The Best Towns And Small Cities In Portugal

Portugal is a country rich in culture, gastronomy, architecture and natural landscapes. In it there are corners that leave us breathless, and this time we want to make a route through the  unforgettable towns and small cities of Portugal  that you are going to love. Do you want to come with us?

1. Towns and small towns of Portugal: Sintra

In our tour of towns and small towns in Portugal, Sintra is undoubtedly one of the most incredible places. It is only 33 kilometers from Lisbon and can be reached very easily from the Rossio station.

The Palacio da Pena is its main attraction, a place that overshadowed Lord Byron himself.  But in Sintra there are many more places that you should not miss, from the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira, to the eastern palace of Monserrate, the Castle of the Moors or the Convent of the Capuchos.

2. Évora

Declared a World Heritage Site, this beautiful Alentejo town stands proud. In it there are many places of interest, starting with its palace of the archdiocese or its cathedral. But you should not miss the Convento da Cartuxa, the Palacio de Don Manuel, the church of San Francisco, the tower of Sisebuto and the Convento dos Loios.

And if they were few attractions, the beauty of Évora is completed by its Roman ruins: the temple of Diana and the aqueduct.

3. Guimaraes

Another beautiful town in Portugal that is a World Heritage Site. Guimaraes has the best preserved old town in the country. Walking through its intricacies of beautiful cobbled streets with an original medieval air is a must.

Guimaraes was the first capital of Portugal, which gives it a special lordship that you will not see elsewhere. Don’t miss a visit to the castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

4. Óbidos

Very close to Lisbon, just 80 kilometers away, we find this jewel of medieval origin.  In Óbidos, the flower-adorned balconies and the beautiful windows of its narrow cobbled streets create a magical atmosphere.

Every year in spring in the monumental castle of the town the Chocolate Festival is celebrated, an incredible event that if you have the opportunity you should know.

5. Coimbra

Our route through towns and small towns in Portugal now takes us to Coimbra. This city is famous for having one of the oldest universities in the world, with more than 700 years of history, and for being bathed by the Mondego River.

In addition to the university, with its beautiful Joanina Library, you must visit the New Cathedral and the Quinta das Lágrimas. And, if you have time, take a walk through the Botanical Garden.

6. Monsaraz

On a hill stands this beautiful town also with medieval airs and where you can enjoy emblematic places such as the hermitage of Santa Catarina, the Megalithic Complex of Olival da Pega and its great accumulation of fortifications and dolmens of prehistoric origin, which give it a special charm.

7. Cascais

A beautiful place that enjoys having the highest per capita income in the country. Its promenade and the sea that bathes it give it a picturesque touch wherever there are. However, this modernity does not steal the limelight from its traditional and beautiful, narrow and whitewashed streets, which would drive anyone crazy.

Trying the typical Portuguese gastronomy in this place is a must, as it has some of the best restaurants in the country. Do not miss it.

8. Aveiro

This place is known as the Portuguese Venice, for having its own canal full of typical boats in which locals and visitors enjoy a pleasant ride. The Costa Nova area is really beautiful, as it perfectly combines the color of the sea with the colors of the houses that adjoin it.

9. Marvao

Also in the Alentejo area is this elegant town nestled between hills of white houses and cobbled streets. The silhouette of its beautiful castle crowns it from the top of one of the hills, giving it a truly magical view of the place.

This has been our tour of the best towns and small cities in Portugal. Have you already taken good note of them for your next visit? Remember that the country is full of interesting corners and spectacular beauty