September is nearly here, but there is still time for a summer break in Portugal. Despite rising prices, plenty of people are looking to visit Portugal’s most picturesque towns and cities, many of which also feature heavily on Instagram and other social media platforms.
This list brings together some of the most picturesque towns and cities in Portugal, including places currently in the spotlight alongside others that continue to draw visitors for their scenery and identity. Religious tourism, fishing villages, historic centres and coastal settings all feature, with options suited to different kinds of trip.
The 10 most picturesque places in Portugal
The study, carried out by photography specialists at MPB, examined 45 Portuguese locations using several digital indicators. These included references to the visual appeal of each place in online articles, Instagram hashtags and the number of photographs available on Flickr. These were the final results:
- Fátima — 98.2 points
- Nazaré — 95.3 points
- Sintra — 94.5 points
- Cascais — 92.2 points
- Almeida — 89.3 points
- Alte — 87.8 points
- Tavira — 86.3 points
- Belmonte — 84.0 points
- Amarante — 83.3 points
- Monsanto — 78.7 points
There is more than one kind of scenery that captures the attention of visitors and photographers.
Some places stand out for their position by the sea, others for their monumental buildings, while a few have a historic atmosphere that has remained largely intact over the centuries.
At the top of the ranking, Fátima, Nazaré and Sintra each provide a very different way of experiencing and photographing Portugal.
Fátima is Portugal’s most picturesque city
With a score of 98.2 points, Fátima takes first place among Portugal’s most picturesque destinations.
Although it is internationally associated above all with being one of the main centres of Catholic pilgrimage, the city also has a very distinctive appearance. Its large squares, basilicas, landscaped spaces and broad avenues create an urban setting shaped by symmetry and calm.
The grounds of the Sanctuary of Fátima take on another character at certain times of day. In the evening, softer light changes the appearance of the buildings, while candles during night-time celebrations transform the atmosphere completely.
Things to do in Fátima
The Sanctuary of Fátima is naturally the focal point of any visit. Its grounds include the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity and the Chapel of the Apparitions.
- Anyone wanting to learn more about the history connected with the site can also head to Aljustrel, the birthplace of the three shepherd children.
- The city can also serve as a base for exploring other monuments in central Portugal, including the Batalha Monastery, one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders.
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Nazaré: fishing traditions and the power of the Atlantic
Second place goes to Nazaré, which received 95.3 points. The town has gained worldwide attention for the giant waves at Praia do Norte, but its connection with the ocean goes back long before the growth of international surfing. Fishing shaped Nazaré’s culture, food and public image over many generations.
Today, a walk around the town reveals a mix of this maritime heritage and one of Portugal’s most recognisable coastal settings. Its long sandy beach, cliffs and whitewashed houses provide different views over the Atlantic. Main activities include:
- Heading up to Sítio da Nazaré: the upper part of town has a panoramic view across the beach and the lower area of Nazaré. The well-known funicular provides access.
- Visiting Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo: beside Praia do Norte, it is one of the best spots for seeing the sunset behind Nazaré’s well-known giant waves.
- Walking along the seafront and through the centre: a gentler stroll can take in the sea and the small streets near the beach, where the town’s close connection to fishing traditions is still apparent.
- Trying the local food: fish and seafood dishes linked to Nazaré’s identity and traditions are a key part of a stay here.
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Sintra: palaces, hills and Romanticism
Few Portuguese places bring together such a striking mix of architecture, vegetation and terrain in such a compact area as Sintra. The municipality reached third place with 94.5 points, with the colourful Pena National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and its gardens standing out, alongside the old streets that give the town such a distinctive atmosphere.
The Cultural Landscape of Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the most visited areas in the Lisbon region. A visit to Quinta da Regaleira is not complete without a walk through its caves and the iconic Initiation Well.
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Cascais also takes the spotlight
Cascais has recently attracted international attention after being named as the place Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez allegedly chose to tie the knot. The reported private ceremony has put this part of Portugal back in the spotlight, though there are plenty of reasons to spend a few days here, particularly for anyone looking for a change of scene.
The former fishing village has become one of the better-known coastal destinations in the Lisbon region over the years, while still retaining some of the elements that shape its identity.
In the historic centre, Portuguese cobbled streets, buildings with traditional façades and small squares make Cascais easy to explore on foot. Around the bay, outdoor terraces, restaurants and several popular town beaches draw a livelier crowd during the summer months.
The connection with the sea still shapes much of the experience. Cascais Marina is a good place for an early-evening walk, while the coastal path follows the Atlantic towards Boca do Inferno, a rock formation where the force of the waves creates one of the town’s most emblematic scenes.
A more cultural side of Cascais can be found at the Citadel, the museum quarter and venues such as the Paula Rego House of Stories and the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum.
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