This southern European country
deserves your immediate attention. It has all the ingredients for an unforgettable vacation for all kinds of travelers. Whether you want to enjoy a cruise on the Douro River, explore medieval castles, learn about local traditions, indulge in exquisite cuisine or have an exhilarating adventure with your family or friends, Portugal has it all!
There is so much to do and see in Portugal that it is impossible to fit it all into one blog.
I will divide this travel guide into four parts.
- Part One (this blog)
- Part Two: Portugal’s Burgeoning Culinary Scene
- Part Three: Celebrating Portugal’s Wonderful Art and Architecture
- Part Four: 8 Must-Visit Local Festivals
Throughout the guide, I will also present my top recommendations in the different cities, islands, villages, and towns across Portugal.
Let us kick things off with Portugal’s Top 5 Travel Destinations!
Lisbon
When most people decide to take a trip to Europe, they think of Paris, London or Rome. An equally fashionable city that, unfortunately, keeps slipping under the radar is Lisbon. That should not be the case when considering all Lisbon has to offer.
Great weather all year round. Throughout the year, the temperature typically varies between 47°F and 83°F and is ever rarely below 40°F or above 94°F. With an average of 2,799 hours of sunshine per year, Lisbon is by far one of the sunniest cities in Europe.
Related: Another Sunny European City with 2917 Hours
One of the oldest capitals in the world. Its age shows in the architecture, museums and historical sites throughout the city. As you explore the Alfama, Castelo, and Cathedral neighborhoods, you’ll be immediately drawn to the labyrinthine streets, fortified city walls, and castles that have stood for centuries.
Warm, friendly atmosphere. You will not be able to miss the wonderful atmosphere of the friendliness of Lisbon’s locals and residents. Most likely, you will find a friendly, smiling face eager to help you, whether you are looking for directions or local information. In addition to native Portuguese, English is also widely spoken, so it is very easy to find your way around the city.
Unsurpassed culinary scene. There are fantastic cafes and restaurants all over the city serving traditional dishes and world-class modern international cuisine. It’s not uncommon to find Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Italian restaurants in Lisbon.
Breathtaking views and landscapes. Lisbon spans seven different hills and is home to many different miradouros (viewpoints). From there, you’ll have breathtaking views of the city’s spectacular colorful rooftops as far as the eye can see. The Castelo de São Jorge viewpoint is a must if you want the best view of Lisbon in all its glory.
Exciting and innovative entertainment scenes. Lisbon’s central districts have become epicenters for vibrant nightlife and a diverse music scene.
Porto
Porto is known as the gateway to the Douro Valley, but it also has much to offer itself.
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ribeira, Porto’s historical center/old town along the picturesque Douro River, is one of Portugal’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Throughout the city, you’ll find impressive churches, palaces, and other historic buildings in Beaux-Arts and Baroque styles.
Museum-worthy display of azulejo tiles. As you walk around Porto, you will notice that many of the buildings are covered in magnificent blue and white tiles. You will see these tiles in churches, cafes and even ordinary homes. These tiles can be seen everywhere. But the most breathtaking work of azulejo art is in the São Bento train station.
Famous bridges. Porto is also famous for the 6 bridges that span the Douro River. The most famous is the Dom Luís I Suspension Bridge. The remarkable piece of engineering was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel – yes, the same one behind the world-famous Eiffel Tower.
Thriving culinary scene. Porto is also one of the most popular destinations for foodies, with a good mix of traditional restaurants serving local dishes and seafood and upscale restaurants, including Michelin-starred restaurants such as Casa de Chá da Boa Nova and Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant.
World-Renowned Wine Region. Any visitor to Porto will want to take a day trip to the majestic Douro Valley, one of the largest wine regions in Europe. It is most famous for the production of Port wine, but you can also sample many other Portuguese grape varieties. One of my favorite cruise companies, AmaWaterways, offers a wine-focused cruise along the Douro Valley. You can also opt for a day tour that includes visits to several wineries with guided tours (including tastings), lunch and a boat ride on the Douro River.
Related: What is Your Cruise Style?
Sintra
Sintra is a charming Portuguese town nestled in the cool hills of the Serra de Sintra. It’s become one of the most popular day trip destinations from Lisbon or the nearby resort towns of Estoril and Cascais. But for those who want more than a rushed glimpse of this beautiful Portuguese city, staying a few days offers the opportunity to discover why Sintra is one of the country’s jewels.
