20 Most Instagrammable Places in Portugal

There is no shortage of picture-perfect spots to discover in Portugal! It’s a photographer’s paradise.

In this article, I’ll take you to the most Instagrammable places in Portugal that are sure to leave you feeling inspired and in awe.

Portugal is a charming country that boasts stunning natural landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant cities. From the rugged coastline of the Algarve to the cobbled streets of Lisbon and the colourful buildings of Porto, Portugal is home to some of the most Instagrammable places in Europe.

With the help of some amazing travel bloggers let’s discover the best Portugal Instagram spots.

Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon

Lisbon is a city full of Instagram-worthy spots, but there are a few places that stand out above the rest.

Arco da rua Augusta, with its grand arch, is a classic Lisbon landmark that makes for a great photo. Miradouro de Santa Luzia, with its stunning views of the city and the river, is a must-visit for any photographer or traveller looking to capture the essence of Lisbon.

The Carmo Church ruins, with its Gothic arches and serene courtyard is another popular spot. The Jeronimos Monastery, with its ornate architecture and beautiful cloisters, is one of the best Instagram spots in Lisbon.

The famous Pink Street, with its colourful buildings and vibrant atmosphere, is another popular spot for Instagrammers. As is the Mural Graffiti Wall found in the Alfama neighbourhood. Lastly, the trendy LX Factory is a must-visit for anyone looking to capture Lisbon’s vibrant street art scene.

Now, let’s take a look at these travel bloggers’ favourite Instagrammable places in Lisbon.

Belem Tower, Lisbon

Belem Tower is one of the most Instagrammable places in Portugal to visit. Belem is located in the district of Lisbon, about a 50-minute bus ride. Belem is completely worth visiting because it’s one of the most iconic views of Portugal.

Built in the 16th century, Belem Tower was meant to defend the city from invaders and pirates on the Tagus River. On the interior of the tower, visitors are able to explore the old prison cells and take gorgeous pictures of the architecture.

The surrounding area is also beautiful, featuring monuments dedicated to famous Portuguese sailors like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan. With Unesco sites like the Jeronimos Monastery nearby, you can get a 2 in 1 ticket to visit both places.

To get the best Instagram photo, stand on the stairs in front of the sandy beach area so you get a view of the bridge to the left and the ocean in the background. It’s even better if you can get a sunset photo with Belem Tower.

Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon

If you are looking for a unique instagrammable place in Portugal, an extraordinary futuristic Champalimaud Foundation is your playground for capturing many cool shots.

Located in Lisbon, Belém district, Champalimaud Foundation is a biomedical research center that is a hub of excellence not only in science but also a state of the art of contemporary architecture. Symbolically situated near the mouth of the Tagus River where great Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama embarked on his journey, the Foundation is characterized by limestone curved buildings interconnected by a glass tube bridge. The open plaza paved in bright granite cobbles weaves between the oval-shaped structures at an incline towards the water’s edge.

Although the interiors of the Foundation are not accessible to tourists, everyone is free to wander around and take pictures of the incredible exterior spaces, climb terraces, and watch the sunset from the outdoor amphitheatre facing the river.

How to get there: from Cais do Sidre station in Lisbon take a train towards Cascais. Step out in Belém station. Then walk along the waterfront, past the Discoveries Monument and the Belém Tower.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Lisbon

Lisbon is a riverside city with an array of pretty neighbourhoods spread across seven sprawling hills. This setting creates many beautiful viewpoints or miradouros – the most impressive of them all is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the highest point in the city.

The first king of Portugal camped on this very spot nine centuries ago as he prepared to
conquer the city below. Today, it’s a place where you can see the vast expanse of the city
stretching towards the Tagus River, making it the most panoramic of the many viewpoints in Lisbon.

The viewing platform faces west, so the best time to experience it is at sunset when
crowds gather, street musicians play, and pop-up trucks serve food and drink. It’s a truly
romantic place to hang out for a while and take that perfect photo as the sun drops beyond the city horizon.

Most Instagrammable Places in Porto

Porto is a city full of charm and character! With many picturesque spots that are perfect for Instagram, it’s just one of the reasons why Porto is worth visiting.

One of the most iconic Porto places is the Clérigos Tower, with its stunning views of the city and ornate architecture. Sao Bento train station, with its beautiful tile murals and grand entrance, is another must-visit spot for any photographer or traveller. As is Livaria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

The Carmo church is a popular spot for Instagrammers with its exterior wall adorned with beautiful azulejo tiles. As is the Chapel of Souls, with its unique facade covered in blue and white tiles, is another must-see.

