Top Tips for an Unforgettable Portugal Vacation

1. Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a fantastic starting point for your Portuguese adventure. The city, located along the Tagus River, is known for its vibrant history and lively atmosphere. To truly experience Lisbon, explore its diverse neighborhoods like Alfama, Graça, Bairro Alto, Baixa, and Chiado.

One of the best ways to see these neighborhoods is by taking the historic tram 28. This tram ride is an experience not to be missed when in Lisbon.

Some must-see highlights in Lisbon include Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, São Jorge Castle, and the Lisbon Oceanarium. With so many world-class attractions, Lisbon will leave you with a lasting impression.

Top Tips for Lisbon

• Visit All the Miradouros: Lisbon is full of hills, offering great views from the top. Our favorite views are from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
• Take a Walking Tour: Learn about the city’s history and rebirth. We recommend a private walking tour through Withlocals or the We Hate Tourism walking tour.
• Head Out to Belem: Belem offers several attractions like the Torre de Belem, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Don’t forget to try Pastéis de Belem, the famous egg tarts.

Lisbon is no longer off the beaten path but still retains the charm of a mid-sized city. It offers a mix of tourists and locals that larger cities like Paris and Rome lack.

2. Porto

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is a must-visit. Located along the Douro River, it offers stunning architecture and rich history. Porto’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque riverfront.

Must-Do’s in Porto

• Visit the Sao Bento Train Station: One of the most beautiful train stations in the world.
• Palacio Da Bolsa: A beautiful building in the historical center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Porto Cathedral: A stunning cathedral in the heart of Porto.
• Livraria Lello: Explore this enchanting bookshop, often considered one of the world’s most beautiful.
• Port Wine Cellars: Take a tour and tasting at renowned cellars like Graham’s or Sandeman.
• Check out the McDonald’s: Yes, the Porto McDonald’s is incredibly cool!

Best Tours from Porto

• Walking Tour: Learn about Porto’s history with a local guide.
• Miradouros: Visit viewpoints like Miradouro da Vitória and Jardim de Morro for breathtaking views.
• Port Houses in Vila Nova de Gaia: Cross the river to tour and taste at the famous port houses.

Best Places to Stay in Porto

• Torel Avantgarde: A boutique hotel with unique artistic flair, a pool, and a great breakfast.
• The Yeatman: Another excellent choice for a comfortable stay.

Best Places to Eat in Porto

• Queijaria Do Almada: A cheese lover’s dream with a wide range of cheeses and a cozy atmosphere.
• Obica: A mozzarella bar with amazing wines and pastas.
• Royal Cocktail Club: A stunning bar with fantastic cocktails.
• Manteigaria – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata: Famous for its mouthwatering pastel de nata, a traditional Portuguese pastry.

3. Algarve

The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is famous for its golden beaches and sunny weather. But there’s more to discover beyond the coast.

Explore Hidden Gems

• Praia do Carvalho and Praia de Albandeira are secluded beaches away from the crowds.
• Visit tranquil villages and nature trails for an authentic experience.

Where to Stay

• Memmo Baleeira Hotel in Sagres offers stunning views and great service.
• Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort is perfect for breathtaking sunset views.

Best Restaurants

• Windmill Restaurant in Albufeira for a unique dining experience.
• Vila Joya in Gale for gourmet meals.
• Luca’s Rooftop Restaurant in Lagos for amazing views.
• Bel’mare Gastrobar in Faro for a relaxed atmosphere.
• Ti Maria Panorâmico in Fuseta for panoramic views.

Must-See Beaches

1. Praia dos Estudantes – Famous for its Roman bridge.
2. Praia do Pinhão – Start a coastal hike here.
3. Praia da Dona Ana – One of the most-visited beaches.

Beautiful Villages

• Cacela Velha – A tiny village with a 15th-century fortress and stunning views.
• Ferragudo – A 500-year-old fishing village with narrow streets and a beautiful beach.

Day Trips

• Ponta de Piedade – Famous for its scenic rock formations.
• Benagil Cave – The largest dome-shaped cave in Portugal.

Tips

• Rent a car to explore the region easily.
• Bring sunscreen and plenty of water for beach days.

4. Sintra

Sintra is a charming town near Lisbon, known for its romantic architecture and lush gardens. It’s a must-visit for anyone traveling to Portugal.

Getting to Sintra

Take a 45-minute train ride from Lisbon’s Rossio Station. Aim for the earliest train to beat the crowds.

