5 Best places to visit in Portugal (that aren't Lisbon or Porto)
Portugal has so much to offer its visitors. You can enjoy some of the most beautiful architecture, delicious food and cute coastal towns that you can't find anywhere else in the world
While there’s a good chance you’ve seen pictures of Lisbon and Porto that made you fall in love with this country, there are so many other places worth visiting in Portugal!
If this is your first time going to Portugal, also check out my tips and travel guides for traveling to Portugal.
Tip: You can also use this blog post as a road trip itinerary to visit the centre of Portugal.
Here are the top 5 places to visit in Portugal (that aren’t Lisbon or Porto)!
Best places to visit in Portugal: Aveiro
Aveiro, also known as the Venice of Portugal, is a picturesque town in the centre of the country. It's astonishing the high number of things to do in Aveiro considering it's such a small city. From riding along the canals by boat to admiring the Art Nouveau architecture, there's no way you can be bored in Aveiro.
Best places to visit in Portugal: Costa Nova
Costa Nova beach in Aveiro is Instagram's most popular photo spot in Portugal. The charming colorful striped houses on the seafront are a feast to the eyes and make every single photography picture perfect. This unique pohotogenic setting will surely make you smile. It's impossible to be unhappy here!
These little houses were originally shelters and storage places for fishermen, but nowadays many have been converted to living spaces, shops, inns and restaurants. You can even rent some of them on AirBnB!
Best places to visit in Portugal: Vista Alegre Museum
One of my favorite Portuguese brands is Vista Alegre. Founded in 1824, they’ve been making beautiful porcelain items for nearly 200 years for everyone, from royalty to people just like you and me. Needless to say, visiting the Vista Alegre museum had to be part ouf our travel plan. The museum features two original kilns from the factory and porcelain collections divided by topics. Apart from the museum you can't miss the stunning Our Lady of Penha de França chapel, gift shop and outlet store. I'm sure you won't leave the place empty handed! If you are planning to eat here, make reservations at their hotel/restaurant. In the hotel you have access to the Vista Alegre Founders’ Palace, a centuries-old building that keeps its original design. The Palace has ten rooms with unique architecture and decoration.
Best places to visit in Portugal: Casa da Insua Parador Hotel
Casa da Insua is the only Parador hotel outside of Spain. Located 25 kilometers from the city of Viseu, in central Portugal, the hotel is a 18th-century baroque style manor house. The romantic gardens, architecture and interior décor are a feast to the eyes. Apart from the house, you can visit the old blacksmith's workshop, the wine cellar for wine tasting and the chapel.
Best places to visit in Portugal: Coimbra
Did you know that Coimbra used to be the capital of Portugal? That was from 1139 until 1260, when it was replaced by Lisbon. That's probably why there's so much history in the streets of Coimbra. From majestic churches, a Hogwarts-like university library, to lively streets and university life, there are plenty of things to do in Coimbra.