Unesco Heritage Site. Picturesque castles and manors representing the best of Moorish design, 19th-century Romanticist architecture, and Neo-Islamic style have earned Sintra Unesco World Heritage Site status.
An abundance of castles and palaces. If you enjoy visiting old castles and palaces, Sintra is the place for you. It teeming with them! The most famous is the Pena Palace, which was once the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family. I prefer the Monserrate Palace, though, especially if you want to escape the tourist crowds. Other fantastic options include Castelo dos Mouros, Palácios Nacional de Sintra, and Quinta da Regaleira.
Magnificent beaches. The main attraction of Sintra’s beaches is the wild and dramatic natural landscape, characterized by steep cliffs, jagged rocks and crescent-shaped bays. A good example is Praia da Ursa, widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in Portugal.. Along the rugged west coast of the Atlantic, you’ll find breathtaking cliffs stacked above the golden sand. Other fantastic options include Praia Grande, Praia das Maçãs and Praia da Adraga.
Great Hotels. Some of Portugal’s best, oldest and most famous hotels are located here, such as the Sintra Marmoris Palace and Tivoli’s Palacio de Seteais (a former grand palace). With stunning views of Sintra’s mystical forests right from your bedroom window, a trip wouldn’t be complete without a stay at one of Europe’s most coveted hotels.
Madeira
Madeira, just a 90-minute flight from Lisbon, is a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located near the southwest coast of Portugal and the northwest coast of Africa. Because of the colorful flowers that cover the landscape that spreads out before you like a dream, it is often referred to as “Flower Island”. If that’s not enough to convince you to travel to Madeira, here are a few more reasons.
Great weather all year round. With average temperatures of around 70°F in summer and 62°F in winter, Madeira offers almost perfect weather. If you want to escape the harsh winter in the rest of Europe, then head to Madeira to enjoy the sun and warm temperatures!
Funchal, the capital. Most visitors fly into the capital city of Funchal. As the largest city on the island, it is also the center for culture and tourism. Funchal has a long history and an abundance of Portuguese charm, as well as a variety of attractions, including cable cars, castles and gardens such as the world-famous Monte Palace Gardens. Funchal is also the site of the colorful and lively float parade during the annual Madeira Carnival.
Beautiful natural landscape. The Madeira Islands have consistently been named the best island destination in the world. Here you’ll find incredible natural pools carved out of lava rock, gorgeous cliffs overlooking the ocean, and charming towns. There are flowers everywhere, leaving the whole island looking like a garden. You can swim in the natural pool of Porto Moniz, see impressive waterfalls at Levada do Caldeirão Verde, hike Ponta de São Lourenço, climb Cabo Girão (the highest cliffs in Europe), and much more! The number of outdoor activities you can indulge in is limitless.
A burgeoning culinary scene. The cuisine here is another big draw to Madeira. Fresh tuna is traditionally served with a spicy sauce of vinegar, garlic, and oregano, while black scabbardfish, a fish caught only in the depths of the ocean, is served with fried bananas. Espetada, meat cooked on long skewers over hot coals, is another specialty. If you are looking for lodging, Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, is a sprawling and charming oceanfront property. Travelers searching for a more modern approach might enjoy the newly opened Savoy Hotel. Those who prefer a small boutique hotel will feel right at home at Porto Bay Villas.
Water sports activities. The island’s largely unspoiled coastline is a natural attraction. Surfers should head for pretty Jardim do Mar, which is one of the best big-wave point breaks in the world.
Looking for something a little less wild? Go for a swim in the rock pools of Porto Moniz. While you are at it, why not rent a yacht or take a catamaran, windsurf or kayak to see the island from the sea’s vantage point? Between April and October, you can watch whales and dolphins. Or get up close and personal with barracuda, mackerel, and giant anemones while diving in the Garajau Nature Reserve.
Algarve
The Algarve, the historical province in southern Portugal, is one of the most scenic regions in Europe. From the stunning views of the coastline to the sandy beaches, the scenery is simply breathtaking. It’s easy to see why so many people visit the Algarve. With over 124 miles of coastline, 25 resort towns, and countless charming little villages, the possibilities are endless,. There is so much to see and do in this region that you may even want to spend your entire vacation here.
Nature and water adventures. The Algarve is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beach rock formations and sea caves. They are a water lover’s paradise, as you can do all sorts of activities here, from coasteering (an exciting combination of swimming, cliff jumping, and climbing) to kayaking.
