Visit and explore the top 10 cities to Visit in Portugal to witness the country’s rich culture and history. Portugal was one of the most powerful monarchies during the 14th century that sent explorers to discover and conquer other lands around the globe. The country’s strategic location at the western tip of Europe made explorations towards the west easy and accessible.
As a super state, Portugal had conquered countries like Brazil and Angola proving that the Portuguese monarchy was formidable and wealthy.
Travellers who wish to witness the location of many historic heritage must have a Schengen Visa to be allowed entry to the country. It is quite easy to get a Schengen Visa – all you need to do is complete the following requirements:
- Valid passport and copies of the front and back pages
- Current passport-sized photos with white background
- Completed Schengen Visa application form
- Proof of travel such as flight booking, travel itinerary, and hotel booking – You may get a Flight Booking for Visa and Hotel Reservation for Visa just for your visa application without having to pay for the airfare or hotel booking.
- Travel Insurance – It is better to acquire this from Schengen Travel Insurance, an affordable and reliable insurance service provider.
- Personal Coverage Letter
- Bank Documents
Top 10 Cities to Visit in Portugal:
Portugal covers a relatively small land area which makes it easier to traverse. Spending a week in Portugal is more than enough to see the country’s best cities.
10) Lisbon
Commence your Portuguese adventure in the country’s capital, Lisbon. Located at the lower western part of Portugal, Lisbon is both a coastal and hilly city that almost fronts the Atlantic Ocean and the Tejo River.
Lisbon visitors must go up the Sao Jorge Castle and see the excellent view and colors of the entire city. Other sights to visit are the Praça do Comercio, Miraduoro da Sta. Luzia, and Convento do Carmo.
9) Porto
Continue your Portuguese adventure in the country’s famous seaport, Porto. Located at the northwest part of Portugal, Porto is a coastal city that faces the Atlantic Ocean and segmented by the Duoro River.
This city is known for its old historic areas and its local wine cellar. Some of the must-visit landmarks in Porto are the Palacio de Bolsa, Church of Sao Francisco, and the Garden of Morro.
8) Braga
Just an hour train ride from Porto, Braga should be the next city in your list of top 10 cities to visit in Portugal. Being the oldest city of Portugal, Braga is host to a multitude of historic sites that go back to the Iron Age when the Celts discovered the area.
Now, Braga is known as the religious capital of Portugal as it is home to many churches that dates back to the 11th century. The must-see landmarks in Braga are the Museum of Sacred Art, Antigo Paço Episcopal, and the Idol Fountain.
7) Vila Real
Take another hour-long road trip from Braga to get to Vila Real. Vila Real is city known as the rest place of early monarchs. Since the city is near Rio Corgo and Rio Cabril, then King Dennis established house settlements for the Portuguese Royal Family.
One of the most famous Royal Family rest house is the Palacio do Mateus. Other sights to see in Vila Real are the Sordo Dam, U TAD Botanical Garden, and the Avenida Carvalho Araujo.
6) Chaves
Less than an hour away from Vila Real is Chaves. Located near the border that separates Portugal and Spain, Chaves is popular for its natural hot springs or caldas and military forts established during the Roman Times.
History tells that during the Roman War, the military men bathed at the caldas to heal their battle scars and aches. Until now, Chaves attracts visitors who want to experience the healing power of the caldas. This unique destination deserves a spot at the top 10 cities to visit in Portugal.
5) Bragança
Located at the northeastern tip of Portugal, Bragança is known as the city behind the mountains. Due to its location, this Portuguese area is almost untouched and still upholds simple living.
Visitors who want to see ancient stone houses atop a plateau most make Bragança one of its stops. Some of the sights to see in this remote city are Castelo de Bragança, Rio de Onor Village, Citadel, and Sta. Maria Church.
4) Guarda
Found at the Central Region of Portugal, Guarda is a city found by the mountainous region called Serra de Estrella where the historic military fort was established.
Since its location is near the border of Spain, Guarda became the first line defence against the Spanish colonizers. Visitors must see the towering Guarda Castle that has an excellent view of Serra de Estrella.
3) Evora
Travel south from Guarda and visit the medieval city known as Evora. The city of Evora contains the best preserved medieval towns with whitewashed walls and bright red clay roofs.
Walk along the narrow alleyways of the old quarter of Evora and see the awe-inspiring medieval architectures. Make sure to see the Templo Romano, Palacio Cadaval, and Centro de Historico de Evora.
2) Faro
Faro is a municipality at the southernmost part of Portugal. The town faces the Golfo de Cadiz which is home to several famous marinas that convert to lively bars at night.
Although there are no beaches in Faro, visitors can still enjoy the sea breeze by taking a water taxi that can ferry visitors to a nearby beach. After enjoying the water, the sun, and the view, visitors must also pass by the old quarter of Faro called Cidade Velha.
1) Portimão
The city that tops the top 10 cities to visit in Portugal is Portimão. This city is located an hour away from Faro and west of the famous Algarve region.
The best way to close your trip around Portugal is relaxing by the most famous beach in the country, Praira da Rocha. This entire praia is lined with famous resorts, hotels, bars, and shopping centers which will surely make every tourist happy.
Top 10 Cities to Visit in Portugal – Pack your Bags!
What are you waiting for? Apply for a Schengen Visa now so you can enjoy the best cities there are in Portugal. If you plan to extend your itinerary to other European countries, it is best for you to know the different countries part of the Schengen area so you can apply for the most appropriate type of Schengen Visa. Should you need further assistance in getting a visa or itinerary, contact us through our website or our WhatsApp (1+224-656-4761).
Enjoy your trip as you explore the top 10 cities to visit in Portugal.