Are you crazy about summer festivals? Do you like nature tourism? Or are you one of those who prefer to ‘toast’ in the sun? Whatever the case, from the north to the south of Portugal, we have an article full of suggestions for you.
Breathtaking landscapes, secret beaches, inland routes and candlelit concerts are just some of our suggestions. 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!
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Experiences for a dream summer
Sitting on a terrace is always a good plan. But to make the most of summer, 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?
Experiences outside the obvious
1 – Vibrate at MEO KALORAMA 2025
Imagining the hottest season without music festivals just isn’t the same, is it? In Portugal, literally from north to south, there is a wide range to suit all tastes. From the most mainstream festivals to the ‘heavy music’ ones , not forgetting the ‘classics’ and other emerging ones, you just have to choose your favorite.
In this context, one of the best-known names is MEO KALORAMA. Although the festival is relatively new, on its way to its 4th edition, it already has a lot of notoriety and recognition not only nationally, but also internationally. This year it starts earlier, but the quality remains the same. So how about a little getaway to Lisbon?
From June 19 to 21, precisely to welcome summer, Parque da Bela Vista will be the stage for a true celebration of good music with a luxury line-up full of great national and international names, such as:
- Pet Shop Boys
- Damiano David
- Father John Misty
- The Flaming Lips
- FKA Twigs
- Azealia Banks
- Scissor Sisters
- Jorja Smith, among many others.
2 – Attend concerts by candlelight
In summer, attending an open-air show is even better, especially if it takes place in emblematic places, as is the case with the Candlelight Summer concerts.
From Porto to Lisbon, not forgetting the Algarve, there are musical programs for all tastes by candlelight. An experience for lovers and more!
3 – 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 to share with your better half!
4 – 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.
5 – Challenging the limits of the imagination
Portugal reveals surprising places that defy the imagination, such as four absolutely unusual buildings scattered around the country.
From the famous Casa do Penedo in Fafe – nicknamed the “strangest house in the world” for its construction between boulders – to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, carved out of a huge rock in Minho, each building offers a unique experience.
Discover the Casa do Telhado em Pedra in Serra da Estrela, with its natural roof, and the intriguing Casa Invertida in the Azores, a building literally turned upside down. These places prove that Portuguese architecture can be as creative as it is fascinating!
Nature and fresh air
6 – Exploring ‘deep Portugal’
We love our 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 interior.
In the district of Bragança, 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 .
7 – Discover the waterfalls and lagoons of Gerês
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is one of the best destinations for nature lovers.
Here, you can visit the typical villages of Soajo and Pitões das Júnias, or cool off in some of the most beautiful waterfalls and pools.
8 – Visit Serra da Estrela
This is one of the 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.
9 – Discover the Schist Villages
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. But you can also take the opportunity to go to Foz d’Égua, where you’ll find dreamy scenery.
10 – Walk along the most beautiful walkways
Northern Portugal is full of walkways that invite you to take long walks through nature. The Passadiços do Paiva, in the municipality of Arouca, are the most famous. However, you can discover others in this itinerary:here.
11 – Discover the most instagrammable swings
For those who like to contemplate landscapes, swings are a great option.
What’s more, you can take great photos and embellish your Instagram feed. You can see our favorites here.
12 – Contemplating natural phenomena
There are some unique phenomena and places in Portugal . For example, in Arouca, you can see the Parideiras Stones , 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.
13 – Explore the Benagil Caves
The Algarve attracts many Portuguese and foreign tourists, as it has some of the best beaches in the country and the world.
However, 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.
14 – Visiting Berlengas
Located about ten kilometers off the coast of Peniche, the Berlengas archipelago is a true natural paradise, with many activities waiting for you.
15 – 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.
In Madeira, it’s worth visiting the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Toasting in the sun
16 – Diving in the most beautiful river beaches
Do you like basking in the sun but are afraid of the waves? Then take advantage of your summer vacation to explore Portugal’s best river beaches from north to south.
17 – Uncover secret beaches
We’re big fans of secret things, just look at the name of this page. Naturally, this also applies to summer destinations.
If you want to avoid crowded beaches, then this tour ofPortugal’s ‘secret’ beaches is for you.
18 – ‘Toasting’ on the most popular beaches
If you’re one of those who loves trendy places, then this list of the most popular beaches on Instagram is for you. After all, as we mentioned earlier, there are suggestions and experiences for all tastes.
19 – Leaving everything out in the open
Do you want to tan without marks on your skin? Then how about trying naturism? There are nine official naturist beaches in Portugal . If you’re free-spirited and adventurous, here’s the tip.
20 – ‘Toasting’ in the sun with your four-legged friend
For those who can’t stay away from their furry friend and still want to get some ‘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.
21 – Discover the best water parks
Slides, waterfalls and inflatables abound at water parks, so this is an excellent way to enjoy the summer.
Take the opportunity to discover our itinerary of Northern Portugal… It’s guaranteed fun!
22 – 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.
Designed by award-winning architects and overlooking the sea, with salt water or surrounded by green landscapes, the options are many.
Themed trips
23 – A train ride
A different way to enjoy the summer is to travel by train… And in the north and center of Portugal, you can find some of the most beautiful rides.
Taking a cruise on the River Douro
The Douro is one of the symbols of Porto. But believe us, it’s worth getting to know it to the full. 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, try the nectar of the gods, a good Port wine.
For history geeks
24 – Visit Portugal’s Historical Villages
The Beiraregion is home to one of the best tourist routes in the country – the Historical Villages of Portugal.
Incredible landscapes, traditional aromas and flavors await you, not forgetting the beauty of the walls and ruins of yesteryear.
25 – 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 tour of the most beautiful castles near Porto.
In addition, in the summer there are usually some historical re-enactments, such as the Medieval Journey in Terra de Santa Maria, one of the most famous in the country.
26 – 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.
27 – Walking around the Praça-Forte in 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 fortress . It’s worth going inside the walls and strolling through its medieval streets.
