Discover 12 Charming Weekend Getaways in Portugal

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Are you planning a long weekend in Portugal? Still trying to figure out where to go? You’ve landed in the right place. Portugal is a beautiful country in Southern Europe loved by travelers for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant seaside towns, historic cities, and diverse cultures. As such, it’s one of Europe’s most popular weekend getaway destinations.

However, with so many exciting places to visit, deciding where to spend a weekend is anything but easy. Luckily for you, though, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of 12 weekend getaways in Portugal to inspire your next trip. These destinations offer many things to see and do and are renowned for their beauty.

Lisbon

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Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city, is the most obvious place to start our list. This beautiful city on the Iberian Peninsula is famed for its stunning architecture, rich history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking scenery. It’s an excellent weekend getaway destination because it has something to offer every kind of traveler and world-class transport links.

You can reach most of the world’s major cities from Humberto Delgado Airport. In Lisbon, you’ll spend most of your time visiting the city’s most famous attractions and eating authentic Portuguese cuisine. Must-see attractions include Belem Tower, São Jorge Castle, Jeronimos Monastery, and Praça do Comércio. Meanwhile, the city’s best views can be found from atop the 19th-century Santa Justa Lift.

Porto

Porto is another prominent place to spend a weekend city break in Portugal. This serene coastal city in northwest Portugal is much loved for its vibrant Portuguese houses, natural beauty, scenic viewpoints, and impressive architecture, which consists of stately bridges and a charming medieval district. Porto is a firm favorite with romantic couples, families, and history lovers.

It’s also an excellent place to sample some of Portugal’s best wines. When you’re not sipping wine or walking along the city’s vibrant promenade, admire the famous architecture, explore the Ribeira (Riverside) district, and hunt down the best views of the Douro River. Noteworthy sights include Porto Cathedral, Palácio de Bolsa, Luís I Bridge, and Miradouro da Vitória.

Sintra

If you love fairytale castles, history, and epic landscape views, visit Sintra on your next weekend getaway in Portugal. Despite being one of the country’s most magical destinations and only 30 minutes from Lisbon by car, Sintra is one of Portugal’s most underrated places. This needs to change!

You’ll find many exciting things to see and do in this historic town. However, the main draw is the multi-colored National Palace of Pena. A sight-to-behold, this vibrant palace belongs in a Disney movie. Better yet, the landscape views of the Sintra Mountains from the Romancist Castle are outstanding. Other points of interest you don’t want to miss include Quinta da Regaleira, the Moorish Castle, and Sintra Old Town.

Azenhas do Mar

If you want to visit Sintra but would prefer to stay somewhere by the sea, plan a trip to Azenhas do Mar. This stunning coastal town is only a 15-minute drive from Sinta. As such, you can explore Sintra’s fascinating architecture while making the most of the region’s beautiful beaches and bright blue waters.

One of the things we love most about Azenhas do Mar is its authenticity. You won’t find 5-star resorts, skyrise buildings, and chain restaurants in the town. Instead, you’ll find traditional Portuguese whitewashed houses, quaint restaurants, and charming cafes. When you’re not admiring the architecture in the town or exploring Sintra, head to Praia das Azenhas do Mar to swim in the sea pool.

Tavira

If you want a laid-back weekend getaway in Portugal, head to Tavira. Tavira is a serene medieval town in Southern Portugal that offers tourists a relaxing weekend break away from the less-crowded cities. Furthermore, its location in the Algarve means you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

When you’re not getting lost exploring the town’s hilltop castle ruins, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and Roman Bridges, enjoy strolls along the Gilão River and sunbathe on Praia da Ilha de Tavira. On your journey through the town’s winding streets, keep your eyes peeled for the old Fisherman’s Quarter and its traditional tiled houses. Don’t miss Porta de Dom Manuel, Tavira Old Bridge, and Núcleo Islâmico.

Faro

Another picturesque place to stay in the Algarve is Faro, the region’s lively capital. A big hit with sun, sea, and sand-seeking tourists, this beautiful city is best known for its pristine beaches, authentic Portuguese charm, and fascinating Old Town. Whether you want to spend the weekend sunbathing, exploring, partying, or eating delicious food, Faro has something for everyone.

