With prices going up for just about everything it can be hard to go on a vacation to a sunny spot without breaking the bank, but Portugal is one country that can offer tourists an affordable stay.

Here is a top 10 list of the cheapest but the most beautiful locations to travel to in Portugal based on information from The Travel.


10 Lisbon

The stunning capital of Portugal has amazing architecture with twisty steep cobbled streets, the iconic yellow trams, and The UNESCO listed Belem Tower which offers a full 360 view of the Tagus River.

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This lively city offers local street food and the chance to stroll past traditional Portuguese shops, such as their cork and pottery shops. These all offer “cheap” ways to enjoy Lisbon.


9 Porto

Portugal’s second-largest city, which offers a walk down the Ribeira district, has amazing riverfront views with colourful buildings surrounding you. Francesinha sandwich is Porto’s traditional dish and is a must if you come to the city.


Along with famous street art such as the Largo da Fontinha Porto has much to offer if you’re on a budget.


8 Algarve

The beautiful south of Portugal, this region offers so much, such as taking a trip to the Benagil Caves or hiking to the highest point in the Algarve called Fóia.


Towns such as Carvoeiro where they host an event every year in June called ’Black and White’ which has free entry into a music festival on the town’s beach. The Algarve countryside also offers the backdrop of all the vineyards where you can have wine-tasting tours in beautiful villas.


7 Coimbra

A riverfront city in the Centre of Portugal, Coimbra provides any visitor the chance to see amazing architecture from the 14th Century like The Monastery of Santa Clara a Velha. Also, The Biblioteca Joannia is a library built in the Baroque style which is a 17th-century style of architecture.


The best thing is that this is free entry. Lastly, exploring the old town’s cafes and restaurants is worth your while with its cheap and affordable prices.


6 Sintra

Sintra, just North of Lisbon, is a mountainous town which has the majestic Pena Palace that can be seen from miles away. It is a must-see attraction sitting unbelievably at a top of a hill and the colours and the views that the Palace provides are just breathtaking.


The town of Sintra itself offers the chance to visit the many monasteries, traditional Portuguese bakeries and explore the surrounding forests of the Serra de Sintra, which is free.


5 Viana de Castelo

A little seaside town in North Portugal. The most famous location to visit is Basílica de Santa Luzia a church on top of a hill that provides stunning views of the city and the coast.

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You can also explore the traditional Portuguese cobbled streets and shops. Cabadelo Beach is worth a visit to relax and enjoy the fresh breeze to cool down from a day of exploring.


4 Viseu

This Picturesque town in central Portugal has a range of affordable ways to enjoy and immerse yourself in the historic location. Sé de Viseu which is the iconic Cathedral in the centre surrounded by cobbled streets and colourful buildings.


A great way to explore the surrounding area without breaking the bank is to rent a bike and to then taste the local wine in the vineyards that surround the town.


3 Évora

Located in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Évora has one of the most well-preserved Roman monuments, the Temple of Évora.


The town also has The Bones Chapel, an attraction that is not for the faint-hearted, with its walls and ceilings covered in bones. The region is very well known for its wine and is an affordable place to explore the area and taste the local wine.


2 Braga

The third largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and Porto, Braga offers many cheap ways to experience the area. Bom Jesus do Monte a sanctuary on top of a hill offers views you can’t miss out on after you take the seventeen-flight stairway.


Trying the local cuisine like Cozido à Portuguesa and attending local festivals are all ways to enjoy Braga without emptying your pockets.


1 Madeira

A region that comprises four small islands off the coast of Africa. This region is where football legend Cristiano Ronaldo was born. The capital of Madeira, Funchal, offers extremely affordable ways to explore, such as going to the markets and attending the beautiful churches that are all free to attend.


Hiking the local trails such as Levada and visiting the amazing beaches that the islands offer is a must if you come to the archipelago.

Author

A passionate Irish journalist with a love for cycling, politics and of course Portugal especially their sausage rolls.

Rory Mc Ginn