Some of the best places in the Algarve for nature and water adventures are:
- Ponta da Piedade, which translates to Piety Point, is located 2 miles south of Lagos. This headland boasts golden yellow cliffs up to 65 feet high and is one of Portugal’s most beautiful natural spectacles. You can explore the cliffs and hidden coves on a coastal hiking trail or by taking a boat tour. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can take a kayak or a stand-up paddle board.
- Benagil Cave. Possibly the most famous of the rock formations. This gigantic cave is sometimes called the Cathedral of Benagil since its different arches have the appearance of a cathedral when viewed from the outside. It is located on the beach of the same name in the village of Carvoeiro in the town of Lagoa.
- Dolphin-watching tour in Albufeira. The Algarve coast is a great place to watch dolphins, with Albufeira being a good starting point. Besides dolphins, you can also see minke whales, orcas, sharks, or sea turtles. The best way to see these magnificent sea creatures is on a dolphin-watching tour. You will go by boat to the deep sea, at least 6 miles from the mainland.
Exceptional Culinary Experience. The Algarve is full of fantastic restaurants that combine delicious meals with incredible views. These fine restaurants take advantage of the region’s access to fresh seafood, abundant produce, and fertile farmland to create recipes that modernize Portuguese classics. Leading the way are the 8 Michelin-starred restaurants in the Algarve – six with one star and 2 with two stars – Ocean Restaurant at Vila Vita Parc in Porches, Lagoa, and Vila Joya Restaurant in Guia Albufeira. When in the region, be sure to try local Algarve dishes such as Conquilhas à Algarvia, Cataplana de marisco, and Tarte de Alfarroba.
Music festivals. Loulé Carnival. The Carnival of Loulé is considered the oldest uninterrupted carnival festival in Portugal and attracts thousands of people to the city of Loulé every year. for 3 days, spectacular parades take place in the city, satirizing the most important social, political, economic or sporting events of the previous year. For this purpose, floats are built that stroll along the main avenue of the city.
Relaxed atmosphere. If you come to the Algarve looking for a big city, feel, you will probably be disappointed. However, if you are open to a slower and more relaxed pace of life, you’ll be delighted by the towns and villages of the Algarve. Do not be surprised if you are enchanted by the charm of the towns and villages as you stroll for hours through the cobbled streets among the whitewashed buildings.
Architecture. The Algarve is known for its distinctive architectural style, which can be found in the villages and towns of the region. A great example is the unique and beautiful ornamental chimneys that adorn the roofs of houses in villages and towns like Alte and Estoi. Any history buff should pay a visit to the Fortaleza de Sagres in Sagres. This unusual sea fortress was built in the 15th century by one of Portugal’s most famous figures, Prince Henry the Navigator. Here you can walk to the edge of the steep cliffs and watch the waves crashing far below.
Do not miss a visit to the old town of Lagos, dotted with 18th-century townhouses and Baroque churches around the Bensafrim River. The town of Tavira stands out for its low, whitewashed architecture with Moorish-style doors and roofs. Because of its location at the mouth of the Gilão River, it is often called the Venice of the Algarve.
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Part Two: Exploring Portugal’s Burgeoning Culinary Scene
Part Three: Celebrating Portugal’s Wonderful Art and Architecture
Part Four: 8 Must-Visit Local Festivals
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Plan The Perfect Trip To Portugal
Planning a trip to Portugal is not difficult. There is a wealth of information available to help you decide where to stay and what to do in Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, or other parts of Portugal. However, if you want to go beyond the ordinary, you may need help planning your trip. As a personal travel consultant, I specialize in planning custom trips for clients who want something more than the typical offerings you find on tour itineraries. There are many reasons to work with a personal travel consultant to plan your trip to Portugal.
For one, I can arrange unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences that you would not have thought of yourself or even knew existed. I’ll also go out of my way to find hotels that offer high-touch customer service, and I’ll match you to the perfect hotel to suit your travel style and budget.
Could you find these unique experiences and hotels on your own? Maybe, if you searched hard enough. But why spend hours and hours researching and still not be sure you are making the right choice? It saves so much time and mental energy when you work with an expert.
Whatever you want from your Portugal trip (or any other European country), I will work closely with you to design a custom trip based on your travel tastes and interests. I will also be available to assist you with any last-minute changes, emergencies, or problems that may arise. Fill in my Travel Enquiry form, and I’ll be in touch as soon as possible.