Beyond Expectations: A Mesmerizing 10-Day Exploration of Portugal from Porto to Lagos

At the outset, Portugal never held the top spot on my extensive list of must-visit destinations (chuckles). Initially, our plans revolved around celebrating our anniversary in Morocco. However, as fate would have it, the country closed its doors to tourists in February 2022 due to a resurgence of Covid. Finding ourselves in Spain at the time, we made a spontaneous decision to alter our itinerary and embark on an impromptu journey to Portugal.

Little did we know that this spontaneous change would become one of the most rewarding decisions we've ever made. Since our return, we yearn to revisit Portugal each passing day.

During our ten-day journey, we traversed the length of Portugal, commencing our adventure in Porto after flying in from Madrid. From there, we embarked on an unforgettable voyage. We devoted three days to exploring Porto and the enchanting Douro Valley, followed by an equally captivating three-day exploration of Lisbon. Finally, we concluded our voyage with three idyllic days in the Algarve Region, specifically Lagos.

Outlined below is the crafted itinerary and recommendations that enabled us to truly immerse ourselves in Portugal's charm over the course of ten days. 

Porto & Douro Valley

Perched along the illustrious Duoro River, Porto proudly graces the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Renowned for its storied history as a hub of Port Wine distribution, this enchanting city has been synonymous with the trade since the 17th century. Serving as Portugal's second-largest city, Porto stands as a testament to the nation's rich cultural heritage and unfaltering allure.

Where to Stay 

Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace at a prime location near the Porto City Hall within easy walking distance of popular attractions. The hospitality of the hotel staff is truly exceptional, and the breakfast buffet spread is one of the best I’ve ever seen. 

Where to eat & drink 

• Gazela - A casual Portugal local eateries. A Super Bock (Local Portugese Beer), Batata Frita (fries) and Cachorrinho (special hot dog) are a must-get. 

• Cafe Santiago - Try the authentic “Francesinha Santiago da Praca” — the Porto famous sausage dish with an egg on top. 

• Taberna Dos Mercadores - Hidden Gem. A charming restaurant tucked away in a tiny alley. Known for its fresh seafood cuisines! Advanced reservation is highly recommended.

• Taylor’s Port & Graham’s Port Lodge - Top Port Lodges to visit near Porto. 

Top things to do 

• Duoro Valley Wine Tour with BL Heritage Tour - You can’t leave Porto without visiting Duoro Valley and getting tipsy with Port wine. Join a one-day tour of Duoro Valley with the best host. 

• Visit the Library Livraria Lello - The famous bookstore where JK Rowling gets her inspiration for the Harry Potter Library. Pro tip: Get a ticket online to skip the line.  

• Check out the beautiful Porto Sao Bento Train Station & Porto Cathedral. 

• Get a postcard view of Porto from the Gaia Mosterio da Serra do Pilar.  

• A romantic walk along Cais da Ribeira Duoro Valley Riverfront at Sunset.

Nestled gracefully upon undulating hills and embracing the captivating coastline, Lisbon claims the distinguished title of Portugal's resplendent capital city. Upon setting foot in this beguiling metropolis, the echoes of its comparison to the San Francisco of Europe quickly revealed their resonance. The picturesque hills, the iconic bridge, the breathtaking bay views, the presence of convenient bird scooters and the charming cable cars all felt strikingly familiar. Lisbon unveils itself as a vibrant tapestry of colors and an ever-pulsating hub of vitality, captivating hearts with its irresistible charm.

Where to Stay 

The Lumiares Hotel & Spa - Sits in the nightlife zone of Oldtown Lisbon Biarro Alto, with its well-known Lumi rooftop bar & restaurant for a gorgeous city view. 

Where to eat & drink 

• Timeout Market Lisboa - Top chefs’ gathering place. A happening marketplace where you can try many Portuguese cuisines all at once. 

• Loco & Alma - For those Michelin-star and World’s 50 Best Restaurants fans, these are the 2 phenomenal restaurants you can not miss. 

• O Trevo - Made famous by Anthony Bourdin's visit for the Bifana. Don’t be shy to just eat at the counter! 

• Pasteis de Balem - The one and only place to get the authentic Pasties de Nate (Portuguese Egg Tart). Pro tip: Get this on your way when visiting the Belém Tower. 

