15 Instagrammable Spots in Portugal

Portugal has it all: historic cities, world-class cuisine, dramatic coastline and natural landscapes. Not to mention some of the best beaches in Europe! Needless to say, there are MANY Instagrammable spots in Portugal. This country has a complex history – it was once the world’s biggest and best shipping port. You can see the intense history in Portugal’s many castles, narrow cobbled streets and shockingly, a chapel made of human skeletons!

Portugal is one of those places that gave me such a great feeling of wonder. It has so much to offer and It was breathtaking. You can go from the very edge of a cliff with the most stunning views, to Lisbon that is full of colour and friendly faces, to Sintra with its stunning castles. We had an AirBNB in Sintra and made our way to all these locations with our rental car from there. My blog post about my trip to Portugal is also one you should check out.

My Favourite Instagrammable spots in Portugal – In no Particular Order

A special thank you to Meiry for joining me on my trip and taking photos of me at the most Instagrammable places in Portugal.

Praia da Ursa

A short 30-minute drive from Sintra, you will find the most stunning cliff scape and rock formations. We went for sunrise and it was so beautiful. The hike down to the beach only takes 20 minutes and we were lucky to have the beach all to ourselves. You need to add this to your list of Instagrammable spots in Portugal

Praia da Ursa is unspoiled and small, but packs a big punch in the way of exotic beauty. Its name comes from “Rocha da Ursa” or bear rock, which is one of two very large sea stacks at the northern part of the beach.

If you are planning a trip, you may want to check out my travel resources guide.

Quinta da Regaleria

The gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira were styled to represent ancient secret orders, with hidden tunnels and concealed symbolism. This is definitely one of the best Instagrammable spots in Portugal that you need to check out.

The Qunita da Regaleria was actually a 20^th-century residence in the town of Sintra. With five floors and an ornate gothic façade. The gardens in the back were styled to represent ancient secret orders, full of hidden tunnels and cloaked symbolism.

Azenhas do Mar

Only a short drive from Sintra (and just 30 km from Lisbon) you will find this adorable town where the ocean and the mountains meet.

The beaches are lined with adorable white houses with terra cotta roofs – very photo worthy! It is a popular tourist destination just about all year round, so expect to have some company when you visit, due to the amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean here.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

This viewpoint is close to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and has the same vista, but has a more tranquil setting with the Jardim Julio de Castilho gardens. The tiled roofs and churches of Alfama delight over the Tejo estuary.

Lisbon has a whole bunch of view points but I think one was my favorite. We went at sunrise to capture these shots. You need to head here and make it on your list of Instagrammable spots in Portugal.

Pink Street

As they say, no visit to Lisbon would be complete without a visit to Pink Street, and it’s true! This street is surrounded by colourful buildings and it is so bright and cheerful. Pink Street is where Lisbon’s nightlife happens in full force.

Located on the Rua Nova do Carvalho, it turned to “Pink Street” as part of a rehabilitation project in 2011 to turn the former seedier Red Light district into a more trendy and desirable destination. To be honest, this was one of the areas of Lisbon that had a lot of litter probably due to all the night clubs.

Pracado Comercio

This stunning yellow building is the largest of Lisbon’s plazas that is positioned on the edge of the Tagus estuary. It’s traditionally where traders would sell their foreign wares and financiers would fund perilous expeditions to the far reaches of the known world.

Today it is in Lisbon’s main square – the name Pracado Comercio literally means “Commerce Square” in English. It has taken the place of the old Royal Palace that dominated the square before it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755.

Waterfront – Terreiro do Paco

The waterfront is so pretty, and guess what? Portugal has its very own Golden Gate Bridge, haha! Well, it looks the same at least!

Known as Lisbon’s Gateway, the large open space is mostly for pedestrians. The equestrian statue of King Dom Jose actually survived the 1755 earthquake and still stands regally over the square to this day.

This spot is one of the most most Instagrammable places in Lisbon. While all these photos were from a summertime visit, Lisbon is known as one of the top winter city breaks in Europe, too.

Convent do Carmo

This church took my breath away! We went right when it opened and it wasn’t too busy. There are mirrors displayed here making great photo opportunities. This is another of one of the most Instagrammable spots in Lisbon.

It was built in 1389 and withstood the 1755 earthquake, to some degree. But the roof was torn apart, and it remains roofless to this day as a reminder.

“Ler Devagar” Bookstore

This book store is all over the ‘gram! Fun fact: It started off as a printing press a long time ago and now it is one of the most stunning book stores you can go to. Not only can you settle down here for a good read, but the bookstore hosts, concerts, exhibitions and events.

Meaning “Read Slowly” Ler Devagar is a Lisbon treasure for book lovers young and old. As a book nerd, I loved this store and consider it is one of the top things to do in Lisbon.

Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal, continental Europe and the Eurasian land. You can find yourself a pretty light house and stunning cliffs along with an amazing view.

Situated near Sintra, the dramatic cliffs lie 150 metres above the sea, with incredible panoramic views of Serra de Sintra and the coastline. One of the most breathtaking Instagrammable spots in Portugal you need to check out!

Ponta da Piedade

One of the most stunning coast lines and it is only a 3 hour drive from Lisbon. Make a trip to this area for the rock formations and the town of Lagos. You won’t be disappointed…it is breathtaking.

Located just west of the town of Lagos, it is an incredibly beautiful section of Portugal’s coastline. Boat trips are even available to take you around the rock pillars!

Praia do Camilo

If you’re looking to relax, this is the spot!  This gorgeous beach has 200 wooden steps down to a sheltered, sandy cove divided by ochre-colored rocks and its so pretty!

Located near Lagos, it is fairly secluded by well-known among the locals and visitors alike. The beach actually consists of two small beaches connected by a cave hole tunnel.

Praia dos Estudantes

We got to his beach right at sunset. It is about 30 minutes from Lagos and worth the stop! The Praia dos Estudantes beach has a small sandy area nestled among the rocky formations that extend into the sea. It makes a perfect area for swimming.

This beach is surrounded by cliffs but there are two tunnels. You can access this roman arch through one and the other tunnel links Praia dos Estudiantes with Praia da Batata beach.

There are so many caves here to explore! Many opportunities to wander into Instagrammable spots in Portugal.

Palacio da Pena

Did you even go to Portugal if you didn’t go to Pena Palace!?! We went right around sunset but make sure you check the open hours because in the off season they vary.

It’s located in the Sintra Hills and is reminiscent of Portugal’s 19^th century romanticism. Pena Palace was built to be visible from any point in the surrounding gardens.

Castelo dos Mouros

The Moors Castle set in the lush forests of Serra De Sintra. It was built in the 9^th century by North African Moors to guard Sintra, but fell into disrepair after the Christian conquest.

Restored in the 19^th century by King Ferdinand II, it is one of the most stunning castles I have ever been to. I felt like a real princess here. I hope you enjoyed my photos from Portugal! If you travel here, I hope you check out my suggestions for Instagrammable spots in Portugal.

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