Portugal is a country that offers a remarkable variety of landscapes: rugged coastlines, golden cliffs, wine-growing valleys, hilltop villages, and historic towns.
Here is our selection of the most beautiful landscapes in mainland Portugal to explore during your trip. But it’s a really tough choice, and there’s even more to see!
I hope these beautiful photos of Portugal will inspire you to explore this fascinating country!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Pena Palace as seen from the Château des Maures
From the ramparts of the Château des Maures in Sintra, the view takes in one of Portugal’s most colorful monuments: the Pena Palace. Its yellow and red towers rise above the forest that covers the hills of Sintra.
We found this contrast between the 19th-century Romantic architecture and the surrounding vegetation particularly striking. Climbing up to the castle’s fortifications takes a bit of effort, but the view that unfolds afterward more than makes up for the walk.
It’s one of Portugal’s must-see attractions.
2. The Fortifications of Óbidos
Óbidos is one of Portugal’s most iconic fortified villages. Its medieval ramparts, still intact, encircle a maze of cobblestone alleys and white houses accented with blue and yellow. We enjoyed walking along the rampart walk, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the village rooftops and the surrounding countryside.
3. Ponta da Piedade
On the Algarve coast, Ponta da Piedade is home to some of Portugal’s most spectacular rock formations. The limestone cliffs, sculpted by marine erosion, form arches, caves, and spires that plunge into a turquoise sea. We took the trail that runs along the top of the cliffs to enjoy several different views.
A boat or kayak tour also lets you explore the caves from the water, which we recommend for a different perspective. The Lagos Lighthouse marks the entrance to the site, which is easily accessible on foot from downtown.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
4. Porto as seen from the Dom Luís Bridge
The Dom Luís I Bridge connects the two banks of the Douro River and offers one of Portugal’s most famous panoramic views. From its upper deck, the view takes in the colorful rooftops of Porto on one side and the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia on the other. The contrast between the houses clinging to the hillside and the traditional boats moored along the docks gives this view its unique character. One of Portugal’s most beautiful cities! (see our list)
5. Bom Jesus and the View from the Stairs
The Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, near Braga, is famous for its Baroque zigzag staircase, which climbs more than 100 meters in elevation. Each landing is adorned with fountains and statues representing the senses and virtues. We took the funicular up and walked down the stairs! The view changes on every floor.
6. Pedra Bela Viewpoint: view of Peneda-Gerês
Peneda-Gerês National Park, in northern Portugal, is the country’s only national park. Its granite mountains, reservoirs, and villages form a wild landscape that is quite rare in Western Europe. We visited several lookout points above the Caniçada Dam, from which you can see the green waters of the lake winding through the wooded hills.
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7. Monsanto and the House Under a Rock
Monsanto is known as the “most Portuguese village in Portugal,” a title it was awarded in 1938. Even though he’s completely different from everyone else… Perched on a granite hill, it stands out for its houses built between, beneath, or against enormous boulders, blurring the line between human settlement and the natural landscape. A fun place to go for a walk!
8. Falésia Beach
Falésia Beach, in the Algarve, stretches for nearly 6 km at the foot of orange-colored clay cliffs. The contrast between the red rock, the green of the umbrella pines, and the blue of the sea makes it one of the most photographed beaches in the Algarve. We walked along the shore at low tide, when the sand widens and reveals small caves carved into the cliff. But what we liked best was the view from the top of the cliffs!
9. Marvão
Marvão is a fortified village perched at an altitude of more than 800 meters, on the border with Spain. Its medieval ramparts surround a cluster of white houses with tiled roofs that seem to perch on a rocky outcrop. We climbed up to the castle, whose walls offer a panoramic view of the Alentejo plain, the Serra de São Mamede, and—on a clear day—all the way to the Spanish mountains. We really liked how the wall blended in with the rock.
10. Our Lady of Serra da Estrela
At the summit of the Serra da Estrela—the highest point in mainland Portugal at 1,993 meters—stands a shrine dedicated to Our Lady. The site, accessible via a road that winds its way up through a landscape of granite and heathland, offers an unobstructed view of the entire mountain range. We enjoyed the unique atmosphere of this area, where the vegetation becomes sparser and the rocks take on a more rounded shape.
