8 of the Quirkiest Towns in Portugal

Portugal is a paradise of golden beaches, high mountain ranges, charming villages, and colorful historic architecture. Located on the Iberian Peninsula, in South Western Europe, the country of Portugal is made up of the mainland and the Azores and Madeira Islands.The rich history, warm weather, and postcard views offer the perfect destination to ignite the heart, body, and soul with thrill and relaxation.

Obidos

First up is the lovely town of Obidos, located in the center of Portugal. This town is known for having an immense passion for the power and expression of literature. UNESCO has even called the town of Obidos “Villa Criativa da Literatura”, which means the Creative Villa of Literature. As visitors meander throughout the town, they will most likely come across books in libraries or hidden in local fruit stands. Obidos is also home to the Castle of Óbidos, a charming structure from the 12th century and known as one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

The size of this small can be explored in a day, but the charm it radiates will make it a memorable visit, leaving long-lasting memories. The streets are full of preserved medieval architecture, and a stone wall has been built around the town’s perimeter. Some iconic attractions that visitors should be sure to check off their bucket list are Santa Maria Main Church, the Misericórdia Church, and the Senhor Jesus da Pedra Sanctuary. For those wanting to make a splash or glisten in the sunshine, there are several beaming beaches in close proximity to the town. Some of the popular beaches to hit up are Praia do Bom Sucesso (Beach of Good Luck) and Lagoa de Óbidos (Lagoon of Óbidos).

Marvão

Located at about 2,800 feet high on the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park is the peaceful little village town of Marvão. It stands between Castelo de Vide and Portalegre and is only a few kilometers away from the country of Spain. The one thing that draws in so many visitors to Marvão is the towering panoramic view of the surrounding regions and paradise of mountain landscapes. One of the best spots to take in the view is from Torre de Menagem castle. This town is jam-packed with medieval-style architecture, such as the Castle of Marvão, which stands on the western end of the town and was originally built in the 13th century. This tranquil town offers the perfect escape for those seeking a slower pace of life. Visitors can wander through narrow streets, under gothic arches, and admire wrought iron balconies and windows with Manueline decorations. To get in touch with the beauty and peace of nature, Marvão has many routes to hike or explore on a bike. Some other memorable attractions to see are the Igreja Santa Maria Church, the Municipal Museum, and the Roman ruins of Ammaia.

Ericeira

For anyone wanting to hit the waves, Ericeira is the place to be! The town has been a superior oasis for Portuguese surfing with top tier quality beach and surfing conditions. Ericeira is a delightful village located on the western coast of Portugal in the Mafra municipality and approximately 50 kilometers from Lisbon. Ericeira’s rich cultural history dates back to the 12th century and has many significant landmarks, such as the Church of Misericórdia, the Church of Saint Peter, and the Ericeira World Surf Reserve Interpretation Center. There are many golden sandy beaches to relax on, but for those wanting to engage in the sport of surfing, Ribeira d'ilhas Beach is definitely the one to shred waves at.

Tomar

Tomar, divided by the serene Nabão River, offers a harmonious blend of modernity and history. The downtown area is pedestrian-only, making it a delightful area to wander without busy crowds. One of the most popular attractions of Tomar is the Convent of Christ, which resides inside the walls of the Castle of the Knights Templar. The convent and castle sit upon a hill, offer breathtaking views of the city, and are listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It also paints a perfect view for travelers to photograph memories. Another outdoor area to explore is the gardens of the Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes National Forest. Visitors can admire the cypress, oak, and olive trees. To cheer for the adventure of touring Tomar, visitors shouldn't miss out on sipping Tomar wine coming from the vineyards and indulging in fresh farming produce from the markets.

Nazaré

About 100 kilometers away from Lisbon in the central region, the village town of Nazaré sparkles with charm and authenticity. Nazaré is divided into three areas: Praia, Sitio, and Pederneira. The town is decorated with rich art, history, and culture everywhere you look. Make sure to check the beautiful chapels, such as the Ermida da Memória, the Capela de Santo António, and the Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos. If visitors are craving scenic views and outdoor excursions, hit up the Pederneira viewpoint for a panoramic view of Nazaré. In the mood to break a sweat before the reward of a view? Visitors can climb up Monte de São Brás (São Brás Hill) to be immersed in nature while admiring the heightened town views. An iconic experience to hop onto is the Nazaré Funicular, which is a cable car lift that travels 318 meters to connect between the Praia and Sitio neighborhoods. For a refreshing swim or relaxing tan, visitors can go to the three beaches in town: Praia do Salgado, Praia do Norte and Banhos Beach. Surfing, scuba diving, and dolphin watching are also popular activities to enjoy.

Tavira

Tavira is a bucket list town that visitors will never want to leave. Sandy beaches, narrow mazes of cobblestone streets, and traditional tiled houses. What could get better than that? Make sure to cross over Tavira’s Old Bridge while strolling with a morning coffee. This 17th-century Roman structure offers charming views over the layers and layers of houses. For an even more elevated view, visitors can climb up Castle Tower. Visitors can head to the Ria Formosa nature estuary for an enchanting excursion to admire white salt pans and birds such as flamingos and black-winged stilts. At the end of the estuary, visitors can take a boat across to a stretch of sand between the lagoon and the sea. After a day of adventure, visitors should make sure to fill a hungry belly with fresh fish and seafood. Tuna fishing is recommended as it is a traditional activity in Tavira.

Lamego

Located in the Regiõ Norte of Portugal, 10 kilometers south of the Douro River, travelers can stumble upon the town of Lamego. If visitors like to travel by foot and get in their daily steps, Lamego is the pot of gold. One of the most popular attractions is the zigzagging 686 stairs that lead up to the church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Historical and medieval architecture shines through the town. Get lost in a paradise of ancient monasteries and chapels that transport visitors back in time. Once visitors catch a glimpse of Castelo de Lamego standing tall atop the city, it will feel like living in folklore. The town might be quaint, but it is bustling with many restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops to enjoy tasty cultural cuisine. During the 16th and 18th centuries, Lamego flourished as a wine-producing region, and today is still a hotspot for sparkling wines.

Belmonte

Last but certainly not least is the town of Belmonte. Belmonte is a town that is beaming with a rich history. It is home to the man who (accidentally) discovered Brazil and is home to the largest Jewish community in the entire country. Belmonte is also known for its vibrant cultural festivals and events, which include live music and local cuisine. To dive deeper into the history of the town, make sure to visit the Jewish Museum of Belmonte and the Museum of Discoveries. A main attraction to admire is the Belmonte Castle, constructed in the 13th century. Enter the medieval fortress atop a hill and take in the majestic view of the town from the top of the castle. For a relaxing outdoor adventure, take a walk down to Belmonte’s River Beach. It is the perfect spot to read a book or start the day with some morning yoga.

Unforgettable Quirky Towns of Portugal

Portugal offers an incredible tapestry of experiences, and these small towns showcase its unique character. Whether you're drawn to the history of medieval castles, the thrill of surfing world-class waves, or the charm of cobblestone streets and fresh local flavors, there's something here for every traveler. From golden beaches to serene mountain views, these towns embody the best of Portugal's heritage and natural beauty. Pack your bags and experience the quirks and wonders of these unforgettable destinations.