Portugal blends historic charm with lively city life, sweeping beaches, and peaceful countryside. Lisbon offers colorful streets, bustling neighborhoods, and a growing food scene. Porto is known for its riverside views, port wine cellars, and a relaxed vibe. The Douro Valley brings vineyard landscapes and scenic river cruises that feel timeless. Beyond the cities, the Algarve delivers sun-soaked beaches and coastal villages, while Comporta is a quieter escape with a bohemian vibe. Portugal suits couples, families and solo travelers who want culture, nature, and great food without the crowds. Read on to discover where to stay, what to do, and how to plan your Portugal trip.
Need to know
Image courtesy of The Rebello Hotel & Spa
Be ready for varied climates across Portugal, from sunny coastal days to cooler, rainier northern regions. Keep in mind local customs like late dining hours and the strong café culture that shapes daily life. Understanding these nuances ensures a smoother, richer experience.
Currency: Portugal uses the Euro (€), with credit and debit cards widely accepted in cities, hotels, and most restaurants. It’s handy to carry some cash for small markets, cafés, or rural spots. Tipping is not required, but leaving 5–10% for great service is appreciated.
Languages: Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. While English is widely understood in tourist areas, travelers will find it helpful and appreciated by locals to learn basic phrases.
Key phrases: thank you (obrigado / obrigada), please (por favor), yes / no (sim / não), excuse me / sorry (desculpe), how are you? (como está? / tudo bem?).
Airports: Lisbon’s airport (LIS) is Portugal’s primary gateway, offering flights from across Europe and major global cities. Regular service to North America includes New York City, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and more. Porto Airport (OPO) also provides direct flights to Toronto, along with seasonal service to Montreal, Boston, and Newark.
Transportation: Private drivers are a popular choice for multi-stop trips and longer routes like Lisbon to the Algarve. Ubers and taxis are reliable. Renting a car works well too, just skip driving in Sintra’s old town. Portugal’s train network is simple and efficient.
Best time to visit: Portugal is a year-round destination, with each season offering something different. Spring (March–June) and fall (September–October) are great for vineyard visits in the Douro, breezy coastal hikes in the Algarve, or crowd-free city strolls through Lisbon. Summer (July–August) is peak beach season, while winter (November–February) brings a quieter charm, especially in Porto and Sintra, where cozy cafés and cultural sites take center stage.
Ideal length of stay: Plan for at least 4–5 nights, but 7–10 nights lets you pair a city like Lisbon or Porto with the coast, wine country, or even a trip to Madeira or the Azores.
Signature dishes and drinks:
Bacalhau: Salted cod, usually baked with cream (bacalhau com natas) or shredded with potatoes and eggs (à Brás).
Francesinha: A hearty sandwich with layers of meat, melted cheese, and a beer sauce.
Caldo verde: A simple soup made with potato, kale, and chouriço sausage.
Grilled sardines: A summer must, especially in Lisbon during the June festivals.
Pastéis de nata: Crispy custard tarts best served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Vinho Verde: Light and refreshing young wine from northern Portugal.
Port: A rich, sweet wine from the Douro Valley.
What to wear: Keep it cool and casual during the day with cotton or linen. City style leans smart-casual, so polished flats or sneakers work well. Nights can be breezy, so bring a light jacket. The cobblestones and hills in Lisbon and Porto are a reason to skip the heels and bring comfortable walking shoes.
Travel tips:
Shopping: Don’t miss the chance to pick up cork products, azulejos (painted tiles), and high-quality linens from the country’s many markets and boutique shops. Tax-free shopping is available for non-EU visitors, so keep your receipts for VAT refunds.
Alcohol: The legal drinking age is 18. Drinking outside licensed areas and in public is generally discouraged.
Smoking: Smoking is banned in indoor public places and on public transport. Outdoor smoking is generally allowed but watch for signage.
Driving: Roads are generally safe and well-maintained. Speed cameras and fines are common, so stick to limits.
Medications: Some prescription drugs may require a doctor’s note, so check ahead.
Lisbon
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Portugal’s coastal capital pulses with pastel-hued neighborhoods, fado music echoing through narrow alleys, and panoramic views from sun-drenched miradouros. Its mix of old-world charm and cosmopolitan energy makes it a hub for food lovers, art enthusiasts, and culture seekers. Lisbon invites visitors to explore everything from traditional markets to cutting-edge galleries.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon: A grand Lisbon icon with sweeping views and timeless elegance. Rooms are spacious and classically styled, with balconies overlooking Eduardo VII Park. Expect polished service, a rooftop running track, and a modern spa with serious style.