11. Alcobaça Monastery
The Alcobaça Monastery, founded in the 12th century, is one of the largest religious buildings in Portugal. Its Baroque façade conceals a remarkably simple Gothic interior, with a nave that is 106 meters long. A visit to the Cloister of Silence, with its Gothic arcades and central garden, offers magnificent views of the building.
12. Três Irmãos Beach
Tres Irmaos Beach, in the Algarve, gets its name from three rock formations that rise up at the water’s edge. These limestone arches and spires, carved by the sea, create a landscape typical of the Algarve coast. We took advantage of the low tide to explore the small coves that form between the rocks, which are accessible only at certain times.
13. Mértola and Where the Rivers Meet
Mértola is situated in a remarkable location, at the confluence of the Guadiana River and its tributary, the Oeiras. The town, perched on a promontory, overlooks the point where the two rivers meet. We looked out over this landscape from the castle, which bears witness to the city’s many periods of occupation: Roman, Visigothic, Muslim, and then Christian.
14. The Alentejo Countryside
The Alentejo is a vast rural region in southern Portugal, known for its grain-growing plains, olive groves, and, above all, its cork oak forests. The landscape changes with the seasons: green and blooming in the spring, golden and dry in the summer. We have traveled through this countryside several times, between Évora and Beja, and were struck by the sense of calm it exudes.
15. Lisbon as seen from the Santa Justa Elevator
The Santa Justa Elevator, built in the early 20th century in a neo-Gothic iron style, connects the Baixa to the Chiado neighborhood. From its upper deck, the view takes in the red rooftops of Lisbon, São Jorge Castle, and the Tagus River in the background. The view is well worth the effort of making your way up to the observation deck!
16. Portas de Ródão
The Portas de Ródão form a spectacular gorge where the Tagus River cuts through a quartzite barrier, creating a narrow passage between two steep rock faces. This geological feature, visible from a lookout point along the road, marks the boundary between the districts of Castelo Branco and Portalegre.
17. Ferragudo, as seen from Portimão
Ferragudo is a fishing village located on the opposite bank from Portimão, at the mouth of the Arade River. From the docks in Portimão, the view takes in the white and ochre houses of Ferragudo, overlooked by the small fort of São João. The contrast between the colorful fishing boats and the traditional architecture gives this place a special charm.
FUN in the Algarve: activities
Caves and Cliffs by Boat
Kayak Tours
Dolphin watching
Jeep Tour
18. Batalha Monastery
The Monastery of Batalha, built beginning in 1386 to commemorate the Portuguese victory at Aljubarrota, is a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. Its richly carved facade and slender turrets are a testament to the craftsmanship of the builders of that era. The royal cloister, which combines Gothic arcades with Manueline tracery, clearly illustrates the evolution of Portuguese architectural style over more than a century.
19. Magoito Beach
Magoito is a secluded beach on the Sintra coast, less crowded than those located closer to Lisbon. Low cliffs and volcanic rock formations frame a stretch of sand that shrinks significantly at high tide.
20. Cloister of the Jerónimos Monastery
Yes, we love cloister landscapes… The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks; it was built in the 16th century in the Manueline style. Its two-story cloister is notable for its rich carvings: ropes, maritime motifs, and symbols evoking the great Portuguese discoveries adorn each column. The golden limestone, which has taken on a distinctive hue over time, contributes to the place’s unique atmosphere.
FUN around Lisbon: activities
Lisbon by E-Bike
Day Trip to Sintra from Lisbon
Dolphin watching
Kayaking in Arrabida
Surfing in Cascais
21. Marinha Beach
Marinha Beach, in the Algarve, is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Golden limestone cliffs, dotted with caves and natural arches, frame crystal-clear water with turquoise hues. We took in the view from the lookout at the top of the cliff, which offers a panoramic view of the entire bay before heading down to the beach.
