Best places for summer holiday in Portugal

Portugal is a small country but with a lot to explore. Portugal`s landscapes range from the sun-soaked seashores of the Algarve to the terraced vineyards of Douro Valley, lush forests withinside the Azores, and fascinating anciental cities with precise architecture. You can drive from one end of the country to the other in 9 hours and yet, being small, it offers all kinds of scenery for all tastes. It’s a fantastic destination to spend your summer days

Unmissable destinations

From north to south, from historical villages to waterfalls in the middle of nature, snow and even crystal clear beautiful beaches, this country has a lot to offer. The temperature can be around 25-35 degrees, depending on where you are, the food is diverse and delicious, full of regional dishes (from north to south) and the beaches are different and cater to all tastes! For the summer, we will leave some suggestions of cities (near beaches) and coasts that have villages such as the Comporta, Melides or Tróia and we explain why this places selected as best places for summer holiday in Portugal.

Gerês

Gerês is a place lost in time with a fauna and flora as diverse as it has to offer. The national park Peneda do Gêres is known as the only national park in Portugal and borders the neighboring country: Spain. Stone houses, waterfalls, trails, historical villages, this place in Portugal is of an enormous preciousness, whose harmony with nature and stunning landscapes make this place unforgettable. Here the beaches are fluvial, yet unforgettable – If you are looking for landscape diversity, Gerês is an excellent place for the summer holiday in Portugal. Definitely a fairy tale!

Porto

Being the second largest city in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, Porto is a charming city. Between the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean, its cobblestone streets make you get lost in so much detail. The city is bustling in the summer months and boasts many tourist attractions, excellent restaurants, and wine options. Visiting porto in the summer means wanting to explore a bit of the coast or other neighboring cities, such as Braga, for example. Porto is a small city with an irresistible charm and lots to explore around it. Those who choose Porto take the opportunity to discover the beauty of the Douro Valley.

Douro

Many people take the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful regions in the world after getting to know Porto. The production of the world-famous Port wine and the scenic landscapes reflect tranquillity and tradition. Visiting the wineries and wine tastings, exploring the viewpoints, taking boat trips or even train rides and the excellent gastronomy blend in with the idyllic landscape of this river. The choice of accommodation is essential to make your stay a memorable one. If your aim is to explore the north and descend to the south, don’t miss out on other cities such as Aveiro and Coimbra, both of which have a strong Portuguese history.

Nazaré and the west coast

Figueira da Foz, Nazaré, Peniche – among other towns/cities on this coast – are a great option for your days out. Nazaré has gained the most notoriety for the biggest waves in the world and for its underwater geomorphological phenomenon. It is located on a coast with a huge expanse of sand and has beaches to suit all tastes. Although it’s small, you can complement your days in the other villages along the coast. To get to know this west coast better, don’t miss a visit to Berlengas Island. Here’s a picture because I believe it’s worth a thousand words.

Lisbon

The country’s capital: With its colorful hues, it is a cinematic city with its hills. Lisbon enchants with its historic charm, colorful neighborhoods, iconic yellow streetcars, lively fado and stunning viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the Tagus River and beyond. Lisbon is a capital for those who love walking. Everything here is small but very steep. Without a doubt, the best way to get to know the capital is on foot. If you’re looking for beaches and culture, Lisbon is a great choice, as there are beaches 20 minutes away and more stunning ones 40 minutes away (such as the town of Sesimbra).

Alentejo coast

This coast is one of the most amazing coasts we have. It is in Alentejo and here we can talk about villages like Comporta, Troia, melides, sines, porto covo, vila nova de mil fonetes, zambujeira do mar or odeceixe. Each village has its own charm with its blue and white or yellow and white tones, characteristic colors of the region. The beaches are wild and there are activities for all ages! The food is based on fish, seafood and especially pork. Is definitely one of the best places for summer holidays!

COMPORTA, TROIA AND MELIDES:

Comporta, increasingly sought after by tourists is an excellent option for those who want to connect with nature. The rice fields and the storks that characterize the region, presents luxury vacation homes with their thatched roofs and wooden pergolas. Stay in Comporta is to get to know the other villages nearby and the various beaches it offers! Beaches with waves, without waves, with cliffs, with sandy beaches to lose sight of. Whether it’s low or high season, there’s space for everyone and even the possibility of finding deserted beaches in the middle of August.

ALGARVE COAST

This coast is also very popular with tourists, especially some villages such as Lagos, Albufeira and Vilamoura. However, the Algarve is more than that, it has countless beaches and many villages. In addition to its long stretches of sand and warmer waters in certain regions, it also has some islands. So, depending on where you choose to stay in the Algarve in summer, you may find it full of tourists or completely quiet for July or August. Fresh fish and seafood are the most consumed products in the region, naturally found in the village markets. From the sea to the table. Is a perfect region to explore!