Portugal is a country rich in diverse landscapes that boasts an abundance of beautiful little urban gems with ornate architecture and well-preserved ancient sites. These cities are also full of natural beauty where stunning mountain scenery meets Mediterranean beaches. Enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and cultural heritage of these 11 beautiful small towns in Portugal.

Aerial view of the historic village of Monsaraz

Monsaraz is a charming hilltop village that has retained a quaint medieval feel. You’ll find whitewashed houses that were built between the 16th and 17th centuries, while miles of beautiful rolling countryside, olive groves and the Guadiana River await further exploration. Like an open-air museum, its ancient arches and stunning views of the Alentejo plains and Alqueva reservoir offer a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Explore the walled village and discover the castle, shops and art galleries located in the area, then visit a local restaurant for Alentegan cuisine and wines.

Pena Palace, Sintra

Sintra is a fabulous city with a rich history. This is a popular day trip from Lisbon. You will find a picturesque landscape nestled in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, where steep cliffs drop down to the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find plenty of castles and palaces to explore, including the grandiose Pena National Palace and its colorful architecture and unique blend of neo-gothic, neo-renaissance and neo-Islamic styles. Since the Moorish occupation, the Portuguese royal families have recognized the charm of Sintra and it is a great place to explore the main palaces hidden among the lush vegetation.

Aveiro, Portugal

Nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro boasts a wonderful labyrinth of canals that meander through the city. Its charming streets are lined with fine examples of Portuguese architecture, from whitewashed Mediterranean houses to traditional azulejo facades. You’ll find colorful gondolas floating along the canals, while historic sites, gorgeous beaches, and a great food scene offer plenty of breathtaking scenery. Be sure to visit the Chapel of Sant Goncalinho and the Convent of Jesus to admire the architecture and artwork, while the Aveiro Cathedral features beautiful Baroque architecture.

Church of Nossa Señora da Oliveira in Guimarães

Guimarães is the birthplace of the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques, and its medieval architecture is one of the most authentic in the country. History enthusiasts won’t want to miss this small town, where you’ll find architectural developments dating back to the Middle Ages. The city has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its well-preserved architecture and history, and for the important role it has played in Portuguese history. Walk under medieval arches and past log houses to admire small Gothic chapels and a monumental castle.

Coimbra

You will find one of the oldest European universities in Coimbra, as this city has been one of the key centers of culture and art in Portugal for over 500 years. Inherited from the Middle Ages, its rich historical core is located along the Mondego River, where you’ll discover a treasure trove of historic sites, tranquil gardens and Portugal’s second style of fado music. Meander across the city to see its fascinating collection of historical sights, including the Old Cathedral and the Gothic convent of Santa Clara a Velha. Literature lovers will want to make a stop at the University of Coimbra to see the beautiful Joanina University Library.

Aerial view of the historic village of Monsanto

Travel to central Portugal to enjoy the charm of Monsanto, a small fortified village that is topped by the ruins of a castle that overlooks the surrounding plains. You will find a hill covered with 200 ton boulders and houses built between them where donkeys are still used for transportation. With the title of “The Most Portuguese Village in Portugal”, you can climb the castle ruins and take in stunning views of the region, shop for handicrafts such as handmade baskets in the city, or explore the countryside on a guided horseback tour.

Giraldo Square, Evora

Take a step back in time in Évora as one of the best preserved architectural gems in Portugal. It is a small town located in the Alentejo Plains region in southern Portugal, with a history of over 2000 years. While it once flourished under Roman rule, today it is known for its well-preserved Old Town with 4,000 historic structures. Be sure to visit the 13th-century Évora Cathedral, considered one of the country’s most important Gothic structures. Explore the city’s winding lanes and bustling streets to discover whitewashed houses and vast groves of trees.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Angra do Heroismo

One of the main settlements in the Azores, Angra do Heroismo is a beautiful city located nearly 900 miles west of the Portuguese mainland. Its landscapes are verdant, with green hills and pastures and spectacular cliff tops that are topped with stunning azure blue ocean views as far as the eye can see. Angra do Heroismo is the oldest permanently inhabited city in a group of volcanic islands, where the 18th century Praça Velha sits as a charming town square leading to winding alleys dotted with palaces, churches and fortresses.

Streets of Obidos

Obidos, one of Portugal’s most romantic villages, captivates visitors with its colorful bougainvillea-filled houses, gothic alleys and cobbled streets. The white-washed houses surround its imposing 12th-century castle, where you can stroll along its old fortified wall and then wander through the historic city center to discover the labyrinth of streets that lure you in with their lively squares, inviting cafes and quaint shops.

Beach resorts in Nazaré

Home to some of the best beaches in Portugal, Nazare impresses with its long sandy beaches and big waves. This seaside escape is one of the country’s most famous fishing villages, where you can sit on a cliff and watch the biggest fishing boats in Portugal bring in their daily catch. Buy handicrafts from locals on the street, sample seafood delicacies at local restaurants, or be mesmerized by the 78-foot waves that draw surfers from all over the world.

Moorish Historic City of Tavira

Nestled along Portugal’s beautiful Algarve coastline, Tavira boasts unspoiled architecture and rich history. Located two miles from the ocean in the southern region of Portugal, this city has been standing since the Bronze Age and is considered a walker’s paradise with its cobbled streets that wind through verdant parks, a beautiful castle, over a romantic Roman bridge and past Gothic and Renaissance churches. Be sure to have fun in the sun on the white sand beaches and swim in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.