22. Zêzere Glacial Valley
The Zêzere Valley, in the Serra da Estrela, is Portugal’s only glacial valley, formed during the last ice age. Its U-shaped form, characteristic of glacial erosion, stretches for several kilometers between steep slopes covered with granite boulders.
23. The Color Alignment of Costa Nova
Costa Nova, near Aveiro, is known for its colorful striped houses called “palheiros,” which are former fishermen’s huts that have been converted into vacation homes. Lined up along the main street, these facades with red, blue, green, or yellow stripes create a highly recognizable visual scene that we enjoyed photographing.
24. Monsaraz
Monsaraz is a fortified village that overlooks the Alentejo plain from a rocky outcrop, not far from the Alqueva Dam. Its medieval ramparts surround a few cobblestone streets lined with white houses. We took advantage of the rampart walk to admire the largest man-made lake in Western Europe, which stretches as far as the eye can see toward Spain.
25. Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach
Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, near Sesimbra, is one of the most unspoiled beaches in the Setúbal region. Nestled at the foot of limestone cliffs, it is accessible only on foot via a fairly steep trail that descends from Fort do Cavalo.
26. The Canals of Aveiro
Aveiro is nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal” because of its canals, which are traversed by moliceiro boats, originally used to harvest seaweed from the lagoon. These brightly painted boats glide along the canals, which are lined with Art Nouveau buildings. A city that transports you to another world, very different from the rest of Portugal.
27. Porto Côvo, the Alentejo Coast
Porto Côvo is a small village on the Alentejo coast, known for its cliffs and beaches that have remained untouched by mass tourism. The coastline alternates between coves of fine sand and rock formations eroded by the ocean. It’s hard to choose which photo to post—the whole coastline is beautiful.
28. Inside Benagil
The Benagil Cave has become one of the most widely shared images of the Algarve, with its vaulted ceiling featuring a circular opening that lets in daylight. Inside, a small stretch of golden sand is forming.
29. Azulejo Facades
Azulejos—painted ceramic tiles—have adorned many facades, train stations, and churches throughout Portugal since the 15th century. Introduced by the Moors and later developed under Portuguese influence, they depict both historical scenes and repetitive geometric patterns. You won’t be able to miss them!
30. Lindoso Castle
Lindoso Castle, located in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, stands on a rocky promontory that once overlooked the border with Spain. Surrounding its walls stands a cluster of espigueiros—those elevated stone granaries typical of the rural architecture of the Minho region. We found this contrast between the military architecture and these small farm buildings particularly interesting. From the ramparts, the view stretches across the Lima Valley and the surrounding mountains, all the way to the nearby Spanish border.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
31. From Silves Castle
Silves was the capital of the Algarve during the Muslim period, and its red sandstone castle still overlooks the city today. From the ramparts, the view looks down over the rooftops of the old town, the Gothic cathedral, and the Arade River winding below. We absolutely loved this contrast!
32. Douro Valley
The Douro Valley, the birthplace of Port wine, stretches for several dozen kilometers amid steep hills and vineyard terraces. This landscape, shaped by centuries of winegrowing, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. We drove along the road that runs alongside the river, dotted with numerous viewpoints overlooking the terraced vineyards and traditional quintas.
33. Loulé Salt Caves
Near Loulé, in the Algarve hinterland, there are old gypsum quarries that have been transformed into a network of underground tunnels. This site, which is less well-known than the region’s coastal caves, features white mineral formations that resemble salt landscapes. For a slightly different landscape…
34. View from Sesimbra Castle
Sesimbra Castle, originally built by the Moors and later rebuilt by the Portuguese in the 12th century, overlooks the town and its bay from a steep hill. From the ramparts, the view takes in the fishing port, the beach, and the Atlantic Ocean, which stretches all the way to the horizon. You can really see the colors of Portugal here.
35. Ria Formosa
The Ria Formosa is a coastal lagoon that stretches about 60 km along the eastern coast of the Algarve, between Faro and the Spanish border. This system of sandbars, channels, and islands protects a rich biodiversity, including many species of migratory birds. We explored the reserve by boat—the only way to reach some of the islands. It’s much flatter than the rest of the Algarve, and the contrast is striking.
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