Want to Visit Southern Europe

Portugal

Duration 10 days Cost ~EUR 2,200 for two Season March-May, September-November Currency EUR (Euro) USD 1 USD = 0.85 EUR Lang Portuguese

“If there is one place on the face of the earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home, it is Portugal.”

— Ziauddin Sardar

Portugal offers incredible food, warm weather, and rich history with a distinct melancholy and warmth that is uniquely Portuguese. It’s also one of the more affordable destinations in Western Europe.

Why I Want to Visit

I’m drawn to fado music in Lisbon’s Alfama, port wine tastings along the Douro River, and the wild beaches of the Algarve. Portugal rewards slow travel — lingering over a pastel de nata and watching sunsets paint the tile-covered buildings.

Planned Itinerary

My plan covers the country from north to south:

Lisbon (3 days) - Alfama district, Belem Tower, Time Out Market, Bairro Alto
Sintra (1 day) - Fairy-tale Pena Palace and mysterious Quinta da Regaleira
Porto (3 days) - Port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia, Livraria Lello, Ribeira district
Douro Valley (1 day) - Wine tasting and scenic drives through terraced vineyards
Algarve (2 days) - Sea caves, golden cliffs, beach time

What I’m Most Excited About

Live fado in a tiny Alfama restaurant
Tasting port wine straight from the Douro cellars
Exploring Sintra’s surreal palaces on a misty morning
Sunset from the cliffs above Praia da Marinha

Where to Eat

Cervejaria Ramiro (Lisbon) — Legendary seafood restaurant drawing crowds since 1956. ~EUR 30-50. 📍 Maps
Cafe Santiago (Porto) — The most famous spot in Porto for the iconic francesinha sandwich. ~EUR 12-18. 📍 Maps
Time Out Market (Lisbon) — Curated food hall at Cais do Sodre with top Lisbon chefs under one roof. ~EUR 10-25. 📍 Maps
Cantinho do Avillez (Lisbon) — Chef Jose Avillez’s casual Chiado restaurant with creative modern Portuguese cuisine. ~EUR 25-40. 📍 Maps
Taberna dos Mercadores (Porto) — Tiny atmospheric tavern in the Ribeira serving excellent petiscos with great wines. ~EUR 18-30. 📍 Maps

Where to Stay

The Lumiares Hotel & Spa ★★★★ (Lisbon) — Boutique hotel in a converted 18th-century Bairro Alto palace with rooftop restaurant. ~EUR 170/night. Book
Gallery Hostel ★★ (Porto) — Stylish hostel in Porto’s arts district with exposed stone walls. ~EUR 40/night. Book
Hotel Borges Chiado ★★★ (Lisbon) — Well-priced classic hotel in the heart of Chiado. ~EUR 90/night. Book
Pestana Vintage Porto ★★★★ (Porto) — Charming riverside hotel in renovated historic buildings on the UNESCO Ribeira waterfront. ~EUR 140/night. Book

Tours & Excursions

Lisbon Historic Tram 28 & Alfama Walking Tour — Ride iconic Tram 28 through hilly neighborhoods. 3h, ~EUR 30. Book
Porto Wine Tasting Tour in Vila Nova de Gaia — Visit famous Port wine cellars. 3h, ~EUR 35. Book
Sintra, Pena Palace & Cabo da Roca Day Trip from Lisbon — Fairy-tale Pena Palace. 8h, ~EUR 55. Book
Algarve Benagil Cave Boat Tour — Cruise to the famous Benagil sea cave. 2.5h, ~EUR 30. Book
Lisbon Fado Evening with Dinner in Alfama — Intimate fado performance in a historic Alfama tavern with Portuguese dinner. 2.5h, ~EUR 50. Book