Our guide on the most Weekend Getaways In Portugal for your next trip.
Portugal is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, charming villages, and vibrant cities. From coastal escapes to serene wine regions and historical towns, it’s perfect for short weekend getaways. With its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and rich cultural heritage, you’ll find an array of destinations to explore, each with its own unique character and charm.
Whether you’re seeking romantic hilltop retreats, vibrant city experiences, or serene countryside escapes, Portugal has a weekend destination to match every travel style. Choose a getaway that suits your interests, and be prepared to fall in love with the country’s charm, hospitality, and beautiful landscapes.
Here’s a guide to the best weekend getaways in Portugal, complete with recommendations on what to see, do, and eat.
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Unmissable Weekend Getaways In Portugal
1. Porto: The City of Bridges and Port Wine
Why Visit:
Porto is a lively riverside city known for its iconic bridges, historic architecture, and world-renowned Port wine. It’s the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, making it ideal for a relaxing yet culturally rich weekend.
Top Highlights:
Ribeira District: Wander through the colorful streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with lively restaurants and traditional houses.
Dom Luís I Bridge: Walk across this double-deck iron bridge for panoramic views of the Douro River and both sides of the city.
Livraria Lello: One of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, with its ornate staircase and stained glass ceiling.
Port Wine Cellar Tour: Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and take a tour of the famous port wine cellars, followed by a tasting session.
What to Eat:
Francesinha: A decadent sandwich layered with meats and covered in melted cheese and spicy beer sauce.
Bacalhau à Brás: A traditional dish made with shredded codfish, potatoes, and onions.
Pastel de Nata: Creamy custard tarts, best enjoyed with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tip: Take a Douro River cruise to see the city from a different perspective and enjoy the beautiful waterfront scenery.
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2. Sintra: Fairy-Tale Palaces and Lush Hills
Why Visit:
Sintra is a magical town nestled in the hills just outside Lisbon, known for its dreamy palaces, exotic gardens, and mysterious estates. It’s perfect for a weekend escape filled with romance and history.
Top Highlights:
Pena Palace: A brightly colored palace set atop the Sintra hills, with a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish architectural styles.
Quinta da Regaleira: Explore the enchanting gardens, secret tunnels, and mystical Initiation Well of this whimsical estate.
Moorish Castle: Walk along the ancient walls of this 8th-century castle and take in the panoramic views of Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.
Monserrate Palace: A lesser-known gem with beautiful Moorish and Indian-inspired architecture surrounded by lush gardens.
What to Eat:
Travesseiros: Puff pastries filled with almond cream, a local delicacy from Sintra.
Queijadas de Sintra: Small cheese tarts made with fresh cheese and cinnamon.
Cozido à Portuguesa: A traditional Portuguese stew made with various meats and vegetables.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as Sintra involves a lot of walking and uphill climbs. Start your day early to avoid the crowds, especially at Pena Palace.
3. Lisbon: The City of Seven Hills
Why Visit:
Portugal’s vibrant capital is a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern energy. From its iconic trams and historic neighborhoods to trendy bars and restaurants, Lisbon is a city that offers something for everyone.
Top Highlights:
Alfama District: Explore the city’s oldest neighborhood with its winding streets, Fado music houses, and beautiful viewpoints.
Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery: Marvel at these UNESCO World Heritage sites, which are stunning examples of Manueline architecture.
Ride Tram 28: Hop on this historic tram to see some of the city’s top sights, including the Se Cathedral and São Jorge Castle.
Time Out Market: A foodie’s paradise with a variety of Portuguese dishes, from fresh seafood to regional desserts.
What to Eat:
Bacalhau à Brás: A comforting dish of shredded cod with onions, potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
Pasteis de Belém: The original custard tarts from the famed shop in Belém.
Ginjinha: A cherry liqueur served in small glasses, best sipped in one of the traditional ginja bars in the city center.