The Bolsa Palace, with its opulent interiors and grand ballroom, is a great spot for capturing the city’s historic and cultural significance. Finally, the Capela do Senhor da Pedra, a small chapel located on a rocky beach outside of the city, is a hidden gem that offers stunning views and a unique photo opportunity.

Now, let’s take a look at these travel bloggers’ favourite Instagrammable places in Porto.

Jardim do Morro, Porto

Jardim do Morro in Porto is a stunning Instagrammable spot in Portugal. It offers amazing views of the Douro river, the city of Porto, and the iconic Dom Luis I bridge.

The gardens are surrounded by lush green trees, making it an ideal spot for photographers to capture some beautiful photos. Plus it is a free spot to explore. 

The park features several interesting sculptures, adding a unique touch to the scenery. It is a perfect spot to add to your Portugal itinerary where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and explore the area while admiring the stunning views of Porto from above. 

A visit to Jardim do Morro is a must for any photographer looking for a photogenic spot in Portugal. The gardens are located just by the Luis I Bridge. Although it is busy at most times of the day, you can find empty spots, and platform areas where one can strike a pose and capture an Instagrammable shot!

Ribeira, Porto

Ribeira is a picturesque neighbourhood located in the center of Porto on the banks of the Douro River. It’s known for its colourful narrow streets, traditional buildings with tiled facades and lively atmosphere.

You’ll find a variety of authentic Portuguese restaurants lining the riverfront where you can enjoy a glass of Port wine whilst admiring the stunning views of the river and the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge.

Visiting Ribeira is one of the best things to do in Porto as it’s got a charming ambiance, feels super authentic and is close to many other famous attractions like the Porto Cathedral.

Ribeira is an Instagrammable location due to its colourful buildings and stunning views. It’s also a popular spot for capturing photos of the iconic bridge, passing boats and talented street performers.

It’s pretty easy to reach Ribeira on foot from the city center or you can take the metro.

Most Instagrammable Places in Algarve

The Algarve is a region in southern Portugal that boasts some of the most picturesque and Instagram-worthy spots in Portugal. From stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters to charming towns with vibrant colours the Algarve offers endless opportunities for capturing those perfect travel shots.

Among the many stunning locations in the region, are the top beaches in Algarve, like Praia da Albandeira, Ponta da Piedade, Bengal Cave, Praia dos Tres Irmaos, and Praia do Camilo are among the best.

The cute fishing village of Ferragudo, the lively party town of Lagos and the charming town of Tavira stands out as the most photogenic and visually captivating places to explore.

Let’s take a look at these travel bloggers’ favourite Instagrammable places in Algarve.

Benagil Cave

Located in The Algarve – Benagil Cave is without a doubt one of the most Instagrammable places in Portugal. Benagil Cave is a large natural sea cave that has a hole at the top and holes at the sides that open up to the sea. This cave is incredibly stunning and is actually known as one of the coolest caves in the world!

Being one of the Algarve’s most visited natural attractions you should get there early if you want Instagrammable photos without many people! There is no way to get here by foot – you either swim (200 metres), kayak or get a boat tour from Benagil Beach. Swimming or going on a sunrise kayak tour is the ideal way to visit as the boat tours don’t let you off the boat – you just see the cave from the boat. If you come by kayak or swimming you can spend as long as you want here.

Praia da Falésia, Algarve

It’s no surprise that Algarve‘s coast is the best summer destination in Portugal and that its vast beaches make it one of the most photogenic regions in the country. It’s precisely here that the impressive landscape makes you wonder what Mars would look like if it had a beach.

Falésia in Portuguese means literally cliff and it is, clearly, the protagonist of this impressive 5km beach near Vilamoura. 

The views are incredible both from above and below. But to get the best photo of the curious red rock formations and their contrast with the sea, go before sunset, when the sun reflects on the cliff and brightens the colours. Although it is close to several touristic epicentres of this coast like Albufeira, this beach is so vast that you will be able to sunbathe even during the peak of the summer. You can reach the beach by car and park for free upstairs, near this photo spot, and then take a well-deserved bath in the Atlantic.

Praia da Marinha

One of the most Instagrammable places in Portugal is Praia da Marinha one of the very best beaches in the Algarve. If this beach doesn’t sound familiar, maybe calling it the heart-shaped rock formation in the Algarve will ring a bell. This iconic location is between the two popular beach towns of Lagos and Carvoeiro and is very easy to reach by car. 

