Portugal's Hits And Misses
Planning a trip to Portugal can be tricky. It's a nation brimming with natural beauty and culture—and the whole world knows about it! Yet despite the crowds, there are still a few places that are genuinely magical. And the best part is, not many people know about them. So, we've compiled ten overrated destinations in Portugal and ten spots you absolutely should visit to make the most of your journey. Let's start with the places that every traveler should avoid in Portugal.
1. Praia da Rocha
In this beach resort town, summer weekends become a crowded stretch of land where it's hard to find space to lay down a towel. Cars jockey for the few parking spots, and the cafés are overwhelmed with long lines. Such a busy atmosphere makes it difficult to enjoy the sand or the sea peacefully.
Steven Fruitsmaak on Wikimedia
2. Cascais Town Center
At first glance, Cascais looks like a charming coastal hub, yet the town center leans heavily on tourist shops filled with generic trinkets. Prices in cafés often reflect the visitors' pockets, and the congested streets can quickly take away the relaxed seaside vibe.
3. Lisbon Oceanarium
Busy weekends fill the Lisbon Oceanarium with chatter. Lines form quickly at the favorite tanks, and ticket costs rise compared to similar venues. Certain displays seem smaller than hoped, which can make visitors long for more room to enjoy the marine life fully.
Carlos Costa, European Commission on Wikimedia
4. Porto Ribeira Area
Porto's riverside is undeniably pretty, though crowds make it tough to enjoy. Street performers dominate the squares, while restaurants lining the waterfront often trade quality for location. With bodies packed along narrow alleys, even catching a glimpse of the Douro becomes a challenge.
5. Sintra's Pena Palace
Arriving at the palace during peak season can feel overwhelming, with queues snaking around the grounds. Extra tickets are needed for certain sections, which stretches both time and budget. Many visitors leave feeling that the surrounding estates in Sintra offer more breathing room for exploration.
6. Lisbon Tram 28
This iconic ride winds through Lisbon's prettiest streets, yet during midday, it becomes more crowded than sightseeing. Pickpockets often target the packed tram, and constant stops add to the crawl. By the time you snag a seat, the views out the window feel less rewarding.
7. Fátima Pilgrimage Center
Pilgrims arrive in massive numbers, especially on holy days, which turns the area into a crowded plaza. The nearby shops push religious souvenirs that give the town a commercial feel. Without scenic views around, finding quiet moments for reflection becomes more difficult than expected.
Renato Alves da Costa from São Paulo, Brasil on Wikimedia
8. Aveiro Canal Boat Tours
These colorful boats look charming in photos, yet the ride itself often leaves travelers disappointed. Prices feel steep for such short loops, and the commentary can lack depth. A simple walk along the canals reveals the town's beauty more authentically than the tourist boats.
9. Obidos Medieval Village
A village with medieval flair can quickly lose charm when market stalls line every street. Souvenir stands overshadow the cobblestone atmosphere, while cafés take advantage of inflated prices. Discovering narrow alleys shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists makes it harder to imagine the town's historic roots.
10. Praia da Marinha
Everyone wants to see this Algarve beach, but timing matters. During busy months, the narrow sand is packed tight, and the tiny car park fills fast. Plus, all the commercial photo points make it feel less natural than you imagined.
With the overrated spots out of the way, let’s explore the must-visit places that make Portugal so special.
1. Douro Valley
Portugal's wine country sits here, with terraced hillsides carved along the river. It's the home of Port, and local vineyards open their cellars for tastings. A river cruise gives you views of villages that have been shaping the region for centuries.
2. Sagres Cape
This southwestern tip of Portugal was once linked to the Age of Discoveries. Sailors trained at Prince Henry's navigation school here before heading into the Atlantic. Today, a lighthouse stands on the cliffs, and visitors come for the sweeping ocean views at sunset.
António M.L. Cabral on Wikimedia
3. Coimbra University
Founded in 1290, Coimbra University is one of the oldest in Europe. The Baroque library houses over 200,000 volumes and even a colony of bats that protects the books from insects. The school's traditions, like academic robes and Fado performances, remain part of campus life.
4. Porto Livraria Lello
This 1906 bookstore looks like something out of a fantasy. A grand red staircase splits in two, surrounded by wood-carved shelves and stained glass above. It's rumored that J.K. Rowling found inspiration here while living in Porto. The setting already feels like its own novel.
5. Madeira Laurisilva Forest
Madeira's highlands hide this UNESCO forest filled with rare laurel trees. The climate keeps the air damp, so moss and ferns cover almost everything. Trails lead to waterfalls and viewpoints, where birdwatchers keep an eye out for different species.
senza senso from Moscow, Russua on Wikimedia
6. Algarve Benagil Cave
The seaside cave is accessible only by water, and its skylight hole lets sunshine pour onto the sand inside. Kayakers and small boats drift through the entrance, giving travelers a look at one of the Algarve's most photographed landmarks.
7. Cascais Boca do Inferno
This natural cliff formation translates as the "Mouth of Hell." Waves crash into the hollow rock chambers with a loud roar, especially dramatic during winter swells. From the lookout point, the Atlantic horizon stretches endlessly, which makes it a popular spot for sunset.
8. Évora Roman Temple
At the heart of Évora's UNESCO-listed center rises a 1st-century Roman temple. Granite columns remain almost fully intact and make it one of the best-preserved ruins in the Iberian Peninsula. It connects directly to the city's larger Roman and medieval history.
9. Lisbon Alfama District
Lisbon's oldest neighborhood grew before cars ever arrived, which explains the twisting alleys and steep stairways. Tile-covered walls, iron balconies, and pastel houses fill the streets. At night, taverns open their doors to Fado singers, keeping one of Portugal's oldest musical traditions alive.
10. Serra da Estrela
This mountain range holds Portugal's highest peaks. In winter, skiers head to its slopes, and summer brings hikers to glacial valleys and alpine lakes. Local shepherds produce Serra cheese here, a creamy specialty that has been tied to the region for centuries.
