12 Destinations in Portugal That Should Be on Every First-Timer’s Bucket List

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With its blend of historic charm, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Portugal offers a treasure trove of experiences. For first-time visitors, exploring Portugal is an opportunity to see lively cities, picturesque coastlines, and renowned wine regions.

With so many things to explore, we would perfectly understand if a first-timer would not know where to start. If you want an unforgettable first-time trip to Portugal, you are in the right place.

In this article, we show you where to go for a memorable Portuguese vacation. We have chosen destinations that let you enjoy beautiful scenery and a rich history and cultural heritage.

Ready to experience the true essence of Portuguese on your first trip? These 12 destinations will not disappoint you.

Lisbon

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Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a great place to start your Portuguese escape. The city, lying along the banks of the Tagus River, is known for its vibrant history, historic neighborhoods, and lively atmosphere. For a true immersion in Lisbon, explore its diverse neighborhoods, including Alfama, Graça Bairro Alto, Baixa, and Chiado.

The easiest way to see these neighborhoods is by taking the historic tram 28. While it helps quickly stop in the most picturesque parts of the city, the ride itself is an experience not to be missed when in Lisbon.

Some unmissable highlights in Lisbon include Belem Tower, Jereminos Monastery, São Jorge Castle, and Lisbon Oceanarium. With so many world-class attractions and the convenience of exploring, Lisbon will leave you with a lasting impression.

Porto

Second on our list is Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. Located along the Douro River, Porto is famed for its Port wine, stunning architecture, and rich history. Speaking of history, Porto’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved medieval buildings, gorgeous churches, and picturesque riverfront.

Do not miss the picturesque Ribeira District when exploring the city’s historic center. Walk around its narrow streets, snap photos of its colorful houses, or enjoy riverside views.

Other attractions to explore in the city include Dom Luís I Bridge, Livraria Lello, São Bento Railway Station, and Clérigos Tower.

Do not wind up your trip without exploring Port Wine Cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. These cellars offer tours and tastings of the famous Port wine.

Whether you like picturesque scenery, wine, or a historic destination, Porto will not fail to impress you.

Sintra

Sintra, a picturesque town nestled in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, is a short drive from Lisbon. Its romantic architecture, lush gardens, and fairytale castles make it a must-visit destination. It’s one of those destinations that will enrich your Portuguese trip with its distinct allure.

This city is especially known for its opulent palaces and historical estates amidst dense forests.

Some of Sintra’s Palaces you should not miss include Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, and National Palace of Sintra. Exploring these palaces is not just a historical journey; the experience feels like a fairytale.

However, Sintra is not just about palaces. You can wander through charming streets, hit the hiking trails surrounding the city, or even find viewpoints that let you see as far as Lisbon.

Funchal, Madeira

Most Expensive Destinations in Portugal Funchal — © cristianbalate / Adobe Stock

Fun Fact: Funchal is Ronaldo’s hometown. The way I see his fanatics tussle on the internet, I bet this is a good enough reason for them to visit Funchal. But there is more to Funchal. If you are a first-timer, this city is a captivating introduction to Madeira’s charm.

Some points of interest to include in your itinerary include Monte Palace, the Botanical Gardens of Madeira, Funchal Cathedral, and the Madeira wine lodges that offer wine-tasting tours. You can also take the Teleférico do Funchal (Cable Car), which runs from Funchal to the Monte area and offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. It’s a scenic and enjoyable way to see the area.

Just outside Funchal, you will find Cabo Girão, which features one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. The glass skywalk provides thrilling views of the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean below.

If you are a Ronaldo fan, you do not want to miss out on the Christiano Ronaldo Museum, which hosts exhibits that depict his career, including individual and collective trophies. After you have had enough of Funchal, you can explore the rest of Madeira, one of the most beautiful islands in Europe.

Algarve Coast

The Algarve Region is renowned for its stunning coastline, beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns. With its picturesque beaches, clear waters, and sunny climate, the Algarve attracts beach lovers all year round.

Some of the best beach destinations in the Algarve include Lagos, Albufeira, Portimão, Silves, Carvoeiro, Tavira, and Faro. During your Algarve trip, make time for Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe, known for its dramatic cliffs and stunning ocean views.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, the Algarve offers a diverse range of experiences in a stunning natural setting. From picturesque beaches to dramatic cliffs, this region will make your first Portuguese trip memorable.