When you book Four Seasons with Fora, you’ll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits.
Bairro Alto Hotel: Classic charm meets modern comfort with stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city and river. Perfectly located for easy access to lively nightlife and cultural spots, it’s an ideal base to experience Lisbon day and night.
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Porto
Image courtesy of Maison Albar - Le Monumental Palace
Porto captivates with its blend of historic riverside quarters, striking street art, and world-renowned port wine cellars. Stroll along the Douro River, explore lively markets, and savor hearty seafood paired with a glass of local vinho verde. It strikes a perfect balance between old-world character and contemporary culture.
Where to stay
Maison Albar - Le Monumental Palace: A neoclassical gem blending 1920s glamour with modern French-Portuguese flair. Rooms feel elegant with marble bathrooms, velvet accents, and high ceilings. The spa, indoor pool, and Michelin-starred restaurant round out the experience.
Fora Perks include an exclusive wine tasting, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Rebello Hotel & Spa: Set in former riverside warehouses that channel Porto’s industrial past with a sleek, residential feel. Rooms and apartments feature custom furniture and bold tilework. The spa is a standout, as is the rooftop bar with views of the Douro River and skyline.
Fora’s withIN by SLH partner perks include a $50-100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Douro Valley
Image courtesy of Octant Douro
The Douro Valley is set along one of Europe’s most scenic rivers, with terraced vineyards and historic quintas. It’s a sanctuary for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, offering everything from river cruises to hiking trails. Here, centuries-old traditions meet serene luxury in boutique estates and charming villages.
Where to stay
Six Senses Douro Valley: 19th-century manor turned sanctuary, this hillside retreat blends wine country elegance with signature Six Senses wellness. Landscape views, a world-class spa, and restaurants serving organic food grown on-site make it a place you’ll never want to leave.
Fora’s IHG Destined partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Octant Douro: Sleek and sculptural, this riverside hotel features floor-to-ceiling views in every direction. Interiors are minimalist but warm, with plenty of glass, wood, and stone. Come for the design, stay for the riverside pool, wine-focused dining, and private boat tours.
Fora Reserve perks include a 50-minute massage for two, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cruising to and around Portugal
Image courtesy of AmaWaterways
Lisbon and Porto mostly serve as a stop on a longer Mediterranean or transatlantic itinerary, with some cruises starting in Lisbon. The real highlight here is cruising the Douro River. Ideal for wine lovers and culture seekers, Douro river cruises offer a seamless way to explore northern Portugal’s vineyards and historic towns without switching hotels. Most journeys begin and end in Porto, winding eastward to cities like Peso da Régua, Pinhão, and Barca d’Alva. Day trips to Salamanca across the Spanish border are also a highlight.
Notable river cruise lines
AmaWaterways: Contemporary river cruises with a focus on active travel and wellness. From bike tours to spa treatments and farm-to-table dining, they balance adventure with relaxation.
Fora Perks include shipboard credit that varies by sailing. Virtuoso Voyages Hosted Benefits also available on select sailings.
Scenic Luxury Cruises: All-suite ships come with butler service and private shore experiences. Expect flawless attention to detail, immersive cultural encounters, and gourmet cuisine.
Viking River Cruises: Sleek Scandinavian design and curated itineraries focusing on culture and history, with spacious staterooms and enriching onboard lectures.
Fora Perks include a $100 shipboard credit per person on select departures.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Known for stylish, all-inclusive boutique river journeys. Each ship boasts unique design, exceptional dining, and curated local immersion.
Fora Perks include a $150 shipboard credit per person. Virtuoso Voyages Hosted Benefits also available on select sailings.
Notable ocean cruise lines
Celebrity Cruises: Sleek and design-forward, known for elevated dining, modern staterooms, and curated itineraries. A great choice for Spain and Portugal intensive sailings.
Fora Perks include a $120 onboard credit per Balcony through Aqua Class cabin, or a $200 onboard credit per The Retreat suite.
Azamara: Small ships with a destination-first focus, featuring late nights in port and immersive shore excursions. A perfect choice for region intensive sailings.
Fora Perks include a $200 onboard credit per cabin, Club Ocean View or higher, on select sailings. Virtuoso Voyages Hosted Benefits also available on select sailings.
Royal Caribbean: Big, bold, and packed with onboard entertainment. Best for groups, multigenerational families, or anyone who loves feeling like they’re in a city at sea.
