Summer and the heat are here… However, choosing a vacation destination is not an easy task. Do you like nature tourism? Or are you one of those who prefer to ‘toast’ in the sun? In any case, from the north to the south, we have an article full of suggestions so you can enjoy the best summer in Portugal.
Breathtaking landscapes, secret beaches, inland tours and open-air concerts by candlelight are some of our proposals. The best thing is to take a look at our list. In the end, you’ll realize that you don’ t have to leave the country to have a memorable summer!
Table Of Contents
Experiences for a dream summer
Sitting in a terrace is always a good plan. But to make the most of the summer in Portugal, the best thing is to have different experiences.
So take note of these suggestions. The order is random, as the aim is to show you the diversity of experiences that await you. Let’s go?
Nature and fresh air
1 – Exploring ‘deep Portugal’
We love Porto, but the truth is that Portugal is full of magical places to visit. Although beach destinations are one of the most mentioned for the summer season, it’s worth exploring the inland area.
In the Bragança district, for example, you’ll find some real ‘treasures’, such as the community village of Rio de Onor. If you like rural tourism, then take the opportunity to discover Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
2 – Discover the waterfalls and lagoons of Gerês
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is one of the best destinations for the nature lovers.
Around here, you can visit the typical villages of Soajo and Pitões das Júnias, or cool off in some of the the most beautiful waterfalls and pools.
3 – Visit Serra da Estrela
This is one of most exciting destinations, perfect for those who like to be in communion with nature.
Near Serra da Estrela, you can find some of the most beautiful river beaches in the country, such as Loriga, or go hiking in the mountains.
4 – Getting to know ‘Aldeias do Xisto’
If you like quiet destinations dominated by greenery, then take advantage of the summer to discover the Schist Villages.
Piódão is one of the best known places. But you can also take the opportunity to go to Foz d’Égua, where you’ll find a dream setting.
5 – Walk along the most beautiful walkways
Northern Portugal is full of walkways that invite you to take long strolls through nature. The Paiva Walkways, in the municipality of Arouca, are the most famous.
However, you can discover others in this itinerary:here.
6 – Discover the most instagrammable swings
For those who like to contemplate landscapes, the swings are a great option.
What’s more, you can take great photos and embellish your instagram feed. You can take a look at our favorites: here.
7 – Contemplating natural phenomena
In Portugal, there are some unique phenomena and places. For example, in Arouca, you can get to know the Boulders, something rare in the world.
Another possibility is to discover the Ria de Aveiro, or visit the Pateira de Fermentelos – the largest natural lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula.
8 – Exploring the Benagil Caves
The Algarve attracts many Portuguese and foreign tourists, after all it has some of the best beaches in the country and the world.
But what if, instead of ‘toasting’ in the sun, you took the opportunity to visit a wonder of nature? This photo of the Benagil Caves speaks for itself.
9 – Visit Berlengas
Located about ten kilometers off the coast of Peniche, the archipelago of the Berlengas is a true natural paradise, with many activities waiting for you
10 – Spend a vacation in the Azores or Madeira
The archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira have their own particularities, but they are equally stunning.
In the Azores, you can contemplate the endless greenery of São Miguel, or relax in its thermal waters.
As for Madeira, it’s worth visiting the Laurissilva Forest, a place classified as a UNESCO Heritage Site!
Toasting in the sun
11 – Diving in the most beautiful river beaches
Do you like to ‘toast’ in the sun, but are afraid of the waves? So, take advantage of your summer vacation to explore from North to South the best river beaches in Portugal.
12 – Discover the secret beaches
We’re big fans of secret things, just look at the name of this page. Naturally, this scenario also applies to summer destinations.
If you want to avoid crowded beaches, then this tour of the ‘secret’ beaches from Portugal is for you.
13 – ‘Toasting’ on the most popular beaches
If you’re one of those who love trendy places, then this list with the most popular beaches on Instagram is for you. After all, as we mentioned earlier, there are suggestions and experiences to suit all tastes.
14 – Leave everything to chance
Do you want to tan without marks on your skin? So, how about trying naturism? For a summer in Portugal, there are nine official beaches for naturists. If you’re free-spirited and adventurous, here’s a tip.
15 – Toasting in the sun with your four-legged friend
For those who can’t stay away from their dog and still want to get a little color, it’s best to try one of these pet-friendly beaches.
In Greater Porto, Praia de Brito, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, is one of the official places where you can stay with your four-legged best friend without any problems.
16 – Discover the best water parks
Slides, waterfalls and inflatables abound at water parks, so this is an excellent way to enjoy the summer.
Discover our northern Portugal itinerary… Believe me, it’s guaranteed fun!
17 – Diving in the coolest pools near Porto
If you want to stay on the outskirts of Porto, you can always dive into the best swimming pools.
Works signed by award-winning architects and overlooking the sea, salt water or surrounded by green landscapes, the options are many.
Themed trips
18 – Riding the train
A different way to enjoy the summer is traveling by train… And in the north and center of Portugal, you can find some of the most beautiful walks.
19 – Take a cruise on the Douro River
The Douro is one of the symbols of Porto. But he believes it’s worth getting to know him fully. That’s why we suggest you set sail on one of the many themed river cruises.
In this context, you can take a closer look at the beautiful landscapes of the Douro Valley… And while you’re at it, taste the nectar of the gods – a good port wine.
For history geeks
20 – Visit Portugal’s Historic Villages
The Beira region is home to one of the best tourist routes in the country – the Historic Villages of Portugal.
Incredible landscapes, traditional aromas and flavors await you, not to mention the beauty of the walls and ruins of yesteryear.
21 – Travel back to medieval times
If instead of beaches and swimming pools you prefer walls and ruins, you can always travel back in time with this itinerary through the most beautiful castles near Porto.
In addition, in the summer there are usually some historical re-enactments, such as the Medieval Journey in the Land of Santa Maria, one of the most famous in the country.
22 – Touring the palaces of Sintra
Sintra is the most romantic of Portuguese towns and is full of enchanting palaces.
So if you’re a history and fairy talegeek, then take advantage of the summer to get to know these imposing buildings better.
23 – Walking around Valença
On the edge of the border with Spain, Valença ‘separates’ Portugal from ‘sister’ Galicia. From very early on, this was a strategic place in the defense of the national territory.
So it’s no surprise that Valença is a real Praça-Forte. It’s worth going inside the walls and strolling through its medieval streets.
Experiences for lovers (and more)
24 – Attending concerts by candlelight
In the summer, attending an open-air show is even better, especially if it takes place in emblematic places, such as the candlelight Summer concerts.
From Porto to Lisbon, not forgetting the Algarve, there are musical programs to suit all tastes candlelight. An experience for lovers and more!
25 – Driving along the N2
The National Road 2 (EN2) is one of Portugal’s best-known roads. This mythical road runs through Portugal from Chaves to Faro.
So we can hardly imagine a better experience for you to share with your better half, specially during your summer in Portugal!
26 – Take a road trip along the Costa Vicentina
With a length of over 100 km, a road trip along the Costa Vicentina is an excellent plan for a summer for two.
