3 Charming Towns to Visit in Portugal
- Sea & Skye Travel
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Portugal has no shortage of charm. Nestled between the endless expanse of the Northern Atlantic Ocean and the western border of Spain, Portugal is rich in historic cities, picturesque white-washed villages, rolling vineyards, quaint ocean-side towns, and much more. Add in its excellent food and welcoming culture, and it’s no surprise Portugal frequently tops travelers’ wish lists.
With so many amazing places to visit in Portugal, it can be hard to choose which stops to add to your itinerary. If you tend to prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations, consider a visit to any of these three charming towns in Portugal. Read on for three memorable places to visit in Portugal.
Évora, Portugal
The Vibe:
Évora is the bustling heart of the sparsely populated, rural Alentejo region of southern Portugal. Now a university town, Évora has a long history dating back to Celtic times. The walled city still retains numerous historic sites and ruins from the time when the Romans controlled the city. Later, the medieval city rose to prominence in the 15th century when it was home to the Portuguese kings.
Évora is striking not only because of its complex and layered history, but also because of its unique architectural style. Low, white-washed buildings with tiled roofs and wrought-iron balconies dominate the town, creating a distinct visual effect. The mix of white-washed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, ancient ruins, and the well-preserved wall around the city, along with its history, has earned Évora designation as a UNESCO World Heritage City.
Only an hour and a half drive from Lisbon, Évora provides an experience that is peaceful yet interesting, fresh yet historic. Because of its inland location, it does get very warm in the summer (summer highs in the 90s & 100s), which deters some tourists and means Évora has retained a slightly “off-the-beaten” track vibe. Visiting Évora in the off-season - we visited in February - is a great choice; you get the dual benefit of cooler weather and few other visitors!
If You Visit:
It’s worth spending a day simply walking and exploring the historic town center. Plan to park outside the center in any of the large lots available and walk from there. If you’re starting early, enjoy an espresso and pastry at Pastelaria Conventual Pão de Rala before starting your exploration in earnest.
Évora has dozens of historic sites, including the Catedral de Évora, the Templo Romano de Évora, the Capela dos Ossos (‘Chapel of Bones’), countless museums, and numerous parks. Make an itinerary, or simply wander your way through the city. The Biblioteca Pública De Évora, next to the Roman Temple, is an unassuming hidden gem. Inside, you’ll find all the trappings of a modern public library as well as two reading rooms full of books from the 18th and 19th centuries. A truly memorable stop!
For thoughtful gifts and mementos, head to Oxalá. From handmade ceramics to edible goodies, this is the perfect place to find something to remember your travels by.
If you decide to extend your visit to Évora or elsewhere in the Alentejo region, be sure to visit some of the region’s many wineries and consider a farm stay for a truly memorable experience.
Aveiro, Portugal
The Vibe:
Often called the ‘Venice of Portugal,’ Aveiro is an unexpected delight along the central Portuguese coast. About an hour south of Porto, this is a destination often overlooked by international visitors.
The city is perched on the edge of a large lagoon named the Ria de Aveiro, and has an extensive network of canals that wind through its city center. Colorful wooden boats, called moliceiros, once used to harvest algae and seaweed, now traverse the canals offering sightseeing rides for tourists. With ample shopping, countless restaurants and cafes, and quaint cobblestone streets, it’s easy to pass the day meandering through town, taking in the sights. During the summer months, nearby beaches also attract visitors looking for relief from inland heat.
If You Visit:
Take your time walking up and down the canals, watching the moliceiros cruise past. Many of the bridges that cross the canals have been decorated with locks, ribbons, and more, adding a colorful, playful feel to the city.
Pop into the vibrant A Casa da Rosa to browse their collection of ceramics and other handicrafts. While shopping, be sure to keep your eyes out for the local delicacy, ovos moles, sweets made from wafer, sugar, and eggs, and formed into a variety of nautical-themed shapes.
For a memorable meal or overnight stay, the MS Collection Aveiro Palacete de Valdemouro is not to be missed. The 18th-century building has been lovingly renovated and restored, and the rooms are sumptuous and elegant. The excellent restaurant is listed in the MICHELIN Guide, and the Roman bath-style pool and spa provide a luxurious respite after a day of exploring. We spent one night, but would have eagerly stayed longer if our itinerary had allowed.
Sintra, Portugal
The Vibe:
Sintra is certainly not an “off-the-beaten-path” destination in Portugal, but its historic sites are well worth a visit. The area is steep, with houses, palaces, and narrow winding roads perched atop dramatic cliffs. Sintra is only a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, but it feels a world away.
If You Visit:
Start your day early with an espresso and pastry at Dona Estefânia - Fábrica de Queijadas e Travesseiros de Sintra. Choose from a classic pasteís de nata, or the queijadas and travesseiros that Sintra is known for. Sit on the sidewalk and watch the town wake up as you enjoy your treats.
The Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Palácio Nacional da Pena, and the Castelo dos Mouros draw tourists in droves, but there are many other sites to consider in the area, including the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais and the Parque e Palácio de Monserrate.
The Parque e Palácio de Monserrate is spectacular with stunning gardens, extensive walking paths, and a mesmerizing palace designed with elements of Romanticism, Mudéjar Moorish Revival architecture, and neo-Gothic details. The gardens feature plants from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, and more, making it feel like a proper botanical garden. You could easily spend an afternoon (or full day!) hiking the grounds, stopping for a picnic, and touring the palace, so give yourself plenty of time and don’t rush. Once you’ve arrived, you won’t want to leave!
Responsible Travel in Portugal
Social Responsibility:
Like so many places in Europe, Portugal has been struggling with the unintended consequences of short-term rentals, foreign investment, and ‘digital nomad’ visas. Housing costs have exploded in the country, but local salaries have not kept pace, meaning Portuguese locals are struggling to make ends meet
Given this context, consider staying at a hotel instead of a short-term rental. If you do opt for a vacation rental, look for one where the owner lives on-site to avoid supporting absentee landlords and local displacement.
Beyond the housing crisis, Portugal has struggled to entice international visitors to areas beyond the well-known cities of Lisbon and Porto (hopefully this blog will provide some inspiration for other destinations!). The government recently launched an initiative that will provide extensive investment in tourism assets in other regions of the country. As you make your itinerary, be sure to look beyond the big cities, and you’ll be rewarded with authentic, unique travel experiences.
Environmental Responsibility:
Like many places, Portugal is contending with the threats of climate change, including increasing droughts, heightened wildfire risk, coastal erosion, and more. As a visitor, it’s important to be mindful of water consumption, avoid single-use items, and eat locally when possible to reduce transportation and cultivation impacts.
When hiking, exploring, or visiting Portugal’s beautiful beaches, remember to stay on trails so as not to damage the fragile habitats, follow ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, avoid feeding wildlife, and, as always, be sure to abide by all park regulations to ensure these areas can be protected for generations to come.
Comments