Countries of Portugal, the 10 Most Beautiful Villages to Visit

The heterogeneity of natural environments and the extraordinary historical, artistic, and cultural heritage make Portugal one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world.

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Beyond the well-known cities and the most famous beaches, Portugal hides small towns, rural and maritime villages that are true gems of indescribable beauty where one can get lost. In particular, to the north of the Tejo among the lush nature, there are rural villages, and to the south, we find the fishing villages and towns. Let's take a look at a few.

It is actually a tiny village that rises around the homonymous beach characterized by fine white sand.

Tourists who frequent this place can fully engage in relaxation: sunbathing, swimming in the crystal-clear sea, and enjoying fish lunches found around the beach. Often organized horseback rides take tourists galloping right on the shore.

Photo: © Glen Berlin/Shutterstock

This village is found at the foot of a great castle with an imposing tower and surrounded by wide walls that are still visitable. Founded - as can be gleaned from a document from 1258 - for defensive purposes as well as for habitation by the lords of the time, it was the birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral who discovered Brazil in 1500.

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Cabral's residence is another attraction of the village and is now a library and cultural center. A large Jewish community settled in Belmonte, especially when Jews were expelled from Spain. Today, the last community of Marranos in Portugal lives here. Signs of this important Jewish settlement can still be seen in the wall engravings of the doors of the ancient shops. The place retains all the charm of a medieval village as well as all the traditions of Jewish culture.

It is a small coastal town of the Eastern Algarve. A fairytale landscape of ancient origins (it is said to have been inhabited by the Phoenicians and some archaeological remains suggest it was the ancient Medina of Qast'alla Daraj, an Islamic city dating back to the 10th century). The town's only church, "Igreja Matriz," has a Renaissance porch. Though rich in history, it is the landscape that makes this town unique. From the heights of the village, there is a unique panorama that continuously changes with the tide at the point where the Ria Formosa Lagoon meets the sea. Famous for oyster fishing, in the village that still retains all the characteristics of a fishing village, these seafood delights can be enjoyed for just 1 euro each at the only bar in the square. The "Noites da Moura Encantada" or enchanted Moor's night is also famous: a night when the village comes alive with music, dance, and craft stalls from the Moorish tradition.

Located on the border with Spain, in the Alentejo, lies the wonderful village of Marvao. Perched on a spur, surrounded by walls, a bunch of white houses dazzles visitors. Between a maze of narrow streets and alleys, one immerses in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that is almost unreal.

From the medieval castle that rises at the highest point, you can admire unique views of the underlying village and the lush, unspoiled hills.

You access the medieval village of Sortelha through a Gothic door topped by a balcony: the Veranda de Pilatos. In ancient times, it served to launch all sorts of weapons against the enemies attacking the country.

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The village, surrounded by the walls that enclose the majestic castle, consists of characteristic granite houses perched on the rocks that follow the formation.

Must-see attractions include the Pillory in front of the entrance, the building that hosted the Town Hall, and two grooves that represent metric measurements for medieval merchants, positioned on the threshold of a smaller door. Outside the walls lies the modern part of the village.

Nestled on a steep hillside by the Lima River, according to an ancient legend, the village owes its name to King D. Dinis who found this place so beautiful and cheerful that he called it Lindoso. The main attractions of the village are the castle and the ancient granaries.

The castle stands on a small rocky outcrop next to the village, built in the 12th century for territorial defense, and is now designated a National Monument. Near the fortress are 50 granaries made entirely of stone, a unique cluster from the 17th and 18th centuries.

A charming city in the Porto district, it is an enchanting tourist destination whose origins remain unknown to this day. It owes its fame to Saint Gonzalo, a Benedictine monk who settled here after wandering through Italy and Jerusalem.

He is credited with the construction of the Bridge over the Tamega, a symbol of the city and a testament to the Portuguese army's resistance against Napoleon's troops. Other notable works include the Churches of San Pedro and Santo Domingo with baroque influences, and the Church of San Gonzalo, the city's patron saint, honored with solemn celebrations every year. The views overlooking the Marao Amaranta mountain range are wonderful.

Just 25 kilometers from the border with Spain, due to its characteristics, Monsanto is perhaps one of a kind in the world. It rises on a steep hill and was named in 1938 as the "most Portuguese village of Portugal," included in the list of the 12 historic villages in the world.

It is not easy to reach but it is definitely worth it because what appears before visitors' eyes is truly surprising. The medieval village is practically built entirely into the rocks, which in some cases, serve as walls and roofs of the houses. In its narrow and steep alleys, one can only walk by foot and discover wonders to see. Also worth visiting are the ruins of the ancient templar castle and the remains of a chapel with an adjoining cemetery.

It is a small village at the foot of Mount Trevim, where time seems to have stopped. Now almost uninhabited, it comes alive with the presence of visitors and tourists who immerse themselves in this fairy-tale setting where silence is only broken by the gushing waters of a spring.

Among the alleys and cobbled stairways are small stone houses in bronze and gold colors that in the morning light, surrounded by dew and the intense scents of nature, give the village a fairy-tale atmosphere.

Located in the south of the Algarve, Alte is the classic Portuguese hilltop village. With its white houses and cobbled streets, adorned with tiled decorations, it is surrounded by ancient trees and immersed in unspoiled nature.

The hallmark of this pleasant place is the large natural pool of Fonte Pequena and Fonte Grande, a gathering place for tourists used to cool off during the summer heat. Around this natural pool is also a park set up for picnics. Don't miss the Queda do Vigario waterfall that ends in a lake which also serves as a swimming pool.