Being a coastal country, Portugal has so much to offer from fresh seafood to delicate pastries, historic cities to beautiful beaches, ceramic tile to fascinating street art, and some of the smoothest, open roads you’ve ever driven on. Ten days by car in Portugal gave us an ample amount of time to explore everything from large cities, to small towns, and the infamous Algarve - the summer vacation hot spot for, not just locals, but a lot of Europe. The three things to always keep at top of mind are: port wine, pastel de nata and beaches.

West Coast

Porto

Portugal’s second largest city is well-known for medieval history and architecture, colorful facades, chorizo, and of course, it’s port wine.

Stay

The Yeatman

If you’re looking for luxury and peace away from the crowds, The Yeatman is where you’ll want to stay. Located at the northern tip of the Douro Valley, the Yeatman is placed among some of Portugal’s best wineries. Sitting directly across the Douro River from the main attractions, this wine-centric hotel offers sweeping views of the old city of Porto, and is just a 10-minute walk across the bridge.

Each floor of The Yeatman is dedicated to various themes of Portuguese wine history. We were booked in the Quinta Do Perdigão room, and it was truly magnificent: book shelves filled with books about wine, wine making, and the Douro Valley, a beautiful bathroom with a huge shower and separate bathtub, a king bed, desk, mini fridge, and a porch leading out to a green pasture that overlooked the Douro River and Porto skyline.

The hotel amenities included a bar and lounge with live music, spa, and fitness center. The outdoor infinity pool had a bar that served breakfast and lunch, and believe it or not, we had the BEST club sandwiches EVER here.

Eat & Drink

Taberna dos Mercadores

Although it’s not reservation-only, you’ll want to make one for this intimate eatery. Located along a small road off the port, Taberna dos Mercadores is a quaint restaurant with about 15 seats. We ordered house wine, clams, octopus baked rice and salted cod with chickpea topping. The octopus baked rice was my favorite dish during our stay in Porto.

Barao Fladgate

While strolling through wine country, we decided to stop for lunch at Taylor Winery. The restaurant was beautiful with stunning views of the city and the surrounding vineyard. Expect white glove service, small portions, and high prices. I had the surf and turf and highly recommend it.

Bars to Frequent

The Gin House - Gin menu from around the world
The Royal Cocktail Club - High-end cocktails and good music

Things to Do

Explore Old Porto

Starting from the edge of the Douro River and working your way in, Porto is an uphill city with a lot of winding alleys that you should intentionally get lost in. You’ll be surprised by all the cafes, bakeries, bars and shops that are hidden all over the city. There is so much to be found in the architecture, endless amount of colorful tiles, and a ton of museums and historic sites.

Flea Markets & Boutiques

Along both sides of the river you’ll find flea markets with rows of vendors selling traditional Portuguese tiles, pastries, jewelry, and other hand-made goods. Cork is a go-to material in Porto, and they make just about everything from wallets, to jewelry, shoes and even postcards out of it. You’ll likely also encounter stores with perfectly stacked rows of colorful cans - hundreds of various canned sardines and other fish.

Taylor Winery | Douro Valley Wine Region

This massive wine region begins right across the river from the main city of Porto. We spent an afternoon at Taylor Winery where we had lunch at Barao Fladgate and then did a wine tasting in the garden. We opted for the “Introduction to Taylor’s” wine tasting which was a flight of six port wines: red, white, and rosè. The Taylor Chip Dry was certainly my favorite - a white port wine that’s not too sweet and perfectly dry.

Aveiro

Known as the Venice of Portugal, this small town captivates the heart with its winding rivers and gondola rides. We drove through on our trip between Porto and Nazare, but it’s worth a stop for coffee and a boat ride if you have the time.

Nazaré

A quaint seaside town with colorful homes, beaches, farmland, and a small social scene. This is very much a local area with some of the biggest waves ever surfed.

Stay

Hotel Miramar Sul

If you heard about the Brazilian surfer that successfully road an 80-foot wave this past May, it happened in Nazaré. Unbeknownst to me, the surfer, Rodrigo Koxa, stays at Hotel Miramar Sul whenever he is in town, and I now know why. The hotel itself has a ton of amenities in a town that is rather scattered and far from the strip of bars and restaurants (15 minutes by car/40-minute walk). There was an outdoor pool and bar, a rooftop bar in the evenings, plenty of conference and event space, wrap around balconies, a restaurant, breakfast included, and views of the best beach in Nazaré for surfing, Praia do Sul.

Eat

Taberna do Manelvina

I’ve learned that when traveling the most unexpected places are often the most memorable. Taberna do Manelvina was located in a small farm village about 20 minutes from Nazaré. We stopped into the casual eatery for lunch and immediately upon being seated, we were presented with a platter of sausage, a tomato salad, a basket of bread and a carafe of red wine (vino tinto). We quickly learned that there was no menu and, as long as you agreed, they would bring out an assortment of grilled meats until you were satiated. To say this was some of the best red meats I’ve ever had would be an understatement. The restaurant is known for its bull, but everything else was just as good. We also had pork belly and veal - all grilled and seasoned perfectly. The cooking style and presentation were so simple, and really hit the spot. For dessert we opted for the cinnamon roll and chocolate mousse which were both out of this world.

