Travelers Voted: 10 Best Places to Visit in Portugal

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Portugal is one of those countries where picking a single favorite place feels almost impossible. So I asked my Portugal Facebook community, people who truly love and keep returning to Portugal, to share their favorite spot.

Hundreds of travelers chimed in, and while there were plenty of hidden gems mentioned (and hot takes), ten places came up again and again.

As for me, it depends on my mood. Lisbon wins when I want vibrant city life, Lagos is my choice for beaches (crowded, yes, but popular for a reason), and Guimarães is perfect when I’m craving small-town charm.

Below are the 10 most loved places in Portugal, as voted by travelers who know the country well, whether it’s your first visit or your next return trip.

Table of Contents

1. Porto

Best for: Historic charm, wine lovers, walkable city breaks

Porto came out on top by a landslide, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. This northern city has an irresistible mix of old-world charm and laid-back cool. You’ll see colorful tiled facades, riverside wine bars, dramatic viewpoints, and a thriving food scene.

From the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and the azulejo-covered São Bento Station to the Ribeira riverside and the famous Port wine cellars, there’s plenty to keep you busy here. You can read more about my favorite things to do in Porto in this detailed guide.

And for adventures beyond the city, Porto is a great base for easy day trips to places like Guimarães, Braga, and the Douro Valley, another crowd favorite.

2. Lisbon

A big arch next to yellow buildings in Lisbon, in the back you can see a small statue straight behind the arch

A small street with yellow buildings on both sides in Lisbon

Best for: Vibrant city life, history lovers, first-timers

Lisbon was the second most mentioned spot in the poll, and it’s also my personal favorite when I’m in the mood for a city. Yes, it can be busy, especially in high season, but it’s popular for a reason.

With its steep cobbled streets, colorful trams, tiled buildings, and scenic miradouros (viewpoints), Lisbon is full of character. It’s a city where you can walk through centuries of history, relax by the river, or just get happily lost in the alleys of Alfama.

Some of my favorite experiences include riding the ferry across the Tagus, wandering through the LX Factory, and watching the sunset from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. I’ve rounded up all my top things to do in Lisbon here.

3. Alvor

Aerial view of a coastal town in Portugal with white buildings and terracotta roofs lining a calm turquoise harbor. Several sailboats and a catamaran float on the water near a small marina and waterfront promenade. The image captures a sunny Algarve seaside scene with boats anchored just offshore.

Best for: Laid-back beach time, coastal walks, small-town charm

Alvor got a surprising number of votes, and those who love it really love it. It’s a small, peaceful town in the Algarve with a beautiful boardwalk, calm beaches, and some of the best sunset views in southern Portugal.

Unlike some of the bigger Algarve destinations, Alvor still feels relaxed and local. There’s not a long list of “must-see” attractions, and that’s kind of the point. This is a place for slow mornings, and long golden-hour walks along the coast.

4. Sintra

Colorful exterior of Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, featuring a vivid yellow domed tower and lavender-tiled facade with ornate details. Tourists walk and gather in the cobblestone courtyard below, surrounded by lush greenery and whimsical architectural elements under a bright blue sky. — The famous Pena Palace

View down a well, there's a stairwell leading to the bottom; Is Sintra worth visiting? Yes, so you can see this amazing well — The famous Pena Palace

Best for: Fairytale castles, misty landscapes

Sintra looks like something out of a dream, colorful palaces, dramatic cliffs, and lush gardens hidden in the hills. But it’s also clearly no a secret.

Personally, I think Sintra is best avoided in high season, the crowds can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to get caught up in rushing from monument to monument. If you do go, my top recommendation is to keep it simple. Choose just one or two places, and take your time.

My personal favorite? Quinta da Regaleira, a stunning palace but the highlight is the beautiful, mystical gardens. You’ll find more on how to plan your trip in my Sintra day trip guide.

5. Lagos

Limestone coastline in Lagos, which you can visit on one of the tours from Lisbon to Algarve

Scenic view of a bustling promenade in Lagos, Portugal, lined with majestic palm trees, local tourist shops, and pedestrians enjoying the sunny day with the marina full of boats in the background, suggesting popular activities and sightseeing spots in Lagos.

Best for: Beaches, sea cliffs, old town charm

Lagos tied closely with Sintra in the poll and is hands down my favorite beach town in Portugal. Yes, it can get crowded, but the coastlines around Lagos are some of the most breathtaking I’ve seen anywhere.

