31 Things to Do in Portugal (That Aren’t Overrated)

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Natural Wonders | Historic & Cultural Sites | Food & Drink | Beaches

Portugal lives up to the ‘small, yet mighty’ stereotype. Here you’ll have access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and one of the most underrated culinary scenes in Europe.

With all those tempting options, it can be tough to nail down exactly what you want to do in Portugal.

I spent over two months wandering the best places in Portugal from north to south. During that period, I had the privilege of experiencing the best activities, food, and staples across the country.

The truth is, some of Portugal’s most famous sites are duds, but others are completely worth the hype. Plus, there are lesser-known local gems that definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. To give you the inside scoop and help you craft your itinerary, I’m going to break down my list of the best things to do in Portugal. Let’s get started.

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31 Best Things to Do in Portugal

Belém Tower

Walk around Lisbon’s Belém neighborhood and take photos at one of Portugal’s most well-known tourist attractions.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213)-620-034 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €8, adults, €4, children

One of the very first places most visitors go to in Portugal is the capital city of Lisbon. Upon arrival, Belém Tower is a main attraction that will be constantly suggested. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best things to do in all of Lisbon.

When you’re done visiting the attraction, check out the cobbled streets of the surrounding Belém neighborhood. It’s an adorable area with great sweets, like the pastéis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts) from Pasteis de Belém. 

While Belém Tower is pretty to just look at, you’ll get way more out of the experience by joining a tour to learn about its cultural importance. This informative Belém and Jeronimos Monastery Guided Small-Group Walking Tour brings you to the tower and several other nearby Lisbon highlights for an affordable price.

👉 Check out our perfectly-planned 10-day Portugal itinerary. It includes stops at Torre de Belém in Lisbon and other attractions in this guide! You can also get a free, printable version of the Portugal itinerary here.

National Palace of Pena

Go up to the Sintra mountaintops to visit a multi-colored palace celebrated as a Wonder of Portugal.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (219)-237-300 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm daily | Entrance: €20, adults, €18, ages 6-17 | 👉 Browse Pena Palace Tours on Viator 

Hidden away in the tippy top of Portugal’s mountains is a charming, small town called Sintra where you’ll find the National Palace of Pena.

This colorful complex is a triple whammy. It boasts a rich history, has gorgeous architecture, and looks incredible in photographs. It’s no wonder that Pena Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Portugal.

Pena Palace and Sintra are only 30 minutes from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and easily accessible by public transportation. While I thought getting to Sintra on my own was very manageable, it’s smart to book an organized day trip and streamline the journey if you’re strapped for time. 

Since it’s on most travelers’ itineraries for Portugal, there are plenty of solid tour options. Such as this amazing Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon that escorts you to another one of the best day trips from Lisbon as well. 

Porto Cathedral

Pay your respects at this important religious landmark in Porto with stunning sapphire tilework.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (222)-059-028 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6:30 pm Daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Porto City Tours on Viator 

Towering above Porto, there is one building that stands out from the rest: the Porto Cathedral. It’s one of the biggest attractions in Porto and the most significant religious establishment in the entire city, and it’s dressed up to fit the part.

This imposing structure is truly a work of architectural art. The interior is decorated with the iconic tilework that Portugal is famous for, and its Romanesque architecture provides the ideal setting for photos. 

Added bonus: Porto Cathedral is located on a hilltop elevated above the streets, so you’ll be greeted by extensive views over the city from here.

🛎️ Need a Place to Stay? See my guide to the top hotels in Porto.

Livraria Lello

Purchase your next read or just take in the ambiance at this gorgeous Porto bookstore that provided inspiration for the Harry Potter movies.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (222)-002-037 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7:30 pm Daily | Entrance: €10 (this price is discountable towards a book) 

Only a six-minute walk from the historic center of Porto is the Livraria Lello bookstore. Before you start scrolling at the mention of a boring bookstore, hold your horses. Livraria Lello is by far one of the prettiest in the world.