Fora Perks include Specialty Dining for two per cabin, Balcony or higher, on 7+ night sailings. Junior Suite or higher also receive a spa treatment for one.
Holland America Line: Classic cruising with a quiet, polished edge. Live jazz, cooking demos, and spacious staterooms appeal to culture-loving travelers who prefer a slower pace.
Fora Perks include a $100 onboard credit per cabin, Verandah or higher, on all 6+ day voyages.
History and culture
Portugal’s layered history is ever-present, stitched into the azulejo-covered walls of Lisbon, the hilltop castles of Sintra, and the cobblestone villages of the Alentejo. You’ll find echoes of ancient civilizations, from Moorish castles to Roman ruins, and even Celtic festivals that still mark the seasons. Portugal was also once a maritime powerhouse, launching the Age of Exploration in the 15th century. Explorers charted sea routes to India, Brazil, and parts of Africa, leaving a complex legacy of trade, cultural exchange, and colonialism. That golden age brought immense wealth and ornate architecture, still seen today in Lisbon’s Manueline-style Jerónimos Monastery and Porto’s colorful riverfront neighborhood Ribeira.
Portugal’s story is also shaped by resilience: it endured devastating earthquakes, decades of dictatorship, and a peaceful revolution in 1974 that returned democracy to its people. Through it all, traditions like fado (a haunting, emotional music rooted in Lisbon’s working-class neighborhoods) have remained woven into Portuguese identity. Faith is deeply rooted, with pilgrimages to Fátima, site of the most significant Marian apparition of the 20th century. Today, travelers are drawn by bakeries passed down through generations, ruins in sleepy towns, and the way locals still gather in tiled cafés to share stories over coffee or vinho verde.
Cultural celebrations & events
Carnival (February or March, dates vary): Portugal’s vibrant pre-Lenten festival with colorful parades, music, and street parties.
Madeira Flower Festival (April–May): A stunning spring event celebrating the island’s blooms with parades, flower carpets, and live performances.
Festa de Santo António (June 12-13, Lisbon): Lisbon’s biggest street party honoring the city’s patron saint with lively music and decorated neighborhoods.
Festa de São João (June 23-24, Porto): One of Portugal’s most beloved festivals, with fireworks, street dancing, and playful traditions. Full of fun and folklore.
NOS Alive Music Festival (July, Lisbon): A trendy, multi-day music festival featuring international and local artists.
Wine harvest festivals (September–October): In the Douro Valley and other wine regions, various celebrations offer tastings, traditional music, and vineyard tours.
What to do in Portugal
Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley offer a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here’s a curated list of experiences to dive into some of the best each destination has to offer.
Lisbon
Tuk tuk tour: Ride through Lisbon in a vintage tuk tuk or sidecar, weaving through Alfama’s narrow lanes, up to São Jorge Castle, and past hidden viewpoints.
Boat rental: Charter a private boat on the Tagus River for a cruise under the 25 de Abril Bridge and drift toward Belém with a glass of champagne in hand.
Artwork: Browse contemporary Portuguese art at MAAT or Galeria Belo-Galsterer, both small but thoughtfully curated and blissfully off the tourist trail.
Shopping: Shop the creative corners of Príncipe Real and Chiado, where Lisbon’s design scene comes to life through fashion studios, ceramics, and modern artisan goods.
Wine tastings: Sample Portuguese wines with a sommelier-led tasting, either at an intimate wine bar or inside a restored 19th-century townhouse built for lingering.
Cooking class: Take a cooking class with locals (Cooking Lisbon is a great option) to master bacalhau and pastéis de nata.
LX Factory: Wander LX Factory, a former industrial complex turned creative hub filled with shops, restaurants, and murals.
Fado show: Book a fado dinner show in Alfama or Bairro Alto for an unforgettable night of soul-stirring music.
Porto
Dom Luís I Bridge: Walk the Dom Luís I Bridge at golden hour from Porto to Gaia with postcard-worthy river views. The bridge’s ironwork nods to Gustave Eiffel’s legacy.
Boat charter: Charter a private rabelo boat for a slow, elegant cruise along the Douro, complete with wine and uninterrupted views.
World of Wine: Wander through WOW (World of Wine), a sleek cultural hub in Gaia with museums, stylish cafés, and tasting rooms overlooking the city skyline.
São Bento Station: Step inside São Bento Station to see its famed blue-and-white tile panels. Arrive early to skip the tour groups.
