Portugal is a vast and impressive country, and yet a lot of holidaymakers tend to head to the Algarve. The Algarve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal, thanks to its stunning beaches, picturesque towns, and warm Mediterranean climate. However, while the Algarve is certainly a beautiful place to visit, it is far from the only place to holiday in Portugal. There are actually a lot of fantastic destinations in Portugal, all of which offer an enjoyable and relaxing holiday experience. From the historic cities of Lisbon and Porto to the rugged coastline of the Azores, Portugal has a wealth of holiday destinations to explore.
You really won’t struggle to find a destination that works for you in Portugal, regardless of who you are travelling with and what you are looking for. In this blog, we will take a closer look at some of the top alternatives to the Algarve for your next Portuguese holiday.
Where to Go on Your Next Portuguese Holiday
If you have already been to the Algarve, why don’t you consider going somewhere new on your next trip to Portugal? Here are some of the other top destinations to visit in Portugal.
Lisbon – Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city, is a ‘must visit’ destination for any traveller to the country. The city is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and lively nightlife. Some of the top attractions in Lisbon include the iconic Belem Tower, the historic Alfama district, and the colourful tiles of the Sao Bento train station. Lisbon is also known for its delicious cuisine, with plenty of local dishes to try, including the famous pasteis de nata custard tarts. You really can spend days and days wandering around this beautiful city.
Porto – Located in northern Portugal, Porto is another popular destination for tourists. The city is best known for its historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its production of port wine. Visitors can take a tour of the city’s many wine cellars and sample some of the finest port wines in the world. Other top attractions in Porto include the Sao Francisco Church, the Dom Luis I Bridge, and the Clérigos Tower. For many years, Porto was somewhat undiscovered by tourists, but it’s slowly becoming more and more popular.
Madeira – Located off the coast of Morocco, Madeira is a lush, subtropical island known for its stunning natural beauty. The island is home to a range of flora and fauna, including the famous Madeira wine, which is made from the island’s unique grapes. Visitors to Madeira can explore its many botanical gardens, hike through its rugged mountains, or simply relax on one of its many golden beaches. Madeira is unlike any other area of Portugal, as it has its own culture and history, and there is a real sense of island life.
Azores – The Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The islands are known for their rugged coastline, lush green landscapes, and crystal clear waters. Visitors to the Azores can hike along the islands’ many trails, swim in natural hot springs, or go whale watching to see the magnificent creatures that live in the surrounding waters. This is the ideal place to head if you are looking for beautiful beaches and a tropical getaway, but you have already experienced a lot of the Algarve.
Sintra – Located just a short drive from Lisbon, Sintra is a historic town known for its stunning palaces and castles. The town’s most famous attraction is the colourful Pena Palace, which is perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the Moorish Castle, the National Palace of Sintra, and the Quinta da Regaleira, a Gothic-style mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Evora – Located in central Portugal, Evora is a charming town known for its historic architecture and rich cultural heritage. The town’s many landmarks include the Roman Temple of Evora, the Cathedral of Evora, and the Bones Chapel, which is decorated with the bones of over 5,000 people. Evora is also known for its delicious food and wine, with plenty of local restaurants and vineyards to explore.
While the Algarve is a beautiful place to visit, it is far from the only destination worth exploring in Portugal. From the historic cities of Lisbon and Porto to the rugged coastline of the Azores, Portugal has a wealth of holiday destinations to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or simply relaxing on the beach, there is sure to be a destination in Portugal that fits your interests and preferences. So next time you’re planning a holiday in Portugal, be sure to consider one of these alternative destinations to the Algarve.
It doesn’t matter what you are looking for in a holiday destination, Portugal will be able to provide it. With a little bit of research and planning, you will be able to narrow down the wide range of options, until you find a location that ticks every box. This could be culture and history in a city, or beaches and blue skies on an island. Whatever you are looking for, Portugal has it in abundance. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still visit the Algarve, as it’s Portugal’s top holiday destination for a reason. The Algarve is popular, and we can’t see that changing any time soon.