These quaint villages are scattered across Portugal from north to south. Some are great for day trips, while others are the perfect stopover on the way to the big cities. Here are the most picturesque villages that are definitely worth visiting during your vacation.
1. Obidos - a flourishing city behind a fortress wall
Obidos is a small town in central Portugal. It was nicknamed "the city of queens" because in 1210 King Afonso II gave it to his wife. It was from that time that the development and prosperity of these lands began. Be sure to visit this paradise with picturesque narrow streets, brightly blooming plants and whitewashed houses.
Climb the castle walls, look into churches, try liqueur or take amazing photos. You will find beautiful doorways, stone arches and flower pots. Enjoy this color just by walking for 1-2 hours through the labyrinth of streets. It is worth going for one day.
How to get to Óbidos
You can get to Obidos from Lisbon by car or bus. Buses leave from the station at Campo Grande Terminal Rodoviario. A one-way trip costs 8.05 euros and takes exactly one hour. The carrier is Rodoviaria do Oeste (look for the sign on the bus). The journey is easy, there is only 1 stop along the way, there is air conditioning and wi-fi. If you choose to drive: it is better to park behind the fortress walls and walk around the city on foot.
2. Monsanto - Stone Village
This is the most unusual and amazing village in Portugal. It is located high on a mountain. Here, houses are built between narrow gaps of huge boulders, and stairs and doors are sunken inside the rock. You can easily spend a whole day here, enjoying the unique village, walking along its winding streets and climbing to incredible viewpoints of the valley. Do not forget to look into the fortress of Monsanto on the top of the hill.
How to get to Monsanto
It is better to go here by car, as the train from Lisbon leaves only once a day. I advise you to book a house in the rocks and enjoy the evening beauty of the village.
3. Ferragudo - snow-white houses in blooming vines
At the mouth of the Arade River, behind steep cliffs and sandy beaches, lies the most beautiful village in the Algarve. Ferragudo is a typical fishing village with white houses, colorful flowers, narrow streets on the hillside and old boats. The tranquility and charm of the past have been preserved here, making Ferragudo an ideal place to relax. There are many exciting activities for the whole day, such as fishing, a river cruise or diving, but I recommend relaxing, enjoying the peaceful views and simply taking a break from the bustle of the city. A day trip is enough.
How to get to Ferragudo
The most convenient way to get to Ferragudo is from large southern cities, such as Faro, Albufeira or Portimão. It is better to use a personal car, the road will take a little more than half an hour. If you do not have a car, take a bus running between the cities. In the summer, river taxis leave from Portimão, the road takes only 10 minutes.
4. Carvoeiro - beautiful bays and beaches
Just 50 years ago, the village of Carvoeiro was famous for its fishing industry, like many other coastal villages in Portugal. However, thanks to the beauty of nature, whitewashed houses with bright facades and a sandy beach, it quickly gained popularity among tourists. The village is hidden between two impressive cliffs, where an indescribable beauty opens up. Go on a promenade along the picturesque streets, a viewing platform, a hiking trail or engage in water activities. You can come for 1-2 days.
How to get to Carvoeiro
The best option to visit the village is by car, the journey takes 30 minutes from Albufeira and 45 minutes from Faro. To get there by bus, take a bus from Faro to Lagos, where you will need to change. The journey by bus will take about an hour, but the trip is definitely worth it!
For drivers: there are many paid parking spaces in the center, but they are always occupied! At the end of the main street there is a free long parking lot, it is a 5-6 minute walk from there to the beach along a beautiful street, I always leave my car here.
Azenhas do Mar - a coastal town on the cliffs
The charming town of Azenhas do Mar is located on steep cliffs, next to the raging Atlantic Ocean. The snow-white houses dotting the cliffs are eye-catching and calming. The village is small, so one day is enough to relax, walk and eat delicious food with a beautiful view. But the best attractions are the spectacular sunsets that you will watch from the cliffs every night - it's magical!
How to get to Azenhas do Mar
The city is located not far from Lisbon. You can get there in 30 minutes by bus or private car. In addition, from here you can go to Cabo de Roca or Sintra.
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