Destination Spotlight: Portugal
Written on March 12, 2026
Don’t be fooled by Portugal’s humble size – you’ll quickly fill your travel itinerary with sightseeing as you begin to uncover all the country has to offer. From cobblestone villages to medieval towns, to bustling beachy destinations, and vibrant cities, Portugal charms tourists seeking a wide variety of experiences.
Best time to visit
Summer is the best time to visit to enjoy warmer weather and sunshine, but the Algarve is often teeming with tourists (especially from other regions of Portugal and throughout Europe) who are excited for some beach time. Otherwise, late spring and early fall provide nicer weather that is perfect for comfortable sightseeing.
Known for
Port: A sweet, red dessert wine with a high alcohol content, port is produced from grapes grown in the Duoro Valley in northern Portugal. Tour the cellars in Porto, cruise through the vineyards that line the Duoro River, or book a tasting.
Massive ocean swells at Nazaré: Surfing is popular up and down the western coast of the country, but the magnitude of the waves at Nazare during peak season (December) will leave you speechless. With the tallest waves measuring at 60-100 feet, it’s truly a sight to behold.
Azulejos: The beautifully painted ceramic tiles that cover buildings in Portugal aren’t just aesthetically pleasing – they are also designed to help with regulating the temperature within the structure.
Fado: The mournful and melancholy lyrics and notes of Portugal’s signature music blend to tell a story with themes of heartbreak, poverty, and the struggles of everyday life. Visitors can learn more at the Fado Museum in Lisbon or by attending a concert.
Olive oil: The Alentejo region of the country is home to four varieties of olives that often grow in groves alongside the vineyards. Portugal is currently the 7th largest olive oil exporter in the world and is pacing to move to 3rd by 2030. Olive grove tours and tasting experiences are available.
Pastel de nata: The iconic pastry of Portugal, pastel de nata is a must-try custard tart that is available throughout the country. Everyone has a favorite location for their preferred pastel de nata, so try a few to find yours. (Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon often tops people’s list, but keep an eye out for gluten-free and vegan options, too!)
Places to Visit on the Mainland
Lisbon: The cosmopolitan capital city is perfect for exploring by foot (prepare yourself for the hills and stairs!) to enjoy history, a fantastic food scene, and live music. Dance the night away in Bairro Alto, take in the sunset on a Tagus River cruise, explore a museum, taste a bifana (traditional sandwich with thinly sliced pork), and even take a day trip to Sintra for one of the world’s most photogenic castles.
Porto: The second largest city in Portugal, Porto is often described as a more laid-back Lisbon. Another great city to explore by foot, (again, the hills!) you can fill your days with sightseeing and simply enjoying a relaxing European lifestyle. Cross the Dom Luís bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia to catch a sunset while enjoying live music at the park, check out the azulejos at the Sao Bento train station, take a boat ride that passes under the bridges, wander the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal to see the peacocks and awesome river views, sign up for a wine tour, and be sure eat a francesinha (a hot sandwich with layers of bread, meats, cheese, and covered in a hot tomato and beer sauce.)
Lisbon and Porto both serve as excellent home bases for coordinating day trips to nearby cities in each of their regions.
Braga: The oldest city in Portugal was founded by the Romans and is over 2000 years old. The Braga Cathedral was constructed in the 15th century and is a must-see when visiting. Plan to ride to Bom Jesus do Monte via Europe’s oldest water-powered funicular to explore the stunning views and grounds of the sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage site before climbing down the staircases.
The Algarve: The beach towns of the Algarve are bustling during the summer months, but the crowds disperse in the off season if you prefer a quieter atmosphere. Each larger city in the region has a unique personality. Lagos has the broadest appeal, catering to families, water and beach activity enthusiasts, and lovers of nightlife – a relaxed beach town that hums with vacation vibrations and feels lively but not overwhelming. Faro, the capital of the Algarve, feels more “charming old town” and offers more history and culture and mingling with the locals than other destinations in the region. Albufeira touts golden beaches by day and the prime party scene in the Algarve by night, when the clubs and streets come to life until the wee hours of the morning. Tavira (and the eastern Algarve in general) is quieter and somewhat less touristy than the cities to the west.
Islands to Visit
The Azores: This group of nine islands is in the Atlantic Ocean about 900 miles from the coast of Portugal and is perfect for nature lovers who want to reconnect in a more off-the-beaten-path destination. Experience all four seasons in one day (pack your day bag accordingly!) as you set out for memorable hikes, whale watching, and touring the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation.
Madeira: The four islands of subtropical Madeira are located just off the coast of Morocco, and capital Funchal is a bustling little town that often welcomes cruise ships. Outdoor activities abound here as well, so hiking and swimming in a natural pool or enjoying beach time is a nice way to spend your days. Wandering the markets, sipping wine at a café, and immersing yourself in the foodie scene round out a dreamy vacation itinerary.
Experience Portugal for Yourself
The best way to see Portugal is through a guided tour with one of our preferred suppliers or a custom itinerary our team helps to create with your wish list in mind. A cruise on the Douro River partnered with extended city stays pre-or-post sailing also permits a great deal of sightseeing in a short time.
When you’re ready to visit this true gem in Europe, we’re ready to help!