In fact, it is so influential that the space is actually rumored to have inspired parts of the Harry Potter franchise. That adds a little extra magic to visiting Livraria Lello. Even if you’re not a big reader, you’ll probably want to snap a cute photo or two here.

The store has both English and Portuguese sections organized by genre. Another thing I really love about this attraction is that the price of your ticket is actually deductible from the cost of a book. So, I got my copy of ‘Beyond Good and Evil’ by Friedrich Nietzsche for half off.

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Come across free-roaming peacocks and chickens at this beautifully manicured garden in Porto. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 9 pm Daily | Entrance: Free 

It’s been a long time since a park has impressed me as much as Jardins do Palácio de Cristal in Porto did. This large green space is completely free to enter and one of the best places to spend the day if you’re traveling on a budget in Portugal. 

There are stunning flower patches and scenic points to take photos with exceptional views of the city. Along with lots of quiet spots to hide away, where you can read or enjoy a picnic. Even on a busy Saturday, I managed to find a nook of solace and hang out there alone for hours. 

Besides the pretty sights, the highlight of Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is its residential peacocks and chickens that freely wander the space. These guys make it a super fun experience for families traveling with young children (just make sure they don’t touch or chase the birds!) 

Monte Palace Madeira

Check out this huge, eclectic garden in Funchal filled with exotic plant life, statues, and even a museum.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Daily | Entrance: €15, adults | 👉 Browse Monte Palace Tours on Viator 

Located off the coast of mainland Portugal, the archipelago of Madeira is made up of several gorgeous islands. Sequestered in the capital of Madeira is the incredible Monte Palace. Despite the name, this place isn’t a palace. 

Monte Palace is actually one of the most extraordinary tropical gardens in Europe. This place is stuffed with exotic trees and different types of colorful flowers that come from all over the world. It’s a magical spot with something unexpected around every corner. 

There is also a museum on-site that features an excellent collection of more than 1,000 Zimbabwean sculptures.

Ponta da Piedade

Catch a glimpse of this scenic coastal viewpoint in Lagos and its massive, jagged rock formations.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7, Daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Take a Guided Punta de la Piedad Boat Trip

There are a lot of spots in Portugal that will have you desperately reaching for your camera. Ponta da Piedade is one of them.

At this scenic viewpoint near Lagos, you’ll really get in touch with Portugal’s natural beauty at this scenic viewpoint near Lagos. It offers beautiful glimpses of the sea and otherworldly rock formations.

You can even take a guided Ponta da Piedade boat trip through the wavy waters to get a better look at these wonders of Mother Earth. 

Aveiro and the Canals

Hop aboard one of the city’s traditional, colorful boats and take a ride down the canals.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Take a Boat Tour on the Ria de Aveiro

Less than an hour south of Porto is the adorable city of Aveiro. Located right on the edge of Ria de Aveiro, this area is mostly known for its canal system that carries colorful boats down the water. It’s this canal system that gives Aveiro the nickname of “Portuguese Venice.” 

As you can imagine, many of Aveiro’s activities center around these canals. One of the best ways to get a feel for the city is by taking an Aveiro boat tour along the waterway in a traditional Moliceiro vessel. They are bright, colorful, and will take you around the area in style. 

Foz Do Douro 

Take an excursion to this idyllic, seaside district 20 minutes outside of Porto’s city center. 

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

There is plenty to keep you occupied in Porto, yet I’d still recommend taking the journey out to the nearby district of Foz Do Douro. This area is about a 15-minute drive or an hour-long walk from Porto’s main city center. As soon as you’re in the vicinity, you’ll see why I’m such a fan. 

It’s right on the Atlantic Ocean, and beaches pretty much stretch along the full length of Foz do Douro. Compared to Porto, it is a much more tranquil environment and makes for an easy beach day. It would be a great stop on a family vacation to Portugal. 

Don’t forget to grab a few photos at the iconic Pérgola da Nevogilde, and stick around to watch the sunset from this vantage point. There are a bunch of yummy restaurants within walking distance, too. I’d highly recommend Ichiban for fresh sashimi in a cozy space.

