Planning a visit to Portugal? This information covers every little thing we did (and what I want we had time for) throughout the Algarve, Sintra, and Lisbon — together with the place to remain, what to eat, what to pack, and my trustworthy ideas on viral suggestions.
Whether you’re headed for ocean views, Michelin-star eating, or dreamy tile-covered streets, this itinerary blends luxurious leisure with slightly journey, and loads of nice meals.
Table of Contents
The Algarve: Ocean Views, Michelin Dining & Poolside Bliss
Where We Stayed:
We spent the primary a part of our journey at Vila Vita Parc Resort within the Algarve, and truthfully, it’s a vacation spot in itself. It’s perched above the cliffs with sweeping ocean views, a dozen eating places (together with a Michelin-starred one), and a pool that makes you neglect the rest exists on the earth.
We solely had a number of days right here and wished to absorb as a lot of the resort as doable, so we didn’t do an excessive amount of exploring outdoors the resort. The poolside restaurant was surprisingly good and had a full mocktail menu — not only one or two choices however eight. Every single one I attempted was scrumptious.
Tip: Take benefit of the free tuk-tuk service that runs from the resort right down to close by seashores, together with the one the place O Stop Restaurant is situated. You also can begin the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail proper from the resort’s decrease car parking zone.
An Unexpected Oceanside Hike
After lunch at some point, we determined to “simply stroll right down to see the ocean” and unintentionally stumbled onto a cliffside mountain climbing path — in flip-flops (fortunately these flip flops are tremendous comfortable). I believe it was a part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, and we ended up strolling over a mile with essentially the most breathtaking views of the ocean beneath.
If you intend to discover, pack correct sneakers!
Dinner with a View
Our first evening, we had been so jet-lagged (I hadn’t slept in 24 hours!) however made it to dinner at Sky Bar, Vila Vita’s rooftop sushi restaurant. It was completely value it for the unbelievable sushi and even higher ocean views.
There’s additionally a Michelin-starred restaurant on property, Ocean, nevertheless it books out far upfront. Since we didn’t have reservations, we discovered one other Michelin restaurant close by referred to as Bon Bon and it ended up being considered one of our favourite meals of the whole journey.
The chef’s menu was impressed by his grandmother and Portuguese traditions — inventive, fantastically plated, and filled with coronary heart. I even tried to purchase considered one of their fish plates as a result of it was so cute (they mentioned no haha).
The Resort’s Duck Family!
One of my favourite elements of Vila Vita was the little duck household that lived on the property. Every morning, the mama duck and her infants would swim collectively. The resort even constructed them a tiny home and fed them day by day. It was so cute!
Algarve Experiences & Local Recommendations
We tried a dolphin cave tour that got here extremely advisable, however I’ll be trustworthy, it wasn’t my favourite. It was chilly and windy on the water, and seeing dozens of boats crowding round dolphins felt icky. I’d in all probability skip this, however when you do go, search for a smaller or non-public operator that’s extra respectful of wildlife.
If you have got extra time within the Algarve, listed below are reader and follower-recommended spots we didn’t make it to however are value testing:
Restaurants
- Marina – seafood
- Quinta dos Santos – wine & small plates
- Camilo – seafood with views
- Nova Wine Bar – cozy and native
- Casinha do Petisco (Lagos) – go early! line kinds at 5:30
- Jota Lita (Carvoeiro)
- 2 Passos – upscale seaside eating
- Marias – seashore restaurant
- Pateo Velho – basic Portuguese
Things to Do
- Visit Burgau (referred to as “mini Santorini”)
- Shop in Albufeira Old Town
- Kayak to Benagil Sea Cave – the cave wasn’t essentially the most breathtaking factor for me, however when you like kayaking I believe this may very well be a enjoyable exercise.
- Visit Porches Pottery – we did make it right here and it’s superb!
- Check out Vida Portuguesa for native items
- Join a Secret Food Tour (meals + historical past)
Sintra: Castles, Charm, and Jinja
After the Algarve, we drove to Sintra, a fairytale city simply half-hour from Lisbon. It’s identified for its colourful palaces, cobblestone streets, and lush hillside views that really feel straight out of a storybook.
Where We Stayed:
Valverde Palácio de Seteais, a restored 18th-century palace that made us really feel like royalty. The workers is so pleasant and type. Every nook was elegant and peaceable — an ideal in a single day cease earlier than heading into Lisbon.
What to Do in Sintra
- Visit the Moorish Castle: We hiked up with associates (they introduced champagne, cheese, and grapes — extremely suggest!). The views from the highest are unbelievable.
- Wander the Town: The middle of Sintra is filled with charming retailers and native eating places.
- Try a Ginja Shot: It’s a Portuguese cherry liqueur served in a chocolate shell — like a grown-up cherry cordial.
- Take a Tuk Tuk Ride: The hills listed below are no joke and you may not need to stroll them. We took the tuk tuk up a giant hill to the Moorish Castle. Our driver referred to as it a “Portuguese therapeutic massage” as a result of the roads are so bumpy…hilarious and memorable!
