My Favourite Photos of Portugal to Inspire Your Next Adventure

ByAlex Tiffany Posted on Updated on

Portugal is one of my favourite countries in Europe. It’s effortlessly charming, varied, and understated.

The people are friendly, the weather’s fantastic, the prices are reasonable, and the wine is excellent. What more could you want?

Lisbon, the capital, is a beautiful city with a distinctive, cool vibe. Overflowing with culture, its cobbled streets, colourful tiled buildings, and iconic trams make it a joy to explore.

The views from the hilltop miradouros (viewpoints) are spectacular, especially at sunset. The scent of grilled seafood mingles with the sounds of Fado music drifting out of tiny, candlelit tavernas.

Then there’s Porto, with its riverside charm, stunning bridges, and arty, hipster vibe.

Portugal’s coastline is breathtaking. The Algarve, with its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, is a popular European holiday destination.

But for me, the wild beauty of the Sintra coast is even better. With thinner crowds, vast golden beaches, secret coves, dramatic cliffs, and pounding Atlantic swell, it feels raw and untamed.

Further north, the picturesque coastal town of Nazaré is legendary among surfers. It’s home to some of the biggest waves on the planet – true monsters that can reach up to 30 metres (100 feet).

For a real off-the-beaten-path experience, the lush, green region of São Pedro do Sul is a hidden gem and possibly my favourite area of the country.

Here, you’ll find hills and valleys blanketed in thick eucalyptus forests, dramatic mountains with some epic driving roads, and pretty stone villages frozen in time.

Despite being only an hour and a half from both Porto and the Douro Valley, this gorgeous corner of the country is virtually unknown to non-Portuguese tourists.

I spent six weeks living here last year and still find myself thinking about it almost every day. Maybe it’s a sign.

Portugal’s friendliness and laid-back charm make it a place I’ll always want to return to.

I hope these photos inspire you to explore this wonderful country.

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A large suspension bridge stretches across the calm Tagus River during sunset, with the sky transitioning from a warm orange near the horizon to a deep blue above. Tree branches frame the scene on the left, and city lights can be seen glowing faintly in the background.