Once you arrive you will want to head straight back to the heart shape. To get there follow the walking path to the right. About half a mile you will spot the two arches sticking out of the water, they should be on your left. Then walk to the rock formation in front of the two arches until your perspective turns the arches into the heart. It is simple and hidden at the same time, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the right angle.

After you have captured the perfect Instagram photo there is still plenty more to explore at Praia da Marhina. The walking trail goes for at least another 10km (6 miles), passing the Bengail Cave. Or head down to the stunning beach and get a better look at the sea stacks. To get the sand you will want to head down the stairs to the left of the parking lot. You can plan to spend the entire day swimming or snorkelling while grabbing post-worthy shots for your story.

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Most Instragrammable Places in Sintra

Sintra is a charming town located in the lush hills of the Lisbon region that offers some of the most stunning and Instagrammable sights in the country.

From the stunning seaside village of Azenhas do Mar, with its white houses perched on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, to the colourful and romantic town of Sintra, with its stunning palaces, gardens, and castles, this destination has it all.

One of the most iconic and photogenic spots in Sintra is undoubtedly the Castelo dos Mouros, a medieval fortress perched high on the hills, offering panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains, making it a must-visit for any photography enthusiast or a traveller seeking to capture the essence of this magical destination.

Now, let’s take a look at these travel bloggers’ favourite Instagrammable places in Sintra.

Cabo do Roca, Sintra

Once believed to be the end of the world, Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point in continental Europe. Known for its stunning coastal scenery and rugged natural landscapes, the Cabo da Roca viewpoint features a classic lighthouse, cafe shops, and a visitor’s centre. There are also numerous hiking trails that take you to more breathtaking overlooks and magical hidden beaches. 

With such impressive scenery, it is no surprise that there is a plethora of instagrammable photo ops at Cabo da Roca. Pose in front of jagged sea cliffs with the various shades of ocean blues below. Or venture down to one of the coastline’s secret coves and have a beach all to yourself! After a visit to Cabo da Roca, you are guaranteed to leave with tons of unique material for the feed. 

Cabo da Roca is easily accessible by car or bus from the popular Portugal destination, Sintra. It is best to visit early in the morning to avoid other tourists or in the late afternoon to catch that golden hour sunlight illuminating the coastal cliffs.

Pena Palace

Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Nestled up at the top of a small mountain, the colourful palace is famous for its Romanticist architecture, beautiful gardens, and views of the surrounding region. 

Pena Palace is painted with a colour-coded legend made up of mainly red and yellow. The red portion of the castle is the oldest part, which was built on top of a 15th-century monastery that was destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake. The yellow parts of the castle were added during Moorish times. 

The palace’s colourful design makes for beautifully Instagrammable photos! You can pose with the palace’s beautiful yellow arches, or get your photo taken at the top of one of Pena Palace’s small turrets. 

Pena Palace is one of the most popular sites in Sintra, so it’s important to plan your visit. Buy your ticket to the palace in advance, and if you visit during summer, get to the palace in the morning before it opens to beat the tour groups coming by bus. This is when it will be quietest – the best time for photos!

Quinta da Regaleria, Sintra

The Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira is one of the most Instagrammable places in Portugal that you can see on a Sintra day trip from Lisbon. 

This impressive 88-foot deep structure was built with secret ceremonial purposes in mind, offering a majestic display to all visitors. 

Descending down its spiral staircase, which is supported by carved columns, you get a sense of awe and excitement as you prepare yourself to take the perfect insta shot. 

You are required to enter through the top entrance. Take your photos while going down toward the bottom for the best lighting opportunities. As the amount of people fluctuates at the entrance, it is best to wait until there is a slight lull that will give you an ample chance to snap away! 

Before you make your way out, venture through underground tunnels located at the lower levels for extra photographs with amazing perspectives!

Most Instragrammable Places in Portugal – Centro Region

The Centro region of Portugal is a hidden gem that boasts some of the most picturesque and Instagram-worthy locations.

Among the many stunning locations in the Centro region, there are a few standouts. The historic cities of Coimbra, Obidos, and Tomar are chockfull of narrow streets and grand monuments. As is the coastal town of Costa Nova with its vibrant striped houses and sandy beaches and Aveiro resembling a mini Venice with its pretty canals. There are endless photogenic and visually captivating places to explore!

Now, let’s take a look at these travel bloggers’ favourite Instagrammable places in Centro region.

