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’. 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 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 fifteen prettiest places in Portugal that are worth every mile in between.
The Prettiest Places in Portugal
-
Alamy -
Monsanto, Castelo Branco
If you like the idea of stunning geology (and not just its photo ops), 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.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Monsanto is by renting a car and parking either in the small lot within Monsanto or parking in the more extensive car park in Relva, about a 1km walk. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station to Monsanto-Relva. Occasionally, taxis can transfer you from Relva to Monsanto, but availability is not guaranteed. -
Douro Valley Vineyards
Novelist José Saramago called this northern region the eighth wonder of the world, and there’s something undeniably hypnotic about the visual ASMR of Porto’s terraced topography. The wine region’s winding waterway slices through the green landscape, which you can take in from a gentle river cruise or from the window of Six Senses’ first European resort or the Vintage House Hotel in Pinhão.
How to get there
It is possible to get to the Douro Valley from both Porto and Lisbon. The easiest way to access the Douro Valley is to drive or secure a private transfer. However, public transport options are available. If travelling from Lisbon, take the train from Santa Apolónia Station to Porto. Once in Porto, take an urban train towards the Douro Valley town of Peso da Régua. Alternatively, there are direct buses to the Douro Valley from both Lisbon and Porto. -
Benagile Caves, Algarve
Park near Praia do Carvalho – instead of Benagil beach, which can get overcrowded – and rent a stand-up paddleboard to access the weather-worn limestone-layered Benagil Sea Cave (currents can be strong, so swimming from beach to beach isn’t recommended). Pools of sunshine stream through the natural skylight, while the shade cast by the rock formation provides relief from Portugal’s intense summer heat, which can creep into the 40s.
How to get there
Renting a car or securing a transfer to Praia do Carvalho is advisable. It is about 3 hours away from Lisbon and an hour from Faro. You can either park at Urbanização Clube Atlântico or along the cliffs lining the beach.
