11 Enchanting Cities in Portugal That Should Be on Your Bucket List

Portugal is full of charm, history, and breathtaking scenery, making it a dream destination for travel photographers. From Lisbon’s lively streets to Porto’s stunning riverfront cityscapes, the country is packed with picturesque spots just waiting to be captured.

Planning a trip to Portugal? This travel guide highlights the most scenic towns and cities to add to your itinerary.

The Most Picturesque Towns and Cities in Portugal

1. Lisbon

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a photographer’s paradise, offering a stunning mix of historic charm, colorful neighborhoods, and dramatic waterfront vistas. Known as the “City of Seven Hills,” Lisbon features cobblestone streets and the city’s iconic yellow trams that weave through narrow streets and steep inclines.

One of Lisbon’s most photogenic neighborhoods is Alfama, the oldest district in the city. Its maze of winding alleyways, adorned with traditional azulejos (hand-painted tiles) is ideal for exploration. From Lisbon Cathedral‘s dramatic arches to the panoramic views of the Tagus River from the Miradouro (viewpoint) da Senhora do Monte, Alfama has plenty to offer.

For sweeping cityscapes, head to the Miradouro de Santa Catarina and Miradouro da Graça where you’ll find breathtaking perspectives of the city’s terracotta rooftops, the distant 25 de Abril Bridge, and the waterfront. Sunset is a magical time to photograph here.

No visit to Lisbon is complete without capturing the grandeur of Belém. Home to iconic landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, this area blends architectural beauty with an atmospheric riverside setting.

Photo Highlights

• The iconic yellow Tram 28 navigating through narrow streets
• Alfama’s winding alleys and historic tiled facades
• Panoramic views from Miradouro de Santa Catarina
• The stunning architecture of Belém, including Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower
• The bustling Mercado da Ribeira in Cais do Sodré

2. Porto

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a wonderful blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. Located along the Douro River, Porto is famous for its beautiful architecture, picturesque streets, and the world-renowned port wine.

The city’s historic center, Ribeira, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting narrow, colorful houses that cascade down towards the riverfront.

A must-visit landmark in Porto is the Dom Luís I Bridge, an architectural masterpiece that offers stunning views of the city and the Douro River. For a taste of Porto’s artistic soul, Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, is an iconic spot with its intricate neo-Gothic interiors and grand staircase.

Other significant attractions include the Clerigos Tower, which rewards those who climb its spiral staircase with panoramic vistas, and the São Bento Railway Station, renowned for its exquisite blue-and-white tile murals depicting scenes from Portuguese history.

Photo Highlights

• The Dom Luís I Bridge at sunset
• Ribeira’s colorful riverfront facades and Douro boats
• The interior of Livraria Lello, with its whimsical staircase
• Clerigos Tower with panoramic views of Porto
• The azulejo murals at São Bento train station

3. Coimbra

Coimbra is often referred to as the intellectual heart of Portugal. Situated along the banks of the Mondego River, this vibrant city is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra, which dates back to 1290. Its historic campus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit, featuring the breathtaking Joanina Library with gilded baroque details and the grand Paço das Escolas.

At the heart of Coimbra’s old town lies a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets full of character. Here, you can explore the Se Velha (Old Cathedral), a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, and discover quaint shops, lively cafés, and traditional Fado houses.

A stroll along the Mondego River reveals more of the city’s beauty, with picturesque views and opportunities for boat rides.

Photo Highlights

• The opulent Joanina Library inside the University of Coimbra
• The botanical gardens on the university grounds
• Views of the Mondego River at sunrise or sunset
• The Romanesque architecture of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra

4. Azenhas do Mar

Perched on the edge of dramatic seaside cliffs, Azenhas do Mar is one of Portugal’s most picturesque coastal villages. This charming whitewashed village offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and traditional architecture. Its iconic setting, with houses seemingly cascading down to the Atlantic Ocean, creates an unforgettable scene along the Portuguese coast.

Catch a breathtaking view from the clifftop, where the ocean stretches endlessly below, and waves crash against the rugged shoreline. The natural saltwater swimming pool carved into the rocks at the base of the village is a unique feature. Nearby, sandy beaches and coastal trails offer additional opportunities to relax or explore.

Photo Highlights

• The cliffside village and Atlantic beach
• Sunset over the ocean with the village in the foreground
• Reflection shots by the natural rock pool
• Crashing waves and dramatic coastal cliffs
• Far-off lighthouse views

5. Sintra

Sintra is a fairy-tale-like destination in the hills. Known for its colorful palaces, historic estates, and lush greenery, Sintra offers an escape from the bustling streets of Lisbon. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its well-preserved cultural and architectural landscapes that blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty.

The crown jewel of Sintra is the Palácio da Pena, a 19th-century Romanticist palace that stands proudly atop a hill, visible from miles away. With its vibrant yellow and red towers, intricate detailing, and exotic architecture, the palace looks as though it has been lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. The expansive park that surrounds the palace offers walking trails, hidden grottoes, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Another notable highlight is the Quinta da Regaleira, a fascinating estate steeped in mysticism and symbolic designs. You can explore its enchanting gardens, secret tunnels, and the iconic Initiation Well, a spiraling subterranean staircase that feels like descending into another world.