Natural Wonders

Praia do Norte

Feel the raw power of the highest waves ever surfed crashing upon Nazaré’s shores.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

On the eastern Atlantic Ocean, in the quaint town of Nazaré, is one of the most infamous beaches in the world: Praia do Norte beach. This isn’t the standard “wade around in the ocean” type of seashore, though. It’s quite the opposite in fact.

This beach is famed for having some of the most intense waves on the planet from November to February. The highest wave ever surfed in history even crashed upon the shores of Praia do Norte.

Although it might not be the ideal spot for a beach holiday, Praia do Norte is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness the magnitude of the ocean’s power. The waves also calm down enough in the summer to actually get near the water. 

📚 Related Reading: Nazaré is one of the most adorable fishing villages in Portugal. It’s a fantastic weekend or even a day trip from Lisbon. Even though it’s a tiny town, there are a few distinct neighborhoods in Nazaré. To learn more, check out my complete guide to where to stay in Nazaré. 

Parque Natural da Arrábida

Hang out on wild Setúbal beaches and go trekking through the wilderness at this gigantic coastal park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (265)-541-140 | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

For a quick and simple day trip from Setúbal, turn your attention toward Arrabida Natural Park.

This vast natural area is right on the coast of Portugal, providing access to some of the nicest wild beaches you can imagine. There are a few hidden hiking trails around the park, too.

In the middle of the park, there is an old convent from the 1500s called Convento de Nossa Senhora. So, it’s another one of those attractions that provides a bit of nature and a touch of history at the same time. 

Cabo da Roca

Earn the right to say you’ve visited the western-most point of Europe at this charming cape in Colares.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (219)-280-081 | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

Right on the Atlantic Ocean inside the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais, you’ll find the picturesque Cabo da Roca. This spot is actually the westernmost point of not just Portugal, but all of Europe. Making it both a cultural and natural attraction. 

The Stoic lighthouse atop the cliffside is a highlight of Cabo da Roca. It is a lovely area to catch some sun during the warmer months and snap extraordinary landscape photos all year round. 

Miradouro do Suberco

Climb up to sweeping views over the beach and town of Nazaré.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7, Daily | Entrance: Free

Looking for a new, photogenic perspective over the charming town of Nazaré? Miradouro do Suberco is the spot.

You’ll have to climb quite a few uneven steps to reach this viewpoint over the town, but I thought it was well worth the trek. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Nazaré if you want to take photos, catch the sunset, or just get a stunning view over the area. 

Benagil Cave

Take jaw-dropping photos at one of the country’s most recognizable natural sites in the Algarve.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (969)-617-828 | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free, But Tour Needed | 👉 Boat Trip to the Benagil Caves from Lagos

If there’s any Portuguese attraction that you probably know, it’s Benagil Cave. This distinctive cave formation is known for its natural skylight. It’s a beloved location for influencers and nature lovers alike because of the aesthetic quality it provides.

While the Benagil Cave is a very popular spot that is often overrun with visitors, I wouldn’t say it’s overrated. It truly is a natural wonder. If you want the best shot of visiting the cave without all the crowds, join an early morning boat trip to the attraction. 

The earlier you arrive, the lower the chances of having to compete with other tourists for a glimpse. 

Peneda-Gerês National Park

Explore the 268 square miles of Portugal’s only official national park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253)-203-480 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Tue-Fri, 9 am – 3 pm Sat, Closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: Free, Paid Parking | 👉 Browse Peneda Geres National Park Tours on Viator 

There are plenty of natural parks and outdoor spectacles in Portugal, but there is only one official national park – Peneda-Gerês.

It’s located at the very northernmost tip of the country, around 40 minutes outside of Braga. Inside Peneda-Gerês, there are over 268 square miles of magnificent nature to discover. 

