Best Portuguese Cities for Backpackers in 2025
1º Lisbon
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Lisbon is a pretty dense destination, with plenty of things to do and to see for visitors who want to explore in depth the tourist richness of the capital of Portugal. There are numerous sights and pleasant pursuits one can take into account, as well as events of special tourist interest advisable for visitors who want to feel the genuine pulse of the place. History, Museums, Monuments, Culture, urban environment, meeting people and many other activities.
2º Porto
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Porto, as the second largest city in Portugal, has a wealth of things to do and see. Here are some of the main attractions and museums in the city.
Porto is one of the oldest tourist tourist destinations in Europe and the richness of its artistic heritage, Port Wine, the vast spaces dedicated to leisure and its cultural life are just some of the reasons that invite you to visit the city.
3º Lagos
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The historic town of Lagos lies on the Algarve. Once a famous seaport, nowadays most visitors visit Lagos to indulge in its fantastic range of restaurants (with excellent seafood dishes), beaches, and wild nightlife. The city also makes a great base of operations to explore neighboring towns, coves, and beaches! Don't miss the breathtaking cliff views.
4º Peniche
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Peniche is a backpacker-friendly city because it is an economical and a very interesting destination.
The best waves in the country to surf for all levels. Lots of nature and long beaches. Berlenga Island is a Biosphere Reserve and the castle of Obidos is nearby. Food is excellent. Best place for surf lessons in Europe.
On Baleal peninsula you can find unstoppable nightlife, but at the same time relaxed by the best surf vibes in Portugal.
5º Ponta Delgada
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Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel, is the regional capital of the Azores archipelago, a string of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean about 1,300 kilometers west of Portugal's mainland and about a two-hour flight from Lisbon. The town lies on the south coast of São Miguel, the largest island, and is a rewarding introduction to this beautiful and remote Portuguese territory - one of the world's great adventure tourism destinations. Is one of the most beautiful islands for hiking, Don't miss the fantastic lagoon of the 7 cities.
6º Faro
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The Algarve's capital has a more distinctly Portuguese feel than most resort towns. Many visitors only pass through this underrated city, which is a pity, as it makes for an enjoyable stopover. It has an attractive marina, well-maintained parks and plazas, and a picturesque cidade velha (old town) ringed by medieval walls. The old town's winding, cobbled pedestrian streets, squares and buildings were reconstructed in a melange of styles following successive batterings - first by marauding British and then by two big earthquakes - and are home to museums, churches, a bone chapel and al fresco cafes.
8º Ericeira
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Ericeira is a place of rest and very popular with families. However, it is also a surf spot more suitable for advanced surfers. It is very close to Lisbon and has some activities you can do such as nightlife. Ericeira's deliciously fresh seafood is one of its major draws. Within the town, the beaches are the key areas to explore. Head to Pescadores for a relaxing afternoon in view of the harbour protected by the towering cliffs, Ribeira d'Ilhas to watch the surfers, or Praia do Sul to be in the heart of the action. Visit nearby Mafra for a day inland and take in the opulent palace while you're there
8º Other cities
Aveiro is known as the Venice of Portugal. It has beautiful architecture and excellent traditional sweets.
If you head toward the most southwestern point in mainland Europe, you will inevitably pass through the town of Sagres.
On the coast not far from Coimbra, Figueira da Foz is a resort city with a casino, bars restaurants and an enormous urban beach.
It's a destination for doing as little as possible by day and dining and partying by night.