This is a collaborative post: Portugal has so many quaint villages and towns attractive to modern tourists. Many of these places tell some Portuguese history and feature major attractions that tourists love. There are many beautiful villages and towns to visit in Portugal, but here are our top 5.
Faro
When going to Portugal, many tourists’ plans involve relaxing on some of the scenic beaches in the Algarve region. If you are in this category, you should check out the quaint town of Faro. It is everything a tourist can want in a relaxation site. The city is the capital of the Algarve region, known for its alluring caves and beaches.
Faro’s proximity to these beaches and the serene atmosphere allows tourists to make it a hidden gem for those who visit. After relaxing by the beach, you can explore the marina and view the town’s history. You can also visit the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa to see the saltwater lagoons and mud flats that shelter wildlife and migratory birds. When you are done exploring all Faro has to offer, you can check out train from Faro to Porto to explore the other side of the country.
Porto
Porto is a must-see for any tourist choosing Portugal as their destination. The old town possesses the stunning Douro River and the six state bridges that make it one of Portugal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Apart from being the second largest city in the country, Porto rivals the capital for its stunning appeals, including the breathtaking water bodies. If you like exploring old towns and villages, you will find Porto right in your alley.
Meanwhile, while staying in Porto, you should prepare to be pampered with tasty delicacies, especially seafood and port wines. Visiting during peak tourist season can be a hassle due to the influx of other tourists, but the locals are very friendly. Therefore, you should take the time to explore the Ribeira, climb Clerigos tower, cross the Luis I bridge, and ride a bike along the Douro river.
Aveiro
Aveiro is close to Porto and is another beautiful village you should see before leaving the North of Portugal. Sitting on a lagoon, your memories in this village will always have a backdrop of water. The restaurants and facilities have waterside views, and you can spend your time viewing the canals, bridges, and boats that were used for seaweed harvesting. In recent years, they are now used as means of transportation in the village.
Aveiro is often called the Venice of Portugal, and you will see the reason when you get there. The water bodies and structures are not the only similarities the two places share. Like Venice, Aveiro has many churches and buildings that qualify as architectural masterpieces. Use the historic boats to get from one point to another before you bid the university town farewell. Don’t forget to indulge in a taste of tripa or any of the other local delicacies.
Obidos
Many people believe Obidos to be the most beautiful village in Portugal. Its nickname as the town of queens was derived from the town being gifted by King Dinis I of Portugal to his wife, Queen Isabel, in the 13th century. Even today, visitors can agree to the royal appeal of Obidos with the huge castle walls, imposing churches, and beautiful houses. You can take a day trip to Obidos from Lisbon by car or train.
When you get to Obidos, various activities sustain your attention. The castle walls are just 13 meters high, and you can climb them. Some people do extra by walking the distance, which is 1.6 km. When you get down from the walls, find a good place to cool down with some Ginja, a cherry liqueur popular in the area.
Sintra
Finally, there is the beautiful town of Sintra. Sintra is unarguably one of the most stunning towns in Portugal and has earned the country another World Heritage status from UNESCO. The lush forests, mesmerizing hills, and breathtaking buildings make the scenic town look straight out of a medieval fairytale.
There is a lot for tourists to do in Sintra. You can start by visiting the Pena Palace, a red and yellow fortress situated at the highest point in the region. Afterward, you can spend some time in the natural park, giving you all the conviction you need about the town’s beauty. Other places to see before leaving Sintra include the Moorish Castle and Montserrate. If you take a train, you can be back in Lisbon in 40 minutes.
Some of these places are close to other remarkable towns and villages. You can extend your visit to these places if you have the time. Remember to check out the top attractions in these areas, as they usually differ depending on the landscape. The season you visit may also determine activities you can enjoy.