Thanks to its history, culture, beauty, stellar food and delicious wine, Portugal is quickly becoming one of my most requested destinations. This small country that once ruled the world is roughly the same size of Pennsylvania. But Portugal is packed with things to do, see, and explore. Whether you love gastronomy, adventure, history, or just relaxing, Portugal has something for you.
“Centuries ago, Portugal discovered the world. Now, the world is discovering Portugal.”
Discovering Portugal is exactly what my Brownell Travel colleagues and I did during a trip to this historical and culturally rich country. We spent a week getting a taste of what Portugal has to offer and could have certainly stayed even longer. Get a look at where we went, what we did, and where we stayed plus some travel tips below.
Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais
The fairytale-esque Pena Palace of Sintra.
Our trip started in Lisbon, a vibrant city brimming with history, culture and charisma. We spent time in the Alfama District, which contains many of Lisbon’s most important historical buildings. So our energy didn’t flag, our thoughtful host passed out the traditional Pasteis de Belem, a deliciously famous pastry that has been made using an “ancient” recipe since 1837.
After a long day exploring, we were ready for some local culture (i.e. a great meal and a few cocktails!), and famed chef Jose Allvez’s restaurant Barrio do Avillez didn’t disappoint.
We also spent a day exploring the castles and coastline offered by Sintra and Cascais. This can be done either in a day trip from Lisbon or as a destination in itself for a longer visit.
We stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, which has long been considered the premiere hotel in Lisbon. If you prefer to stay the middle of everything, the Santiago de Alfama Hotel is ideal. Located in the Alfama district, it is a boutique property with a very authentic feel.
Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is Portugal’s absolutely enchanting and scenic wine region. Picture rolling hills dotted with vineyards and the river flowing through the middle. Simply gorgeous. There are plenty of activities in the area, including winery visits, hiking, biking, or cruising on the river. We were fortunate to take a cooking class with a Countess, which was a highlight of the trip.
Though the Douro Valley has plenty to do, it is also the perfect spot to unwind, and the Six Senses Douro Valley is just the place to do so. You could spend days here simply relaxing and enjoying the property. The hotel sits along the river, so the views are stunning. The spacious grounds are filled with hiking paths, running paths, and gardens, and the cuisine was amazing — the breakfast display was one of the most beautiful that I have ever seen.
Porto
Not to be overlooked, Porto is a delightful town surrounded by vineyards and port cellars. Here, you can visit the Palacio da Bolsa, the Serralves Foundation (a famous contemporary art museum), and lovely churches. And of course, a visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without Port wine tastings.
We stayed at The Yeatman, the grande dame hotel in Porto. It is located a short ferry across the river from the town of Porto and boasts sweeping city and river views. If you want to be right in the middle of the action and favor something more sleek, Le Monumental Palace is the place to be.
Portugal is for....
- Couples or families seeking a historical and culturally rich destinaton.
- Couple or families who are seeking a luxurious beach destination.
- Adventure seekers or those who like to be the "first" to try a new destination will love the Azores - a nine-island acrchipelago in the mid-Atlantic.
- Cruisers can indulge in a beautiful river cruise on the Duoro River.
- Active travelers can get in their steps on a small group walking or biking tour of Portugal.
AWT Suggests:
Private cooking class with a spirited and spiritual Countess on her private estate.
A day cruise down the Douro River where the captain prepares and presents a beautiful and delicious wine and cheese tasting.
A private mosaic making class in an artist studio in Lisbon.
A private Port tasting class in Porto.
A day rental of an exotic, luxury vehicle to cruise the stunning Cascais coast.
And so much more!