Paraiso do Coto

A local hot spot, Paraiso do Coto was full of Portuguese families enjoying a late night dinner. Bread, cheese, assorted sausage, and potato croquettes were served upon being seated. The menu was rather extensive and all in Portuguese. Our table shared grilled veal, pork belly, boar chops with peaches and, for dessert, a coffee mousse. The house red wine was only €3 a bottle, but some of the best wine we had on the trip. (Pro-tip: order the house wine in every restaurant in Portugal - it’s extremely affordable and delicious.)

Cascais

This luxurious seaside mecca is known as “The Hampton’s” of Lisbon. Clubs, restaurants, and name-brand shopping line the main square along the southern coast. The west coast of the city is more laid-back, with seafood restaurants, small beaches, and quiet hotels.

Stay

Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho

If you’re looking for romance and relaxation, Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho is the place to stay. Perched on a cliff facing the open Atlantic, this fortress-turned-hotel is a regal classic. Nothing about this hotel was modern and that’s exactly what was so alluring about it. The staff was very professional and friendly, the rooms were cozy with antique decor, and we could feel that everything, from the windows to the canons out front, exuded history.

On premise, there was a large lobby, a hotel bar, and a Michelin starred restaurant. Our room was truly a gem, with two wrap around balconies with unobstructed views of Praia do Guincho and the Atlantic Ocean. We found ourselves on the balcony enjoying port wine a couple of times a day, because “when in Cascais.”

Eat

Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho

The hotel had its very own One Michelin Star* restaurant that was completely inspired by the sea, with hints of French and Portuguese traditions. We opted for the six course dinner with wine pairing which lasted for about two hours. Whether you choose a set menu or order a la carte, I highly recommend the Fisherman’s Soup, the Scarlet Prawn, and the cheese.

Jardim Dos Frangos

A must-have dish along the north-western coast of Portugal is Piri Piri Chicken - a spicy, grilled whole chicken with an extra-spicy red pepper sauce on the side. Jardim Dos Frangos had a large menu, but it seemed that everyone around us opted for the Piri Piri, and rightfully so, because it was awesome.

Things to Do

Downtown Cascais

If you need to do souvenir shopping while in Portugal, you can certainly get all, if not most of it, done in Downtown Cascais. The area is rather touristy scattered with crowded gift shops, restaurants and beaches, but nice to walk around for an afternoon or evening.

Praia do Guincho

This small cliff-side beach was located next to our hotel. The scenery was unbeatable and there weren’t many people on it which made it extremely relaxing. The wind made it a perfect location for wind surfers to launch from, but not so great for sunbathers.

Lisbon

The capital and largest city of Portugal is vibrant and lively, bringing together old medieval design and new age restaurateurs. Some of the best neighborhoods to explore are Bairro Alto, Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, and LXFactory.

Stay

Memmo Principe Real

The Memmo Principe Real was the first hotel we stayed in on our trip, and it really set the bar extremely high. The lobby was warm and welcoming, and looked out to a patio with an infinity pool and bar. The hotel restaurant and bar (indoor and outdoor) were gorgeous and the mixologists were some of the best in the city. If you like exotic cocktails, try the India Principe Real, a turmeric and mango cocktail with a crushed pepper dusting.

Our deluxe room had a king bed, huge bathroom, two sinks, a balcony overlooking the pool and cityscape, and a bar with all the fixings for the city favorite, Porto Tonico.

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade

On our last night in Lisbon, we wanted to stay somewhere in proximity to bars, restaurants and the airport. The Tivoli Avenida Liberdade was also extremely convenient because Sixt Car Rental is within the building so we were able to drop off our car and check into the hotel. As if convenience wasn’t enough, the hotel truly blew away our expectations with a grand lobby, lovely service, breakfast included, and a gorgeous rooftop bar, Sky Bar, overlooking the whole city.

Eat & Drink

O Cantinho

O Cantinho was a traditional, casual spot for lunch. Try the Portuguese style steak (steak dressed in a red sauce with a fried egg on top), the traditional steak, and a pitcher of sangria.

Nicolau

Even Portugal has a hipster scene, and Nicolau is one of the most well-known, trendy new restaurants in town. We visited Nicolau for brunch and were surprised by the awesome playlist and vibe of the restaurant. After 10 days in Portugal, I was embarrassed to say I was starting to crave an American breakfast, and this really hit the spot. I suggest the bacon twist pancake and the avocado toast with poached eggs.

Ristorante Tanite Francesinha

We were told that we could not leave Portugal without trying a Francesinha, so when we discovered Ristorante Tanite Francesinha near LXFactory, we knew it was “now or never.” These traditional Portuguese sandwiches are made with cured ham, sausage, and steak, covered in melted cheese, a fried egg, and a tomato and beer sauce. If you’re not incredibly hungry, share one amongst two people.

