Portugal’s Picturesque Towns & Villages

Aveiro

A hidden treasure along the Atlantic coast, Aveiro is often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal.” It boasts a gorgeous setting with serene canals linked by picturesque bridges and filled with colorful gondolas. Known as molicerios, these flat, vibrantly painted vessels were once used to gather seaweed to fertilize crops. The town is a top spot for sightseeing too, with aesthetically pleasing Art Nouveau buildings, many of which line the main canal. Some of the most notable landmarks include the São Gonçalinho Chapel, and Aveiro Cathedral with its prominent bell tower, founded in 1423. The 15th-century Convento de Jesus, which includes a Baroque church and the lavish marble tomb of Princess Saint Joan, is now a religious art museum.

Monsanto

The historic mountaintop village of Monsanto is known for its unique architecture and its moniker as the “most Portuguese village in Portugal,” a government-sponsored competition it won in 1938 that’s stuck ever since. Located in the east of the country near the Spanish border, its stone homes and buildings are made with granite boulders. Some of the winding cobbled streets are so narrow that a donkey can barely fit through. Expect to do a lot of climbing and walking over steep, uneven ground, although it’s worth the effort to feel as if you’ve gone back in time with the Old World aesthetic. A castle overlooks the village and was featured in the “House of the Dragon as the ancestral home of House Targaryen.

Marvão

Located atop the highest peak of the Serra de São Mamede in the northern Alentejo region, Marvão is a spectacular cluster of white homes and buildings set within a well-preserved walled city. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town, a medieval castle, and take in an awe-inspiring view of the region from its elevated vantage point, one of the reasons it was included in the New York Times best-seller, 1000 Places to See Before You Die. Other highlights include the unique Gothic Convento de Nossa Senhora da Estrela convent and Santa Maria Church. During the summertime, there are multiple events held, such as the annual international film festival and international festival of classical music, and Al-Mossassa which celebrates Marvão’s Moorish past.

Sortelha

A hidden gem in the Guarda District, Sortelha is a well-preserved medieval village that’s often named among the most beautiful towns in all of Portugal. It’s known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture with its castle the most impressive feature. The labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways wind their way to the huge stone fortress on a hill, dominating the village while offering spectacular views of the countryside that surrounds it. By walking along the walls you can explore the towers for a glimpse of what it might have been like for the soldiers defending the village in times past. There are several historic churches to explore as well, including the Church of São Tiago and Church of Santa Maria.

Piódão

The historic village of Piódão is tucked into the lush Serra do Açor Mountains looking as if it should be part of a fairytale. It offers a step back in time, with the Aldeia Histórica de Piódão museum in the main square telling the story of the village and its people. It displays various works of art and traditional crafts. The narrow streets and alleyways host traditional schist houses with slate roofs, blue doors, and window frames. Many have tiny crosses over their doors, typically made out of twigs. The twigs are a time-honored tradition believed to protect the inhabitants and bring them good luck. Just below the town is a beach with natural pools and waterfalls for a refreshing dip.

Sintra

A popular day trip from Lisbon, Sintra was called the world’s most beautiful village by Lord Byron. A must on any Portugal vacation, it’s renowned for its castles, palaces, and striking natural beauty with lush forested mountains. The most famous attraction is the fairytale-like Romanticist castle, Pena Palace. Tucked into the Sintra hills, it’s surrounded by Pena Park with fountains, ponds, and black swans. The palace was built at the bequest of King Ferdinand II who had it designed to be visible from any point in the park, set atop a rocky peak. It includes two wings ringed by a third building that’s a fantasized version of a castle. One can walk the walls with battlements, watchtowers, a drawbridge, and entrance tunnel. 

Óbidos

One of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval villages, Óbidos is listed as a “City of Literature” by UNESCO, one of just a few in the world. It’s notable for literature and arts, with many bookstores, an annual literary festival, and other events hosted throughout the year. It opened the largest bookstore in the country inside of a church in 2013, the Livraria de Santiago in the Church of St James, but there are bookstores throughout the town, such as the Mercado Biológica do Óbidos, housed in a market that sells fresh organic foods, wines, and spirits. The Castle of Óbidos is a stunner, dating back to Roman times. It’s now a hotel and restaurant with a terrace providing a picturesque view of Óbido.

Tavira

The charming coastal town of Tavira is located in the Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal with nearly 1000 miles of coastline and 300 days of sunshine. It’s ideal for those seeking a tranquil atmosphere in a historical destination. Dating back to Roman times, there are many monuments revealing its past, including churches that vary in architectural style built in different periods and a castle. The partially ruined fortress once guarded the town for pirates and raiders. As it sits at the highest point in the region, from here you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Tavira and nearby Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. The Santa Maria do Castelo is another captivating landmark, built in various architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Manuelino.

Ericeira

The seaside community of Ericeira is often referred to as Europe’s surfing capital. It’s also one of only two European places among the World Surfing Reserves thanks to the exceptional conditions. The huge waves that roll in have made it the go-to destination for surfers with surf schools to help those of all experience levels to get up on their boards and enjoy the ride. Just watching the experienced surfers from the Ribeira d’Ilhas viewpoint makes for a great time. Hiking the dramatic coastline and sunset-watching from the cliffs is popular too. The town itself hosts enticing cobbled streets with traditional whitewashed homes, outstanding restaurants, surf-inspired bars, traditional Portuguese cafes, and hostels attracting surfers of all ages from across the globe. 

Monsaraz

The tiny medieval hilltop village of Monsaraz near the Spanish border is located in the eastern Alentejo region, the “land of good food and good wine,” stretching beyond the Tagus River into the Algarve Hills. Made of schist and lime, it seems as if it’s suspended in time. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years and while the Romans built sturdy fortifications here, the forbidding castle standing today was constructed in the 14th century. It’s open to the public for exploring with no admission charge. From here you can also enjoy a beautiful view of Europe’s largest artificial lake, Alqueva Dam. This area is also renowned for its wine which can be sampled in the many bars and eateries.

Comporta

Sometimes called Portugal’s best “secret beach town,” Comporta offers miles and miles of pristine beaches and unspoiled nature. Even better? It’s just an hour from Lisbon, perfect for a day trip. It’s best for a relaxed retreat with time at the beach, most notably at Praia da Comporta, a favorite. During the summer it’s quite lively, offering surf schools, cafes, and restaurants. Horseback riding is possible, including the chance to ride across the soft, sandy beach at water’s edge. At the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, one can watch for dolphins and the over 250 bird species, including a huge flock of pink flamingos that inhabit the area. Boat cruises are one of the best ways to explore the reserve. 

Porto Covo

The small, charming village of Porto Covo lies on the Costa Vicentina in the port city of Sines, providing a slice of stunning beauty in the Alentejo region. It’s known for its beaches tucked into serene coves, often named among the most beautiful in Portugal. They offer fine sand and opportunities for watersports like windsurfing. A scenic walk on the coast along the cliffs is a must. You’ll have a view of the small, idyllic beaches like Praia do Banho and Praia Pequena on one side, while the fishing port of Porto Covo Bay with colorful boats is on the other. The path incorporates a historic pilgrimage route, revealing a lighthouse that now stands on the ruins of a Franciscan monastery.