Portugal Is A Vacation Spot You Need To Check Out, And These 31 Photos Prove Why

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If Portugal wasn't already on your bucket list, it's about to be. Get your Pinterest ready, because you'll want to save some of these photos for when you're finally ready to plan that trip to Portugal!

Coastal cliff view with kayaks in the water of Ponta da Piedade, Lagos, Portugal.

Let the wanderlust ensue!

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Lisbon is usually the first stop on everyone's list when visiting Portugal, but mine was Lagos, and it was the perfect relaxing yet adventurous spot to begin my trip.

Rocky oceanside cliffs in Lagos, Portugal

It's best known for its gorgeous beaches, filled with rocky caves and oceanside cliffs.

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If you've ever wanted to kayak through seaside caves, Lagos is the place for you!

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But for the land lovers, there are plenty of sandy beaches to relax on.

View of Camilo beach, at sunrise, in Lagos in the Algarve.

Many with lots of stairs, though, so be warned!

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And rocky seaside views that remind me of Thailand.

Rocky coast at Ponta da Piedade in Lagos in the Algarve in Portugal
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Like Lisbon, Lagos is so colorful!

Colorful flowers and plants in Lagos
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But Lisbon is a bit more vibrant thanks to the famous tile work.

Posing in front of intricately painted tiles
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Aside from the tiles, Lisbon is colorful in its own right. See: pink and yellow buildings.

Colorful apartment buildings in Lisbon
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And then there's the street art, which adds another fun element to the artwork around the city.

Street art in Lisbon
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I always love when the street art plays off the city's famed tiles.

Street art in Lisbon mimicking tiles.
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Lisbon is growing each year and attracting plenty of foodies.

Breakfast in Lisbon

Breakfast all day, every day!

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Because Lisbon is a city built on hills, almost every window gets a good view.

View from the window of an Airbnb in Lisbon
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Just a short bus ride away from Lisbon's center is the incredible Belém Tower, which sits in the middle of the water where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean.

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And while you're nearby, you'll want to grab at least a dozen pastéis de nata from Pastéis de Belém, the original creators of this creamy egg tart pastry.

traditional dessert pasteis de nata
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But if you're only staying in Lisbon, don't worry. These pastries are all over the city. And the original recipe was sold to Fábrica da Nata, the best spot to grab some in the city.

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There are so many vibrant neighborhoods to explore.

colorful streets in the Alfama neighborhood
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The most popular neighborhood being Alfama.

Panoramic view of the Alfama historic neighborhood of Lisbon at sunset from Portas do Sol viewpoint. Portugal.
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Along with Príncipe Real and Bairro Alto.

Gloria Funicular in downtown Lisbon
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On your way between the two neighborhoods, you can stop for gelato at Nannarella, which has some of the best handmade panna (whipped cream)!

Gelato in Lisbon
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Getting lost in Lisbon is easy with all the winding streets, but it's almost always a happy adventure.

Streets of Lisbon
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If you're ready to get out of the city, a day trip to Sintra is a must.

Old multicolored buildings of the center city of Sintra with tourists visiting the old town in the Greater Lisbon region of Portugal
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Including a stop at the Pena Palace.

Pena Palace
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And when you're ready to visit the northern coast, Porto is a fan fav.

Porto, Portugal
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Like, seriously, just look at it!

City lights of Porto, Portugal with reflections in the River Douro
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There are so many places to visit in Portugal's mainland.

scenic view of Cavado river and Peneda-Geres National Park in northern Portugal.
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But don't overlook the islands. The Azores are worth a whole other trip!

  Aroxo / Getty Images
Aroxo / Getty Images

This cluster of islands west of Portugal is not to be missed!

Ponta Delgada, Portugal
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And let's not forget Madeira while we're talking about islands!

Camara De Lobos village On Madeira island.

Please excuse me while I check flight deals to Madeira. Byeeee.

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Where's your favorite spot in Portugal?