Portugal frequently ranks among the least expensive European destinations for travellers to fly to and discover from North America. However, this stunning country is filled with more than only its capital, Lisbon, or its second city, Porto, known as the wine powerhouse. Drive to any or all of these quaint little villages and unexplored beauties throughout Portugal to experience the country from a new perspective.

Are you trying to find out which Portuguese small towns are the most suitable to visit? It’s great that you found us. The top small towns in Portugal are listed below. You can enjoy slow traveling on a cruise for a few days through Europe covering some of these small towns.

Lamego
Lamego is a small town in the northern Douro area that is widely recognized for its rich past that dates back to the time of medieval Rome. It’s the northern Portuguese small towns’ favourites. In modern times, Lamego has gained recognition for its vast array of historical landmarks in addition to its picturesque landscapes and rustic vistas. The Ribeiro Conceição Theatre is a great place to lose yourself in indigenous art, while the Lamego City Museum is a good place to discover more about the town’s past.

Ericeira
Ericeira resembles a traditional Portuguese fishing hamlet with cobblestone lanes and tiled structures. However, scalloped cliffs provide access to sandy shores and, much to the pleasure of surfing enthusiasts, regular right-hand reef smashes to the north and south of the village area.
Because of its proximity to the sea, Ericeira is also widely recognized for its seafood apart from its stunning beaches. The local delicacy is lobster, which is raised in conservatories along the rocky shore, despite the name of the town supposedly originating from the Portuguese term for sea urchins.

Carvalhal
Herdade da Comporta consists of seven communities, one of which is Carvalhal, situated in the Alentejo area of Portugal. The picturesque neighborhood is located between rice paddies and pine woodlands, making it stand out from other towns and communities across the nation. Carvalhal Beach, which is reachable via paved road, has white sands and is a popular destination.

Sortelha
Surrounded by queer granite structures, one of which is named The Old Woman’s Head because it resembles the skull of a woman, Sortelha, the dwelling of a 13th-century fort, boasts captivating panoramas. Another has the moniker “Eternal Kiss.” Enclosed by a protective barrier, the dwellings haven’t altered much since the Renaissance era, granting them a sense of being transported back in time and serving as an ideal venue for their yearly traditional festival.

Cascais
The secluded beach town of Cascais is about 45 minute’s drive from Lisbon by car. Due to its closeness to the city, guests can choose to stop by on behalf of a quick excursion to relax for a couple of hours at the coastline, or they may stay at a nice hotel and experience this place’s charm for the duration of their stay.

Portugal boasts an intriguing past that has been remarkably retained over time, much like the histories of many other European nations. Hope these 5 small towns let you dive into some of the fascinating Portuguese cultures!