10 Cool Cities To Visit In Portugal For First-Timers

Planning a trip to Portugal for the first time? Get excited, because Portugal is truly amazing.

Portugal’s got it all — stunning azulejo tiles, fado music, petiscos (Portuguese tapas), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), bacalhau (salted cod), local markets, and charming towns that’ll make you want to stay forever.

The country will easily steal your heart with its natural landscapes, from the golden sands of the Algarve to the verdant vineyards of the Douro Valley, offering tons of opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

It’s also home to some world-famous festivals, such as Lisbon’s Saint Anthony’s Feast and Porto’s São João Festival, both of which showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, lively spirit, and zest for celebration!

You’re not going to be able to see it all on your first visit, and chances are you’re going to have to narrow down the cities you want to visit to just a mere handful.

In this post, I’ll cover some of the best cities/small towns in Portugal perfect for first-timers.

I personally love taking day trips from larger, more well-known cities to explore smaller towns, so I’ve included some side trip ideas below too. These towns are often way less crowded and hold an equal amount of cultural immersion, sights, and downright magic in them!

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Lisbon

Everyone knows and loves Lisbon — this city needs no introduction! As Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon is a colorful mix of historic neighborhoods, lively markets, hilly walks, amazing restaurants, and panoramic viewpoints.

Explore the winding streets of Alfama, eat the best Portuguese egg tarts you’ll ever eat in your life (seriously), visit the iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, go miradouro-hopping for the best city views, and savor all the delicious seafood the city has to offer.

I’ve visited Lisbon on multiple occasions over the years — there’s always new businesses popping up so you’ll never find the city to be stale, even after your first time.

What else is near Lisbon?

Sintra: Known for massive mansions, fairytale palaces, and lush gardens, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site just a short train ride from Lisbon. Highlights include the colorful Pena Palace, the historic town center, and the whimsical Quinta da Regaleira estate.

Cascais: A charming coastal town known for its beaches, picturesque seaside promenade, good seafood, the Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) cliff formation, and the historic Cascais Citadel.

Sintra

Just a 35 to 40-minute train ride away from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale-like town dotted with colorful mansions, lush gardens, and mysterious palaces.

For centuries, the royals and the monarchs treated Sintra as their summer retreats. The elite and the rich also built palaces, mansions, and estates all over the area.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Pena Palace, wander through the enchanting (and rather mysterious) Quinta da Regaleira, and hike to the scenic Moorish Castle for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Wondering how to best spend your day in Sintra? Check out our day trip itinerary of Sintra from Lisbon here.

👉 Pro Tip: You won’t be able to do all three in one day, but if you only had one day, I’d opt for Pena Palace in the morning, then Quinta da Regaleira in the afternoon. You can explore the rest of Sintra’s little city center on your way back to the train station!

Porto

Nestled along the banks of the Douro River, Porto is a dreamy and walkable town known for its postcard-perfect riverside scenery, port wine tasting opportunities, and ornate azulejo tiles found almost anywhere.

Wander through the narrow streets of the Ribeira district, cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge (built by the same guy who built the Eiffel Tower!), see the places where JK Rowling got all her Harry Potter inspiration, and sample delicious Portuguese cuisine in the city’s cozy taverns.

I first visited Porto back in 2018 and it just so happened to be the weekend of the São João Festival — which I’d highly recommend to anyone visiting Porto!

I didn’t get much sightseeing done on this trip (the festival was a huge deal for the city), but I was able to return to Porto as part of my Spain/Portugal Contiki trip and fell in love with the city even more than I already had the first time around.

This city is a must for first-timers!

What else is near Porto?

Guimarães: Known as the birthplace of Portugal, this historic city has well-preserved medieval architecture and a charming old town to explore.

Braga: One of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga is known for its baroque architecture, religious landmarks, and always-buzzing atmosphere. Visit the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, explore the historic city center, and marvel at the intricate details of the Sé Cathedral.

Aveiro: Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a coastal town famous for its colorful moliceiro boats and art nouveau architecture. We’ll cover this one more below!

Évora

Located in Portugal’s scenic Alentejo region, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage site best known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history.

Explore the ancient Roman temple of Diana, visit the eerie Chapel of Bones, enjoy the fake ruins that make you feel like you’re in a Shakespearean play, and stroll through the charming streets of the old town.

Madeira

Known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic” (because it’s located right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean), the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a haven of natural beauty. If you love all things nature, this lesser-known destination is a must-visit.

Imagine everything good about an outdoor oasis — greenery everywhere, dramatic cliffs, and lush botanical gardens — that’s Madeira for you. For epic hiking, you can’t miss the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The island of Porto Santo, in particular, is the ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Explore the charming capital city of Funchal, take a scenic hike along the Levadas (irrigation channels), and sample the island’s famous Madeira wine.