Azenhas do Mar

Azenhas do Mar is a stunning secluded seaside village in the Colares parish, just outside of Sintra and only 45 minutes from Lisbon by car. The picturesque village consists of white houses with blue trim and red tile roofs, reminiscent of a Grecian seascape. During the high season, the oceanfront property fills with locals and tourists alike who come to relax in the tidal pool and eat at the restaurant upstairs—Restaurant Azenhas do Mar—which has amazing views over the ocean, or the snack bar on the bottom level.

There’s a small beach surrounded by cliffs and rock formations—careful, as it gets overtaken by the ocean quickly during high tide. To get the best views of this picturesque town, visitors can climb up the cliffside stairs opposite the village to access the miradouro viewpoint. If you’re lucky you may even see the local fisherman with their massive poles fishing over the side of the cliff.

This hidden gem will take you away from the crowds of the most famous areas of Portugal and give you an instagrammable glimpse into the past.

Nazare

Nazare is one of the most beautiful and photogenic locations in Portugal, making it a popular spot for Instagrammers. From beachside cliffs to the old-world architecture of its small fishing villages, Nazare has plenty to offer visitors looking to take stunning pictures. Whether you’re strolling along the harbour or posing atop the famous cliff-top lighthouse, Nazare’s huge waves and sweeping beaches are perfect for photographers. 

If you’re looking for a truly unique shot, visit the famous Praia do Norte beach. Here, you can take spectacular photos of “the Big Wave” — a massive wave that surfers flock to each year. The sunsets here are also breathtakingly beautiful and the perfect backdrop for your Instagram post. Whether you’re looking for an action shot or a romantic moment, Nazare is sure to have what you need. So grab your camera and get ready to snap some unforgettable pictures! 

Don’t forget to head up the coast on a fantastic road trip around Portugal, which is perfect for getting Instagram shots.

Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas, Ericeira

If you are looking for a beautiful beach in Portugal to shoot some epic photos then consider Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas in Ericeira. Ericeira is known for being the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe and is frequented by surfers, yogis and nature lovers. A lot of ex-pats fell in love with Ericeira and have made it their permanent place to live.

While there are many beautiful beaches in Ericeira, Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas holds something special, with its towering cliffs, the breaking waves, and dozens of surfers in the water. There’s also a nice restaurant on the beach called Ribeira d’Ilhas Surf Restaurant and Bar.

The best place on the beach to take photos is on the right side when you are facing the sea where the sand turns to a rocky underground. The best time to shoot some photos is around sunset when the sky turns golden and the blue colour of the water gets more intense.

Most Instragrammable Places in Portugal – Alentejo Region

The Alentejo region of Portugal is a land of endless beauty, featuring a stunning array of landscapes, cultures, and traditions that draw you in.

From the rugged coastline of Costa and Rota Vicentian, with its breathtaking cliffs, pristine beaches, and secluded coves. And, the picturesque hilltop town of Monsaraz, with its medieval castle, narrow streets, and panoramic views of the Alqueva Lake, this region has something for every photography enthusiast and traveller seeking to capture the essence of Portugal’s soul.

The Alentejo region is the perfect place to unleash your creativity and capture the most Instagram-worthy moments of your trip.

Let’s take a look at these travel bloggers’ favourite Instagrammable places in the Alentejo region.

Marvao

Marvão is located in northern Alentejo, near the Spanish border. From there, they say, you can see the whole world. Not quite, but you can see the neighbouring country and everything the eye can reach since we are at the highest point of the Serra de São Mamede.

The small village, with its pristine white houses, lies within the walls of the castle that tells stories of the times of the Moorish invasions and of when the Spanish tried to invade Portugal.

Nowadays, walking through the streets and alleys of Marvão is to travel back in time. The beauty of the architectural set, with typical Alentejo details, gothic arches and iron balconies, are a delight for those looking for beautiful sceneries to photograph.
Can you imagine a picture postcard to post on Instagram that has a castle with an almost millennial history as a backdrop? Come and discover Marvão!

Castelo de Vide

Drive the road from Marvão to Castelo de Vide, one of the most beautiful in Portugal. It is a must-see. Admire the ancient trees that flank the EN246-1, it is a unique experience.
When you stop to take pictures, be aware that you must look for the appropriate parking spaces to do so.

You will arrive in Castelo de Vide, with its medieval castle on top of the mountain and the village spreading out over the hillsides. You will be right next to Spain, in a place full of history.

In the Judiaria area, the streets are narrow, with challenging steps, and the white houses contrast with the flowers in the vases on the doorsteps.

Castelo de Vide is full of squares and gardens to discover. The charming architecture leads us to wander its streets with our heads up in the air, looking for the most beautiful place to photograph.

