5 Most Beautiful Places To Visit in Portugal
“TRAVEL IS ABOUT THE GORGEOUS FEELING OF TEETERING IN THE UNKNOWN.“ – Anthony Bourdain
For the last few years Portugal has been my home and I have had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the whole country looking for a connection to nature § culture via the most beautiful and breathtaking places this country has to offer. So I hope with my inside knowledge of years of searching and photographing here, I can help you make the most of your visit to this beautiful place and fall in love with it like I did 15 years ago. So let’s start!
Baleal
Baleal is a small island (connected only by the sandbank to the inland) located 3km north of Peniche. It has two faces, the picturesque fishing village with its beautiful white-washed architecture and a touch of traditional blue on the facades, and then there is the real bohemian surf-obsessed Baleal where the young surfing crowds gather all year round, especially during The Rip Curl Pro Portugal. This place really stole my heart, both by its natural beauty as well as by the relaxed energy of the people that call it home. If I was ever 20 again, I would most likely come and spend 6 months here living, working (perfect for surf-loving digital nomads), making friends, exploring the food scene, yoga studios, and of course the surf! But be warned, don't expect Byron Bay here, instead enjoy the simple rustic charm of this beautiful Portuguese boho surf scene.
Places to Stay in Baleal:
Silver Coast Beach Residence - I’ve stayed here personally and can not recommend this place more highly
Baleal Waterfront - if you’re after an authentic experience, stay in a traditional fishermen’s house by the beach
Onda Nova Villa - if you’re looking for a calm room in a cool creative surf house
Ericeira
Picturesque Ericeira is located one hour north of Lisbon. It is the established Portuguese Mecca for surfers and popular with lisboêtas who come here for a weekend getaway.
Ericeira was the first place I ever lived when I moved to Portugal; it still feels extra special. It has charming traditional architecture, it’s renowned for breathtaking ocean vistas and over ten local beaches to visit. It has become a bit of a foodie hub over the last few years with many restaurants to choose from, seafood, Hawaiian-inspired, or healthy vegan options. Not to mention the choice of shops on offer for all your boho surf lifestyle needs. It is officially a World Surfing Reserve, meaning it has become the home of many world surfing champions. It is equally loved by young surfing crowds as well as families with young children visiting Ericeira for their holidays. A few days here is not enough, there is plenty to do and see, so it’s the perfect location for a holiday.
Places to Stay in Ericeira:
Aethos - this is a recently opened contemporary hotel on a scenic clifftop location. Without a doubt the best one in the area.
Ericeira Prime Villas - if you want to splash out on a more luxurious stay
EcoNature Paradise - if you are looking to connect more with nature
Azenhas do Mar
Azenhas do Mar, located on the Sintra coastline, is the perfect postcard of Portugal with the white hilly houses built so closely together, descending to the sea. It is quite possibly the most photographed and Instagrammed location in Portugal. It is magically looking in all parts of the day and all light, especially when the sun is low and glowing. For such a popular Instagram location, it is surprisingly quiet. Unlike the Amalfi coast in Italy, this still feels very off the beaten track. No modern developments, locals getting on with their regular days and only a few cute restaurants serving local seafood. For the ultimate experience, spend the day by the natural pool and end it with dinner in Azenhas do Mar restaurant.
Places to Stay in Azenhas do Mar:
West Coast Villa - if you are after being able to capture the most scenic views right through your window
Casa no Campo - for a beautiful eco stay in nature
Azen Cool House - if you are craving more hotel amenities with a low-key feel
Praia do Galapinhos
Located in the Arrábida Natural Park (1-hour drive from Lisbon), Praia de Galapinhos was once voted the most beautiful beach in Europe. A secret paradise with crystal clear waters in the Setubal area of Portugal, although it honestly looks more like being on a pristine Caribbean island. The only difference, though, is the temperature of the water, as the Atlantic is not known for being particularly warm. My perfect day here would be exploring the beaches and coves and dipping in and out of the water in the roasting summer sun. Apart from Praia de Galapinhos, a few other spots not to miss are Portinho da Arrábida, Praia dos Coelhos and Ribeira do Cavalo.
Places to Stay in Arrábida National Park:
Salema
Salema is a sleepy village located on the western side of the Algarve. Praia da Salema was voted as one of the 50 Best Beaches in the world by The Guardian and The Independent yet this little oasis remains simple and quiet. It is a small year-round village with only a couple of shops, one pizza place, and a fish restaurant and remains worlds away from the Albufeiras of the Algarve. The sea is often quiet here and it is especially enjoyable when the tide is low. The days I spend here are my most precious memories of the year. Life feels easy, unburdened, and simple....and it seems that Salema attracts exactly the kind of people who could easily imagine fitting into everyday life here and becoming one of the locals. It is a place for the contemplators of life who like starting their day with a meditation by the tranquil coast in the early morning hours. My preferred time to visit here is winter. December in Salema is simply magical!
Places to Stay in Salema:
Salema Beach Village - if you are looking for a low key algarvian resort stay
Townhouse Estrela do Mar - if you want to walk out of your front door and step right onto the beach
Villa Mar Vista - if you are looking for an infinity pool and the best views in town
Hope you enjoyed this and are saving some of these beautiful locations for your Portugal travel itinerary. And if you would like to discover even more must–see locations, please check out my digital guide – “The Portugal Travel Book”.
This is a travel book unlike others. I am not focusing on hotels and restaurants, instead I am sharing my knowledge, my photographs, thoughts and feelings, of years of searching for the most beautiful and wild coastal locations Portugal have to offer.
This first edition of The Portugal Travel Book, spread out over more than 80 pages, is a visual journey through the Portuguese coast where I share with you 35 of my favourite and not-so-well-known locations and landscapes I’ve spent years searching and photographing and along the way have left a piece of my heart there. It will be a pleasure showing you my beloved Portugal and I hope what you read there will instantly inspire your adventurous soul.
And if you’ve travelled to Portugal before, I would love to hear in the comments section below, which are your favourite locations in Portugal. 💜