Short escapes to Portugal promise a variety of unforgettable experiences, from historic city exploration to blissful beach relaxation and culinary delights. Whether you’re drawn to Lisbon’s captivating streets, Porto’s port wine charm, or the Algarve’s sun-drenched beaches, Portugal welcomes every traveler. Its compact size makes it perfect for weekend adventures, letting you discover charming villages, significant historic sites, and incredible food in a short time. Let’s dive into some of the best city destinations in Portugal that go beyond Lisbon and Porto.
Unforgettable Portugal Weekends: Where to Explore in 2025
Embark on a weekend getaway to Portugal, where rich culture intertwines with stunning scenery. Experience delicious local flavors, relax in a warm, inviting atmosphere, and discover a perfect blend of tradition and modern allure. Whether you seek serenity, excitement, or a taste of history, Portugal offers the ideal balance for a brief retreat. Its sunny weather and lively lifestyle provide the ideal setting to recharge and explore new things – here are our top picks for where to go and what to see in 2025.
Guimarães
Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, is a truly captivating city that deserves a visit. Uncover its history and symbolism, and see why it is an unmissable destination during your Portuguese visit.
The key attraction in Guimarães is its impressive castle, the first in Portugal and the place where the resistance of D. Afonso Henriques against the forces of Castile and Leon began. However, Guimarães offers more, notably a peaceful atmosphere perfect for those seeking an escape from daily life and to connect with a significant piece of Portuguese history.
Top sites in Guimarães:
- Guimarães Castle: a fully restored landmark, this first castle of Portugal was declared a National Monument in the 20th century.
- Paço dos Duques de Bragança: This palace now serves as a museum showcasing 17th and 18th-century art. The second floor is the official residence of the President when visiting the north of the country.
- Praça de Santiago: This bustling square, with numerous shops and outdoor cafes, is perfect for mingling with locals and experiencing the daily life of Guimarães.
- Citânia de Briteiros: Discover these impressive Iron Age ruins, a key protohistoric site on the Iberian Peninsula, known for its size, layout, and architecture.
Must-try foods in Guimarães:
- Roast kid or veal: A must for meat lovers, this hearty meal is among the most classic Portuguese dishes.
- Cod with baked potatoes: This is a celebrated ‘bacalhau’ cod dish that you can find everywhere in the country and enjoy throughout the year.
- Toucinho do céu: This delicious dessert, created by monks, resembles a rich cake made with sugar, almonds, and a generous amount of egg yolks.
- Tortas de Guimarães: These shell-shaped sweets, also made by monks or nuns, are a beloved treat in Guimarães. Made with puff pastry, they are filled with jam, eggs, and almonds.
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Aveiro
Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro’s unique charm makes it a captivating destination. The “Ria,” a highlight of Aveiro, embodies its enchantment. The best way to explore Aveiro is by taking a ride in one of the typical boats called moliceiros, known for their colorful decoration and humorous messages written along their sides.
A visit to the stunning Costa Nova beach is also essential, with its extensive beach that is considered one of the best Portuguese beaches for water sports. The beach also features the delightful palheiros, pretty little houses adorned with vibrant, colorful stripes; a must-see for photographers.
Top sites in Aveiro:
- Sail the canals in a moliceiro: This is an integral part of your Aveiro adventure. These boats, originally used for transporting seaweed, are a city hallmark. Explore the city and learn from a guided tour by your boat handler.
- Praça das Arcadas: This beautiful square, surrounded by arches, is in the heart of historic Aveiro.
- Stroll along the São Roque Canal and visit the salt warehouse, still an active working facility today.
- Ponte dos Namorados: The Bridge of Lovers is the city’s most romantic spot, decorated with colorful ribbons and bows left by visitors from around the world.
Must-try foods in Aveiro:
- Ovos moles: These typical Aveiro sweets are made from wafer molds in the shapes of clams, fish, and shells, which are then filled with a sweet sugary syrup.
- Pão de ló de Ovar: This is a moist sponge cake made from eggs, sugar, and wheat flour without yeast or syrup.
- Caldeirada de eguias: This local dish, a kind of eel stew, is a true delicacy that tastes better than it might sound.
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Óbidos
In the Leiria district, Óbidos is a standout city, offering a wonderful historic centre surrounded by medieval walls. This charming village features cobbled streets, whitewashed houses decorated with flowers, and touches of yellow and blue, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
This Portuguese village is a huge hit with history fans who come to see the impressive castle, attend cultural events, or spend a few days in one of Portugal’s most magical settings. Get lost in its winding lanes, walk on the ancient walls, and immerse yourself in the history of this open-air museum.
Top sites in Óbidos:
- Castelo de Óbidos: Built by the Arabs, the castle was later given as a dowry to several queens, including Queen Santa Isabel and Queen Leonor.
- The Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria, the Igreja da Misericórdia and the Igreja de São Pedro: These churches each offer their own unique character, together forming the heart of Óbidos. Each one is a true work of art in its own right.
- Porta da Vila: The main entrance to Óbidos features a double gate with stunning 18th-century tiles.
- Museu Municipal de Óbidos: This museum, inaugurated in 1970, showcases important religious works.
Must-try foods in Óbidos:
- Ginjinha no vidro: This dark red liqueur has two versions: straight or with fruit inside such as sour cherry and flavored with vanilla or a cinnamon stick. In Óbidos, it’s typically enjoyed in a small chocolate glass that can be eaten after!
- Chocolate: The town hosts the International Chocolate Festival annually. Here, you can see stunning chocolate sculptures and sample some of the best chocolate creations in the world.