Evora

Medieval Evora, surrounded by its city wall, is as pretty as they get. Alentejo’s capital city is known for its distinguished white and yellow architecture, rustic food and excellent wines. 

The Old Town inside the city wall is drop-dead gorgeous, with a warren of alleys flanked by the typical white buildings with mustard yellow details. Most of the Old Town is narrow cobblestoned lanes, leaving it blissfully car-free, so you can pose and work your angles without worrying about traffic.

While the entire Old Town is extremely photogenic, you and your camera will love the area surrounding Praca Giraldo. Here you’ll find Evora’s distinct architecture with beautiful Baroque churches, cafes and the wavy patterns of the calçada portuguesa that you’ll see on the squares all across the country. 

Another Instagramable spot in Evora is the Roman Temple of Diana. The contrast between the ancient roman columns and the Baroque churches behind them is quite striking. 

Most Instagrammable Places in Douro Valley

The Douro Valley region is a land of enchanting beauty, known for its terraced vineyards, winding river, and Port wine.

One of the most Instagram-worthy places in the Douro region is Lamego, a charming town that combines rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty in a perfect harmony that captures the essence of this unique destination. From the imposing Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, a Baroque masterpiece that offers sweeping views of the town and the valley, to the narrow streets lined with colourful houses, and the ancient castle that guards the town’s secrets, Lamego is a photographer’s paradise.

Check out this travel blogger’s favourite Instagrammable place in Douro Valley.

Quinta da Roeda

If you are looking for an Instagrammable place to visit in Portugal, visit the Douro Valley.  The rolling hills along the river are not only perfect for wine and an ideal day trip from Porto, but also for taking stunning photographs that rival iconic landscapes like in Tuscany, Italy.

Deep in the valley is Quinta da Roeda, a winery specializing in Port wine. The winery can be reached easily from the town of Pinhao by a 20-minute walk from the train station or by car. 

The views from the area wrapping around the visitor’s center are perfect for taking instagrammable photos. You’ll want to avoid the winter, but at any other time of year, you will find various shades of green popping in your photo with several structures that can perfectly frame your image.

You can order a glass of Port wine or a Port tonic with a cheese board for a photo which will be a perfect way to remember your trip to Portugal. 

Most Instagrammable Places in the Azores

Sete Cidades is a small village on the west side of São Miguel island, in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. It’s known for its incredible views of two vibrantly-coloured lakes: Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake), both of which are set in the center of a huge volcanic crater. It’s no wonder this is regularly voted one of the prettiest spots in all of Portugal. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of viewpoints in the area, all looking down on this beautiful two-toned scene. Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago is the most popular spot for Instagrammers, with Miradouro da Vista de Rei coming in close behind. 

For a particularly epic view over the lake, head to the abandoned Monte Palace Hotel, where you can scramble up to the roof and snap photos of the surrounding scenery. 

Getting to Sete Cidades is super simple: it’s located 22 km from the Azorean capital of Ponta Delgada, where you’ll fly into, and you can make the journey by bus, car, or scooter. 

The Azores is one of the few places that’s wonderful to visit at any time of the year. With temperatures ranging between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius year-round, you can be guaranteed a mild climate whenever you visit. Peak season is between May and September, as that’s when the weather is warmest, but that’s also the most popular time to visit. If you travel to Sete Cidades in winter, you’d likely have the best viewpoints all to yourself.

Most Instagrammable Places in Madeira

Pico do Arieiro in Madeira

Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak in Madeira, a wonderful island belonging to Portugal, located in the Atlantic Ocean.  Madeira is quite small, which makes it easy to explore in a short time. The island has spectacular scenery and, surprising to many, no beaches – except for the volcanic black sand beach of Seixal.

The island has its own microclimate which contributes to Pico do Arieiro being one of the most instagrammable places on the island. The best time to visit Pico do Arieiro is at sunrise. Get here at 4 am to catch a prime spot, to see the sun rising from below the blanket of clouds under your feet. Watching the sunrise from Pico do Arieiro is one of the best things to do in Madeira because of how incredibly beautiful this scenery is.

You can get here by hiring a taxi, which in Madeira has touristic licences and has fixed prices for excursions. You can also hire a car to get here. It takes 40 minutes to drive from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro.

As a holidaymaker

Portugal is a country that never fails to amaze me with its incredible natural beauty. It truly is a photographer’s paradise offering endless opportunities for stunning and inspiring photos.

The most Instagrammable places in Portugal are not just about capturing the beauty of the scenery, but also about immersing yourself in the culture, history, and traditions that define this beautiful country. A big thank you to the travel bloggers who shared their beautiful captures with us.