This tiny country on the edge of the world is a wonderful place for your next vacation. Every region of Portugal is authentic and unlike the others. In the south, you can enjoy surfing year-round and stroll along sandy beaches among the cliffs. The north is a mysterious land with world-famous vineyards and cellars, endless rivers, and delicious food. Lisbon combines several lives in one: cultural and vibrant nightlife. In the morning, you can watch sunrises from viewpoints, marvel at museum exhibits, and in the evenings, wander through the vibrant streets of Bairro Alto. Here are a few cities that you should definitely visit... and remember, each one is beautiful and unique!
1. Lisbon
Lisbon is especially popular among European tourists due to its warm climate, ancient architecture, narrow streets, yellow trams, delicious food, and the endless ocean. However, tourists from Russian-speaking countries rarely make their way here due to its distance. Lisbon and all of Portugal are wonderful places to spend an unforgettable vacation! Enjoy the local tranquility and serenity.
How get to Lisbon
Lisbon has its own airport within the city limits, and getting there is a breeze. All European cities have direct air connections to the Portuguese capital, and a ticket with hand luggage will cost you from 20 to 50 euros. If you arrive in Porto or travel by car through Spain, getting to Lisbon is very easy via the highway or by bus from any town.
2. Sintra
This magical city is surrounded by green hills and forests and is part of UNESCO's heritage for its fairy-tale castles and palaces. The stunning natural park covers 142 square kilometers, so to see all its beauty, I recommend coming for 2-3 days. However, to see attractions like the Pena Palace, Montserrat, and the Moorish Castle, a one-day trip is enough. Stroll through narrow streets, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant with a beautiful view, and take a break from the city's hustle and bustle amid unique plants.
How get to Sintra
Sintra is located 45 minutes from Lisbon. The most convenient way to get there is by suburban train from Rossio Station. Go to the 2nd floor and purchase a one-way ticket. The cost is 1.5€. You should get off at the terminus, so you won't get lost. Trains run every 20 minutes on weekdays and once an hour on Sundays. If your hotel is in the Oriente area, it's easier to get there from the eponymous station.
3. Porto
Porto, the second-largest and most popular city in Portugal, is known for its port wine cellars, colorful houses, and magnificent views of the hills. Enjoy the tranquility of the north as you stroll along the waterfront, through historic streets, and to viewpoints with stunning views of the Douro River. Whether it's wine tasting, riding funiculars, or exploring the Lello Bookstore, Porto will satisfy your wanderlust. Enjoy the best of the northern capital for 2-3 days!
How get to Porto
The northern capital has its airport with a large number of international flights, making it more convenient for tourists from other countries. For example, you can fly to Lisbon, spend a few days there, then head to Porto and depart from there. You can easily reach Porto from any Portuguese city by bus or train. The journey from Lisbon takes about 3 hours and costs between 10 and 30 euros.
4. Aveiro
Aveiro is often compared to Venice and is considered one of the most romantic cities in Portugal. Located in the northern part of the country, not far from Porto, it sits on a lagoon. Its narrow canals, bridges, colorful gondola-shaped boats, salt ponds, and architecture have made it famous among travelers. Painted boats called moliceiros sail along the river; they were once used to collect seaweed and are now used for tourism, and you should definitely take a ride on them.
How get to Aveiro
You can see all the attractions from morning till evening, so it's best to plan a visit for at least a day. You can get there from any city by train or bus. From the capital, the journey takes about 3 hours and costs between 10 and 20 euros one way. Trains and buses from Porto depart every half hour, and the journey is much shorter, taking about an hour.
5. Albufeira
Albufeira is one of the whitewashed fishing towns on the southern coast of the Algarve. It is perched on top of a low cliff, offering breathtaking views of the sandy beach and the ocean, making it one of the most popular destinations for vacations in Europe. It attracts partygoers and beach lovers alike. But besides that, Albufeira has many other interesting things to offer.
How get to Albufeira
You can get to Albufeira from Lisbon or Faro, where international airports are located. The journey from Faro to Albufeira takes about 40 minutes by taxi, which costs between 30 and 80 euros. From Lisbon, you can take a bus that takes 3.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 6 to 30 euros one way.
6. Coimbra
A historic hilltop city where time seems to have stood still. Despite this, Coimbra is an interesting place to spend 2-3 days. Visit the first Portuguese university with its stunning library, take a riverboat tour with wine and cheese tastings, listen to Fado music, enjoy walks in the green parks, and observe student traditions!
How get to Coimbra
There is no airport in the city. The most convenient way to get to Coimbra is from major cities like Lisbon and Porto. You can use public transportation such as trains or buses or reach the city by car.
7. Évora
Évora is often referred to as an open-air museum because the city has preserved numerous historical artifacts from the time of its founding by the Romans. At times, you may feel like you've stepped into Italy. Head here for cultural inspiration and be sure to visit the Cathedral, the Chapel of Bones, the Roman Temple, and the many cobblestone streets.
How get to Évora
You can get to Évora from the capital by train or bus from Sete Rios station. The bus ride takes 1.5 hours, while the train journey takes 2.5 hours, with prices starting from 12 euros. This year, the number of routes has been reduced, and even during the season, there were no more than 3-5 routes to Évora per day, so be attentive to the timing and don't be late.
8. Cascais
Cascais is a blooming paradise on the ocean's edge with cobblestone streets adorned with lush vines, colorful cottages, picturesque beaches, and delightful restaurants. Thanks to its excellent transportation connections, Cascais frequently hosts tourists and Lisbon locals on weekends. Take a day trip to Cascais, here are the most interesting activities in the city.
How get to Cascais
From Lisbon, take the train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais. Trains run every 20 minutes. You can buy a ticket at the entrance, but it's better to arrive early. The one-way fare is 1.5 euros. The journey takes 45 minutes. Keep your ticket until the end as there may be ticket inspectors along the way.
9. Leiria
A captivating small town where the atmosphere of old times still lingers on its streets. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit the Cathedral, churches, castles, and the stadium. The city at night, bathed in yellow lights, is particularly impressive!
How get to Leiria
There is no airport in the city. If you're flying from another country, you'll first need to get to Lisbon. Then, from the capital, you can reach Leiria by car or bus. Public transportation departs every hour daily from Sete Rios station. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs around 10 euros one way.
10. Nazaré
Make sure to visit Nazaré if you love waves and the ocean. This charming beach resort, located in a sandy bay behind an impressive headland, has the power to captivate any traveler. Come here for beach relaxation, leisurely walks, or surfing. By the way, this is where the world's highest waves (30 meters) can be found, and surfing championships are held here!
How get to Nazaré
To get to Nazaré from Lisbon, you can take a bus departing from Sete Rios station. The journey takes 2 hours and costs from 12 euros. The earlier you purchase your ticket, the cheaper it can be. The carrier is Rede Expressos.
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