Tip: Head to Miradouro de Santa Catarina or Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for spectacular sunset views over the city.
4. Algarve: Sun, Sea, and Sand
Why Visit:
The Algarve is Portugal’s premier beach destination, known for its dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for a weekend of relaxation, water sports, and exploring charming coastal towns.
Top Highlights:
Ponta da Piedade: Explore the stunning rock formations, caves, and turquoise waters near Lagos.
Benagil Cave: Take a boat trip or kayak to this spectacular sea cave with a natural skylight.
Praia da Marinha: One of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches, known for its pristine waters and striking cliffs.
Tavira: A charming town with cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and a relaxed atmosphere.
What to Eat:
Cataplana de Marisco: A rich seafood stew cooked in a traditional clam-shaped pot.
Grilled Sardines: Freshly caught sardines grilled to perfection and served with a side of potatoes and salad.
Arroz de Marisco: A seafood rice dish similar to paella, packed with shrimp, mussels, and clams.
Tip: Visit in the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy milder weather.
5. Douro Valley: Vineyards and Scenic Beauty
Why Visit:
The Douro Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, known for its terraced vineyards, charming quintas (wine estates), and stunning river views. It’s perfect for wine lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.
Top Highlights:
Wine Tasting at a Quinta: Visit one of the many family-owned estates to sample world-class Port and Douro wines.
Scenic Boat Cruise: Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Douro River, passing through beautiful vineyards and traditional villages.
Pinhão: Explore this charming riverside town, known for its beautiful azulejo-tiled train station.
Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura: Enjoy one of the best panoramic viewpoints over the Douro Valley.
What to Eat:
Feijoada: A hearty stew made with beans and pork, a regional specialty.
Caldo Verde: A comforting soup made with potatoes, kale, and chorizo.
Queijo da Serra: A creamy sheep’s milk cheese from the region.
Tip: Consider taking the Douro Valley train from Porto for a scenic ride through the heart of the wine region.
6. Évora: History and Heritage in Alentejo
Why Visit:
Évora is a charming medieval town in the heart of the Alentejo region, known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and relaxed ambiance. It’s an ideal destination for a weekend filled with cultural exploration and traditional cuisine.
Top Highlights:
Roman Temple of Évora: Also known as the Temple of Diana, this ancient structure is a symbol of the town’s Roman past.
Chapel of Bones: A fascinating yet eerie chapel decorated with human bones and skulls.
Cathedral of Évora: Climb to the roof of this massive Gothic cathedral for stunning views over the town.
Explore the Alentejo Countryside: Take a drive through the rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves surrounding Évora.
What to Eat:
Migas: A traditional Alentejo dish made with bread, garlic, and meat, typically served with pork.
Açorda: A bread soup flavored with coriander, garlic, and olive oil.
Sericaia: A sweet egg-based dessert often served with plums.
Tip: Combine your trip with a visit to nearby Monsaraz, a medieval hilltop village with breathtaking views over the Alqueva Lake.
7. Coimbra: A University Town with Timeless Charm
Why Visit:
Coimbra is a picturesque city known for its prestigious university, historic architecture, and lively student atmosphere. It’s perfect for a weekend of culture and relaxation.
Top Highlights:
University of Coimbra: Visit one of the oldest universities in Europe and explore the beautiful Joanina Library.
Old Cathedral (Sé Velha): A striking Romanesque cathedral dating back to the 12th century.
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha: Discover the ruins of this Gothic monastery, located along the Mondego River.
Barca Serrana Boat Ride: Take a traditional boat ride along the river for scenic views of Coimbra.
What to Eat:
Leitão à Bairrada: Suckling pig roasted to perfection, a delicacy of the region.
Chanfana: A rich goat stew cooked slowly in red wine.
Pasteis de Tentúgal: Sweet pastries filled with egg yolk custard.
Tip: Visit in May to experience the Queima das Fitas, a lively student festival with parades and concerts.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.