Unique Aesthetics of Popular Towns in Portugal

Portugal may owe most of its popularity to famous celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo and musician Shawn Mendes, or to being home to some of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world, two of which are protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites, however, the unique aesthetics portrayed by each of its exquisite cities, towns and villages are nothing to be underestimated. Thankfully, Portugal is among the cheapest countries to visit in Europe, making it easier for travel enthusiasts to admire the many wonders this country offers. Whatever may be the reason for your visit to this exotic southern European country, make sure to stop for a second to appreciate the unique blend of cultures, climate and charm of the following towns in Portugal, some with a lively nightlife and some with picturesque architectures and landscapes.

Porto – The Second Largest City in Portugal

The second largest city in Portugal is a safe haven for people interested in exploring stunning architectural creations, wine lovers, and of course, people looking for the perfect Instagram-able pictures. Whether you are interested in intricately designed churches with tiles and concrete or mesmerizing beaches, Porto has you covered.

If you ever want to get your creative juices flowing, then visit the ornate Lello bookshop, which serves as an inspiration for one of the biggest and most successful book and movie franchises in the world, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is your best choice. The beaches of this city also exude such a unique charm that can only be found in Portugal.

Sintra – The Whimsical City of Portugal

Sintra is truly one of the most visually pleasing towns in Portugal, which is why the amount of attention it receives, makes it seem like an underrated spot in Portugal. If you are ever in need of a real-life fairytale experience then the city of Sintra is an absolute can’t-miss. 

It deservedly earned the status of UNESCO World Heritage for its unique fictional aesthetics. What else would you expect from a place which features colourful castles and palaces with 19th-century Romanticism architecture highlighting whimsical and playful designs surrounded by green rolling hills and forests, and medieval streets?

Ferragudo – The Traditional Fishing Village of Portugal

Many people think of Ferragudo as the cutest and one of the most peaceful places in Portugal. The well-preserved old-timey charm of this Traditional fishing village makes it the perfect getaway in Portugal. The aesthetics of this place is similar to a whitewashed canvas with cobbled hillside streets.

The small stature of this village is not proportional to the variety of activities you can take part in here. You can enjoy hikes to the cliffside fort, cycling to the lighthouse, riding a boat to the popular Benagil caves or to the ancient town of Silves, and snorkelling in the shallow clear depths of the Atlantics, the possibilities are endless.

Obidos – The “Town of Queens” of Portugal

If you knew about the picturesque view and jaw-dropping architectural styles featured around the streets of Obidos, then a trip to Portugal will seem incomplete without visiting this city. The aesthetics offered only in Obidos are unique even among the most beautiful cities in Portugal, so much so that the King of Portugal gifted Obidos as a present to his wife in 1210, leading it to be nicknamed ‘the town of queens’.

The old-world charm and the celebration of some of the most popular Portuguese festivals held within the huge castle walls, stunning churches and houses decorated with multi-coloured flower arrangements have always played a huge part in accentuating the medieval charms of the city of Obidos.

Azenhas Do Mar – The Cliffside Town of Portugal

When one talks about the picturesque small town on top of a hill while visiting Portugal, the images of the city of Azenhas Do Mar and its surrounding often comes to mind. This stunning cliffside town is so closely located to the country’s capital and you can trows stones from one city to the other.

Come to this town if you love rugged cliffs right adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful cliff is actually small enough to explore in a day with plenty of leftover time for exploring the local cuisine as well. If you ever need to take the long days’ stress off your shoulders, then try to plan a stress-free trip to this town and witness the beauty of a spectacular.

Cascais – The Beach Town of Portugal

Cascais is the perfect destination for a day trip if you are in Lisbon. The lively atmosphere of this town with a diverse collection of Historic buildings, peaceful pastel-coloured streets and gorgeous beaches fabricated the overall ambience of this awe-inspiring town.

The walls of the houses and buildings and even the corners of the streets are aesthetically embellished with beautiful flowers. The streets are intricately designed with patterned tiles. To truly admire the best of what Cascais has to offer, take a cycle ride out to “Hell’s Mouth or visit the Sintra-Cascais National Park. The town will no doubt lure in more tourists each year without any additional promotional gimmick.

Lamego – The Medieval Town of Portugal

Among all the towns, villages and cities mentioned in this article, Lamego boasts a very unique and distinguished charm which will always be admirable to Historians as well as people who seek out fascinating architectural designs. Founded in the 7th century, this small medieval town is famous for its baroque sanctuary and Museu de Lamego.

Although there are many more attractions in the city the amount of creativity and meticulous design that went into creating these architectural marvels needs separate recognition, as the museum is regarded as one of the finest regional museums of Portugal and the true charm of the Baroque stairway can only be realised in person. 

to check out these stunning towns in Portugal, or any destination that your heart desires, visit NCL Tours to book your next trip.