t Walking the rocky trail between Pico do Ariero and Pico Ruivo
With its soft Atlantic light, bright sun and blue skies, Portugal is great for photographers. As well as dramatic landscapes and lively street scenes, around the country you’ll find dramatic miradouros, or viewpoints, many with traditional tiles, all of which make for great photo opportunities.
t Walking the rocky trail between Pico do Ariero and Pico Ruivo
The walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo in Madeira is one of the most spectacular on the island. There are wonderful photo opportunities all along the walk, culminating at the summit, where the panorama stretches over the north and east coasts of this lush island. Try to make the hike in the morning for the clearest uninterrupted views from the top of the mountain.
Porto’s historic trams are fantastically photogenic. Head to Praça de Parada Leitão, where you can snap tram 22 in front of Igreja do Carmo and Carmelitas. No budding photographer should leave Lisbon without a shot of the iconic tram 28. A great place to catch the bright yellow tram is along the narrow Rua das Escola Gerais.
Praia de Bordeira, near Sagres, is a wide, sandy stretch lapped by rolling Atlantic breakers. Take the road that runs alongside Ribeira da Carrapateira to the south of the beach and park on the clifftop. From here, wooden walkways lead down over the cliff to give fantastic vistas along the unspoilt coastline.
The pretty Alentejan village of Serpa offers plenty of opportunities to capture the quintessential image of traditional Portuguese life. For the best photos, walk along the crenellated castle walls from which you can look down across the village’s narrow, cobbled alleys and red-tiled roofs to the surrounding countryside. This is a land of patchwork fields and groves growing olives, oranges and cork, making for a fabulous photograph of rural life.
Insider tip
At dusk, head across the Ponte 25 de Abril to Cacilhas. From here you’ll have great views of the bridge illuminated against the twinkling lights of Lisbon.
Portugal for Photography
Santa Luzia
A tiled lookout.
Santa Catarina
A popular evening gathering spot.
São Pedro de Alcântara
A park-like miradouro in the Barrio Alto.
Miradouro da Graça
A shady viewpoint.
Miradouro Parque Eduardo VII
A long, steep park.