Art scene: Check out Porto’s contemporary art scene at spots like Galeria Nuno Centeno or Maus Hábitos, where exhibits lean bold, current, and under-the-radar.
Rua das Flores: Browse the lively pedestrian street lined with restored townhouses, indie boutiques, and design-forward finds.
Port wine tasting: Enjoy a curated port flight in a cozy cellar like local favorites Prova and Capela Incomum, the latter tucked inside a former chapel.
Spa day: Recharge with a spa treatment at The Rebello, where floor-to-ceiling river views and a calm, minimalist design make it more than a wellness stop.
The Douro Valley
River cruise: Sail the Douro in style on a private vintage yacht or modern sailboat for vine-draped hillsides and a chilled glass of vinho branco in hand.
Quinta do Crasto: Book a private tasting at Quinta do Crasto, where small-group cellar tours meet vineyard views and an iconic cliffside pool.
Quinta da Pacheca: Spend a slow afternoon at this emblematic estate where tastings unfold under fig trees and tours wind through old-world barrel rooms.
Hiking: Hike up to Miradouro de Casal de Loivos for valley views without the crowds.
Folgosa River Beach: For a quiet reset, bring a bottle of wine to Folgosa River Beach, a mellow local hideaway.
Sample itinerary
Days 1–3 (Douro Valley): Spend your first afternoon crafting botanical body scrubs and home fragrances at an alchemy workshop using local herbs. The next day, sail along the Douro River past Port-producing estates, stopping for lunch at a historic quinta.
Days 3–5 (Porto): Transfer to Porto through the Serra do Marão by 4x4, exploring pine forests and mountain lagoons. Dive into Porto’s culinary soul on a guided walking tour filled with small bites and sweets. Enjoy a tasting at Graham’s, one of the world’s top wine cellars where vintage Ports age quietly by the sea.
Days 5–8 (Lisbon): Travel south to Lisbon with scenic stops in Aveiro and Coimbra. Get a feel for daily life with a market visit and hands-on cooking class, followed by a vintage sidecar tour of the city. Take a day trip to fairytale Sintra and enjoy the coastal charm of Cascais. End with a farewell dinner and live fado at Casa de Linhares.
Where to eat in Portugal
Image courtesy of Vale de Abraão, Six Senses Douro Valley
Portugal’s culinary scene is a delicious mix of traditional flavors and modern twists. Here are some standout spots to savor fresh seafood, rich wines, and hearty local dishes.
Lisbon
Prado: A minimalist, seasonal standout in a former fish cannery where everything is local, from the ceramics to the wine list.
Café de São Bento: Old-school and dimly lit, it’s known for serving the same buttery, peppery steak since the '80s.
Pica-Pau: Modern Lisbon energy with vintage flair. Think natural wines, creative riffs on tavern snacks, and late-night energy in a cozy corner spot.
Tapisco: A relaxed yet elevated take on Iberian plates by chef Henrique Sá Pessoa.
Bar Alimentar: Part wine shop, part bar, this small but mighty spot near Campo de Ourique is where locals go to snack on tinned fish, charcuterie, and bold wines.
Belcanto: Chef José Avillez’s Michelin-starred flagship, serving classic Portuguese flavors in a unique tasting menu.
Pastéis de Belém: Skip the lines, order your custard tarts to-go, and enjoy them warm on a nearby bench under the jacaranda trees.
Lupita: A colorful, produce-forward newcomer in Santos that leans veggie without feeling preachy.
Boa-Bao: Pan-Asian flavors in a green, transportive space with glowing lanterns and bamboo-lined booths.
Porto
Raiz: Tucked into a historic building just above Ribeira, Raiz blends tradition and innovation with delicate takes on Portuguese classics.
Muu Steakhouse: Sleek, moody, and serious about its steaks. Service is top-tier and the wine pairings are as bold as the dry-aged ribeye.
À Bolina: A modern taberna on the Douro, with a cozy-chic setting and shareable plates.
Gazela: An institution, but not in the obvious way. Order local Portuguese favorites with a fino (small beer).
Cafeína: Stylish and unpretentious, Cafeína leans French-Portuguese and is beloved for long, lingering meals by the sea.
The Door: A moody, low-lit cocktail bar behind a hidden entrance. It’s equal parts speakeasy and art gallery, serving drinks with a soundtrack to match.
Oficina: Set inside a former garage, Chef Marco Gomes blends creativity with sustainability in seasonal plates.
Farinha: The sourdough pizza here is crispy, chewy, and perfectly blistered. Go early, snag a sidewalk table, and pair with a glass of natty red.