Dinner Recommendation:
Restaurante Azenhas do Mar – an informal seafood restaurant constructed into the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Make a reservation round sundown as a result of the images are unreal! Make positive you order the clams, they had been our favourite!
Lisbon: Shopping, Seafood And A 3-Day Wedding Celebration
Our remaining cease was Lisbon, the place we stayed on the Tivoli Hotel within the metropolis middle — good for strolling in every single place. We dropped off our rental automotive earlier than heading to the lodge, since you undoubtedly don’t want or need a automotive in Lisbon!
Where to Stay in Lisbon
We beloved the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, and not simply because they thought my husband was a well-known American boxer (and upgraded us to the Presidential Suite for our whole keep). Also, I don’t know why they thought that however we simply went with it haha. The location is unbeatable and surrounded by superb procuring, cafes, and a number of the finest eating places in Lisbon.
The Tivoli was the marriage lodge so we didn’t need to do any analysis on this one however my good friend (the bride) is a journey guru and picked an exquisite one!
On our final day, we obtained massages on the lodge spa and it was among the finest I’ve ever had.
Where to Eat in Lisbon
On our final day in Lisbon, we went to Cervejaria Ramiro for lunch. I don’t suppose they take reservations and they had been very busy however we had been seated inside about half-hour.
Unlike different eating places in Portugal, they flip over their tables in a short time so we had been out in about 45 minutes! The meals was AMAZING, we beloved every little thing we had, however the clams and the broth they had been in had been spectacular.
Our final dinner in Lisbon was at Via Graça, an exquisite restaurant with panoramic views of town. The meals was unbelievable and such an ideal strategy to finish our journey.
We additionally had a number of standout meals and a protracted listing of suggestions:
Top Picks & Reader Recs
- Da Noi – Italian consolation meals
- Mercearia do Século – stylish, make a reservation
- Cevicheria – seafood & pisco cocktails
- Lidia’s – cozy & inventive
- Bonjardim – well-known for peri peri hen
- Epur – Michelin-starred tasting menu
- Rocco at Ivens Hotel – beautiful ambiance
- Ponto Final – waterfront eating
- Taberna Sal Grosso – genuine & informal
- Java Rooftop – drinks with a view
- Sala de Corte – steak lovers, that is your spot
Shopping in Lisbon
Lisbon is procuring heaven. From designer shops to native boutiques and markets, you’ll discover ceramics, cork items, perfumes, and extra.
These had been excessive on my listing however I didn’t have time to go:
- Opar Perfume Lab – create your personal scent
- Next Memory Perfume – a extra trendy model, lovely house
Tip: Portugal is thought for cork merchandise — baggage, hats, and even sneakers. They make nice items.
A Few Other Things
We had been across the nook from Pink Street, which is a viral vacation spot on social media. It’s cute for a fast image when you occur to be close by, however not value going out of your means for. It’s additionally not as lovely in particular person because it regarded on-line.
If you have got additional time, Cabo da Roca (the westernmost level of Europe) is a superb half-day journey from Lisbon with beautiful ocean views.
What to Pack for Portugal in September
September in Portugal is heat and sunny through the day (80–85°F) with cooler evenings (excessive 60s–70s). The Algarve is beachy and breezy, whereas Lisbon and Sintra are extra metropolis stylish.
Algarve (Resortwear)
- Flowy maxi clothes
- Swimsuits + coverups
- Flat sandals
- Lightweight solar hat and UPF solar hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- SPF + after-sun lotion
- Small crossbody bag for exploring
Lisbon + Sintra (City Chic)
- Comfortable strolling sneakers or sneakers
- Linen pants or midi skirts
- Lightweight sweaters or jackets for evenings
- Casual clothes or units for daytime
- Gold jewellery or assertion earrings for dinners
Travel Essentials
Portugal Travel Resources
Currency: Euro (€). Credit playing cards are broadly accepted, nevertheless it’s good to maintain slightly money for taxis and small retailers.
Tipping: Not required, however 5–10% is appreciated at eating places.
Getting Around:
- Algarve: Rent a automotive when you plan to discover past your resort.
- Sintra: Walk or take a tuk tuk, parking is proscribed and driving on the slim streets is troublesome. We took a flawed flip that price us 25 minutes on the best way to the lodge!
- Lisbon: The metropolis is walkable, nevertheless it’s massive and taxis and Ubers are straightforward to search out.
Best Months to Visit:
May–October for heat climate, sunshine, and fewer crowds than peak summer time. September was good, heat sunny days and gentle evenings.
Final Thoughts
Portugal completely exceeded our expectations and it was considered one of my favourite journeys to this point. From the ocean cliffs within the Algarve to the storybook appeal of Sintra and the meals and procuring in Lisbon.
If you’re planning a Europe journey, you may’t go flawed with Portugal. If I might do it over once more, I’d suggest beginning with the colourful metropolis lifetime of Lisbon and then ending with a calming couple of days within the Algarve.
If you don’t need to keep in a single day in Sintra, you may simply do a day journey there! Just be certain to pack comfortable sneakers, depart room in your suitcase for pottery, and make some dinner reservations early for fashionable spots.
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