Are you traveling to Portugal? You will probably be staying in one of the country's major cities. Would you like to know the best places near the city where you will be staying? Then you will love this article!

Discover dream places you can visit near the main Portuguese cities: Lisbon, Porto and Funchal. With tours that you can do alone or in guided tours with Living Tours, to make the most of the destinations of your trip.

Cities and Places to visit near Lisbon:

1. Fatima
2. Sintra
3. Arrábida
4. Évora

Fatima

One of the most visited places in Portugal, by visitors from all over the world. Point of reference for Catholic pilgrims, but also place of interest for non-believers. The Sanctuary of Fátima is composed of the Basilica of Our Lady, at the opposite end, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, and in the middle, the chapel of the Apparitions. Fatima became well known at the beginning of the 20th century for the miracles that are part of the mystical history of this place, the visions of three shepherd children, or the miracle of the sun.

A place of spirituality and tranquility, ideal for a unique experience on your trip.

You can visit Fátima from Lisbon in half-day, morning or afternoon visits. Or full day, where besides visiting Fátima you can also discover Nazaré, Óbidos and Batalha.

Sintra

If you are looking for a dream place on your trip to Portugal, Sintra will leave you dazzled. Its leafy and diverse nature; the old manor houses, with very original architecture symbolizing the lives of noblemen; the unmissable monuments such as Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira or the Chalet of the Countess of Edla; and finally the cozy center of Sintra.

A UNESCO world heritage site, it is also considered the most romantic place in Portugal.

Enjoy a full day to visit the multiple charms of Sintra from Lisbon. Or if you prefer, a quicker half-day visit.

Arrábida

In the municipality of Setúbal, lies the Natural Park of Arrábida, and in this the Arrábida Mountains. With geographical features that join the mountain to the sea coast, and protected species of fauna and flora, Arrábida is a place that will delight nature lovers. Beautiful landscapes and typical fishing villages are part of the scenery.

And if you are curious about wine culture you can visit Arrábida from Lisbon on a wine and local life tour.

Évora

One of the main cities in the Alentejo region that you can enjoy visiting from Lisbon is Évora. This city has existed since the time of the Roman occupation, and a famous part of this legacy is the temple dedicated to the goddess Diana. And if you like mysterious places you can't miss the chapel of the bones, or even prehistoric megalithic remains. But not only history lives in this luminous Alentejo city. Combine it with the Alentejo gastronomy, tastings of pure olive oil and wines of the region. And with the affectionate hospitality of the people.

Enough reasons for a visit from Lisbon to Évora?

Cities and Places to visit near Porto:

• Gerês
• Braga
• Guimarães
• Douro Valley
• Aveiro and Costa Nova
• Coimbra

Gerês Mountains and Natural Park

The Gerês mountain range is considered one of the most beautiful in Portugal. Situated in the far north, it stretches over many kilometers of green hills and valleys full of nooks and secret places to enjoy. The Peneda Gerês National Park is home to many protected animal species such as eagles and other birds, fish, horses and even wolves. It also has many waterfalls and trails, perfect for lovers of hiking and relaxing moments in the waters of its rivers. São Bento da Porta Aberta and the village of Gerês could be good options for walks and visits.

It is impossible to discover everything this mountainous destination can reveal in one day. But you can get to know a good part of it in a selected itinerary to Gerês leaving from Porto.

Braga

About 50 km from Porto is Braga. Known as the city of archbishops or by its Roman name of Bracara Augusta. It is the largest city in the Minho region, with a young population, and recently it is home to a significant Brazilian community. There are many attractions that are well worth a visit. In the city center: the Cathedral and its museum of sacred art, the Archbishops palace or the Santa Barbara garden. The Porta Nova arch is the perfect entrance to the historic streets. On the outskirts of the city you can't miss Bom Jesus and Sameiro. Sites of religious inspiration, and with wonderful views. Also enjoy the local gastronomy and sweets.

You can visit Braga by tuk tuk or by tour departing from Porto.

Guimarães

Near Braga lies the medieval city of Guimarães. Known for being the first capital of Portugal, the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. Walk through the narrow streets, decorated with flowers and lights, and let the heart of the city reveal itself in delightful details and ancestral houses. At the top you can also visit the medieval castle and the Paço dos Duques de Bragança. If you have time, visit the Penha hill, a great viewpoint to the city and valley.

UNESCO World Heritage sites, Guimarães and Braga can be visited in a day trip departing from Porto.

Douro Valley

If you would like to see a landscape that is unique in the world, resulting from the combination of nature and centuries-old human creation, then the Douro Valley is a place not to be missed. Let yourself be carried away by green hills covered with vineyards, dotted with wine farms, and ancient villages such as Pinhão, Régua or Barca de Alva. Always accompanied by the Douro River that crosses the valley with the majesty of its waters. A dream tour through one of the oldest demarcated wine regions that exists, says those who have visited.

Whether through daily tours or cruises from Porto, a magical day awaits you in the Douro valley.

Aveiro and Costa Nova

It is not by chance that one of the images most associated with Aveiro is that of the traditional moliceiros boats. In fact, this beautiful city is crossed by water channels, and boating is one of the favorite activities of those who visit. In the center you can observe the buildings that give the name of Art Nouveau capital to Aveiro. And if you like sweets, try the famous ovos moles, cartuxos or folares. The Costa Nova and its picturesque houses called palheiros, remind you of the fishing tradition of the region and the life of its people very connected to the sea.

Whether you prefer the morning or the afternoon, you can visit Aveiro and the Costa Nova from Porto every day.

Coimbra

One of the oldest cities in Portugal, Coimbra's identity and life itself is intimately linked to its University. One of the oldest in Europe, built by King Dinis and inaugurated in the distant year 1290. The University tower dominates the city that extends over the hill. It is home to more than 20,000 students every year, and it is common to see many of them in their traditional black costumes. Its main attractions also include the Sé Velha and Nova, Santa Cruz Church, Arco de Almedina, gardens, and the monastery of Santa Clara on the other bank of the Mondego River. It is a city of both modern and traditional music, such as fado.

They say that "Coimbra has more charm when it's time to say goodbye". Want to find out why? Join our tour leaving from Porto.

Cities and Places to visit near Funchal:

• Porto Santo
• Nun's Valley (Curral das Freiras)
• Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos
• Madeira's typical villages

Porto Santo

Porto Santo is an island in the Madeira archipelago. As we approach the island by boat, we can see the gold of its extensive beaches, and the crystal clear waters that surround it. On land there are fantastic viewpoints, such as Portela, windmills, trails for hiking lovers, cozy villages, and geographic formations of interest. From the beach to the interior of the island there is much to explore in this small Atlantic paradise off the African coast.