PORTUGAL
Portugal beckons far beyond its vibrant capital Lisbon or its renowned Port wine. The mainland unfolds a diverse tapestry of enchanting landscapes, medieval castles, sun-kissed beaches, and charming towns waiting to be explored. The country is a treasure trove of cultural richness, from its historic monuments to its delectable cuisine and soul-stirring Fado music.
Dive into Portugal’s history, where tales of maritime exploration and ancient civilizations unfold. Beyond the mainland, Portugal’s allure extends to its picturesque volcanic islands, each with its own unique charm. From the Azores’ lush landscapes and serene beauty to the golden shores of Madeira, there’s a captivating experience for every traveler.
Spanning from the vineyard-covered hills of the Douro Valley to the sunlit beaches of the Algarve, Portugal’s diverse landscapes offer an array of outdoor adventures, from hiking through ancient forests to relaxing by the Atlantic Ocean. Immerse yourself in the local culture, where Fado melodies fill the air and historic landmarks in cities like Porto and Sintra narrate centuries of tales.
Whether you’re strolling through the narrow streets of Lisbon’s Alfama district, indulging in pastel de nata in Porto, or exploring the Moorish influences in the Alentejo region, Portugal invites you to embark on a journey that goes far beyond its famous landmarks, unveiling the true essence of this captivating Mediterranean jewel on the Iberian Peninsula.
This page will help you plan your trip to Portugal with fantastic informative videos, my favorite places to stay and tips & tricks!
VIDEOS
Watch all my adventures and discover the best places to visit!
- Algarve
- Azores 2015 (Sao Miguel – Flores – Faial – Sao Miguel)
- Azores 2023 (Sao Miguel – Terceira – Flores – Sao Miguel)
- Lisbon
- Madeira 2017
- Madeira 2024
- Porto
- Sintra
BLOG POSTS
Discover detailed articles about my travels!
FAVORITE PLACES TO STAY
Discover which hotels & B&B’s I stayed at!
Nice to know before traveling to Portugal
Planning a trip to Portugal? Here are some tips & tricks that will make it a little easier for you!
Lisbon
- buy a Viva Viagem card at the airport metro station for 0.50€, charge it with the amount you prefer and take the metro to the city center. It is also perfect if you don’t want to overspend on elevadores and trams. It is cheaper to use this card, then to buy a ticket on board.
- The Lisboa Card is also budget friendly if you plan on visiting a lot of museums/monuments and taking public transport.
- Take a water bottle: You can fill it at the drinking fountains spread over the city.
- Wear comfortable shoes: I recommend sneakers that give good support to your feet
- Watch out for slippery soles, you will slide on the mosaic sidewalks!
Sintra
- Take the train at the Rossio train station in the center of Lisbon to Sintra station. During weekdays there’s a train every 15 minutes, in the weekend every 30 minutes. The trip takes about 40 minutes.
- Book your tickets to the castles in advance online to avoid long lines at the ticket office
- Since Sintra has become so popular I advise to spend at least one or two nights at the town, so you can start exploring at least one or two palaces at opening time before the crowds arrive
Azores & Madeira
- The weather is very unstable & unpredictable: always bring a rain jacket & a sweater
- Always wear waterproof hiking shoes
- Get a small rental car; roads are steep and narrow
- It’s an active hiking and nature destination. There are a few black beaches, but take into account the weather is also very unstable. It is not a beach holiday destination.
- The Azores are all about nature; there are no big shopping areas, except for one mall at Sao Miguel
- Book your flights for the Azores well in advance and take into account the flights between islands can get canceled due to the weather conditions.