A friend once cycled through Portugal, and on his return explained the allure of taking the long way round: “There are long stretches of nothing—but then you get to where you’re going, and it’s worth every mile of wondering if you’re completely lost,” they said. From Sagres’s secret surf scene in the south to Alentejo’s underrated wine country, there’s more to Portugal than Lisbon (although, what a capital it is). With its Atlantic coast and Mediterranean climate, the http://www.maritimjatim.info/ country is scrappier than Spain and wilder than France—its charm is in its reluctance to be too polished, and Portugal’s prettiest places are raw, real, and natural. After all, once something is too shiny, it simply presents a reflection of the familiar rather than its beautiful, authentic self. Here are the 15 most beautiful places in Portugal that are worth every mile in between.
The most beautiful places in Portugal
Comporta’s Coast
Arguably one of the country’s finest stretches of Atlantic coast, Comporta’s sandy beach goes on (and on, and on…) for almost 40 miles, which means there’s space to spare, even when Lisbonites head here for long weekends and wellness retreats. Its shallower, family-friendly waters are in the northern Tróia peninsula and there’s surfing towards the southern end at Praia do Carvalhal. Try horseback riding along the shoreline with Cavalos na Areia, one of the smartest stables in the area, then position yourself outside Sal restaurant for service at your daybed, and easy access to one of the best places to eat on the beach.
Monsanto, Castelo Branco
If you like the idea of Benagil for its geology (and not just its photo ops), but your itinerary is taking you to the north, head to medieval Monsanto instead, where the village is built into giant stone boulders that look like they might roll down the narrow streets clinging to the mountaintop any second. Because of its elevation and terracotta rooftops, this also happens to be a stunning spot for sunsets—Taverna Lusitana has the best tables
Évora
With its heatwaves, vineyards, Roman architecture, and cobbled squares, the Alentejo’s hottest city attracts travelers seeking culture, food, and climate all in one place. Check into the recently opened Evora Farm Hotel for a mash-up of country design (raw wood, glossy granite, leather chesterfields) and Mediterranean touches—wicker lamps, azulejo ceramics.
Douro Valley Vineyards
Arouca Geopark
In May 2021, Arouca Geopark unveiled the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, which hangs 574 feet above Paiva River and offers sensational views of the conservation space, Aguieiras Waterfall and Paiva Gorge—if you can muster the courage to cross it, that is. After the adrenaline wears off, head to the Pedras Parideiras, a geological phenomenon whose name loosely translates to ‘breeding stones’—small rocks that emerge from large ones. It’s the result of changing temperatures and erosion, but folklore suggests that the site has the power to get women pregnant.
Some say King Ferdinand II designed the palaces in Sintra to rival Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria; others say it was a romantic gesture for his lover, Elise Hensler. The Parque da Pena that surround the castle is filled with rare species of roses and non-native plants—folklore says he would instruct sailors and servants to bring back seeds and flowers to plant just for her. The colorful turrets, curved cupola, and chemin de ronde walkways seem to be wrapped in fondant icing in shades of ochre and red, and there are gargoyles, traditional azulejos, and acres of history to explore.
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