The mountainous views go on for days, and there are plenty of hiking trails to see them all. There is also a sprawling blue lake and many different species of animals roaming around. If you’re searching for some of the most spectacular scenery in Portugal, it’s waiting for you at Peneda-Gerês. 

Cape Girão

Stand out on a glass platform in Madeira to appreciate the scenery from the highest cape in Europe.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

This attraction might be a scary one for anyone with a fear of heights. However, if you can push past those apprehensions, you’ll be greeted with an astonishing experience at Cape Girão. 

Cape Girão is the highest sea cliff in all of Europe and actually the second highest in the entire world at over 1,900 feet. In order to feel the full intensity of being at that height, they built a glass platform for visitors to stand on. 

The skywalk will definitely get your heart pumping, but it’s one of the best places on the planet for coastal views and landscape photography. 

Historic & Cultural Sites

Carmo Archaeological Museum

Explore the bones of a Lisbon church that was originally built way back in 1423.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213)-460-473 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: €7, adults

Get in touch with a piece of Portugal’s history at Lisbon’s Carmo Archaeological Museum. This Gothic church was originally built 600 years ago.

For hundreds of those years, it was a place of worship until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. The natural disaster did a lot of damage, but the bones of the structure remain and can be explored to this day. 

In my opinion, this is one of the best places to visit in Portugal if you’re into travel photography and history. 

Initiation Well

Capture a photo looking up or down the spooky-looking spiral steps of this Sintra staple.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (219)-106-650 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily | Entrance: €15, adults, €10 ages 6-17

One of Sintra’s eerier attractions is the Initiation Well. There are quite a few rumors about this place and what it might’ve been used for.

The staircase descends 88 feet and leads to a tunnel system, which is unsettling in itself. But, it’s also said that the well was used for various types of secret ceremonies and rituals. 

Luckily, on your visit, it’s more likely that the Initiation Well will simply be an interesting attraction to grab a trippy photo at the bottom or top of the stairs. Although it’s on the spookier side, it’s a top Sintra site and 100% worth a quick visit. 

Bom Jesus do Monte

Walk the lofty stairway 380 feet up to this stunning, significant site in Braga.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253)-676-636 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Daily | Entrance: Free

From first glance, you can tell that Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga is a special place. It just gives off that lavish atmosphere. It isn’t a castle or home to royalty, though. It’s actually a very important Christian shrine.

Bom Jesus do Monte is located on the top of Mount Espinho. It has a long staircase leading up 380 feet to the actual shrine. The climb isn’t nearly as difficult as it sounds, but it can be a little intense during the hotter summer months. 

There is also a funicular you can ride to the top for just €2.50 one-way/€4 round trip if you don’t feel like walking or you experience mobility issues. The funicular only accepts cash, but it’s a lovely, short ride. 

Since it’s outside the city center, it can be difficult to reach Bom Jesus do Monte as a visitor. Make your life easier by taking advantage of this Braga and Guimaraes Small-Group Full-Day Tour. A local guide will accompany you to Bom Jesus do Monte, Guimaraes Castle, and more. Plus, it includes a traditional Portuguese lunch with local wine.

Roman Temple of Évora

Lay eyes on the ruins of a 2,000-year-old Roman temple right in the heart of Evora.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (266)-769-450 | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

Take a trip back to the 1st century when you visit the Roman Temple (Templo Romano) in the center of Evora.

The structure was originally constructed as an eternal home for Roman Emperor Augustus after he passed away. That was over 2,000 years ago. Today, the Roman Temple remains are a testament to just how long pieces of history can endure the test of time. 

If you’re traveling in Europe on a budget, you’ll love this site. It’s totally free, out in public, and available to visit at any time of day.  

Chapel of Bones

Walk through a small church in Evora that’s covered in bones from an estimated 5,000 humans.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (266)-704-521 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6:30 pm Daily | Entrance: €6, adults, €4 under 25, Free under age 12

For a relatively small city, Evora is home to some pretty strange attractions. Take the Chapel of Bones, for instance. Just from the name alone I’m sure an image of this place is already conjuring in your mind. It’s exactly what you’re picturing. Quite literally, a chapel of bones. 