Coimbra

Located in central Portugal, Coimbra offers historical immersion like no other. The city is most famous for the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, making it one of the oldest universities in the world.

The university, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the focal point of Coimbra’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. It’s open for guided tours, and some of the unmissable highlights include the Joanina Library, a Baroque masterpiece with an impressive collection of ancient books; and the Royal Palace, which houses university administrative offices and historical artifacts.

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In addition to the university, you can explore the Coimbra Old Cathedral, Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, and Portugal dos Pequenitos, a small park dedicated to Portuguese culture and heritage featuring scaled-down replicas of famous Portuguese landmarks.

Aveiro

Aveiro is a picturesque city on Portugal’s western coast. It is often called the “Venice of Portugal” due to its waterways, which are graced by beautiful boats. Just like Venice, Aveiro has a rich maritime history. To enjoy this city’s ultimate charm, ride the colorful Moliceiro boats through its canals.

You will also love how architecturally pleasing Aveiro is. Walk around and spot architectural marvels like the 15th-century Aveiro Cathedral, known for its mixture of Baroque and Gothic styles.

For first-time visitors, Aveiro offers a thrilling mix of scenic beauty, historical charm, and local culture, all of which will go into making your first Portuguese trip more memorable.

Cascais

Cascais is a charming coastal town just a short drive from Lisbon. It is known for its beautiful marina, architecture, and beaches. With its quaint charm and rich cultural heritage, Cascais is a town you must see on your first Portuguese trip. If you are traveling on a budget, you can have it as a day trip from Portugal.

Cascais beaches, such as Praia da Rainha and Praia de Cascais, are perfect spots to sunbathe, swim, or just soak up the coastal atmosphere.

You can also explore Cascais Marina, Cascais Town Center, Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum, and Boca do Inferno, a sea cave carved by ocean waves.

Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the largest city on São Miguel Island, the largest island in the Azores archipelago. It is a gateway to the archipelago, which is a must-visit when in Portugal.

Other than being a convenient base for exploring Sao Miguel Island and the rest of the Azores, Ponta Delgada has its own attractions that are worth your time. Some must-sees include the City Gates, São Sebastião Church, Santa Clara Chape, Ponta Delgada Marina, and Botanical Garden of António Borges:

Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo, located along the Atlantic coast, is one of the country’s oldest and most picturesque cities; you do not want to miss it.

Some of the top attractions to include on your itinerary include Santuario de Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia Sanctuary), an impressive basilica located on Mount Santa Luzia, offering panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, and Praça da República (Republic Square), the city’s main square surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes.

The city is also home to the Ponte Eiffel (Eiffel Bridge), designed by Gustave Eiffel. This bridge, spanning the Lima River, is a great place to explore impressive architecture and snap some Instagrammable photos. When visiting, go to Praia do Cabedelo, a beautiful beach with a sandy shore, excellent surfing conditions, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Setúbal

12 Best Places To Visit in Portugal for First-Timers Setúbal — © Sopotnicki / Shutterstock

Setubal is a picturesque coastal city known for its rich history, stunning views of the Atlantic, and surrounding natural landscapes. When visiting, take advantage of its delicious seafood, historical sites, and proximity to nature reserves such as Arrábida Natural Park. This natural park has hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and beautiful beaches.

Do not miss out on Praia de Troia, a beach known for its long stretches of golden sands and clear waters. This beach is excellent for sunbathing, swimming, or just soaking in the beautiful coastal scenery.

Other must-see sites in this city include São Filipe Fortress, Setúbal Museum, and Praça do Bocage, the city’s main square. The historical charm and coastal beauty of Setúbal provide a memorable experience for first-time visitors.

Régua

Best Things To Do in Porto Take a Day Trip to the Douro Valley — © Richard Semik / Adobe Stock

Your trip to Portugal is never complete without exploring the picturesque Douro Valley. The perfect gateway into this region is Régua, officially known as Peso da Régua. The town is renowned for its significance in the port wine industry, stunning river views, and beautiful terraced vineyards.

However, before you head out to explore the rest of the Douro Valley, stop by Douro Museum for insights into the region’s wine production; Cais da Vila, the riverside promenade offering beautiful views of the Douro River and surrounding vineyards; and Quinta do Vallado, a historic wine estates perfect for sampling a range of wines.

While in Régua, you can also take Douro River Cruises to explore stunning views of the terraced vineyards, dramatic landscapes, and charming villages. It is truly a journey through history and breathtaking scenery.