12 Cheapest Places To Visit in Portugal You’ll Love Exploring

Portugal has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers from around the world, mainly for its beauty, but also for its affordability. While cities like Lisbon often steal the spotlight, numerous other destinations throughout the country offer incredible experiences without straining your wallet. Whether you’re seeking historic charm, coastal beauty, or unique cultural encounters, Portugal has something for every budget-conscious traveler.

Looking to enjoy the best of Portuguese charm with a slim budget? Read on as we take you through 12 of the cheapest destinations in Portugal to visit. These affordable gems provide economic value and a chance to immerse yourself in the authentic Portuguese lifestyle.

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Ovar

Ovar, located approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Porto, is renowned for its vibrant and colorful carnival festivities, among Portugal’s most celebrated. The town also boasts a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a unique tradition of ceramic tilework known as “azulejos,” which adorn many of its buildings.

The star attraction is its beautiful beaches, like Praia de Esmoriz and Praia do Furadouro, where you can enjoy the memorable Portuguese Riviera without any entrance fees.

If you are into festivals, visiting in February or March would be perfect timing for the Carnaval de Ovar, which features dances, lively music and colorful parades.

The best part? Ovar is unbelievably affordable. As a budget traveler, you can have a three-day trip for as low as $300.

Amarante

Amarante, lying on the banks of the Tamega River, is a destination renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, tranquility and low crime rates. As a traveler on a tight budget, you will feel safe exploring Amarante’s charming streets during the day and at night.

Some noteworthy highlights include the 13th-century Ponte de São Gonçalo, a charming medieval bridge that offers beautiful views of the river and the town. If you are an art enthusiast, do not miss out on Museu Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. This museum is dedicated to the renowned modernist painter Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso and features a collection of his works and other contemporary art.

Amarante is also a gateway to the picture-perfect Douro Valley. When you have had the best of Amarante, you can head out to explore this wine-producing region. Budget Your Trip reveals that the average cost of hotels for 3 nights in Amarante is around $350.

Oliveira de Azeméis

12 Cheapest Places to Visit in Portugal Oliveira de Azeméis — © Luis / Adobe Stock

Oliveira de Azeméis, located in central Portugal, is tucked amidst hills and valleys, offering a perfect escape from the bustle of bigger cities. Beyond the beautiful landscapes, Oliveira de Azeméis is home to historic sites providing deeper insights into the area’s history. For some historical exploration, head out to Igreja Matriz de Oliveira de Azeméis, a church known for its rich history and beautiful architectural design; and Casa-Museu Regional de Oliveira de Azeméis, which hosts historical artifacts.

After a long day of exploration, wind up at Parque La Salette, a large park featuring picnic areas, walking paths, gardens, and scenic viewpoints.

It is truly a destination that offers a unique blend of history, nature and affordability. Talking of affordability, Living Cost rates Oliveira de Azeméis as one of the most affordable towns in Europe. Thankfully, visiting it is just as cheap as living there.

Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the largest city in the Azores archipelago, located on São Miguel Island. It offers tourists stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique volcanic landscapes to explore. If you are looking for a destination that offers urban charm with easy access to outdoor adventures, Ponta Delgada is the destination for you.

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For your exploration, don’t miss out on Portas da Cidade, the iconic city gates that are also the symbol of Ponta Delgada; Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, a beautiful church, known for its impressive Gothic and Baroque architecture; and Gruta do Carvão, fascinating lava tunnels and caves, perfect for exploring the island’s volcanic history.

Don’t complete your trip to this island without visiting Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a beautiful twin lake surrounded by dramatic landscapes and lush greenery. It is one of the most picturesque spots on the island.

Vila Nova de Famalicão

12 Cheapest Places to Visit in Portugal Vila Nova de Famalicão — © StockPhotosArt / Adobe Stock

Vila Nova de Famalicão boasts a marvelous historical center adorned with elegant churches, narrow cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture. When visiting, you will feel like you are in a set of movies; it is a truly enchanting city.

Some points of interest in the city include Museu Bernardino Machado, a museum set up in honor of Bernardino Machado, a prominent Portuguese statesman, featuring exhibits on his life and work; and Casa de Camilo – Museu, a house museum dedicated to Camilo Castelo Branco, one of Portugal’s most famous writers, offering insights into his life and literary contributions.

Spend your evening exploring Parque da Devesa, a large park with a lake, walking trails, and gardens, perfect for exploring nature within the city.

A visit to Vila Nova de Famalicão will ensure you are not too far from the action while still helping you avoid the chaos of the big city.

Aveiro

Imagine enjoying Venice’s charm on a budget. That is what you get when you visit Aveiro, the Portuguese Venice. This city is one of the best and most affordable places to visit, live and do business.