- Fresh bread: Find some of the best traditionally baked bread in Portugal, made in wood-burning ovens.
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Évora
Évora, one of the three main cities in the Alentejo region, serves as an open-air museum, with historical roots stretching back to Roman times. The city is defined by its impressive architecture, white houses, traditional Portuguese tiles, and beautiful balconies. Moreover, UNESCO highlights the city wall, aqueduct, and cathedral as significant cultural assets.
When in Évora, you must indulge in the delicious Alentejo food. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant, along with some local cheese and a fine local wine.
Top sites in Évora:
- The Capela dos Ossos (The Bone Chapel): Located in the Church of San Francisco, this chapel contains real bones, and bears the cryptic inscription: “Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos”, which translates to “We bones that are here wait for you”.
- The Roman Temple of Évora: Also known as the Temple of Diana, this impressive monument is a core part of the city’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman Temple is identified as a National Monument by the DGPC.
- The Cromlech de Almendres: This megalithic monument features 95 stone monoliths, the most significant site of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula and among the most important in Europe, and is remarkably well-preserved after several millennia.
- The Cathedral of Évora or Basilica Sé de Nossa Senhora da Assunção: The monument shows a transition from Romanesque to Gothic, with three majestic naves waiting for you to explore them.
Must-try foods in Évora:
- Açorda à Alentejana: A type of soup that may vary by location. Made with garlic, salt, olive oil, water, and sliced bread, it can also contain coriander, mint, and fish.
- Queijo de Évora: A small, circular, mature cheese with a slightly yellowish color, it can be hard or semi-hard in texture.
- Torrão Real de Évora or Torrão de Ovos: This treat is made from egg yolks, sugar, and almonds.
- Queijadas de Évora: These ‘queijadas,’ a typical convent sweet, are made of a crunchy dough and a rich filling of eggs and fresh cheese.
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Silves
Unlike other coastal regions in the Algarve, Silves offers a serene charm, while still providing activities and attractions for tourists. As the former capital of the Algarve, it offers an excellent opportunity to discover authentic Portugal.
While the key attractions in Silves can be explored in a day, we recommend spending a night or two to unwind and soak in the unique ambiance.
The main attractions are the Cathedral, the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, the Roman bridge, and Silves Castle, made of red brick and a prominent feature in the landscape.
Top sites in Silves:
- Cathedral of Silves: Constructed in the fifteenth century, the Cathedral is built in the Gothic style combined with elements from other eras.
- Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves: This museum takes you on a journey through time with artefacts dating back to the 13th century.
- The Roman bridge: An impressive bridge over the river Arade in Silves, initially believed built in Roman times and rebuilt in the 15th century.
- Castelo de Silves: Located in the Arade river area, this is considered the largest castle in the Algarve, and demonstrates impressive Islamic military architecture.
Must-try foods in Silves:
- Papas del milho: This is a traditional dish made of corn, giving strength to those working out in the fields.
- Galinha de cabidela: This dish features chicken stew prepared with its own blood. Served with sautéed cabbage in southern Portugal, it is surprisingly delicious.
- Tarta de alfarroba: This is a delicious pie prepared with carob flour.
- Morgado de Figo: This dessert, made with figs and almonds, has been a staple in traditional Algarve recipes. With chocolate, cinnamon, fennel, and lemon, it is covered in a sugar syrup.
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Sintra
Just a short journey from Lisbon, Sintra is a charming town nestled in lush hills and forests. It’s famous for its fairy-tale palaces, such as the colourful Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, each offering spectacular views. Wander through the captivating gardens of Quinta da Regaleira and discover the mysterious initiation well. Sintra also features beautiful beaches like Praia da Adraga and Praia Grande.
Top sites in Sintra:
- Explore the historic centre: Stroll through Sintra’s historic centre, with its charming cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and artisan shops where you can find local goods and souvenirs.
- Visit Pena Palace: Explore the colourful Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its unique architecture, beautiful gardens, and impressive panoramic views.
- Discover Moorish Castle: Climb up to the Moorish Castle perched on a hilltop for views of Sintra and its surroundings. Explore the old walls and towers of this medieval site.
Must-try foods in Sintra:
- Travesseiros: These almond-filled pastries are a Sintra delight. Flaky puff pastry is filled with a sweet almond and egg cream filling, dusted with powdered sugar.
- Queijadas de Sintra: Small cheese tarts with a creamy mix of fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon, baked in a crispy shell.
- Local Wines: Pair your meal with a glass of Portuguese wine, like Vinho Verde or a strong red from Douro Valley. You can also try ginjinha, a traditional Portuguese cherry liqueur for a digestif.
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Is a 3-Day Trip Enough in Portugal?
Three days in Portugal allows you to experience its charm, especially within a specific city or region. For instance, you could discover an exciting city, enjoy the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the culture. However, Portugal has much to offer that a longer stay enhances the trip. For a weekend getaway, three days is ideal for a memorable introduction!
Tips for a Perfect Weekend in Portugal
Make the most of your weekend escape by planning ahead. Pick one city or region to explore, as travelling between areas can steal time. Pack light for mobility, and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Book accommodation near attractions and consider local guesthouses for an authentic experience.
Embrace local culture by trying dishes and visiting markets. The friendly hospitality ensures you feel welcome everywhere. Arriving during local festivals will add another layer of enjoyment, and prioritise main sights and activities. Allow time for relaxation, as Portugal’s relaxed atmosphere is enjoyed best your own way.
