Portugal: 16 Best Places to Visit on One Route

Explore Portugal's 16 best destinations across 5,497 km, from the hilltop castle village of Monsaraz and coastal cliffs of Nazaré to Porto's iconic Ponte Dom Luís Bridge and the University of Coimbra. This comprehensive route spans northern mountains and national parks through central historic towns to southern landmarks like Évora's Gothic cathedral and prehistoric megaliths.

Mode
Places
Start
Silves, Portugal
End
Tram 28: Historic Vintage Tram
Stops
28
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Silves, Portugal — Diverse landscape stretching from granite peaks and forests in the north to golden sandy coastlines and dramatic cliffs in the southern Algarve region.
  2. Monsaraz: Hilltop Castle Village — Medieval walled village perched on a hilltop in Alentejo with ancient castle ruins and panoramic views across the plains and Spain.
  3. Nazaré: Coastal Cliffs and Canyon — Coastal town famous for towering sea cliffs and a submarine canyon that produces some of the world's largest surfable waves.
  4. Braga: Third-Largest Northern City — Historic religious center in northern Portugal known for its baroque churches, pilgrimage sites, and well-preserved medieval architecture.
  5. Bom Jesus do Monte: Hilltop Sanctuary — Sacred mountain sanctuary near Braga featuring an iconic staircase with 577 steps and a baroque church overlooking the valley.
  6. Tomar: Picturesque Central Town — Charming riverside town in central Portugal dominated by the Knights Templar castle and known for its Renaissance convents and gardens.
  7. Guimarães: Historic Center — City boasting one of the most beautiful and well-preserved historic centers in Portugal
  8. Coimbra: Mondego River City — Ancient university town on the Mondego River with steep medieval streets, historic academic buildings, and significant Portuguese cultural heritage.
  9. University of Coimbra: World-Class Library — One of Europe's oldest universities, housing the stunning Joanina Library with ornate baroque architecture and rare manuscript collections.
  10. São Miguel and Pico Islands
  11. Aveiro: Atlantic Coast Central City
  12. Évora: Southern Historic Town
  13. Cathedral of Évora: Gothic Architecture — Imposing medieval cathedral blending gothic and romanesque styles, featuring an ornate rose window and commanding position over the historic center.
  14. Prehistoric Megaliths Complex — Extensive collection of ancient stone monuments and dolmens scattered across Alentejo, representing some of Europe's oldest burial and ceremonial sites.
  15. Porto: Port Wine and Douro River
  16. Ribeira: Porto's Pedestrian Quarter
  17. Ponte Dom Luís Bridge — Iconic double-deck steel arch bridge completed in 1886, connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia with spectacular views of the Douro valley.
  18. Vila Nova de Gaia: Port Wine Cellars — Historic riverside district housing traditional port wine lodges and cellars where the famous fortified wine is aged and stored for centuries.
  19. Sintra: Foothills Mountain Town — Misty hilltop town in the Sintra mountains featuring palaces hidden among lush forests, UNESCO gardens, and romantic 19th-century estates.
  20. Pena's Palace: Famous Castle — Extravagant romantic palace perched on a mountain peak, featuring colorful moorish and gothic architecture amid forested highlands near Lisbon.
  21. Castle of the Moors — Medieval fortress perched on a hilltop near Sintra, offering sweeping views across the surrounding landscape and valleys below.
  22. Monserrate Palace: Romantic Estate
  23. Óbidos: Hilltop Village in Centro Region — Walled medieval village with whitewashed houses and charming cobblestone streets perched atop a fortified hill.
  24. Faro and Lagos: Algarve Towns — Picturesque coastal settlements in southern Portugal featuring golden cliffs, sandy beaches, and historic waterfront charm.
  25. Lisbon: Capital on Tagus River — Portugal's vibrant capital city spreads across seven hills along the Tagus estuary, blending historic neighborhoods with modern culture.
  26. Alfama: Old Moorish Quarter — Ancient labyrinthine neighborhood in Lisbon with narrow winding streets, faded azulejo tiles, and traditional fado music heritage.
  27. St. George's Castle — Imposing hilltop fortress overlooking Lisbon with medieval ramparts, towers, and panoramic city views from its elevated position.
  28. Tram 28: Historic Vintage Tram — Iconic yellow electric streetcar route traversing Lisbon's steep hills and historic districts, connecting major landmarks and neighborhoods.

Useful for your trip

Tip
Portugal is located on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula and is one of Europe's most visited countries due to its idyllic climate, affordable travel costs and exceptional attractions.
Tip
Portugal's geography varies from verdant mountains and vineyards in the North to glamorous beaches of the Algarve along the southern coastline.
Tip
The Azores and Madeira archipelagos belong to Portugal and lie in the Atlantic Ocean, known for their lush landscapes and flower gardens.
Food
Nazaré's center is full of fantastic seafood restaurants, small boutiques, and peaceful pensions.
Where to stay
Peneda-Geres National Park has excellent hiking trails and campsites dotted around its peaks and plateaus.
Save money
Braga has cheap but excellent cafes and restaurants due to its large student population.
Transport
Nazaré has a lovely funicular that takes you to the nearby hilltop.
Tip
Visit the University of Coimbra to admire one of the world's most beautiful libraries.
Tip
The Azores Archipelago is composed of 9 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, located about 930 miles west of Lisbon, renowned for world-class whale watching and hot mineral springs.
Food
Porto's Ribeira is an atmospheric pedestrian zone on the river buzzing with live music, cafes, restaurants and street vendors.
Tip
Évora has a history dating back more than 2,000 years and shelters more than 4,000 historic structures including old Roman walls and temples.

Video on this route

16 Best Places to Visit in Portugal - Travel Video

More routes nearby

Map