Data crowdsourced by Budget Your Trip Revealed that tourists in Aveiro comfortably spent an average of $86 per day on accommodation, meals, and local transport.

You will be impressed by the traditional Moliceiros boats navigating Aveiro’s beautiful water channels. When visiting, ride a traditional moliceiro boat through the city’s canals. These rides offer a unique perspective of the city’s laidback allure and unique views of its Art Nouveau architectural masterpieces. You can also wander along the canals without spending a dime or head out to the beautiful beaches of Costa Nova and Barra, all of which are free to access.

Fafe

Surreal Places in Portugal_Casa do Penedo — © Luis / Adobe Stock

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If you are into breathtaking rural landscapes, you will love the experience of visiting Fafe. The town offers a tranquil escape with scenic surroundings, historic architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Some unmissable highlights include the Igreja de São Romão de Arões, a beautiful church with a unique Romanesque design; Casa de Penedo, an exceptional stone house built between two large boulders; and Parque da Cidade de Fafe, perfect for a day out in nature.

Fafe also hosts the Rally de Portugal. If you are into motorsports, plan to visit the city during the rally season.

Sintra

Sintra is a destination that lets you feel like royalty on a budget. The city is home to fairy-tale palaces, which offer a royal-like experience to visitors. You will be amazed that with so much beauty on offer, it is among the cheapest places in Portugal. Strict budget travelers visiting Sintra can spend $53 per day on meals, accommodation, and entry charges.

Some points of interest include the Pena Palace, a Romanticist Palace perched on a hill with so much history and architecture to explore; Sintra National Palace, and Monserrate Palace.

Beyond its exquisite palaces, Sintra offers easy access to stunning beaches like Praia Grande and Praia da Ursa. From Sintra, you can also visit Cabo Roca, the most westerly point in continental Europe. Enjoying the breathtaking ocean views from the cliffs of Cabo Roca is an enchanting experience, and it is also free of charge.

Read also: Portugal’s Stunning Castles

Funchal

Funchal, the capital of Portugal’s Madeira Islands, is an enticing collection of historic monuments, exotic gardens, and beautiful beaches. It is also a perfect place to sample Madeira wine, the island’s specialty. You can join an assortment of vineyard and wine cellar tours for a few dollars.

One thing that makes Funchal one of the cheapest places to visit in Portugal is its many affordable restaurants. Stroll away from touristy spots, and you will find great restaurants serving local specialties at pocket-friendly prices. A daily budget of $93 will suffice for your accommodation and meals.

Some spots to add to your Funchal itinerary include the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Funchal Cathedral, the Funchal Cable Car that offers a scenic ride from the city center to the top of Monte Village, and Praia da Formosa, one of Funchal’s beautiful beaches.

Lastly, Ronaldo was born in Funchal, and the CR7 Museum in the city explores his life, career, and trophies. If you are a football fanatic, you can swing by the museum.

Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, has a bit of everything. While Lisbon is not expensive by European standards, Porto is a great escape for someone who wants to save a little more than they did when visiting Lisbon. The town is famous for its historic charm, vibrant cultural scene, and world-famous port wine.

Some top attractions in the city include Ribeira District, a charming district known for its narrow streets, vibrant facades, and bustling riverside cafes; Dom Luís I Bridge, a double-deck iron bridge that offers spectacular views of the city and the Douro River; and Clérigos Tower, a Baroque building whose top offers panoramic views of Porto.

You can also tour the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto, and sample the region’s famous wine.

Coimbra

Coimbra, a historical city and former capital of Portugal, is located on hilly terrain along the banks of the Mondego River. Budget travelers can explore the city on a minimum budget of $103 per day, which is sufficient to cover accommodation, meals, and activities.

Coimbra is famous for its university, which is among the oldest in Europe. This university has managed to shape the city’s image as the “city of students.” The University of Coimbra, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has some beautiful buildings perfect for architectural exploration. Luckily, many areas of the campus are open to the public.

Taking a boat trip on the River Mondego gives you a completely different perspective of the entire city. You should also experience Coimbra’s unique style of Fado music, often performed for free in public squares and cultural venues.

Tomar

Tomar, located in central Portugal, is renowned for its rich history, particularly its association with the Knights Templar. The town is home to the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Portugal’s most important historical monuments. The town’s charming old town, beautiful riverfront, and fascinating historical sites make it a captivating destination.

Other than the Convent of Christ, you can explore the 17th-century Aqueduct of Pegões, which supplied water to the Convent of Christ. If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike up the medieval aqueduct and enjoy views of the city from the top. You can also stroll along the peaceful Nabão River or venture into Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes, a park great for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature.

Tomar’s historical significance, charming atmosphere, and affordability make it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers seeking a unique and enriching experience in central Portugal.