Sure, Lisbon and Porto are great (or really great), but there’s a reason Portugal is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and there’s a reason why there’s more to it than just its two main cities. It has a lot of charm. Are you looking for a wild party or are you looking for the great outdoors? Historic hill towns and sunny beaches. Stylish bars and country retreats can be found in abundance in her seven regions of Portugal (her five regions on the mainland plus Madeira and the Azores).
And there are foods that go way beyond piri piri chicken and pastis de nata (and let’s be honest, these should be on your list). Each of the country’s amazingly diverse regions boasts its own unique cuisine, from the freshest seafood and slow-cooked stews to cakes, pastries and cheeses. And did I mention Vinho? Nationally, the wine is incredibly delicious and dangerously affordable. There’s so much to discover, so read on to find out more about the best places to visit in Portugal.
Recommendation:
📍 Things to do in Portugal
🏖 Lisbon essential guide
🐟 Essential guide to Porto
Lucy Bryson is a writer based in Portugal. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. Please see our editorial guidelines for more information. This guide contains affiliate links, but we do not influence editorial content. Please see our Affiliate Guidelines for more information.
