Portugal Blog
Portugal Travel Guide: Exploring Lisbon, Sintra, Lagos, and Porto
Portugal is a stunning destination with a unique feel in every city and town—a place that captures the heart of any visitor. It’s no wonder it’s become a summer favorite of ours. From the charming streets of Lisbon to the coastal beauty of Lagos and the historical allure of Porto, each destination offers something distinct and unforgettable. You could spend weeks exploring Portugal and still find new things to discover! Join us as we share our journey through these three incredible cities, revealing why Portugal should be at the top of your travel list.
Exploring The Bustling Heart Of Lisbon
Lisbon is a city that beckons you back, each time discovering something new. My first trip was with a group of mates where we embraced the city’s vibrant nightlife. If you love late nights, Lisbon won’t disappoint! On return, Renee and I absorbed the city in a new way.
Beyond the nightlife, the city’s geography stands out. The city is incredibly hilly—something you’ll quickly notice—but it’s also very walkable. While we opted to explore on foot, the iconic trams are a great option to take you up the steep streets, especially if you’re not in the mood for a hike.
One of our daily missions was to hunt down the best pastel de nata (Portuguese tarts). After sampling several contenders, Manteigaria emerged as the standout winner—absolutely delicious and highly recommended!
Surprisingly, Lisbon isn’t primarily a beach city. As the heat intensified, we decided to escape the urban hustle with day trips to the coast. Our first stop was Costa de Caparica, known for its surf-friendly waves—a perfect spot if you’re looking to catch some lessons. On another day, we headed to Cascais Beach, easily accessible by train. Cascais offered a more intimate atmosphere with its dramatic cliffs and stunning scenery. While both beaches are wonderful in their own right, I found myself leaning towards Cascais for its charm.
For dining, make sure to check out the Time Out Market by the waterfront. With an impressive selection of food stalls offering delicious dishes, everything we tried was outstanding. Lisbon truly has a way of making every experience unforgettable!
Day Trip to Sintra
Sintra makes for an excellent day trip from Lisbon. It’s an easy train ride away, nestled against the lush greenery of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The scenery here is jaw-dropping. The highlight for most is visiting the vibrant Pena Palace, but don’t miss the Moorish Castle and the beautiful garden walks in the area. Exploring both the old and new towns of Sintra is enjoyable on foot and makes for a leisurely afternoon.
Take In The Sights In Portugal’s Algarve region – Lagos
Lagos, located in the Algarve region, is another must-visit destination. This popular spot can be enjoyed at a slower pace, taking the time to wander around the various bars and restaurants whilst enjoying the stunning coastline with its rugged cliffs and breathtaking beaches.
One of the highlights of our trip was running along the boardwalk that stretches along the coast—it’s a perfect way to take in the views.
Exploring Lagos by water is a must! We went kayaking with a local tour, venturing into the sea caves. You’ll see a totally different perspective of the coast from the water. If you like snorkeling, pack your gear and dive into the crystal-clear waters. We saw plenty of marine life and even swam through some of the caves.
With limited time, we often grabbed quick meals, including some delicious Portuguese chicken. For something different, Lagos surprisingly has several all-you-can-eat Japanese spots. We tried My Sushi, which was cheap, filling, and tasty—definitely worth a stop.
Discovering The Unique Charm Of Porto
Porto offers something completely different from the rest of Portugal. The cobbled streets of the Old Town and stunning architecture make it an enchanting city to explore on foot.
One of the best ways to learn about Porto’s rich history is through a free walking tour. We joined one where you tip the guide based on your enjoyment. It was a fantastic way to soak in the city’s history and get local recommendations—definitely do this at the start of your trip!
No visit to Porto is complete without indulging in its famous port wine. We visited Ramos Pinto, one of the renowned wine caves on the Gaia side, and it was an excellent choice—great value and a delightful experience!
For something a little different, take a river cruise along the Douro. The boat ride takes you between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, offering stunning views of the iconic bridges. We even packed some food and drinks for a picnic on board, which made for a perfect afternoon.
Porto’s food scene is incredible. I’ve got to pass on my recommendation as it was a must if visiting Porto. The name was Orpheu, a small restaurant that delighted our tastebuds. Everything we sampled was absolutely spot-on. Make sure to book ahead because it’s a popular spot!
We were also lucky enough to catch a Porto football match at the Estádio do Dragão. Watching a game here is an unforgettable experience, and we even witnessed a last-minute winner, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
For dining near the stadium, we found it much cheaper than in the city center, which was noticeably more expensive compared to the rest of Portugal.
