13 of the most beautiful villages in Portugal
As the travel industry navigates COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials' guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it's next month or next year.
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:
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.