We love Lisbon, but because we live in the Portuguese countryside, we’ve always appreciated other places in Portugal. There is a lot to discover outside the country’s capital city. Do you want to see understated but unique and beautiful parts of this country? If so, take a look at the best small villages and towns in Portugal for your next trip.
Discover the Best Villages and Towns in Portugal:
From unknown to famous, take a look at our suggestions for the best villages and towns in Portugal.
Caldas da Rainha
At the entrance of Caldas da Rainha, there is a roundabout with a statue of Queen Leonor. Known for its hot springs (you can find out more here) and pottery shops, Caldas was also added to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for craft and folk art.
We recommend visiting the outdoor fruit and vegetable market (Praça da Fruta) in the city centre. The hours for each vendor varies slightly and many will tell you they’re open every day from seven a.m. until two p.m., but it’s best not to wait until the afternoon since much of the produce will be gone and vendors will already be packing up. Go early! Also, stop into the stunning park, Dom Carlos I, in the middle of downtown. It’s worth a stroll. You might even spot a peacock or two walking amongst people.
Situated in western Portugal, Caldas is less than a ten minute drive from Óbidos, so be sure to visit both on the same day.
São Martinho do Porto
You can find this beach town along the Silver Coast, in the Alcobaça municipality. Unlike many other beaches in Portugal, São Martinho do Porto has a bay with calm waters that are lovely to swim in. It also has easy access to the many shops and restaurants that line the main street. This is a nice day trip to enjoy a quiet afternoon relaxing on the beach and having an ice cream on a patio.
Évora
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Évora is the capital of Portugal’s Alentejo region. Aside from the Templo Romano (Roman Temple), Évora’s Cathedral, and the Palacio D. Manuel (King Manuel Palace), as well as trying some of the restaurants that offer well-made Alentejo dishes.
One of its most famous attractions, albeit somewhat creepy, is the Capela dos Ossos or Chapel of Bones, which was built in the 16th century. Due to their being too many cemeteries, this chapel was constructed, bodies excavated, and their bones put on display there.
There are many quotes on display inside the chapel, including this one:
If by chance you glance at this place,
-Capela dos Ossos
Stop … for the sake of your journey,
The longer you pause, the further on your journey you will be.
It’s difficult to ignore all the quotes surrounding you inside this chapel and to not think about them. Perhaps that was the point?
Aveiro
Located near a lagoon named Ria de Aveiro and along the silver coast, Aveiro has recently been named the Venice of Portugal. There are canals, beautiful beaches, and trendy architecture.
Aveiro has three canals that can be seen by taking a Moliceiro boat ride, which is a traditional boat used in this area. There is also a beach resort called Costa Nova (New Coast) located near Aveiro that has a popular strip of houses and lovely beach. And of course, a town near Portugal’s coast wouldn’t be complete without a Fisherman’s Quarter, which is an area in front of the canal and where you can sometimes see fisherman come off their boats with a fresh catch. At the very least, this is where you can try some terrific, fresh fish offered at many of the nearby restaurants.
Ponte de Lima
Ponte de Lima is one of the oldest towns in Portugal. It is located in the northern part of Portugal, near Spain, and is known for its beauty and charm. This town is also famous for its production of Vinho Verde (Green Wine), weekly fairs, and baroque architecture. Interestingly, it is a stop for people on a pilgrimage to the Camino de Santiago.
Monsanto
Located in the District of Castelo Branco, Monsanto is one of the most unique small villages in Portugal. There is a centuries-old castle, many large boulders that sit between houses, as well as traditional cobblestone streets, which all add to the uniqueness and charm of this village, once named the most typical Portuguese village of Portugal.
Aside from being considered one of the most picturesque villages, it’s also known as one of the filming locations for the Game of Thrones prequel: House of the Dragon.
Burgau
Often referred to as the Santorini of Portugal, this western-Algarve beach town is gorgeous. For people who love to relax, Burgau has clear waters and sandy beaches and for those who also like a bit more action, there are many water sports to participate in. When you’re not at the beach, you can visit any of the cafes, restaurants, or bars nearby.
Have you visited any of these villages or towns? Which is your favourite?
Let us know if there are any other places in Portugal you’d like us to include.
-Isabel & Marilyn
