12 Fairytale Villages in Portugal You Have To See To Believe

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Portugal is known worldwide for its picturesque Atlantic coastline, historic cities, and lush landscapes. However, the country’s most beautiful part is the fairy-tale-like villages that transport travelers into a Disney universe. Portugal has everything, from vibrant coastal villages and small fishing villages to pastel-colored towns, medieval walls, and dream-like palaces.

With so many beautiful places to see, it can often take a lot of work to narrow down the options and find the best places to visit. Luckily, we’re here to help. To learn more, here are 12 fairy-tale villages in Portugal. We’ve selected these villages based on their beauty, unique charm, and fascinating appearance.

Óbidos

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Let’s start with Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most beautiful and well-preserved villages. This medieval town is famed for its tall walls, colorful houses, and rich history. Straight out of a Disney movie, the main attraction in the village is Óbidos Castle, which stands proudly above the historic center, built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Tourists flock to this hilltop village each year to admire the whitewashed buildings splashed with color, explore the castle walls, and walk along the labyrinth of narrow, cobblestoned streets. From the castle walls, travelers are treated to panoramic views of the village and surrounding lush countryside. Other notable attractions include the Santa Maria Main Church, the Church of São Pedro, and the Senhor Jesus da Pedra Sanctuary.

Monsaraz

If you imagine a classic fairy-tale village with charming medieval buildings, church bells ringing, and beautiful countryside dotted with meadows and forests, you’ve got Monsaraz. Straight from a storybook, this hilltop village offers an escape from the daily grind surrounding you with fascinating medieval architecture, breathtaking views, and a sensory overload.

Like Óbidos, Monsaraz is enclosed by a tall medieval wall and castle. You’ll spend most of your time in the village walking along the walls, visiting the castle, and getting lost down the winding cobblestone streets. Afterward, leave the town and its walls behind and explore the picturesque countryside surrounding it. You’ll find a beautiful beach with lawns framing the sand, an observatory, and a megalithic complex nearby.

Sagres

One of the most beautiful coastal villages in Portugal is Sagres. This serene village is tucked away at the end of Portugal’s southwest coast and is best known for its unique charm, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning views. It’s the perfect place to visit to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the great outdoors.

The village itself is delightful. You’ll find pastel-colored buildings, narrow streets hiding hidden gems, and quaint cafes serving Portuguese cuisine. You can also expect various historical landmarks, such as Forte da Baleeira and the Fortress of Sagres. When you’re not exploring the village, relax at one of the many beaches, swim in the sea, or try surfing.

Amarante

Despite only being an hour’s drive away from Porto, Amarante in Northern Portugal is one of the nation’s best-kept secrets. This hidden gem village is divided by the Tâmega River. It’s much loved for its fascinating blend of Medieval, Romanesque, and Renaissance architecture, which sits beautifully on a lush hillside.

The best views of the village can be found alongside Ponte de São Gonçalo over the Tâmega River. From this point, you can admire the village’s impressive architecture, beautiful landscape, and hillside houses. After exploring the village and its maze of winding streets, head into the countryside and enjoy a tasting session at one of the Douro Valley’s famous wine-producing estates.

Monsanto

Famously known as ‘the most Portuguese village of Portugal,’ Monsanto is a mindblowing village that defies reality. Located in the Castelo Branco District of Central Portugal, you’d be easily mistaken for thinking you’ve stepped into a fairy tale when you visit the village, or at least the Flintstones.

That’s because Monsanto has quite an unbelievable appearance. Many of the houses in the village are sandwiched between enormous boulders, looking as if they’ve been squashed. However, they haven’t, and people still live in the houses today. That’s not it either, as the rest of the village and its surroundings offer impressive natural landscapes and historic landmarks, including the ruins of a Templar Castle.

Piódão

The next village on our list is Piódão, a gorgeous place nestled in the Serra do Açor Mountains in Central Portugal. This lovely village reminds us of Beauty and the Beast, so check it out if you love Disney. You’ll find a compact hillside village with old stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and scenic views here.

