Lying at the western edge of Europe, Portugal is a stunning country with vibrant villages and cities steeped in culture and history. It’s a country you would not get tired of visiting over and over again. From the beautiful coastline of The Algarve to the historic cities of Porto and Lisbon, there is certainly no shortage of amazing places to discover in Portugal.
If you are travelling to Portugal in a group and not sure where to go, refer to this list of top destinations for group travel in Portugal. Each destination is totally distinct, but all are renowned for their charms, history, cuisine, and incredible scenery.
Estremadura Province
Estremadura is a historical province of Portugal that lies along the Atlantic Ocean. It covers the capital Lisbon and is home to the Tagus River estuary. With its stunning natural landscapes and excellent beaches, your group will have a wonderful time exploring this Portuguese province.
The extraordinary abbey of Batalha, the beautiful monastery at Alcobaça, and the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Tomar are some of the best attractions to explore in Estremadura. All are easily accessible by public transport and offer a fascinating insight into the country’s colourful past. Other attractions are equally stunning, from the magnificent castle at Leiria to the walled medieval town of Obidos.
In Costa da Prata, you’ll find plenty of excellent resorts, especially in the areas of Nazaré and Ericeira. They are also home to numerous beautiful and less crowded beaches. Some ferries sail regularly from Peniche going to the remote bird sanctuary of Ilha da Berlenga.
The Algarve
Famous for its golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Algarve is a beautiful region packed with history and culture. It’s the southernmost region of Portugal and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. With several miles of rugged coastline featuring breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Algarve is a wonderful place to visit for your group trip to Portugal.
Explore Cabo de São Vicente and check out its iconic red lighthouse sitting on the ruins of a monastery which you can see from 60 miles out at sea. If your group is fond of golf, the sprawling resort of Vilamoura is where you should go. Home to the largest marina in Portugal, it’s also home to six challenging golf courses. When evening comes, make your way to the coastal town of Albufeira for a night of partying. Along with its beautiful beaches, Albufeira is also famous for the Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro, a vibrant street lined with nightclubs and bars.
If you want to explore a quieter and more laidback side of the Algarve, head to the beautiful fishing village of Ferragudo. Wander through its cobbled stone streets and indulge in the freshest seafood dishes from one of the waterfront restaurants. Since you’re travelling in a group, you should consider staying in an Algarve holiday rental by the beach. Look for a spacious villa that can accommodate your entire group, giving you more privacy than staying in a hotel or resort.
Lisbon
Often overlooked for its more popular European neighbours, Lisbon is a charming city that attracts tourists with its laidback charm. Perched on top of seven hills, with alleyways winding between colourful and centuries-old buildings, a visit to Lisbon will make your group holiday to Portugal even more memorable.
For history lovers, Lisbon can make for a fascinating trip as it’s one of the oldest capital cities in Europe, just next to Athens. Get lost in the sleepy hilltop neighbourhoods of Castelo and Alfama, and wander along its labyrinth of streets, home to ancient castles and walls that have been preserved for many centuries.
For groups of foodies, you’ll love Lisbon even more. The Portuguese culture is so associated with food that every celebration is an opportunity to celebrate life, eating, drinking, and merrymaking. As you explore Lisbon, you’ll find many restaurants lining its streets, offering delightful servings of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and mouth-watering desserts!
Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is an ancient wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that continues to draw visitors worldwide, most especially wine lovers. Thus, one of the most popular things to do here is to go on a wine tour complete with wine tasting, where you will be treated to some of the world’s finest wines.
Most of the wine-producing vineyards and farms in Douro Valley offer wine-related activities for visitors, from the more relaxed wine tastings to deeper ones while in the company of wine experts. During your tour, you’ll be able to engage in fun conversations about your favourite wines, learn more about wine production in the Douro Valley, and sample the tastiest Douro wines.
Besides the Doura Valley wine and food tours, there are many other things to discover in the Douro. Admire the famous river from multiple viewpoints in the region. In Tabuaço, Pinhão, and Peso da Régua, you can marvel at the river’s breathtaking views as it’s surrounded by vine-covered slopes. There are also different cruises in the Douro that will take you on a luxury sailing boat, showing you the best views of the Douro valley while discovering the region’s culture and history.
Porto
Porto has long been a popular destination for wine lovers, the go-to place to sample the sweet and tasty port wine. But there’s more to discover in this charming city than its wine. When travelling to Porto as a group, explore the city’s wealth of museums, marvel at its varied architecture, and relax in its verdant parks and beautiful beaches.
Head to Dom Luís I Bridge, one of the most famous structures in the city, where you can best enjoy the views of the scenic Douro River. Discover its colourful UNESCO World Heritage district in the north and explore the neighbouring town of Vila Nova de Gaia in the south, where you’ll find the region’s top wineries.
Your group can spend the weekend or the entire week strolling Porto, admiring the ornate tilework at the Sao Bento Station, and appreciating the history behind the city’s ancient churches, such as the Porto Cathedral and Iglesia de los Clerigos.
