Portugal has some of the most beautiful villages, towns and cities in Europe! Not only that but there’s also a heap of the best places in Portugal that are dotted all across the country. Plus, there are also loads of places to see in Portugal that are quaint, too.
Now, some are well known, and others are less well-known but the one thing they have in common is how gorgeous they are. Honestly, It’s so easy to see why so many people fall in love with Portugal… me included! I love it.
Anyway, without rambling on about how much I love Portgual (oh, gosh, and the food) I wanted to share some of the quaint places to see in Portugal that are a little off the beaten track.
There’s a load of the best places in Portugal that are pretty famous but I wanted to share with you some of my favourites that you might not have seen before.
Honestly, there are many things to see and do in these wonderful and picturesque little spots. Plus, they’re totally easy to visit on a wider road trip around Portugal, too.
Take a look, below, at some of the most quaint places to see in Portugal on your trip. Have the best time and make sure to bring me back some Pastel de Natas!
1.) Monsanto
Monsanto is easily one of the quaintest places to see in Portugal that’s not too far from the Spanish border.
This small, fortified village was named the most Portuguese village in Portugal in 1938. It’s stunning and the houses and streets in Monsanto are packed tightly and carved from the rocky cliffs and granite boulders that surround the town itself.
Visiting the castle that overlooks Monsanto and the nearby mountains of the Serra de Estrela.
Also, make sure to stop off for a glass of wine and snacks at Taverna Lusitana. They’ve got some epic views across the region, too.
Read more: Best places to visit in Portugal
2.) Monsaraz
Monsaraz is one of the most charming and quaint places to see in Portugal. Even now, this village still retains its historic and medieval atmosphere that’s so epic to explore.
Now, the best way to see Monsaraz is by foot (once you’re here). This will give you plenty of time to wander around the little streets and whitewashed houses that were established back in the 16th century. You can’t miss them as they’re dotted across the village’s main street, Rua Direita.
If you follow this street it will lead you to the main square, where a parish church housing beautiful gilded altars to see. It’s gorgeous.
It is also worth considering a little hike to visit the castle, too. It’s got some great views across the Alqueva Dam.
3.) Castelo Rodrigo
Nestled on top of a hill, the beautiful village of Castelo Rodrigo looks down over the plateau that stretches eastwards to Spain and northwards to the valley of River Douro.
It’s around a 70-minute drive from Guarda and well worth a little trip if you’re looking for a day out of the city.
Also, Castelo Rodrigo has a totally rich history, too. From being founded by Alfonso IX of Leon to being used as a route by the pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela.
Up to this day, Castelo Rodrigo maintains its past glories, with medieval architecture and quaint houses that are nestled within its walls. It’s easily one of the quaint places to see in Portugal if you’re following the border route between Spain.
4.) Sortelha
For me, Sortelha is one of the places you visit in Portugal to see some of the country’s medieval history. Not only that, Sortelha still keeps its historic legacy that has been preserved until the present day.
The village’s Gothic gateway and 14th-century parish church which possesses a Spanish-Arab ceiling are some of the epic spots and architectural styles that are unique.
Plus, Sortelha is one of those quaint places to see in Portugal where nature and architecture overlap in a pretty unique way. You can see this with the houses that are built into the rocks and follow the original terrain.
Within these houses, the tables, chairs and even some bed frames are still made from the original rock, too. It’s such a cool thing to see and cool.
5.) Nazare
Dubbed as Portugal’s most famous fishing village, Nazare is one of those quaint places to see in Portugal that’s easy to visit when driving between Porto and Lisbon.
Head across to Nazaré Beach whilst you’re here as you can surf on these shores. That being said, the waves get frighteningly high, which extreme surfers love (and fill me with pure dread *gulp*). Let’s just say I didn’t even attempt this.
Oh, and make sure to see the views and history at Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo. It’s stunning to see the dramatic Portuguese coastline.
Finally, pop inside to see the stunning and cosy, Chapel of Our Lady of Nazare. It’s tiny but so gorgeous.
6.) Ericeira
Ericeira is one lovely fishing village that is situated on the cliffs that overlook the rugged Atlantic coast. For me, the Atlantic Coast is just so incredible. You can see the power of the ocean right on these shores!
Most of all, Ericeira is known for its whitewashed chapels and houses that line the narrow streets. You can even enjoy freshly caught (and delicious) seafood on the seafront.
Trust me, you’ll need this after working up an appetite surfing the waves on Ribeira das Ilhas beach. It’s considered one of the best surfing spots in Europe.
7.) Obidos
Obidos has been considered one of Europe’s most romantic villages to visit.
It’s the kind of place that is filled with colourful houses filled with bougainvillaea, Gothic passageways, cobblestone streets and whitewashed churches that surround a 12th-century castle.
It’s idyllic.
Also, if you visit in July, don’t forget about the Medieval Fair which showcases; medieval music, dashing knights, and historic theatre performances, too.
Read more: Best places to visit in Portugal
8.) Marvao
Marvao is another medieval mountain-top village that’s easily one of the quaint places to see in Portugal that’s totally unspoiled.
You see, Marvao still retains its stunning and historic structures, houses and churches that lead to a magnificent 13th-century castle.
Once here, don’t forget to take a peek over the walls and towers for an impressive panoramic view.
Breathtaking.
9.) Almeida
Almeida is another must-visit village in Portugal because of its rich Portuguese heritage but also because it’s just beautiful!
Originally founded to serve as a major Portuguese fortification on the Spanish border (around 800 years ago). Almeida is the kind of place that is steeped in history.
10.) Alvaro
If you’re something of a history buff, you’ll love Alvaro!
You see, it’s one of the quaint places to see in Portugal that served as the seat of the municipality and became an important base for the Order of Malta!
Not only that, Alvaro has a deeply entwined religious heritage, too. You can see this with the huge amount of chapels and a church dedicated to Saint James, within the town.
Read more: Best places to visit in Portugal
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