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Many old houses have been transformed into quaint cafes and shops, so you can expect to find a local delight around every corner. While the village looks good whenever you visit, it looks particularly spectacular at night when it comes to life with lights. Popular things to do in the village include walking the narrow streets, eating traditional food, and hiking.

Belmonte

Like Monsanto, Belmonte is located in the Castelo Branco District in Central Portugal. Belmonte is a fascinating village known for many things. First, it’s famous for being the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the navigator and explorer who discovered Brazil. Second, the village has a thriving Jewish community that traces back to the 13th century.

Third, this hilltop village is loved for its historic architecture and serene surrounding landscapes. In the village, you’ll find a mesmerizing medieval castle from the 13th century, historic churches, a small square with a statue of Pedro Álvares Cabral, and more. Don’t miss Museum Descobrimentos or the Jewish Museum of Belmonte, either. For nature lovers, the Serra da Estrela mountains are perfect for hiking and wildlife watching.

Santana

Moving away from mainland Portugal, Santana is a gorgeous village in North Madeira, best known for its unique cultural site, stunning mountain landscape, and diverse ecosystem. The main draw to this colorful village is Casa Típicas de Santana, a fascinating cultural site featuring Madeira’s iconic triangular-shaped stone houses with thatched roofs.

These traditional houses allow you to step back in time and live out your favorite fairy tale. You can also view them at Madeira Theme Park, where you’ll find exhibitions that detail the village’s history, culture, and traditions. Once you’ve admired the houses and other wonders, such as Igreja de Santana Church, explore the lush nature surrounding the village.

Azenhas do Mar

Another beautiful village in Portugal, just a short journey from Lisbon, is the charming cliffside town of Azenhas do Mar. If you seek a Portugal escape filled with impressive Atlantic Ocean views, quiet beaches, and local history, this is the place for you.

Admittedly, there isn’t much to see and do, but that’s the best thing about the village. You’ll have plenty of time to relax, unwind, and admire the incredible views. When exploring the village, get lost down the narrow streets, dive into local shops, and admire the beautiful white-washed buildings. It’s also good to know Sintra, a town loved for its unique historical landmarks, is less than a 20-minute drive away.

Marvao

Marvao is one of the most secluded and spectacular villages in Portugal. It’s a picturesque mountain-top village with a rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking landscape views. The village’s crowning glory is one of the finest castles in Portugal. Marvao Castle is a storybook-esque medieval castle with tall stone walls, lush gardens, and panoramic views of the lush countryside.

Reaching Marvao isn’t easy, with just two buses visiting daily, but that only adds to the village’s magical feel. Its remote location and tranquil atmosphere are best enjoyed at night when the village falls silent. After exploring the castle, wander the streets, visit the Municipal Museum, and take photographs from the Banco Mirador Marvao viewpoint.

Pinhão

Fresh out of your favorite fairy tale, Pinhão is a vibrant village in the Douro Valley. It’s nicely situated on the banks of the Douro River and surrounded by lush hillsides. Even the journey to the village from Porto is magical. You’ll drive along the river, passing terraced hills where olives and grapes are grown.

You’ll find beautiful architecture and scenic views in the village at every turn. Even the train station is beautifully decorated in traditional blue and white tiles. Popular things to do in Pinhão include wine tasting at one of many wineries, taking a boat trip along the river, hiking, and simply exploring the village. Sights in Pinhão worth mentioning include Quinta do Bomfim, Ponte do Pinhão, and Miradouro Casal De Loivos.

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Mértola

The final Portuguese village on our list is Mértola, located in the southeastern Alentejo region near the Spanish border. This historic village was built in a strategic location along the Guadiana River. It’s best known for its panoramic countryside views, medieval architecture, and relaxed atmosphere.

During your visit to the village, visit the Castle of Mértola. This medieval castle is a fascinating sight, as are the views of the village from above. Afterward, explore the village’s streets, admiring the traditional buildings and discovering reminders of the Islamic heritage that once ruled the village. Igreja Matriz, the main church in town, was once a mosque. Other attractions include the Museum of Islamic Art, Guadiana Valley Natural Park, and the Archaeological Field.