13 of the most beautiful villages in Portugal
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Portugal is roughly 38% of the size of the U.K., so you may be surprised to learn there's an immense amount of beauty to discover within such a small country. But Portugal truly has it all: miles upon miles of sandy beaches, a buzzing — and affordable — culinary scene, sprawling vineyards, cities full of culture and, of course, numerous charming villages for those wanting a taste of small-town Portuguese living.
1. Obidos
Step back time with a visit to the walled medieval city of Obidos. It's an excellent place to stop on a road trip between Porto and Lisbon. Plan to walk the walls of the castle and village, and don't forget to sample the famed town specialty: Ginja, a fruit-flavored liqueur sipped out of a chocolate cup.
Related: 7 reasons why your next vacation should be in Portugal
2. Aveiro
Another stop ideal for a Lisbon-to-Porto road trip, Aveiro (it's more of a town than a village) is often called the Venice of Portugal, known for its canals and the colorful gondola boats called moliceiros that cruise them. Slightly south, don't miss the striped, picturesque houses lining the Costa Nova beach.
3. Talasnal
Portugal's central interior has many towns built from a special rock called schist. TPG's favorite is Talasnal, perched high among the pines in the Serra da Lousã mountain range. It's the ideal stop after a morning hike through surrounding wooded hills.
4. Sintra
No visit to Lisbon is complete without a day trip to Sintra and its most famous landmark: the majestic and colorful Palacio de la Pena. Sintra's mountains hide other wonders, too, like the Castle of the Moors. The area also has many windswept beaches such as Adraga, complete with jagged rock formations.
5. Azenhas do Mar
Known as Portugal's very own "Cinque Terre" thanks to its looming sea cliffs similar to those along the Italian Riviera, Azenhas do Mar is another epic day trip from Lisbon or can easily be combined with a visit to the aforementioned town of Sintra. Snap pictures from the viewpoint up above, or head down below to admire the saltwater pool the tides form.
6. Monsanto
Monsanto is one of Portugal's most unique villages, with many of its buildings sandwiched between and built into giant boulders. Check out the castle at the top of the village, and simply wander around, admiring the seamless integration of man-made structures with moss-covered boulders that date back to prehistoric times.
7. Estremoz
Estremoz is really two villages in one: the walled upper town, which dates back to the 13th century, and the lower town, which was fortified in the 17th century. Estremoz is known for its marble, so keep an eye out for it in both obvious and mundane places: doorsteps, in shops or even along the pavement.
8. Santana
The island of Madeira has many villages to explore, but Santana may be one of the most distinct thanks to its red, white and blue houses with thatched roofs. Pay a visit to these homes-turned-craft shops and then explore the nearby terrain: vineyards, rocky coastline and the green trails of the Parque Florestal das Queimadas.
9. Favaios
You'll encounter a number of villages when weaving along the Douro wine route, and Favaios is the perfect place for a snack and, of course, sweet wine. Stop into the bakery to taste the town specialty: four corners bread. And, a visit to the Pão e Vinho (bread and wine) museum to learn about what you've just ingested is a must.
10. Tavira
It's no secret that British travelers love the southern Algarve region of Portugal -- Tavira included. The town spans the Gilão River and is home to a castle. Once you've explored the whitewashed medieval town, head to the long, sandy beaches of nearby Tavira Island.
11. Ericeira
Known as the surf capital of Europe, experience Portuguese surf culture in Ericeira, a quaint village set on cliffs above the sea. You'll find several surf beaches nearby and you can enjoy anything from traditional Portuguese cuisine to vegan smoothies.
12. Nordeste
The Azores are some of the most beautiful and exotic islands on earth. The village of Nordeste on São Miguel island is blustery and remote, especially the nearby hilltop Arnel lighthouse. Don't forget to visit the São Jorge Church as you lap the village.
13. Marvao
Marvao sits in the Alentejo region amid rolling hills and stretches of vineyards near the Portuguese-Spanish border. The hilltop village rises above the landscape of the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede, with an imposing castle and walled fortifications. Make sure to enjoy a glass of local wine during your visit and pick up a bottle to take home. Alentejo has a wine scene that remains relatively unknown in the international market.
Bottom line
Hoping to taste wine? Explore castles? Surf? Hike? Or maybe just relax and socially distance? Portugal has a village for you. Whether it be the sunny shores of the Algarve, the hills of Portugal's interior or the Douro's rolling vineyards, there's a village (or maybe a few) right for you.
For those who love to discover small villages around Europe, make sure to check out these related articles too:
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.