Portugal is a stunning country with European charm and Moorish vibrancy. Due to its location, the region is packed with rich history and a beautiful coastline. The country is relatively small so it is easy to transverse the inland castles hidden within a misty jungle, the capitals quaint and old world cobblestone roads, and the southern coast’s clear blue water and sea caves in a few days. Portugal’s proximity to Northern Africa makes weekend trips to Morocco very accessible (see blog post Marrakesh Express for more information).
When to go: September
September is the perfect time of year to vacation in Portugal. The tourists are minimal and the weather is warm (average 85 F and sunny).
Lisbon:
Lisbon is so much more than the typical capital. For one, it does not have skyscrapers or hecklers at every turn. Its souvenir shops are far and few between. Taxis are not haunting tourists at every street corner (Lisbon has little to no tourist traps). You can enjoy the beauty of Lisbon while still relishing in the livelihood that the capital draws in.
Where to Stay: Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is the central district to everything in Lisbon. Within walking distances, you have the bakeries for breakfast, hip seafood restaurants, shops, a shoreline promenade, and city squares to watch the sunset. At night, something truly spectacular happens in Bairro Alto. Unexpectedly, the quaint cobblestone roads turn into raves. Unsuspected doors open to reveal bars, nightclubs, and speakeasies every few feet. People walk around with large buckets of liquor and hop around to the different entertainment. Accommodations in Bairro Alto often have balconies that look over the madness below.
What to do:
Take a vespa tour around the city- see all that Lisbon has to offer in two hours or less
Eat at the Lx Factory- an urban “garden” of unique and artsy restaurants
Eat pastéis de nata or the traditional Portughese egg tart from Manteigaria bakery
Recommended Day Trip:
Where: Sintra, Portugal
Distance: 30 minutes northwest of Lisbon
What to do: Visit spectacular castles- Pena Palace, Castle of the Moors, Quinta de Regaleira (all within a few miles of each other)
Recommended Weekend Trip:
Where: Lagos, Portugal
Distance: 2 hours South of Lisbon
What to do: visit beautiful beaches, walk the seven hanging valleys cliff hike, enjoy delicious seafood, boat in and around gorgeous sea caves
Amazing pictures especially those of Lagos! I’d definitely want to take a dip in those beautiful beaches! I bet the view on top of those castles in Sintra are breathtaking during sunrise.
Thanks Johanes! Portugal has wonders of all sorts! Definitely worth the trip
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