The beaches here are beautiful and varied, from the iconic cliffs of Praia do Camilo to the long stretch of sand at Meia Praia. In between beach time, you’ve got a charming old town, relaxed cafés, and cliffside walking trails that feel straight out of a postcard.

If you’re planning a visit, check out my guide to the top things to do in Lagos.

6. Nazaré

An areal view of a small beach town in Portugal — Best view of Nazare

Best for: Big waves, seaside views, surfer energy

Nazaré earned its place on this list thanks to its unique vibe, part laid-back beach town, part extreme sports arena. This is where you’ll find the biggest waves in the world, especially during the winter months, drawing surfers and spectators from all over.

Even if you’re not into surfing, there’s something special about watching the sea here, the power of the Atlantic is fully on display. The town itself is also full of charm, from its funicular views to its fresh food.

7. Madeira

Lush coastal garden overlooking the deep blue Atlantic Ocean with tall palm trees and vibrant tropical plants in the foreground. Sunlight sparkles across the water while a rocky sea stack rises offshore in the distance. The image captures a dramatic Madeira cliffside view with colorful flowers and sweeping ocean scenery.

Best for: Nature lovers, hiking, year-round travel

Madeira got a lot of love in the poll, and it makes sense. This Portuguese island is a dream for nature lovers, with volcanic cliffs, lush levada trails, and views that don’t feel real. It’s also a great destination year-round, thanks to its mild climate.

Madeira offers a totally different vibe from mainland Portugal. It’s more remote, greener, and slower-paced, perfect if you’re looking to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. My parents have been there multiple times and they love going on hikes there.

8. Cascais

A wave crashing into a cave, it's called Boca do Inferno

A lighthouse in the distance, in the front you can see a palm tree, rocks and the ocean

Best for: Seaside day trips, local beaches, coastal charm

Cascais is just a short train ride from Lisbon, and it’s one of my favorite easy getaways from the city. It got a solid number of votes in the poll, and for good reason, it’s relaxed, pretty, and has that effortless coastal charm.

You’ll find beaches, a walkable old town, and the dramatic cliffs of Boca do Inferno just a short stroll away. If you need a break from Lisbon’s hills but don’t want to go far, Cascais is a perfect option.

I’ve written about things to do in Cascais and also how to plan a Cascais day trip by train, it’s super easy and definitely worth it.

9. Tavira

Tranquil Tavira beach scene with thatched umbrellas and sunbeds overlooking the calm blue ocean, epitomizing the best seaside relaxation in Tavira, Portugal.

Strolling by the historic battlements draped with vibrant bougainvillea is an enchanting activity in Tavira, embodying Portugal's rich heritage.

Best for: Algarve charm, sandy beaches

Tavira might not be as flashy as other Algarve towns, but that’s exactly why people love it. It’s a peaceful spot with cobbled lanes, historic bridges, and a river that winds through town.

Tavira also gives you access to some of the best and quietest beaches in the Algarve, you just have to take a short ferry or boat ride to reach them. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, I’ve got a guide to what to do in Tavira.

10. Albufeira

Bustling streets of Albufeira Old Town, thronged with tourists exploring local shops and restaurants, a must-visit for an authentic Albufeira, Portugal experience.

Sun-drenched Albufeira beach with straw umbrellas and loungers, inviting visitors to relax as one of the best things to do in Albufeira, Portugal.

Best for: Party vibes, sunny beach holidays, easy resort stays

Albufeira isn’t my kind of place, it’s more beach resort than authentic Portuguese town, and the vibe is heavily catered to British tourists. But it still made the top 10 in the poll, and for some travelers, it checks all the boxes.

If you’re after local charm or off-the-beaten-path culture, this isn’t the spot for you. But if you want sunshine, a sandy beach right next to the old town, and nightlife that goes well into the morning hours, Albufeira delivers.

You can read more in my honest guide to things to do in Albufeira, including tips if you do want to escape the party scene.

Where’s Your Favorite Place in Portugal?

It was so fun putting this list together based on what real travelers (and locals!) shared in my Facebook community. Whether it’s the cliffs of Lagos, the charm of Tavira, or the fairytale vibes of Sintra, it’s clear that Portugal has a place for every kind of traveler.

For me, I still can’t pick just one favorite. Lisbon when I want city energy, Guimarães when I’m craving small-town history, and Lagos when I just want to relax by the sea. And honestly? Even the places I didn’t love, like Albufeira, still had some good sides.

I’d love to hear your favorite. Come join the conversation over on my Portugal Facebook page! It’s full of tips, real opinions, and honest advice from people who genuinely love this country.