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The Best 7 Summer Cities to Visit in Portugal in 2024

Want to spend a summer in Portugal? Find the best summer cities in Portugal for you to visit. Discover top beach destinations at Algarve, best summer weather cities like Setubal and much more. Start planning your dream summer getaway now!

The Best 7 Summer Cities to Visit in Portugal in 2024

Find the best summer destination for you in Portugal this 2024. Whether you are looking for the best cities to visit in Portugal this summer, the top beach destinations, or those with the best weather this blog encapsulated them all. Portugal is one of the best places in Europe to spend the summer and there is so much more here than its two main cities as you will find below =).

1) Algarve (including Albufeira, Lagos, and Faro): Best Summer Cities in Portugal for Beaches and Coastlines

people near seashore during daytime
Albufeira photo by Dahee Son / Unsplash

📍 Type of city: Beach
👀 Best known for: Renowned for its pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs
💡 Traveler tip: Visit Benagil Cave for a memorable boat trip and cave exploration

Algarve, often hailed as the best summer city in Portugal for beaches, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking sun, sea, and adventure. Located in south Portugal, the Algarve region is known for its stunning coastline, from the golden sands of Albufeira to the dramatic cliffs of Lagos and the serene shores of Faro.

Some must-see places in Algarve include:

  • Ponta da Piedade: Stunning coastal rock formations in Lagos.
  • Benagil Cave: Iconic sea cave accessible by boat or kayak.
  • Praia da Marinha: One of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
  • Ria Formosa Natural Park: Unique lagoon perfect for birdwatching and hiking.
  • Sagres: Historic town with the Sagres Fortress and Cape St. Vincent.

2) Sintra: Best Summer City in Portugal for Palaces and Breathtaking Views

Sintra Pena Palace photographs

📍 Type of city: Forest city
👀 Best known for: The land of palaces and forests
💡 Traveler tip: Buy tickets in advanced to save money and check up The Complete Sintra and Cabo de Roca Day Trip from Lisbon Guide to plan your visit

Sintra is the best summer city in Portugal for history and culture enthusiasts known for its enchanting palaces, gardens, and mystical forests. Located just 30km northwest of Lisbon, visitors can explore the colorful and whimsical Pena Palace, the medieval Castle of the Moors with its breathtaking views, and the romantic Quinta da Regaleira with its intriguing Initiation Well.

Some must-see places in Sintra include:

  • Pena Palace
  • Castle of the Moors
  • Quinta da Regaleira
  • Monserrate Palace
  • Cabo de Roca (westernmost point in mainland Europe)
💡
I already made a separate blog on my experience and what I would have done differently, so check up The Complete Sintra and Cabo de Roca Day Trip from Lisbon Guide if you plan to visit Sintra =).

3) Setubal: Best Summer City in Portugal for Coastal Beauty and Fresh Seafood

people on beach during daytime
Praia dos Galapos, Setúbal photo by Margarida Lopes / Unsplash

📍 Type of city: Beach
👀 Best known for: Known for its fresh seafood and the Arrábida Natural Park
💡 Traveler tip: Take a ferry to Troia Peninsula for a tranquil beach day

Setubal, a hidden gem often overlooked in discussions about the best summer cities in Portugal, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Located south of Lisbon along a picturesque coastline, Setubal is known for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and proximity to the Arrábida Natural Park.

Some must-see places in Setubal include:

  • Arrábida Natural Park: A scenic park with stunning coastal views.
  • Praia da Figueirinha: A beautiful beach with calm waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Mercado do Livramento: A vibrant market famous for its fresh seafood.
  • Castelo de São Filipe: A historic castle offering panoramic views of Setubal.
  • Troia Peninsula: A serene peninsula with pristine beaches and ancient Roman ruins.

4) Aveiro: Beast Summer City in Portugal for Canals, Boats and Charming Beaches

people in boat in front of buildings
Photo by Ricardo Resende / Unsplash

📍 Type of city: Canal ("Little Venice" of Portugal)
👀 Best known for: Famous for its picturesque canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and sweet ovos moles
💡 Traveler tip: Explore the historic center on foot or by bicycle to admire the colorful Art Nouveau buildings, or rent a traditional moliceiro boat for a scenic cruise along the canals

Aveiro, often dubbed the "Venice of Portugal," is a top contender for the best summer city in Portugal, offering picturesque canals, charming moliceiro boats, and beautiful beaches. Located south of Porto, this coastal gem is perfect for a summer getaway with rich maritime heritage.

Some must-see places in Aveiro include:

  • Aveiro Canals: Charming waterways lined with colorful boats.
  • Moliceiro Boat Rides: Traditional canal tours on colorful boats.
  • Art Nouveau Museum: Showcase of Aveiro's elegant architecture.
  • Costa Nova Beach: Striped beach houses on golden sands.
  • Aveiro Salt Pans: Scenic salt marshes for birdwatching and history.

5) Lisbon: Best Summer City in Portugal for Nights Out and Culture

Photograph of Ponte de 25 Abril, Lisbon, Portugal

📍 Type of city: Capital city
👀 Best known for: Famous for its historic landmarks, breathtaking miradouros viewpoints, gastronomy and lively street life
💡 Traveler tip: Multiple events happing every month during summer, check up the best summer events and festivals in Lisbon to spot the ones you are more interested in!

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is undoubtedly one of the best summer cities in Portugal, known for its rich history, lively neighborhoods, and stunning viewpoints. Lisbon offers a complete summer experience with historic districts of Alfama, nightlife in Bairro Alto, panoramic views from São Jorge Castle and a lot more! In addition, see the Top 3 Lisbon Day Trips if you want a relaxing beach gateaways near Lisbon =).

Some must-see places in Lisbon include:

  1. Belém Tower
  2. São Jorge Castle
  3. Alfama District
  4. Bairro Alto
  5. Jerónimos Monastery
💡
There are multiple events celebrated in Lisbon over summer. You can check them up in the best Lisbon summer events and festivals for 2024 blog.

6) Porto: Best Summer City in Portugal for Culinary Delights and Photography

Photograph of Dom Luís I Bridge and Porto Douro River, Porto, Portugal

📍 Type of city: 2nd largest city in Portugal
👀 Best known for: Famous for its port wine cellars and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
💡 Traveler tip: Wear comfortable footwear. It is more hilly than Lisbon! See Visiting Porto in 3 Days to plan your visit

Porto, a picturesque city by the Douro River, is renowned as one of the best summer cities in Portugal for photography and culinary experiences. Located in the North of Portugal and one of my favourite cities in Portugal, Porto provides an unforgettable summer experience in Portugal with its port wine cellars and breathtaking views along the city.

Some must-see places in Porto include:

  1. Ribeira District
  2. Dom Luís I Bridge
  3. Livraria Lello
  4. Rua da Galeria de Paris
  5. Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia

7) Madeira & Azores: Island Paradises and Natural Wonders in Portugal

people sitting on chairs near beach during daytime
Madeira photo by Monika Guzikowska / Unsplash

📍 Type of city: Islands
👀 Best known for: Known for their lush landscapes, volcanic terrain, and outdoor adventures
💡 Traveler tip: Go hiking in Madeira's Levada trails or explore the volcanic caves in the Azores

Madeira, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Atlantic," is one of the best summer island destinations in Portugal, known for its lush landscapes, stunning coastline, and pleasant climate. The Azores, a stunning archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, is also top summer destination in Portugal, celebrated for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and unique biodiversity.

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