Portugal
Portugal sits at the westernmost edge of Europe with its face turned to the Atlantic — and there is something about that geographical position that shapes the n...
Where Fado Meets the Atlantic Edge
Portugal sits at the westernmost edge of Europe with its face turned to the Atlantic — and there is something about that geographical position that shapes the national character. The Portuguese call it saudade: a wistful longing for something beautiful that is lost or far away. It infuses the fado music echoing through Lisbon's Alfama district, the blue-and-white azulejo tiles covering centuries of city walls, and the melancholy beauty of deserted Alentejo plains.
And yet modern Portugal is also dynamic, forward-thinking and extraordinarily welcoming. Porto's wine lodges and contemporary restaurants, Lisbon's creative neighbourhoods and rooftop bars, Sintra's fairy-tale palaces rising from mist-covered hills, and the Algarve's dramatic golden cliffs — Portugal offers more diversity per square kilometre than almost anywhere in Europe.
Portugal Through Our Lens
Historic Lisbon, Alfama
Pena Palace, SintraTop Attractions in Portugal
Lisbon is one of Europe's most beautiful and affordable capitals. The medieval Alfama quarter, Belem's Tower, the tile museum, Time Out Market and a sunset miradouro with a glass of wine — Lisbon is irresistible.
Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage town of fairy-tale palaces hidden in forested hills above the Lisbon coast. Pena Palace's vivid yellow-and-red walls, the ruined Moorish Castle and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira are unmissable.
Porto's UNESCO-listed Ribeira waterfront, port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, the extraordinary Livraria Lello bookshop and a Douro Valley river cruise through terraced vineyards — Porto is Portugal's most complete city break.
Accessible only by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or boat, Benagil's domed sea cave with its natural skylight opening is one of Portugal's most spectacular natural wonders — worth every stroke to get there.
The Alentejo is Portugal's great undiscovered interior — cork oak forests, rolling wheat plains and perfectly preserved walled hilltop villages like Monsaraz. Evora's Roman temple and medieval cathedral complete a remarkable day.
Portugal's Atlantic archipelago — a year-round destination of dramatic volcanic scenery, laurisilva cloud forest, levada walking trails and some of the world's most distinctive wines. Funchal is charming and sophisticated.
What to Eat in Portugal
Salt cod — Portugal's national obsession. There are said to be 365 ways to cook it, one for every day of the year. Bacalhau a bras (with eggs and potato matchsticks) and bacalhau com natas are two of the best.
Portugal's iconic custard tart — crisp pastry shell with a silky, slightly scorched egg custard centre. Eaten warm from the oven, dusted with cinnamon, at the famous Antiga Confeitaria de Belem in Lisbon.
Portugal's beloved green soup — kale ribbons in a potato and olive oil broth with slices of chourico sausage. Simple, warming and deeply comforting. Every Portuguese grandmother makes it differently.
Fresh Atlantic fish grilled whole over charcoal — dorada, robalo or linguado, dressed with nothing but olive oil and lemon. The freshness of Portugal's fish is extraordinary and the seaside restaurants deliver it perfectly.
Lisbon's legendary sour cherry liqueur — drunk from tiny chocolate cups at the famous Ginjinha bar near Rossio. Sweet, slightly alcoholic and utterly unique to Lisbon.
Portugal's greatest sandwich — tender pork slices marinated in wine and garlic, piled into a crusty papo-seco roll with mustard. The street food version, eaten standing at a Lisbon tasca, is sublime.
Portugal by Season
Almond blossom in the Algarve, wildflowers in the Alentejo and comfortable temperatures everywhere. March to May is arguably Portugal's finest season for sightseeing.
Beach season on the Algarve and the Silver Coast. Lisbon and Porto can be very hot but vibrant. The Alentejo in August is scorching — plan accordingly.
Vendima (harvest) season in the Douro Valley, warm seas into October and far fewer crowds. September is a superb month to combine Lisbon, Porto and the Douro.
Mild in the Algarve — perfect for winter sun breaks. Lisbon has a vibrant Christmas atmosphere and very manageable crowds at Sintra and Belem.
Ready to Explore Portugal?
Our Portugal specialists will design your perfect itinerary — from a Lisbon and Sintra city break to a Douro Valley wine odyssey or Algarve cliff-walk adventure.