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A peaceful beach scene at Azenhas do Mar, Portugal with soft waves crashing against the golden sand. In the background, a towering cliff is topped with white buildings, and a few people walk along the shore, enjoying the sunny day under a clear blue sky.
A serene beach scene with a woman walking along the shoreline as gentle waves roll in. Large, jagged rocks rise from the ocean in the distance, while a few other beachgoers enjoy the water near the rocky shore.
A dramatic black-and-white image of a rocky shoreline with waves crashing over large boulders. The texture of the rocks and the swirling ocean create a striking contrast, highlighting the natural beauty of the rugged coastline.
A coastal landscape with a winding path leading up a cliff to a distant lighthouse. The sunset casts a soft glow over the ocean and the hilly terrain, with fog rolling in over the horizon.
A scenic view of a rocky coastline with a towering rock formation rising out of the water. A single figure walks down a dirt path through the grassy cliffs, with the expansive ocean stretching out in the distance.
A dramatic cliffside landscape at sunset, with waves crashing against the rocks below. The ocean sparkles under the fading sunlight, and the rugged cliffs create a sense of vastness and isolation.
A beautiful sunset over the ocean, with the sun just dipping below the horizon near Sintra in Portugal. Soft waves lap against the sandy beach, and a few distant ships are visible on the horizon as the sky glows in shades of orange and pink.
A person walks along a sandy beach at sunrise, leaving footprints in the sand. The silhouette of large, rocky cliffs looms in the background, with the ocean gently washing up on the shore under a soft morning light.
A breathtaking cliffside view with jagged rock formations jutting out into the ocean. The waves crash against the steep cliffs below, and a few patches of greenery dot the rocky landscape.
A woman standing on a metal staircase overlooks a mountainous landscape. The view stretches out to rolling green hills and valleys, with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds above.
Close-up of purple flowers blooming in a garden, with a house in the background featuring a red-tiled roof and a colorful umbrella on a patio. The scene is framed by lush greenery and a peaceful outdoor setting.
A tranquil backyard pool in northern Portugal surrounded by greenery, with a house in the background and misty hills visible in the distance. The calm water of the pool reflects the foggy sky, creating a serene atmosphere.
A narrow village path lined with stone walls and lush greenery, with sheep grazing along the side. A person is seen walking further down the path, leading the sheep toward a rustic house in the distance.
A charming hillside village in northern Portugal with a small house nestled among trees and vegetation. The red-tiled roof contrasts with the surrounding greenery, while apple trees in the foreground are laden with fruit.
A panoramic view of rolling green mountains under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A river winds through the valley below, surrounded by dense forests and a few distant houses.
A winding road curves through a mountainous area, with a sign pointing towards "S.to Estevão." Tall trees line the road, and the mountains rise in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
An old, weathered wooden structure raised on stone stilts, located next to a house. The building appears rustic, with greenery in the background and a clear blue sky above.
A scenic mountain road cuts through rocky terrain, with a metal guardrail along the side. The surrounding hills are covered in green vegetation, and a few fluffy clouds dot the bright blue sky.
A small green Fiat 500 car parked on a dirt pullout next to a winding road that curves around a green hillside. Sparse trees dot the rugged landscape, and the sky above is bright blue with a few clouds.
A panoramic view of lush green mountains, with valleys dotted with small villages and farmland. The mountains rise steeply against a clear blue sky filled with puffy white clouds.
A narrow stone path between old, rustic stone houses with goats wandering freely. The scene evokes a peaceful rural village atmosphere, with the goats walking along the rocky terrain.
Alex Tiffany swinging on a large wooden swing overlooking a stunning mountain landscape. The swing, with the hashtag "#VISITSAOPEDRODOSUL" on top, offers a breathtaking view of the rolling hills under a clear sky.
A small green car parked at a scenic overlook, with rolling hills and wind turbines visible in the distance. The barren, rocky terrain contrasts with the soft curves of the distant hills under a clear sky.
A sweeping landscape of terraced vineyards climbing the slopes of a valley, with the afternoon sun casting long shadows. The distant hills and clear sky add to the sense of peaceful isolation.
A marble statue of a solemn-looking figure dressed in ornate robes, holding a palm branch in one hand and a detailed model of a ship in the other. The statue is set against a dark background, emphasizing its intricate design and craftsmanship.
One end of the large Arouca suspension bridge seen from below, with rocky terrain and a section of the Paiva Walkways wooden staircase leading up toward the bridge. The cables of the bridge stretch into the sky, while trees and bushes frame the foreground.
The metal 516 Arouca Bridge stretches across a deep rocky gorge, with lush green forests covering the surrounding cliffs. The intricate cables of the suspension bridge create a dramatic pattern against the clear sky.
Two people stand in the middle of the 516 Arouca suspension bridge that spans across a canyon, with a view of the green mountains and forests in the distance. The bridge appears delicate against the vast landscape.

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Essential Travel Resources


🛏️ Book cheap hotels
I always use Booking.com to find the best hotel deals. Vrbo is great for short-term apartments.

🚗 Find cheap rental cars
Check both Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com to find cheap rental cars.

🌍 Book the best tours
Viator and GetYourGuide have a huge selection of tours in virtually every destination worldwide.

✈️ Find cheap flights
I use a combination of Skyscanner and Google Flights to find cheap flights.

📱 eSIMs
Airalo is my favourite travel eSIM provider – I’ve used it in over 10 countries and really rate it. So much easier than buying physical SIM cards when you travel!

🚑 Do I need travel insurance?
YES! Never travel without adequate travel insurance. It’s just not worth the risk.

• SafetyWing – if you’re a digital nomad like me, SafetyWing is super flexible and affordable. You can sign up for as little or as long as you want, and activate and deactivate it whenever you need to. I’ve made several claims in the last few years and thoroughly recommend this company.

• World Nomads – for adventurous travellers, covers 200+ activities that many other insurers won’t, such as skydiving, heli-skiing, rock climbing, rafting, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and kiteboarding (not available for residents of every country – check here).

💻 Do I need a VPN?
YES! Always use a VPN when using public WiFi (in airports, cafes, hotels, stations, etc.). This helps protect your personal information and also bypasses internet censorship and restrictions in certain countries. I use NordVPN and highly recommend it.
Alex Tiffany

Alex is a former lawyer and an expert in off-the-beaten-path travel. Originally from the UK, Alex has explored over 70 countries independently, from hitchhiking in East Africa and Central Asia to road-tripping across Europe and the USA. He loves hiking, camping, and discovering lesser-known destinations.

Alex's writing and photography have been featured in many leading travel publications. He's passionate about sharing his travel expertise with others and encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones and travel more adventurously.

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