Don’t miss the chance to sample Madeira’s unique cuisine, which is influenced by Portuguese, African, and Caribbean flavors. Try traditional dishes like espetada (skewered meat), bolo do caco (sweet potato bread), and black scabbard fish, washed down with a glass of Madeira wine.

What else is near Madeira?

Porto Moniz: Known for its natural lava rock pools, Porto Moniz is a scenic coastal town where visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy fresh seafood by the ocean.

Santana: This town is unique due to its traditional triangular-shaped houses with thatched roofs, offering a glimpse into Madeira’s rural heritage. There’s good hiking here too.

Nazaré

Nazaré, a picturesque coastal town nestled along Portugal’s Silver Coast, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by first-time visitors.

Known for its towering cliffs, golden beaches, and world-class surfing waves, Nazaré offers a laid-back atmosphere and stunning ocean views. Watch in awe as surfers tackle the legendary waves at Praia do Norte, explore the colorful fishing village of Sitio, buy nuts and candy from locals, and savor fresh seafood dishes at local restaurants.

What else is near Nazaré?

Alcobaça: Home to the epic Alcobaça Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Óbidos: Just a short drive from Nazaré, Óbidos is a charming medieval town surrounded by ancient walls. Read more about it below!

Batalha: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Batalha is famous for its monastery, Mosteiro da Batalha.

Óbidos

Óbidos, a medieval hilltop town surrounded by ancient walls, is about as charming and magical as it gets when it comes to fortified towns in Portugal.

Wander through its cobblestone streets, pop into all the medieval-themed shops, admire the whitewashed houses, walk along the city walls, and explore the impressive Óbidos Castle. Don’t miss the chance to sample Ginjinha, a traditional cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups!

Throughout the year, Óbidos holds lively festivals and events worth visiting, such as the Medieval Market and Chocolate Festival.

What else is near Óbidos?

Peniche: A coastal town known for its amazing beaches and excellent surfing conditions, Peniche is also famous for its fresh seafood restaurants and historic fortress overlooking the ocean.

Caldas da Rainha: This charming spa town is known for its thermal springs and traditional ceramic pottery. Explore the town’s historic center, soak in thermal baths, and browse the local shops selling ceramics and handicrafts.

Coimbra

Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, Coimbra is a picturesque city steeped in academic tradition and cultural heritage.

Visit the historic University of Coimbra, explore the medieval streets of the old town, and take in sweeping views from the hilltop of Coimbra Cathedral.

What else is near Coimbra?

Conímbriga: Just a short drive from Coimbra, Conímbriga is home to one of the largest and best-preserved Roman settlements in Portugal. Explore the ruins of ancient houses, thermal baths, and forum, and learn about daily life in Roman times at the Conímbriga Museum.

Tomar: Known for its rich Templar history, Tomar is home to the impressive Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the medieval castle and convent, visit the beautiful Manueline-style cloisters, and learn about the Knights Templar at the Convent of Christ Museum.

Batalha: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Batalha is famous for its magnificent monastery, Mosteiro da Batalha, considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Portugal.

Aveiro

Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a charming coastal city famous for its colorful moliceiro boats, art nouveau architecture, and delicious seafood.

I first discovered this cute seaside town on my Contiki trip to Spain and Portugal. It was a quick stop, but it definitely left a really strong impression on me!

Must-do’s include taking a scenic boat ride along the city’s canals, visiting the historic Aveiro Cathedral, and sampling local specialties like ovos moles (sweet egg pastries).

What else is near Aveiro?

Costa Nova: A charming seaside village known for its colorful striped houses and sandy beaches.

Ilhavo: Known for its rich ceramic history and beautiful porcelain products. Visit the museum to learn about the town’s heritage, explore the historic Vista Alegre factory, and browse the shops selling traditional Portuguese pottery.

Vagos: A quaint rural town known for its natural beauty, Vagos is a great destination for outdoor lovers. Explore the Pateira de Fermentelos, Portugal’s largest natural lake, go birdwatching in the surrounding wetlands, and enjoy a picnic in the peaceful countryside.

Faro

Serving as the gateway to Portugal’s sunny Algarve region, Faro is a gorgeous city with a charming historic center, beautiful beaches, and lots cultural attractions.

Explore the medieval walls of Faro Old Town, visit the Cathedral of Faro, and relax on the pristine sands of nearby Ilha Deserta.

What else is near Faro?

Tavira: A picturesque coastal town known for its historic charm, whitewashed buildings, and beaches. Visit the 13th-century Tavira Castle, explore the ruins of the Roman bridge, and have a beach day.

Olhão: A traditional fishing town known for its bustling markets, waterfront promenade, and delicious seafood. Visit the Olhão Municipal Market, take a boat trip to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Silves: A historic town with a rich Moorish heritage, Silves is home to impressive medieval fortifications, ancient ruins, and picturesque orange groves.

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