Curator’s statement
Portugal offers a rich mix of historic cities, dramatic coastline, and world-class wine all within short travel distances. It is a country that offers variety without constant travel fatigue. Portugal is authentic while offering high-end luxury, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira.
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Things to do in Portugal
Beautiful Porto
Lisbon
Tuk tuks are one of the best ways to cover Lisbon’s steep hills without burning energy. A private guide will take you through Alfama, Graça, and Bairro Alto with stops at viewpoints and historic streets.
Just 40 minutes away, Sintra is the standout. With palaces, gardens, and misty forests, Sintra is a fairytale. Cascais is the easy coastal option if you want a relaxed beach day instead.
End your day at Cervejaria Ramiro, a casual but iconic seafood spot known for garlic shrimp, crab, and lobster.
Porto
Take a private wine vineyard tour at an estate with lunch overlooking the river.
Enjoy a private Douro River cruise under the famous six bridges.
Prova Wine Bar sits on the river in Ribeira. It is lively but not chaotic. Prova blends great Portuguese wines with small plates in a setting you will remember. It is both authentic and stylish.
Madeira
Private guided tours are key in Madeira. You will be taken through mountain peaks, cliff viewpoints, and coastal villages without the stress of driving the winding roads on your own.
Take a cable car up to Monte, explore gardens, then come back down for seafood and wine by the ocean.
Drive along Madeira’s dramatic west coast with cliffside views, tunnels, and ocean lookouts before arriving at Porto Moniz. Spend a few relaxed hours swimming in natural volcanic lava pools, while enjoying a casual seafood lunch.
Places to eat & drink in Portugal
Pastel de nata
Lisbon
Cervejaria Ramiro: Legendary seafood spot. Known for garlic shrimp, crab, and clams served fast and fresh in a lively, no-frills setting.
Time Out Market: A curated food hall where you can sample top chefs and local favorites in one place.
Porto
Mercado do Bolhão: Fresh market with small food stalls and local bites in a lively, authentic environment.
Taberna dos Mercadores: Tiny traditional restaurant in Ribeira serving hearty Portuguese dishes in a very local atmosphere.
Madeira
Armazém do Sal: Cozy old-town restaurant with traditional Madeiran dishes surrounded by romantic stone walls.
Choux Pâtisserie: Pastry shop in Funchal. Grab a famous pastel de nata and a morning coffee or an afternoon treat while exploring the city.
Need to know
Portugal is an easy country to get around from city to city. It deserves a slow pace.
The Atlantic Ocean plays a big role with dramatic waves, changing light, and cool evenings, especially along the coast. Portugal has a very different atmosphere from the Mediterranean.
The food is simple and focused on fresh seafood, grilled dishes, pastries, and wine.
The weather can shift with warm afternoons, cooler nights, and Madeira especially changing quickly depending on the elevation. Dressing in layers is recommended.
Scenic drives are part of the experience, whether you’re going through Sintra, the Douro Valley, or along Madeira’s coast.
Portugal is relaxed and unforced, where the best moments are often long lunches, café stops, and viewpoints rather than a packed list of attractions.
Travel Advisor
Lisa Garber
Lisa Garber
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Portugal page.