Portugal photo locations

Portugal is a country of diverse landscapes, rich history, and beautiful architecture. Here are some of the most interesting photography spots in Portugal and the best time to go:

Lisbon:
a. Belém Tower: A historic fortress on the Tagus River, featuring beautiful Manueline architecture.
b. Jerónimos Monastery: A stunning example of Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
c. Alfama District: A maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, and charming viewpoints (miradouros) such as Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
Best time to visit: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Porto:
a. Ribeira District: A picturesque neighborhood with colorful houses along the Douro River.
b. Dom Luís I Bridge: A double-deck iron bridge offering panoramic views of the city and the Douro River.
c. Lello Bookstore: One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, with stunning Art Nouveau architecture.
Best time to visit: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Sintra:
a. Pena Palace: A colorful and whimsical palace perched on a hilltop, surrounded by lush forests.
b. Quinta da Regaleira: A romantic palace and garden complex with unique features, such as the Initiation Well.
c. Moorish Castle: A medieval fortress offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall to avoid summer crowds and enjoy mild temperatures.

Algarve Coast:
a. Benagil Cave: A stunning sea cave accessible only by boat, featuring a beautiful beach inside.
b. Praia da Marinha: One of the Algarve's most iconic beaches, known for its dramatic cliffs and rock formations.
c. Ponta da Piedade: A breathtaking coastline with stunning cliffs, grottoes, and turquoise waters.
Best time to visit: Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) for warm weather and fewer crowds.

Madeira Island:
a. Cabo Girão: One of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, offering panoramic views of the ocean and Funchal.
b. Pico do Arieiro: The third highest peak on the island, offering stunning mountain landscapes and hiking trails.
c. Levada Walks: A network of irrigation channels with scenic walking paths, perfect for nature and landscape photography.
Best time to visit: April-June for pleasant weather and beautiful blooming flowers.

Azores Islands:
a. Sete Cidades: A volcanic crater featuring two stunning lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde.
b. Mount Pico: The highest peak in Portugal, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and adventure photography.
c. Caldeira Velha: A natural hot spring and waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Best time to visit: June-September for mild weather and optimal outdoor activities.

Óbidos: A picturesque medieval town with narrow cobblestone streets, white-washed houses, and a historic castle.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

In general, the best time to visit Portugal is during spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds at popular tourist destinations. However, specific locations may have slightly different optimal times, as mentioned above.

Discover the best photography locations in Portugal with PhotoHound - our contributors have added 109 Portugal photography locations so far.