Monks crafted the 16th-century chapel out of thousands of real human bones. There are columns made out of femurs and walls made out of full skulls. It’s more of a macabre attraction, but it’s something you’ll never forget after a trip to Portugal.  

Luís I Bridge

Snap a photograph or walk across this bridge over the Douro River that’s become an emblem of Porto.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Porto Tours on Viator 

Every city has its iconic photograph that every single tourist is practically required by law to capture for themselves. That one plastered on all the postcards. In Porto, that place is the Luís I Bridge.

This 145-year-old bridge over the Douro River has become a symbol of the city. It gained notoriety early on because it was made by a student of the architect who developed Paris’ Eiffel Tower. 

There are a bunch of restaurants along the Douro River with views of the Luis I Bridge. You can see it perfectly from the outdoor seats at Taberninha do Manel. Or get an even closer look from the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar viewpoint.

Alternatively, you could indulge in the local specialty of Port at a wine tasting near the river. A number of wineries near the bridge offer tastings, including Burmester and Sandeman. You can also walk across the bridge on either the lower or upper level.

👉 Pro Tip: Just 60 miles away from Porto is the mesmerizing Douro Valley. If you’re a fan of wine and landscapes, you won’t want to miss this jewel of Portugal. Try to take a day trip or even a weekend getaway to the Douro Valley.  

The Moorish Castle

Stroll around the ruins of an impressively maintained Moorish castle from the 8th century in Sintra.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (219)-237-300 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 6 pm Daily | Entrance: €12, adults, €10 ages 6-17

Located in the beautiful town of Sintra, Castelo dos Mouros is extremely old – like ‘built 1,000 years ago. 

Despite its age, the grand Moorish Castle is still in pretty good shape, all things considered. Today, you can freely walk around the grounds and appreciate the beautiful perspective of the Sintra Mountains. 

Forte de São Filipe

Discover a beautifully designed 443-year-old historic castle in the mountains of Setúbal.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (265)-545-010 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free

Most people visit Setúbal for its abundance of beaches and delicious seafood. But the area’s nearby historic attractions are worth a stop as well.

One of the most well-known is Forte de São Filipe. From most places on the ground level, you should be able to see this famous fort off in the distance.

The fort isn’t just a place of history, though – it’s a piece of art. Inside the 443-year-old castle, there is beautifully intricate tilework and architecture. The outlook over the city and the ocean is a big bonus, too.

Food & Drink

Fado Português

Listen to an enchanting Portuguese art form with a traditional dinner at this welcoming Porto restaurant. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (191)-554-3950 | Website | Hours: 8 pm – 1 am Daily

I admit I’m not really a ‘dinner and a show’ person. In fact, I was so adverse to it that I actually skipped out on attending a Fado performance on my first trip to Portugal. After experiencing it at Fado Português in Porto on my second visit, I realized what a mistake that was.

Fado is a beloved type of traditional Portuguese music that the restaurant’s owner compared to ‘sung poetry’. As he explained, you don’t need to understand Portuguese to feel the passion behind these performances. He was right, it was moving in a way that transcended language. 

Between the guitarists and the singers, it was a hauntingly beautiful and natural performance that kept my attention all night. The food was exceptional as well and the menu is stacked with all sorts of local specialties, like bacalhau or the codfish fritters I devoured. 

Time Out Market Lisbon

Taste everything from exquisite Portuguese seafood and croquettes to pasta and Asian food all under one roof.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (210)-607-403 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 12 am Daily | Entrance: Free

Lisbon’s Time Out Market, also known as Mercado da Ribeira, started a trend. It opened in 2014 and ended up being so successful that it inspired 6 other Time Out Market locations around the globe. 

There is a world of food inside this huge Lisbon market, and it’s not your average food hall. You’ll find everything from traditional Portuguese seafood and Michelin-star restaurants to international delights like artisanal donuts, pizza, and Asian food. Then, wash it all down at one of the many bars on-site.    

