For a long time, the average holiday in Portugal centred around the sun-soaked beaches and manicured golf courses of the Algarve. But today, Portugal can confidently challenge Spain and Italy as the host of some of Europe’s best city breaks. The warm Mediterranean climate, rich history and culture and delicious cuisine attract millions of visitors each year, with the country enjoying record-breaking tourism revenue in 2024. Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Explore our round-up of the most beautiful cities in Portugal to start planning your weekend away.
1
Coimbra
Perched picturesquely above the River Mondego, historic Coimbra was once the medieval capital of Portugal. It’s also home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Founded in the 13th century in a former royal palace, the University of Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a lavishly decorated Biblioteca Joanina (18th-century library) and beautiful Botanic Garden to boot. But most alluring is how Coimbra’s grand heritage goes hand in hand with the spirited soul of a student city. This blend of tradition and fresh-faced optimism culminates in Queima das Fitas (‘the burning of the ribbons’) in May, which marks the end of the academic year. This week-long festival, which includes the ritual burning of each faculty’s traditional ribbons, always draws crowds, but Coimbra’s cobbled lanes (and bars) are full of youthful energy throughout the academic year. We’d recommend you visit during term time to experience the best of this buzz.
Image by Vector / Fotolia.com.
2
Lisbon
It wouldn’t be a list of the most beautiful cities in Portugal without lovely Lisbon. Over the past decade, the Portuguese capital has become a staple of the European city break scene. It’s a popular trip if you’re searching for a sunny seaside city that isn’t Barcelona, but it’s so much more than blue skies and beaches. Captivating cobbled alleyways, pastel-painted buildings and sunshine-yellow vintage trams make Lisbon a vision of postcard perfection. The city is dotted with vantage points for soaking up the iconic scenery too. Known as miradouros (viewpoints), these lookouts are scattered across the seven hills of Lisbon and are the perfect place to admire the city’s beauty. Lisbon also happens to be our Portugal expert, Emily’s favourite place in Portugal, and she recommends a walking tour of the Alfama district to ‘immerse yourself in the culture and see the way the locals live’.
Image by Jerome Galland.
3
Évora
The ancient walls of Évora embrace a city that’s home to the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal, the ruins of a Roman temple and a public square with unhappy connections to the Spanish Inquisition. So, it’s easy to see why Évora has earned the nickname of ‘Museum City’ (and why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site). Wandering the winding streets between whitewashed houses is like walking through a stunning series of open-air galleries. An hour-and-a-half drive from Lisbon, Évora is a pretty city for a day trip and small enough to explore on foot; start at the Praça do Giraldo (the square at the heart of town) to pick up an ice cream and stroll away from there.
Image by Olivier Romano.
4
Guimarães
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to historic cities in Portugal, but Guimarães is one of the finest. The first Portuguese king, Alfonso Henriques, was born here, and many consider the city to be the birthplace of Portugal itself. The monuments, museums and medieval architecture might be the main draw for tourists, but Guimarães is also a former European Capital of Culture and a bustling student city, which adds a vibrant edge to its heritage appeal. To gaze over Guimarães from above, take the cable car to the summit of Serra da Penha. This wooded mountaintop provides a fantastic view over the city, and is home to the Sanctuary of Penha – a religious sanctuary dripping in Art Deco glory.
Image by Davis McCardle / Getty Images.
5
Funchal
We’re leaving the mainland behind now and heading to Madeira. Green, rugged and tropical, it’s a haven for hikers and nature-seekers, but the capital, Funchal, has plenty to tempt city breakers. Set in a scenic bay lapped by the Atlantic, this cosmopolitan city has lively markets, tranquil gardens and a busy cultural calendar, all within easy reach of the island’s pristine nature. And, because the weather is pleasantly warm all year round – locals boast that their climate is the best in the world – there’s no bad time to bask in the delights of one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.
Image by neko92vl / Fotolia.
6
Porto
Much like Lisbon, Porto is a weekend-away wonder that has grown in popularity over recent years. Its ascent on the travel charts is reflected in the streets (where new venues regularly join its impressive roster of restaurants and shops) and in the skies (where cranes stand tall below a busy flight path). Porto exudes authentic charm, whether you’re rambling along the riverbank of the Douro, taking in the panoramic vistas from the top of the Clérigos Tower or savouring sunset at the Morro Garden. This stunner is best seen on foot, so make sure you pack accordingly – the steps and steep alleys call for comfortable shoes.
Image by rh2010/stock.adobe.com.
7
Aveiro
Known as ‘the Venice of Portugal’, the coastal city of Aveiro boasts picturesque canals criss-crossed by bridges and traversed by colourful moliceiro boats (traditional seaweed-harvesting vessels now used for canal cruises). Beyond the waterways, pastel-hued Art Nouveau architecture lines the patterned, cobbled streets; a little further afield, the sand dunes and famous striped houses of Costa Nova are a sight to behold. Aveiro is one of the smaller cities on our list, so a day trip from Porto (50 minutes by car or train) is the perfect amount of time to soak in this charming spot.
Image by Carol Yepes / Getty Images.
Written by Emma Begley. Header image by Olivier Romano.