Must-See Attractions

1. Pena Palace: Originally a monastery, it was rebuilt by King Ferdinand II. The palace offers stunning views and cool coastal breezes.
2. Moorish Castle: Walk along the reconstructed walls for spectacular views. Built in the 8th or 9th century, it offers a glimpse into the past.
3. Quinta da Regaleira: Known for its intricate architecture and mysterious gardens, it’s a highlight you shouldn’t miss.

Tips for Your Visit

• Focus on 2-3 main attractions to make the most of your day.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring water and snacks.
• Spend some time exploring the town of Sintra for good food and drinks.

Sintra’s fairytale castles and historic sites make it an unforgettable destination.

5. Douro Valley

Douro Valley is a paradise for wine lovers. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its terraced vineyards and world-class wines.

What to Do in Douro Valley

1. Wine Tasting: Visit top wineries like Quinta do Vallado, Quinta do Crasto, and Quinta da Pacheca.
2. Douro River Cruise: See the valley from a unique perspective on the water.

Best Places to Stay

• Six Senses Douro Valley: Luxurious and serene.
• The Vintage House Hotel: Charming and affordable.
• Quinta da Pacheca: Stay in a wine barrel!

Best Places to Eat

• Vale de Abraão Restaurant: Located at Six Senses, offers seasonal menus.
• DOC: Michelin-starred, run by Chef Rui Paula.
• Castas e Pratos: Fine dining with a warm atmosphere.

6. Cascais

Cascais is a charming coastal town near Lisbon. It’s known for its beautiful marina, architecture, and beaches. With its quaint charm and rich cultural heritage, Cascais is a town you must see on your first Portuguese trip. If you are traveling on a budget, you can have it as a day trip from Portugal.

Cascais beaches, such as Praia da Rainha and Praia de Cascais, are perfect spots to sunbathe, swim, or just soak up the coastal atmosphere.

You can also explore Cascais Marina, Cascais Town Center, Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum, and Boca do Inferno, a sea cave carved by ocean waves.

7. Azores

The Azores is an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic. It’s perfect for nature lovers and hikers. The islands feature stunning green hills, dark land, and volcanic wines.

Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the capital and largest city. It has a rich history as a medieval merchant port. Start your journey here.

Natural Wonders

The Azores is known for its breathtaking landscapes. Explore volcanic lagoons, caves, and the highest mountains in Portugal. The islands also have white sand beaches and dense, verdant vegetation.

Activities

• Hiking: All islands have trails.
• Waterfalls: Discover hidden waterfalls.
• Beaches: Relax on white sand beaches.
• Volcanic Sites: Visit extinct volcanoes and craters.

Travel Tips

• Flights: It’s a 3-hour flight from Lisbon.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

8. Madeira

Madeira is known as a must-see destination. This island offers a mix of nature, varied gastronomy, and rich history and culture. Here are some top tips for an unforgettable visit:

• Explore Funchal: Visit Monte Palace, the Botanical Gardens, and Funchal Cathedral. Don’t miss the Madeira wine lodges for wine-tasting tours.
• Take the Cable Car: The Teleférico do Funchal offers panoramic views from Funchal to Monte.
• Visit Cabo Girão: Experience one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs and its thrilling glass skywalk.
• Enjoy the Tropical Climate: Madeira’s weather is perfect for outdoor activities year-round.

Whether you’re into hiking, history, or just relaxing, Madeira has something for everyone.

9. Coimbra

Located in central Portugal, Coimbra offers a unique historical experience. The city is most famous for the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. This makes it one of the oldest universities in the world.

The university, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of Coimbra’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. It’s open for guided tours. Some unmissable highlights include the Joanina Library, a Baroque masterpiece with an impressive collection of ancient books, and the Royal Palace, which houses university administrative offices and historical artifacts.

In addition to the university, you can explore the Coimbra Old Cathedral, Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, and Portugal dos Pequenitos, a small park dedicated to Portuguese culture and heritage featuring scaled-down replicas of famous Portuguese landmarks.

10. Évora

Évora is a gem in the Alentejo region. This city is rich in history and culture.

• Roman Temple: One of the best-preserved Roman structures in Portugal.
• Chapel of Bones: A unique and eerie site, decorated with human bones.
• Évora Cathedral: A mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
• University of Évora: Founded in 1559, it’s one of the oldest universities in Portugal.

Historical Sites

Explore the Roman Temple, a well-preserved ancient structure. Visit the Chapel of Bones for a unique experience.

Cultural Experiences

Walk through the Évora Cathedral and admire its architecture. Don’t miss the University of Évora, a historical landmark.

Nearby Attractions

Visit the Cromeleques dos Almendres, often called the Portuguese Stonehenge. Explore the Roman Baths and the Roman aqueduct.

Évora offers a mix of history, culture, and unique sites. It’s a must-visit for any traveler.