Photo Highlights

• The colorful turrets of Pena Palace against forested hills
• The spiral Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira
• The Gothic elegance of Monserrate Palace
• Sintra’s cobbled town center with local craft sellers
• Scenic views of the misty Sintra mountains

6. Braga

Braga, often referred to as the “Rome of Portugal,” is rich in history, culture, and religious significance. One of the oldest cities in Portugal, Braga seamlessly blends its ancient past with modernity. It has a vibrant atmosphere, where centuries-old traditions coexist with contemporary urban life.

At the heart of Braga’s historical and religious heritage is the majestic Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning baroque stairway that zigzags upward through gardens and fountains, offering breathtaking views.

Another notable highlight is Braga Cathedral, or Sé de Braga, which is the oldest in Portugal. Its intricate details and mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Manueline styles provide a glimpse into the city’s architectural evolution.

Photo Highlights

• The baroque stairway at Bom Jesus do Monte
• Braga Cathedral’s intricate architecture
• The tranquil reflection pools at Santa Barbara Garden
• The city’s skyline from the hilltop of Bom Jesus
• Local festivities at Avenida Central

7. Cascais

Cascais is a wonderful coastal town that effortlessly combines the historic allure of Portugal with its stunning natural beauty. Once a small fishing village, Cascais rose to prominence in the 19th century when it became the summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family. Today, it is a vibrant destination that draws visitors with its golden beaches, charming town center, and cultural landmarks.

Among the town’s highlights is the historic Cascais Citadel, a centuries-old fortress that now houses a luxurious hotel and art exhibits. Strolling through the cobblestone streets of the old town, you’ll encounter picturesque squares, traditional tiled façades, and bustling markets.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Cascais as well. The scenic coastline is home to stunning beaches like Praia da Rainha and Praia do Guincho. A short drive from the town lies Boca do Inferno, an impressive cliff formation where waves crash dramatically into the rocky shore.

Photo Highlights

• The golden beaches and Atlantic waves
• Boca do Inferno’s rugged rockface
• Cascais Marina with colorful fishing boats
• Estoril promenade at twilight
• Patterns in Cascais’ tiled plazas

8. Funchal

Funchal, on the island of Madeira, is a hub of culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. Located on the island’s southern coast, Funchal features picturesque streets, stunning coastal views, and a mild climate year-round. This beautiful city is surrounded by hillsides covered in terraced gardens.

One of the highlights of Funchal is its historic old town, known as Zona Velha. This area is brimming with character, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and colorful painted doors that showcase local artistic flair.

Funchal’s famous Botanical Garden is another point of interest. Perched on the hills overlooking the city, the garden boasts an impressive collection of exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and impeccable landscapes. Likewise, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is equally photogenic. It is accessible via the exhilarating cable car ride that glides above the city, providing breathtaking panoramic views.

Photo Highlights

• The terraced gardens and flower markets
• Views from Monte Palace Tropical Garden
• Cobbled streets lined with street art and murals
• Panoramic vistas from the Funchal Cable Car
• The sparkling Atlantic shimmering against the island backdrop

9. Tavira

Tavira, a picture-perfect town in the Algarve, is often considered one of Portugal’s hidden gems. This town is renowned for its blend of rich history, traditional architecture, and natural beauty. Located along the Gilão River, Tavira boasts an old-world charm with its whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and a series of graceful bridges, the most famous being the iconic Roman Bridge.

One of Tavira’s highlights is its proximity to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a breathtaking lagoon system teeming with wildlife and an essential stop for migratory birds. You can explore the pristine sandbar islands, like Ilha de Tavira, known for its soft, golden sand and tranquil waters—perfect for a relaxed day under the sun.

Photo Highlights

• Tavira’s Roman Bridge at sunset
• Reflections in the salt flats
• Whitewashed chapels amid cobbled streets
• Views of the museum-like Igreja da Misericórdia
• Secluded beaches of Ilha de Tavira

10. Aveiro

Often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a charming coastal city with picturesque canals and colorful moliceiro boats. These traditional boats, once used for harvesting seaweed, now glide through the waterways, offering visitors an excellent way to experience the city. The canals are lined with picturesque Art Nouveau buildings, adorned with intricate façades that reflect the city’s rich heritage and artistic flair.

Photo Highlights

• The brightly painted moliceiro boats on the canals
• Art Nouveau architecture along the canal banks
• The striped houses of Costa Nova nearby
• Traditional salinas (salt pans) reflections
• Sunset over the Ria de Aveiro

11. Costa Nova

Costa Nova is a charming coastal destination known for its distinctive striped houses, known locally as “palheiros,” that add a vibrant splash of color to the picturesque seaside setting. Originally used as storage for fishing equipment, these houses have since been transformed into photogenic homes and holiday rentals, drawing visitors from around the world. The stripes, painted in bright hues often paired with white, reflect the town’s connection to maritime culture and lend the area an unmistakable identity.

Located on a strip of land between the Aveiro Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, Costa Nova offers a blend of serene beaches and fantastic water views.

Photo Highlights

• The iconic striped houses along the coastline
• Golden dune grasses rolling into the sea
• Sunrise reflection shots of tidal pools
• Traditional fishing boats moored by the shore

Start Planning Your Portugal Photography Adventure

From dramatic coastal vistas to charming towns bursting with color and texture, Portugal offers a wealth of inspiration for travel photographers. The cities on this list are just the beginning—around every corner lies another story waiting to be captured through your lens.