All it takes is a couple of bites to understand why Time Out tops our list of the best markets in Portugal.

Casa Portuguesa do Pastel Bacalhau 

Try the regional specialty of codfish pastries with Serra da Estrela cheese while being serenaded by live music every hour. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (121)-164-8919 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm Daily | Entrance: Free

Portugal typically isn’t regarded as a culinary heaven the way Italy or Spain is, but I would like to challenge that. I actually think that Portugal is a top destination for foodies and a delicious place to start indulging is Casa Portuguesa do Pastel Bacalhau. 

This Porto eatery is located right next to the Douro River with clear views over the waterway and the Luís I Bridge from the windows. The menu only has a single food item on it: their signature salted cod fritters. These balls of fried goodness are simple and divine. They serve plenty of local Port wine to accompany it, too. 

While the food is reason enough to visit, the other draw is the intricate interior design. I wasn’t expecting it to look so regal inside and it is perfect for photos. There is also a musician playing live music on the organ every hour or so to really add to the ambiance. 

Mercado do Bolhão

Get a taste of Porto at this flourishing market complete with flowers, souvenir products, and food vendors

📍 Google Maps | Phone:  (223)-326-024 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 12 am Mon-Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: Free

Mercado do Bolhão has a couple of floors packed with stalls selling Portuguese meats, cheeses, colorful flowers, candy, and even easily transportable tinned fish you can take back home with you. 

While you can get souvenirs or ingredients at Bolhão, the stars of the show are the 80 food vendors. Everything from Portuguese street food to pasta cooked in a cheese wheel. There are quite a few bars and wineries where you can grab a glass and wander the stalls at your leisure as you sip. 

I came across groups who would grab a bunch of snacks and drinks and then camp out in a corner of the market for a makeshift picnic. Love that idea. If you’re not sure what to pick, I’d recommend visiting with this Authentic Food and Wine Tour. They’ll provide all the insider insight you need to b-line for the best stuff and it comes with up to 12 tastings.

Pink Street

Grab a drink or have a photo-op on this signature street in Lisbon’s Cais do Sodre neighborhood.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

Pink Street is one of the most famous avenues in Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon. The real name of the street is R. Nova do Carvalho. But, it’s better known by its main distinguishing feature – the rose-painted walkway.

Along this blush-colored avenue, there are tons of bars, casual lounges, and restaurants to check out. 

Pink Street is notoriously touristy and can even seem a little overrated. Just manage your expectations because it is literally just a pink street with places to eat and drink. It is definitely a Lisbon, though.

Beaches

Praia do Camilo

Lounge the day away on one of the prettiest beaches in all of Portugal, tucked away in the cliffs of the Algarve.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

You’ll stumble across gorgeous beaches all over the Portuguese coast, but one of the most astonishing of them all is Praia do Camilo. Visitors walk down 200 wooden steps to reach this secluded beach hidden in a little cove.

It exemplifies the country’s natural beauty and is an absolute must-see beach when you visit. Considering that Portugal’s beaches are some of the most stunning on the entire planet, it’s pretty impressive that Praia do Camilo makes the cut. 

Praia da Marinha

Dive into the bright blue waters of this peaceful Algarve beach surrounded by astounding rocky cliffs.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

If you’re searching for a way to relieve any travel anxiety, recharging on Praia da Marinha could be the cure.

This beach is distinguished by its vivid, turquoise waters and enormous cliffs that cover the coastline. The water conditions make it a favorite destination for swimming, snorkeling, and other exciting water sports. 

When you’re done splashing around, get a different perspective on the surrounding scenery on the nearby Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. The hike is a little over 3.5 miles long and offers spectacular views. 

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Before you run away to Portugal, think about the season you’ll be visiting. You can get all the info about the seasonal changes by reading my comprehensive guide to the best time to visit Portugal.

–Lea Rose Allbaugh contributed to this article.