Things to Do

LX Factory

LXFactory is an industrial complex and art center housing trendy bars, eateries, shops, tattoo parlors, hostels, and art galleries. Some of my favorite attractions were Kare, Livrari Ler Devagar - a bar meets bookstore, and the street art and installations.

Shopping

Check out Fora, a boutique selling reading glasses and sunglasses hand-made in Portugal. The products are great quality, trendy and the perfect gift for a special someone, or perhaps, yourself!

Ride the Trolley

A cost effective way to get around Lisbon is by trolley. The card costs €6.50 the first day and €6.00 for every additional day, with unlimited use, and can be used for the metro and buses as well.

Southern Coast

Lagos

I go, you go, everyone should go, to Lagos. It’s all sand, beach and good times here.

Stay

Casa Mae

Located just five-minutes from beaches, down the road from great restaurants, and in the old village, Casa Mae is a bright, sunny oasis with breathtaking grounds. We stayed in the main house which only had a few rooms, and our living-quarters were airy and illuminated by natural light. Two French doors looked out into the hotel courtyard which boasts a lavendar garden, a swimming pool, and the deck nearest the hotel lobby. There are several health food options on premise, as well as a yoga room, classes throughout the day, and a lovely restaurant and bar.

Eat & Drink

Restaurante Comidinha

My very first venture into green wine occurred at Restaurante Comidinha, and I was not disappointed. Our waiter did a great job of selecting several dishes for our table of five to share including boar cheeks (best item on the menu in our opinion), veal, clams, and for dessert, lemon custard (my favorite), almond cake, and carrot cake.

Cantinho Algarvio

Located in the city center, the vibe here was extremely lively and loud, but pretty fun. The waitresses were friendly and attentive. I recommend the veal with mushroom and fig sauce, octopus salad, and clams in white wine sauce.

Beats and Burritos

A great spot to have lunch after the beach is Beats and Burritos. It’s best for a simple build-your-own burrito lunch, vegan options, and cocktails.

Things to Do

Praia do Camilo

Praia do Camilo is absolutely stunning and has a walkable cave that leads to a second beach. The only issue is that it is jam-packed with tourists with barely any room to sit.

Praia do Zavial

In an effort to recooperate from Praia do Camilo, we drove about 30 minutes west to Praia do Zavial hoping for better luck with the sand-to-person ratio. We were thrilled with our discovery because the beach was the perfect size and the water was splendid. We had lunch right on the beach at the self-named restaurant, and everything we ordered, especially the sangria, was great!

Rent a Boat

We rented a 70-foot-Schooner named the Isaura do Mar through Algarve Fun. The four hour ride took us up and down the coast of the Algarve, and we were able to jump in for a swim half way through. The captain and his first mate were delightful to spend the afternoon with, and they cooked us a great lunch including piri piri chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs, a meats and cheese platter, pastel de nata and Tawny port wine.

Albufeira

Stay

Airbnb

PERFECTION - that’s the best way to describe the AirBNB we rented. Managed by D Loft, an owner of several AirBNB’s throughout the Algarve, this two floor, three bedroom, four bed apartment had everything we needed. We had a private hot tub and grill in our yard, a full kitchen, living room and dining room, three bathrooms, and a laundry room stocked with detergent, iron and ironing board. Our host, Ines, left us fresh pastel de nata and a welcome note, and made us dinner reservations and other recommendations throughout our stay.

Eat

Porto de Abrigo

Located in the marina, Porto de Abrigo was a bit hidden and provided mainly fish caught locally. It was a very casual, quiet atmosphere and I recommend the fish of the day (we were offered sea bream and bass), fried baby octopus, clams in a white wine reduction, and the rice pudding for dessert.

Things to Do

The Strip

Albufeira’s nightlife can be described as Las Vegas meets Cancun. The Montechoro Strip, known locally as “THE strip,” is sprawling with neon signs, groups of young party-goers, tourists, and loud music coming from the plethora of bars, clubs, lounges and late-night eateries.

Praia da Gale

Praia da Gale was one of the larger beaches in Albufeira, with plenty of space to lay out or play frisbee. One end of the beach had chair and umbrella rentals, a few restaurants, and water sports.

Benagil

Visiting the sea caves of Benagil is a must, and a truly memorable experience. You can’t reach them by foot, so you’ll have to buy tickets for a boat tour, rent paddle boards, or swim (swimming is not recommended but we did; I luckily had these handsome rescue swimmers by my side).

Transportation

Driving in Portugal is very easy once you discover that round-abouts are your new best friend. There is barely any traffic on the roads, no potholes, and tons of open highways. You’re to only drive in the left lane if you’re passing someone. Getting to and from the north-west to southern coast was a breeze, and the scenery really made every ride enjoyable. We used Sixt Car Rentals which was done completely online. The forms they sent before-hand made it easy to just pick-up and drop-off the car without a long wait. If you can avoid picking your car up in the Lisbon airport, try to pick it up from a less busy location like the one in the Tivoli Avenida.