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You’ll likely spend your weekend in Faro walking on Praia de Faro, exploring the Old Town, visiting Roman ruins, and tucking into local delights in Faro Municipal Market. Outdoor enthusiasts might also be pleased to hear that Ria Formosa Nature Park is nearby. Other significant points of interest include Igreja de Santa Maria, Arco da Vila, and Faro Marina.

Douro Valley

Wine connoisseurs, loved-up couples, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape from the daily grind must visit Douro Valley, where you’ll find picturesque rolling hills, lush vineyards, scenic hiking trails along the Douro River, and charming Portuguese villages. As if we didn’t need another reason to visit, this breathtaking part of the world is famous worldwide for its wine.

We can already picture you sitting in a luxurious vineyard surrounded by verdant hills, sipping a beautiful glass of Port wine. Have we tempted you yet? If not, the promise of tranquil river cruises along the Douro River, boat rental, and the opportunity to spot over 150 bird species might entice you.

Madeira

Beaches in Portugal_Câmara de Lobos — © AlenKadr / Adobe Stock

You don’t have to visit the mainland to enjoy a fun-filled weekend getaway in Portugal. You can also fly to Madeira, an island belonging to an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, to get your fix of Portuguese charm, culture, natural beauty, and adventure. You can easily reach Madeira from most European countries and the United States.

The biggest draw to Madeira is its year-round good weather. No matter when you visit, you can expect warm to hot temperatures and clear skies. Some of you may also be pleased to hear that Madeira is much quieter than the Algarve. In Madeira, you can relax on the beach, hike in the hills, and explore Portuguese towns. Must-visit locations include Funchal, Funchal Cable Car, Madeira Botanical Garden, and Santana.

Ericeira

If you’re a keen surfer or seeking one of Portugal’s best-hidden gems, consider booking a long weekend getaway to Ericeira. This gorgeous west coast fishing town is one of Portugal’s premier surfing destinations, and it’s only a 75-minute bus ride from Humberto Delgado Airport.

Besides surfing, Ericeira is an excellent place to participate in outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, and skateboarding. Otherwise, kick back on Praia do Sul with a Sagres. In summer, Ericeira has many events for visitors to enjoy, most featuring live music. Despite being pretty small, the town also has a relatively lively nightlife. Check out the Old Town and Santa Marta Park during your visit.

Peniche

The following weekend getaway destination on our list is Peniche, a traditional fishing port and city in Portugal’s Oeste region. Peniche is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxed beach getaway from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon’s busy streets. Driving from the capital to this beautiful coastal retreat only takes an hour.

In Peniche, make the most of the opportunity to enjoy laid-back walks around the town center and relaxed strolls along the beach. Having said that, there are plenty of things to do if you want a more fast-paced weekend. For example, you can surf at Cantinho Da Baia, explore the 16th-century Port of Peniche, and hike to Miradouro da Cruz dos Remédios.

Braga

Surreal Places in Portugal_Bom Jesus do Monte — © Matyas Rehak / Adobe Stock

Braga, Portugal’s third-largest city, is one of the most popular places in the country for a city break, and rightly so. This gorgeous medieval city is home to many fascinating sights, including the 2nd-century Castle of Braga and Braga Tower, both in the city center.

A must-visit destination if you love history, Braga also features iconic landmarks like the Roman Thermae of Maximinius, arco da Porta Nova, and Antigo Paço Arquiepiscopal. You don’t want to miss the 13th-century Braga Cathedral, either. Besides historic landmarks, Braga offers travelers many authentic Portuguese restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and picturesque river walks.

Coimbra

The final Portuguese weekend getaway destination we have for you is Coimbra, a lovely riverbank city in Central Portugal best known for its medieval Old Town, historic landmarks, and scenic viewpoints. The city is also home to the University of Coimbra, one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 1209.

You’ll likely spend your time in Coimbra exploring the winding cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where you’ll find the bustling Mercado Municipal. Make sure you sample some local delicacies at this market. Other things you don’t want to miss in Coimbra include Porta e Torre de Almedina, Torre de Anto, Praça do Comércio, and the National Museum Machado de Castro.