Gruta: A sleek, subterranean bistro with a menu that changes daily.
Brasão Coliseu: A bold, elevated take on the traditional cervejaria.
The Douro Valley
DOC by Rui Paula: Set right on the river with floor-to-ceiling views, DOC delivers refined tasting menus that spotlight the best of northern Portugal’s ingredients.
Vale de Abraão: Not just for Six Senses’ hotel guests, with a dreamy terrace and produce-driven menu serving produce grown onsite or sourced from nearby farms.
Castas e Pratos: Housed in a converted railway warehouse, this wine-forward spot pairs contemporary dishes with one of the best-curated Douro wine lists around.
Toca da Raposa: A charming slow-food spot run by a husband-and-wife duo. Hyper-local and seasonal food served in an old stone house tucked into the hillside.
Aneto & Table: A modern, minimalist bistro run by the Aneto wine producers. Expect creative riffs on traditional recipes with wine pairings from their own label.
Day trips
Coastal towns, hilltop palaces, and vineyard covered valleys, these day trips let you experience the country’s quieter corners.
Comporta (1 hr from Lisbon): Golden beaches meet pine tree-covered dunes, perfect for a day trip or longer add-on destination. Pego and Carvalhal bring beach clubs and surf-friendly shores, while Comporta and Galé-Fontaínhas stay quieter for long walks and slow days.
Sintra & Cascais (30-45 min from Lisbon): Sintra is a fairytale town with forests, Moorish ruins, and hilltop palaces. Nearby Cascais has seafood, a chic marina, and cobblestone streets.
Braga (1 hr from Porto): A laid-back city known for its baroque churches, charming plazas, and the dramatic Bom Jesus do Monte staircase.
Aveiro (1 hr from Porto): The “Venice of Portugal,” this charming canal city is dotted with colorful boats, Art Nouveau facades, and salt flats.
Coimbra (1.5 hrs from Porto / 2 hrs from Lisbon): Once Portugal’s capital, Coimbra is now a university town with the baroque Joanina Library and medieval streets.
Évora (1.5 hrs from Lisbon): A medieval-walled city in the Alentejo filled with Roman ruins. Highlights also include the Chapel of Bones and one of Portugal’s oldest universities.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain (2.5 hrs from Porto): The famed endpoint of the Camino de Santiago with a gothic cathedral, winding Old Town lanes, and a serene vibe.
Trips to add on
Portugal pairs well with a few standout neighbors—ideal for travelers craving a shift in scenery, vibe, or pace. From island escapes to cultural contrasts, here’s where to go next:
Spain (1–2 hr flight or easy train): Head to Seville, Madrid, or Barcelona for flamenco, tapas, and iconic architecture. Slow down in Andalucía’s white villages or along the Basque coast.
Madeira (1.5 hr flight): A subtropical island with soaring cliffs, cloud forests, and springlike weather all year. Hike, unwind, repeat.
Southern France (2 hr flight): Zip over to Provence or the Côte d’Azur for vineyard views, seafood lunches, and a side of Riviera glamour.
The Azores (2–2.5 hr flight): Portugal’s remote, volcanic archipelago dotted with crater lakes, thermal springs, and sleepy green villages. Rugged, raw, and peaceful.
The Algarve (1–2 hr flight or easy train): Sculpted cliffs, clear waters, and a mix of scene and seclusion. Marinha is postcard-famous, while Falésia stretches for miles beneath red rock. Albandeira feels like a hidden cove, and Vale do Lobo pairs polished resorts with sunset dining.
If not Portugal…
These destinations echo Portugal’s coastal charm, cultural layers, and slower pace but with each offering their own twist.
Andalucía, Spain: Flamenco, Moorish arches, and whitewashed villages. Seville, Córdoba, and Granada share a soulful spirit with Portugal, just with a little more heat.
Mallorca, Spain: A breezy blend of sea, sun, and stylish finca hotels. It channels Portugal’s coastline through a Balearic lens, with cliffside drives and golden-hour swims.
Tuscany, Italy: All rolling hills, rustic flavors, and Renaissance towns. Swap surf for vineyards, but keep the timeless beauty and deep sense of place.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia: Walled cities, island hops, and fresh seafood. Split and Dubrovnik feel like Portugal’s coastal twins with a Mediterranean accent.
Morocco: Across the water but culturally connected. Marrakech and Fès serve up tiled courtyards, vibrant souks, and echoes of Iberian history.