Curator’s statement
Women’s travel is trending and takes many different forms. A small-group trip of 4–8 women can be a wonderful way to connect with old friends or meet new ones while traveling together. This guide outlines a women’s trip to Portugal, designed for those visiting the country for the first time. Portugal’s charm, welcoming atmosphere and rich heritage make it the perfect setting for this type of travel experience. A travel advisor who understands women travelers, knows the destination and has local partners there can help to arrange the ultimate trip.
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Things to do in Portugal

Arrival
Arrange a van and driver for a seamless journey. This will make the journeys from location to location so much more fun, interesting and stress-free, especially for a group.
Enjoy sun & sand in Algarve
Portugal’s stunning southern coastal region is famed for its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. It's where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Base your stay in Lagos, a charming town on the western edge of the Algarve coast. Relax at the beach or pool, visit the Old Town of Lagos.Take a day trip to other parts of the Algarve by car, or by boat to the famous Benagil Caves, renowned for their stunning rock formations.
Wine tasting in Alentejo on the way to Lisbon
Between the Algarve and Lisbon is one of Portugal’s premier wine regions — Alentejo. Stop for a relaxing lunch with local wine, soaking in the region’s rolling countryside and rich flavors.
Explore vibrant Lisbon
This city is a fusion of food, wine, history and culture. Portugal’s lively capital blends historic charm with an exciting modern spirit. Take a Tuk-Tuk tour, a guided city tour. Visit the iconic Time Out food market to see and sample Portuguese cuisine. Stroll along the infamous Pink Street. Explore the narrow alleys and charming ambiance of Lisbon’s Old Town known as Alfama. Savor cocktails at a Lisbon rooftop bar. Eat at the city's countless wonderful restaurants, experience the soulful sounds of traditional Fado music
Day trip to Sintra & Cabo da Roca
Take a guided tour of Sintra, a fairytale-like town known for its lush scenery and stunning palaces. Visit one of its three iconic castles. End with a photo stop (and possible hike) at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean.
Transfer from Lisbon to Porto
Travel north to Porto. Stop along the way in Óbidos, a charming medieval town with whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets and a well-preserved castle. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, lunch in an authentic local restaurant and a taste of Ginja, the local specialty cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup.
Immerse in mesmerizing Porto
Discover Porto’s vibrant culinary scene and historical treasures. Walk the streets, sit in a cafe or wine bar or join a food tour with a local guide. Visit one of the wine lodges lining the Douro River to savor Porto’s world-famous Port wine.
Day trip to the Douro Valley wine region
Take a scenic drive and river cruise to Portugal’s breathtaking Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Enjoy stunning vineyard landscapes and rolling hills. Visit one or two distinguished vineyards for wine tastings.
Places to eat & drink in Portugal

Lisbon
Time Out Market: A wide range of Portuguese foods and drinks from local restaurants and providers. It gets very crowded from 12-1:30 - best to avoid these times.
La Squadra in My Story Figueira Hotel: If you're down in the Baixa area and want a quick, moderately priced lunch other than Portuguese food, this restaurant has really good salads, stone-fired pizza and sangria among many other menu items.
Cerverjaria Ramiro: Consistently top-rated seafood restaurant, best to make a reservation.
Sea Me: Modern Portuguese/Japanese fusion restaurant. Choose your fish from the fish on-ice display and they prepare it as two courses, first sushi and second cooked fish, artfully displayed. Drinks and wine are fantastic.
Porto
Bohlao Market: New and beautiful fresh food market featuring fresh fish and meats, gorgeous vegetables and fruits, prepared foods and food gifts to take home.
Wine Quay Wine Bar: Sit on the balcony facing the river. Taste various wines by the glass along with specialty snacks like local cheese, olives, several types of tinned and fresh fish and more.
Taberna dos Mercadores: Tiny place with fabulous Portuguese food. No reservations. Have to wait in line. Not great for a larger group, but for tables of two to four people.
Seafood Restaurants in Matosinhos: There are a variety of them in this fishing village on the coast 20 minutes east of Porto.

Travel Advisor
Lori Zelko

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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Portugal page.