Best places in Portugal to visit
From icons to hidden treasures


















Tailor-made trips, just for you, by local experts
Discover what makes Portugal unforgettable
Portugal’s beaches are simply stunning. The Algarve features dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Towns like Lagos and Albufeira offer vibrant atmospheres with charming cafes and shops. If you’re a surfer, Nazaré’s giant waves are legendary. For a more peaceful vibe, check out the serene beaches of Comporta, where you can unwind and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Beyond the beaches, Portugal’s landscapes are incredibly diverse. You’ve got the lush, green mountains in the Azores, the rolling hills of the Alentejo, and dramatic cliffs along the coastline. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, or just taking in the scenery, Portugal’s natural beauty will leave you speechless.
Portugal’s architecture is a mix of medieval, Moorish, and modern influences. You’ll find Gothic monasteries, ornate Manueline-style buildings, and contemporary designs by world-renowned architects. Whether you’re visiting the ancient Jerónimos Monastery or the modern MAAT museum, the blend of old and new is stunning.
Portugal’s famous blue-and-white tiles—azulejos—adorn buildings, churches, and even train stations. These hand-painted tiles tell stories through intricate designs, adding character to the streets. You can explore Lisbon’s tile museum or just wander the streets and admire the art all around you.
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See all Portugal local experts →Rough Guides gets rave reviews
Trustpilot Rated 4.8/5.012/07/2025
yes , good work from Sara. My surgery went well. One other family member to watch out for. Thanks for your help so far
17/05/2025
My Travel Ladies (6 in total, all over 70) and I spent 10 days with Joel throughout Portugal, and we all felt it was simply excellent. I started working with Joel in August and nailed down our trip. We discussed sites important to us, where we wanted a guide, and hotel levels. His suggestions were spot on and we could not have been happier. I recommend him for his kindness, his communication and overall ability to meet our needs. Joel has a beautiful sense of humor that blended with all of us. My one wish is that I could work with him on our next adventure but, we all now feel Portugal is like a second home. Beautiful trip!
13/04/2025
Our guide (Joel) set up a perfect 10 day itinerary for us in Portugal-based on our requests. He was available at all times if we needed anything. Our tours were with small groups (ideal) and all set up for us. The hotels were also wonderful. We will definitely use Rough Guides in our future travel.
14/10/2024
Our agent was very helpful and responsive to our requests for changes to customise our trip. He met us at the airport and was available throughout our trip to offer support and advice.
25/09/2024
Itinerary fitted our needs. Travel book was very useful and well put together. Joel (our host) was always available and easy to reach and provided good advice as well as addressing last minute requests for changes.
20/09/2024
We had a great time. Joel was a wonderful host and took great care of us. He was knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed our time with him. The trip went very well. All the accommodations were more than we expected, and the sights/events chosen gave us a full view of Portugal. I would whole-heartedly recommend Rough Guides and Joel for anyone considering Portugal. The only suggestion I would make is that an electric vehicle is not the best choice for long car rides. To manage the battery life, we had to go very slow, but we did enjoy our time with Joel on the drives. Electric is great for short visits like Sintra and Belhem, but for the longer drives the technology is not yet there.
From icons to hidden treasures
Discover Portugal's most captivating stories
Arrange your trip, hassle-free, with local travel experts
Arrange your trip with local travel experts