scratches the surface.<\/p>\n
A dream destination for photographers, the mosaic of gondolas and art nouveau building fill the Ria de Aveiro with color. Snap pics, sample the freshly harvested seaweed, and dig into the dynamic culture and history of Portugal.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n
The Azores<\/h2>\n These remote islands were made for adventure lovers. While this volcanic archipelago of the mid-Atlantic is famous for its hot springs and whale-watching, that is just the beginning.<\/p>\n
The award-winning network of parks and reserves is home to three biospheres.<\/h4>\n A leader in sustainable tourism, this is the kind of place you\u2019ll only set foot indoors to go to bed. Whether you are sailing, hiking, diving, surfing, riding horseback, biking, or paragliding, you\u2019ll never want to leave the fresh air of this gorgeous archipelago.<\/p>\n
Now, let\u2019s start packing! Read up on the essentials you\u2019ll want to know before you go in my complete Portugal travel guide.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"10](\"https:\/\/www.theblondeabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/10-places-Portugal.jpg\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.theblondeabroad.com\/wp-content\/themes\/tba\/images\/TBA-Post-Separator@2x.png\"\/)
![](\"https:\/\/www.theblondeabroad.com\/wp-content\/themes\/tba\/images\/TBA-Post-Separator@2x.png\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.theblondeabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/shutterstock_414063700.jpg\"\/)
![](\"https:\/\/www.theblondeabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/shutterstock_414063700.jpg\")
![\"Camara](\"https:\/\/www.theblondeabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/shutterstock_1130083520.jpg\"\/)
![\"Camara](\"https:\/\/www.theblondeabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/shutterstock_1130083520.jpg\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.theblondeabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/shutterstock_383056402.jpg\"\/)
![](\"https:\/\/www.theblondeabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/shutterstock_383056402.jpg\")
![\"Douro](\"https:\/\/www.theblondeabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/shutterstock_656541559.jpg\"\/)
![\"Douro](\"https:\/\/www.theblondeabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/shutterstock_656541559.jpg\")