• Mesa De Frades - A trip to Portugal is incomplete without a Fado performance.  

Top things to do  

• Get lost in Lisbon by simply wondering around the street chasing beautiful tiles.

• Explore UNESCO Heritage Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and stroll along the Padrao dos Descobrimentos waterfront.

• Visit the LxFactory Art Center - An art district along the waterfront with many local artisan shops, murals and popular eateries. 

• Lisbon’s most happening area - Shop and walk down the Chiado & Baixa Area.

• Take the Santa Justa Lift and enjoy amazing views of Lisbon from top. 

• Grab a Super Bock and Pasties de Nate then enjoy the Sunset view at Miradouro do Adamastor.

• Take a day trip to Sintra - Hop on a 40min train from Lisbon to visit the National Palace of Pena and Quinta de Regaleira.

Unique stores to shop

Forget Crate & Barrel, this is where ceramic lovers shop. Portugal is known for its beautiful ceramics and these are the best stores to get them: 

• Brus

• A Loja Azul

• Ceramica na Lihna

Other unique shops worth visiting

• Comur - beautifully packaged sardines in a can, perfect as souvenirs. 

• Cortico & Netos - One-of-a-kind Portugese tiles.

• Claus Porto - Uniquely scented soaps. 

• Benamo - Local skincare brand.

• Cutipol - Luxurious cutlery store.

Following the exhilarating urban tapestry of Lisbon, the time has come to descend towards the illustrious Algarve region, a haven for coastal escapes. Revered for its crystalline turquoise waters and stretches of sandy beaches, the Algarve stands as an idyllic year-round destination, catering to the desires of sunseekers and those seeking respite in equal measure.

Where to Stay

Casa Mae - Life by the sea is better at Casa Mae. A hidden sunny casa located in the town of Lagos within walking distance of the town center and the water. 

Where to eat & drink 

• Avenida - For Michelin-Star fans and finedining lovers this one can’t be missed. 

• Black & White Coffee - A local’s go-to for great coffee and breakfast.

• Travia - Menu changes with the season. A farm-to-table tapas place. 

• MAR - A shop, bookstore, gallery and restaurant with a beautiful ocean terrace. 

Top things to do  

Pro Tip: Rent a car to get around in The Algarve. It’s not the easiest to get rides in this part of the country. And with a car you can easily drive around Lagos and go visit nearby cities like Portimao and Albuferia. 

• Get a brunch or dinner at Casa Mae’s Orta Restaurant and enjoy the sun.

• Visit and walk down Praia do Pinhao, Praia dos Pinherios, Ponta da Piedade, Praia de Dona Ana and Praia dos Estudantes for breathtaking Atlantic ocean views. 

• Catch the best sunset at Miradouro da Praia do Canavial.

• Best advice: Pick any sandy beach and just relax. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the present moment, embracing the captivating scenery that surrounds you. There is no need to rush.

Getting Around 

Portugal boasts an excellent network of trains and buses, making it a breeze to navigate between cities. Embarking on a train journey is highly recommended for intercity travel, as it not only offers convenience but also presents an opportunity to savor the breathtaking scenery while traveling in utmost comfort. Within the city limits, exploring on foot is often the most convenient option, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local ambiance at a leisurely pace. In Lisbon, cable cars, buses, as well as the availability of services like Uber and Bird scooters, further enhance the ease of getting around the city, granting you the freedom to effortlessly traverse its vibrant streets (watch for the hills, too!). However, when it comes to exploring the captivating Algarve region, I wholeheartedly recommend considering the option of renting a car. This grants you the flexibility to embark on coastal escapades and discover hidden gems at your own pace, relishing the unmatched beauty of the region to the fullest.

When to Visit 

While most people suggest that spring and fall are the optimal seasons to visit Portugal, I personally think Portugal is a delightful destination year-round. Personally, I embarked on my own Portuguese adventure in February, and despite the slightly cooler temperatures, the sun's gentle embrace swiftly warmed my spirits. Winter, in particular, unveils itself as a lesser-traveled season, offering respite from crowds and presenting the opportunity to secure more affordable accommodations. Whether you find yourself wandering amidst the vibrant blossoms of spring or reveling in the golden hues of autumn, or even exploring the hidden treasures of Portugal's winter landscape, each season unfurls its own unique charm, ensuring an unforgettable journey whenever you choose to visit.