5 Colorful Towns in Portugal You Must Visit

August 16, 2023 by jordangassner

5 Colorful Towns in Portugal You Must Visit

Portugal has a unique collection of charming and fairytale-like towns that often remain unnoticed amidst popular destinations like Lisbon and Porto. And although the bigger cities in Portugal are undeniably stunning, there is an enchanting quality to these hidden gems that makes them truly captivating and deserving of a visit. Without further ado, here are the Top 5 Colorful Towns in Portugal You Must Visit:

5 colorful towns in portugal

Aveiro

A vibrantly-painted Molceiro boat on a canal in Aveiro, Portugal

Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro charms all. Even at its busiest, Aveiro’s pictureque streets made me feel like I had stepped onto a living canvas where delight danced through the air to a rhythm of hues.

Start your visit with a traditional moliceiro boat ride along one of the city’s canals, where you can weave through Aveiro’s colorful and historic art nouveau buildings.

These slender, brightly-decorated boats provide a glimpse into Aveiro’s seafaring past while offering a lovely way to explore hidden corners and meet the city’s resident swans.

As the day unfolds, don’t forget to enjoy a lunch that Barbie would be proud of at M Bakery, Aveiro’s pink cafe. And after, enjoy a leisurely stroll by the lagoon, where the tranquil waters will mirror the kaleidoscope of colors that surround you.

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner sitting at an alfresco dining set up with wicker chairs in an empty main square in colorful Aveiro, Portugal

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner sitting and smiling inside a pink cafe with a floral wall and light-up sign that reads "Enjoy Life. Eat Cake." in Aveiro, Portugal

A brown and beige set of buildings with maroon awnings on a clear day in Aveiro, Portugal

5 colorful towns in portugal

Sintra

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner smiling while walking in Sintra, Portugal on a misty morning

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner wearing a red dress while standing in a doorway surrounded by a red wall Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal

Nestled amidst a lush forest and rolling hills is Sintra, a town that held me spellbound in its radiant magic. With a timeless air and vivid landscape, Sintra is a place where dreams come alive and wonder takes hold.

Climb the green hills surrounding the Castle of the Moors, tour the red, yellow and blue Pena Palace and explore the pastel and jewel-tone rooms inside National Palace of Sintra.

And after the epic sites, wander through Sintra’s Old Town where you’ll find the most colorful hues, appetizing smells and special keepsakes. There’s so much fairytale charm in Sintra, it’s a must-see for any Portuguese adventure.

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing next to a fountain in front of an empty square by Sintra national Palace in Portugal

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner walking up stairs surrounded by azulejo tiles in the gardens of Quinta Da Regaleira

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner walking through a misty tunnel and out a wall of azulejos at the top of Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal

5 colorful towns in portugal

Óbidos

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner wearing a bright red dress while dancing on a hill in front of a bright yellow and white home in Obidos, Portugal

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing and smiling in the middle of Rua Direita next to bright yellow, blue and white shops in Obidos, Portugal

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner leaning against a red doorway of a blue and white building while wearing a matching red dress in Obidos, Portugal

A 1.5 hour drive from Lisbon, Óbidos is a small town with a delightful medieval atmosphere. Start your visit inside the town’s gate, Porta da Vila, where you’ll find a balcony displaying a brilliant collection of blue azulejo tiles.

Next, continue down the town’s main street, Rua Direita, and hidden alleys where you can peruse local restaurants and shops set inside whitewashed buildings with ruby, cobalt, and golden-colored adornments. Finally, head up to the Belvedere and walls of the castle for a wonderful view of the vibrant village below.

If your travel dates are flexible, I highly recommend planning your trip to Óbidos in the Spring. During this time, you may find outcrops of pink bougainvillea and other blooms among the city!

Secret Tip

Don’t forget to peruse for a book or two while visiting! Óbidos is recongnized as one of UNESCO ‘s Cities of Literature due to its high concentration of bookshops and annual International Literary Festival, Folio.

PS. Thinking about staying the night in Obidos? Torre De Maneys is an excellent, modern yet medieval-themed stay!

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner sitting along a wall at a crossroads going up and down in Obidos, Portugal

5 colorful towns in portugal

Carvoeiro

An adorable fishing village along the Algarve Coast, Carvoeiro has a refreshing and irresistible allure that’s evident to anyone who visits.

Scenic landscape and beach on Algarve coast, Portugal

Enjoy the town’s postcard-ready view by strolling along the beach, Praia do Carvoeiro. Here, colorful fishing boats gently bob up-and-down in the turquoise waters, a symbol of Carvoeiro’s long fishing history.

Diving deeper into the area’s coastal wonders, venture along the captivating shoreline to discover the legendary Benagil Cave. Here, immerse yourself in the enchanting embrace of the golden sea cave, a natural wonder that will surely leave you in awe.

And Carvoeiro’s allure doesn’t just end with its breathtaking coast. Embrace the true essence of Carvoeiro by savoring its seafood dishes at the vibrant waterfront restaurants or indulging in leisurely moments at the cozy cafes throughout town.

Vividly-painted red, yellow and blue boats sitting on a beach of the Algarve Coast in Carvoeiro, Portugal

5 colorful towns in portugal

Costa Nova

Nestled along Portugal’s picturesque coastline, Costa Nova stands out as one of the country’s most vibrant and colorful villages.

The town’s historic roots as a fishing port blend harmoniously with its vibrant present, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that captures the essence of old-world charm infused with modern allure.

Enjoy a leisurely stoll in front of the vibrant, candy-striped houses of José Estêvão Avenue. Then, make your way to the Praia da Costa Nova for large crystal blue waves and honey-colored sand dunes. Finally, visit the red and white Farol da Barra, Portugal’s tallest lighthouse.