I had a passion for travel long before it became my career. Exploring new cities, learning about different cultures, and meeting the friendly locals always left me energized and wanting more. One of my favorite destinations in Europe – and quite possibly the world – is Portugal. Portugal truly is in a league of its own. From the colorful tiled walls everywhere to the endless wineries in the Douro Valley to the fabulous food, one trip to Portugal will have you coming back for more. I was there this summer for a family vacation. Excited to share some detes!
The City
While most visitors’ first stop is the capital city of Lisbon, I felt like my soul found it’s home in Porto! Instead of flying in and out of Lisbon, consider flying in to Lisbon and out of Porto to experience two very distinct cities in one trip. What I loved about Porto is that it was rustic, the local artists took over its corners and alleyways, and the views you get on the river to Porto main and of Gaia are like no other. Porto is more condensed and less hilly, so while Lisbon hills rival San Francisco, Porto is more doable in a shorter amount of time.
Top Tip
The Douro Valley merits more than just a quick stop! The Tuscan wine country seems to get all the accolades in terms of top places to visit for wine lovers, but the Douro countryside is just as jaw-dropping, if not more so! Miles and miles of rolling hills, green landscapes, and wineries filled with delicious wines and olive oil (ALL wineries in this region make both, not one or the other exclusively). The culture and history of Port wine, how its alchemy changed over time, and how it got the popularity is has today is fascinating. This can be a trip for the history buff, nature lover, as well as the wine connoisseur.
I stayed in Lamego, a town nestled in the Duoro Valley and home to the iconic Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (climb the 686 zig-zagged steps if you dare!). While most people take a day trip to the Douro Valley, I found true value in taking time to breathe the fresh countryside air in between city stays. European trips always involve tons of walking. Why not take a beat to settle into a charming countryside hotel, wake up at your leisure to breakfast with a view, enjoy a wine tasting, and perhaps a boat ride down the river? It was just the trick to re-energize us all for the rest of our active vacation!
Don’t miss… A Fado show!
This is an experience you can only get in Portugal. The artists begin the show by passionately talking about how singing Fado is a spiritual experience and it allows them to feel connected to their heritage. You’ll soon see how this love of their history and ancestors transfers over to their performance. The singers emotionally sing, both happy and sad songs, the guitarists strum away like there is no tomorrow, and you are taken on a journey that can feel like you are falling in love and getting your heart broken all at once. A spectacular show paired with a good meal and wine, it was hard not to leave yearning to know more about the Portuguese culture and what makes it so special.
Lisbon & Beyond
The iconic yellow and red National Palace of Pena in Sintra is a must-visit as part of any great Lisbon itinerary. It’s less than an hour outside the city and, if you have the time, just a bit further is the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Just by adding an extra 15 minutes to your drive, you will be rewarded with numerous additional castles, such as the Quinta da Regaleira, that I was lucky enough to explore. A moody baroque/gothic building, mossy, stoned walls, winding paths with lush nature and secret corners, this was the perfect place to be as the morning fog slowly lifted revealing a spectacular sunny day.
Top Tip #2
If you visit Quinta da Regaleira (and you should), don’t miss the “Initiation Well – it’s worth the wait! Walk down the winding stairwell, gazing at the depths below and at the nature peeking from the opening above. Aside from the striking views, you’ll learn about the symbolism, spirituality, and mythology of this intriguing site. For my architecture lovers, photographers, and folks who love some slightly ominous folklore, this place is a must.
Futbol is life!
Playing for a Portuguese soccer club growing up in NJ, I always knew – the team you support matters and will determine your friendships! (LOL…but, no, really!) Everyone has a favorite team, it’s been the family’s favorite for generations, and you will find the club logo and colors throughout each household. I always knew it was a serious matter, but seeing it live and in person with Cristiano Ronaldo statues on just about every corner, soccer isn’t only a hobby in Portugal, soccer is life! If you are traveling between August and May, take two hours out of your schedule to watch a game, whether it’s FC Porto in Porto or Sporting or Benefica in Lisbon – you’ll find the passion coursing through your veins, soccer fan or not! The sea of color in the home team jersey, the unified chants everyone has memorized, and the roar of hundreds of people when their team scores, it will be an experience you’ll never forget.
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