PORTUGAL TRAVEL GUIDE

Why Travel to Portugal?

Portugal is a beautiful country situated on the Iberian Peninsula sharing with its Spanish neighbors. It is considered a top destination for its spectacular white sandy beaches, and renowned gastronomy where you will find some of the best food and wine in Europe!

In our Portugal travel guide, we recommend you taste the delicious freshly baked tarts “Pastéis de nata”, visit the country’s most popular wine regions. Of course, don’t forget about exploring Northern Portugal with its natural green breathtaking sceneries sharing similar features as its neighbor, Galicia.

A destination that is full of history with many ancient cultural influences, such as the mark left by the first Celtic civilizations on the Iberian Peninsula, the Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Christians.

It has all that you dream of for the perfect slow-food walking experience!

5 Recommended places to visit that will make you fall in love with Portugal!

1. Douro Valley: Called the enchanted valley for its beautiful landscape and for producing the famous sweet fortified wine, Port wine. But that is not the only type of wine found in the Douro Valley, as well you can taste young reds of the Douro DOC wine region, even white wines made from the Alvarinho grape variety. Lots of great wines to choose from for wine lovers looking at a new wine destination to explore. Pairing with the wines savour the delicious traditional local food in small villages deep in the Douro valley. Apart from nature and gastronomy in this area, you can visit historic churches and landmarks in the quaint town along the banks of the Douro River.
   
   
2. Porto: The second largest city of Portugal behind Lisbon, home to some of the finest wines made in Portugal. Pop over the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia and visit some of the Port wine lodges including Port wine tasting to understand more about these world-renowned fortified wines. The city of Porto was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 that´s why it is essential in our Portugal travel guide. You can visit lots of monuments and a very well restored old quarter of the city!
   
   
3. Madeira: A place with a unique natural sub-tropic beauty where the largest laurel forest in the world can be found. Breathtaking dramatic green emerald sceneries combined with the blue of the sea makes it a magical land worth exploring. A trip to Madeira is not complete if you don't walk a few Levada walking trails that will make you disconnect from the city way of life. The gastronomy of Madeira Islands will bring your taste buds alive... Madeira wine, Bolo do Mel, Anona da Madeira, Milho Frito, Espetada, Bacalhau, Espada, Lapas, Bolo Caco, etc.
   
   
4. Lisbon: The capital and the largest city in Portugal. A multicultural center, where all its visitors feel welcomed by its warm and pleasant atmosphere. A city that is full of important landmarks such as the Portuguese Renaissance tower, Belém Tower, the hilltop Moorish castle, Castelo de São Jorge, and much more. Book our half-day private tour and enjoy an expert sightseeing tour. Walk the streets of the Alfama quarter and get the real flavour of the city at the many bars and restaurants offering local gastronomy and wines. Venturing outside the city, you can spend a day visiting Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais, Estoril, etc... Even take a wine-tasting tour in Colares or taste the Moscatel wines of Setúbal.  A must-see is the Arrábida National Park, a day well spent walking the cliff trails, or even get in the water on a kayak.
   
   
5. Algarve: Situated on the southern coast of Portugal, a paradise you can enjoy exquisite beaches like Albufeira, Lagos, Portimão, etc. There is a wide range to choose from, from small and rarely visited beaches to huge desert beaches. Unwind and relax admiring the natural beauty that this region has to offer. Get active along the coastal trails a great way to keep in shape while enjoying the marvellous scenery. Not to forget for the food lover the amazing local food & wine that can be found.
   

Portugal’s rich and vast gastronomy, a foodie paradise

The Portuguese cuisine is back by traditional recipes handed down through the generations. Taste fresh fish and seafood caught along the Portuguese coasts, grilled fish like the sardinas (sardines) is a trademark of this land. Inland hearty dishes such as “Cozido À Portuguesa” are a must-taste. As well delicious cheeses worth trying, a great example is the mountain cheese from Serra da Estrela “Queijo da Serra”. Portugal is a true foodie paradise to be discovered and savoured!

Our food and walking experts have chosen the best tour operators offering tours, hotels, wineries... experiences based around food, wine and walking holidays in Portugal. You can check our full list of the best food tours to Portugal and recommended boutique hotels in the sections of this Portugal travel destination guide.

Capital of Portugal: Lisbon
Population: 10,32 million (2016)