Must-See Plaatsen in Portugal

A labyrinth of salt marshes, barrier islands, and tidal lagoons stretches 60km along the Algarve coast. Ria Formosa is one of Portugal’s most important wetland areas. It is home to elegant flamingos, flocks of spoonbills, and winding trails where sea and sky blur. It’s a peaceful detour where nature takes center stage, full of stillness, color, and surprise.

This headland near Lagos is one of the most photographed spots in the Algarve—and for good reason. The golden cliffs rise up to 20 meters above the ocean, carved by wind and waves into arches, stacks, and caves. You’ll ride right up to the edge, where a short walk takes you to panoramic views over the Atlantic. Boat trips and kayaking tours also leave from here.

Hidden in the hills near Tavira, Pego do Inferno is one of the few natural waterfalls in the Algarve. It drops into a small emerald pool surrounded by trees—an ideal stop to rest, swim, or cool off. Local legend says the pool has no bottom, but in reality, it’s a calm, shallow spot often missed by tourists.

Alte is a small inland village known for its spring-fed pools, whitewashed houses, and traditional Algarve charm. It’s a great change of pace from the coast, with quiet streets, local cafés, and a river trail that follows the Fonte Pequena and Fonte Grande springs. You can even dip your feet in the clear water before pedaling on.

This is Portugal’s oldest wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Douro River winds through steep slopes covered in vineyards, where grapes have been grown and harvested for over 2,000 years. Riding here means constant views—vineyard terraces, stone villages, and river bends that seem made for postcards.

This small station is a hidden gem. Its walls are covered in 24 hand-painted tile panels showing life in the Douro—grape harvests, rabelo boats, and terraced vineyards. Built in 1880 and decorated in 1937, it’s one of the most beautiful stops along the Douro line and a quick, memorable photo break on your ride.

The Douro is packed with quintas—family-run estates that grow grapes and produce wine on-site. Among others, you’ll stop at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the oldest and most respected in the region. Here you can walk the vineyards, taste the local wines, and learn how Port wine is made right where the grapes are grown.

Built between the 18th and early 20th century, this sanctuary in Lamego sits high above the town and is famous for its grand staircase. It features 686 steps zig-zagging up the hillside, lined with fountains, statues, and traditional Portuguese tiles and is known as one of Portugal’s most iconic pilgrimage sites.

The Douro is full of scenic overlooks known as miradouros. One of the best is Miradouro de Casal de Loivos, just above Pinhão. It’s a short but steep climb to get there, and the reward is huge—panoramic views over the river, the valley, and the endless vineyard terraces.

Formed naturally among volcanic black lava along the northwest coast, the Porto Moniz pools are filled by the tide and offer safe, scenic swimming. Turquoise tidal water within rugged rock formations creates a memorable bathing experience.

Santana is a municipality on Madeira's northern coast, famed for its small triangular thatched houses called “palheiros”—brightly painted timber-and-thatch cottages dating back to the 16th century. These iconic dwellings, along with traditional embroidery crafts, are symbols of Madeira’s cultural heritage.

This lively market, inaugurated in 1940, is the heart of Funchal's food scene. It’s a colorful, high-energy space selling local produce, tropical fruits (think dragon fruit, bananas), fresh fish and meat, plus decorative flowers and craftwork. The upper floor features fruits and flowers, while downstairs is the fish and meat section.

Madeira’s laurel (laurisilva) forest is a UNESCO World Heritage–listed “cloud forest” featuring ancient trees and unique biodiversity. It’s home to endemic bird species like the Madeira firecrest and blue chaffinch and is crisscrossed by historic levada trails. This primeval ecosystem remains one of Europe’s last subtropical forests.

Located on a former estate above Funchal and opened in 1960, the Madeira Botanical Garden spans about 8 hectares and features over 2,000 plant species—from endemic island flora to exotic palms, succulents, orchids, and ferns. It functions as both a public garden and a conservation/research center.

This headland near Lagos is one of the most photographed spots in the Algarve—and for good reason. The golden cliffs rise up to 20 meters above the ocean, carved by wind and waves into arches, stacks, and caves. You’ll ride right up to the edge, where a short walk takes you to panoramic views over the Atlantic. Boat trips and kayaking tours also leave from here.

Dating back to 1898, this traditional windmill sits high above the village of Odeceixe. Once used to grind grain for local farmers, it’s now fully restored and open for visits. The views are fantastic—across the valley, down to the curving beach, and out to the Atlantic. 

This hilltop fortress has watched over the Alentejo for centuries. Originally a Moorish stronghold, it was taken by Portugal’s first king in the 1100s. The thick stone walls, ten square towers, and peaceful church built by the Knights of Santiago tell stories of battles and belief. Walk along the ramparts and take in sweeping views of the red-roofed town and rolling hills below—it's a powerful reminder of Portugal’s layered past.

Built in the 15th century under Prince Henry the Navigator, Sagres Fortress was a launchpad for Portugal’s great Age of Exploration. Perched on a windy promontory, it’s part fort, part cliffside lookout. Inside, you’ll find a giant stone wind compass, the remains of an old church, and plenty of salty ocean air. It’s a place that shaped history—and still feels epic.

The Ribeira district is Porto’s historic riverside quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its tightly packed colorful buildings, medieval alleyways, and proximity to the Dom Luís I Bridge. The area has been a hub of trade and daily life since Roman times and is home to traditional restaurants, wine cellars, and city landmarks along the Douro River.

Costa Nova is a small coastal village known for its iconic “palheiros”—wooden houses painted in bright vertical stripes. Originally used by fishermen in the 19th century to store gear, they have become a national symbol of Portugal’s seaside culture. The houses line the main avenue and create one of the most recognizable visuals along the Silver Coast.

Aveiro is known for its network of canals that cross the city center. These canals were traditionally used by moliceiros—flat, decorated boats that transported seaweed and goods. Today, the city is nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal” and features tiled Art Nouveau buildings, pedestrian bridges, and a mix of historic and modern architecture surrounding the water channels.

This protected nature reserve includes 960 hectares of sand dunes, pine forests, wetlands, and coastal habitat at the end of the São Jacinto Peninsula. The area features wooden boardwalks through the dunes and trails for nature observation. It’s an important habitat for migratory birds, including flamingos, herons, and spoonbills, and part of the Natura 2000 ecological network.

The Old Cathedral of Coimbra was built in the 12th century, shortly after the founding of Portugal. It is one of the few Romanesque cathedrals in the country to survive mostly intact. Its fortress-like exterior, narrow windows, and battlements reflect its defensive role during the Christian Reconquest. Inside, it houses Gothic chapels, medieval tombs, and a detailed stone altar.