Chic, cosmopolitan and oh-so magical - discover Portugal with Portugal by TravelTailors

There is so much more to Portugal than the Algarve, beautiful though the dramatic, rocky beaches of the southern coastline may be.

Portugal’s cities offer the perfect European blend of old-world charm and cosmopolitan vibes; the vitality of Spain but without the crowds. Its diverse landscapes drop from scenic, unspoilt mountains through rolling plains and lush, fertile valleys to meet mile upon mile of stunning Atlantic coastline.

Its people, many of whom speak English, are friendly, welcoming and passionate about showcasing their beautiful home. And its unique, boutique wines, mouth-watering cuisine and best-of-the-best accommodations are surprisingly accessible, when it comes to price.

Little wonder that this vibrant land entices seasoned travellers back, year after year. But, with so much to offer, how do you begin to discover the real Portugal?

We asked our wonderful Portugal DMC, Portugal by TravelTailors , to offer some guidance.

European Heritage at its best

For those looking to immerse themselves in the past, Europe has always been the place to go - and Portugal has some of the oldest heritage around.

With its 13th-century borders making it the first established country on the continent, everything about contemporary Portugal reflects the melting pot of cultures that have occupied this land over the centuries - from its architecture to its cuisine; its art to its literature.

Those seeking the Portugal of antiquity can delight in castles, forts and ancient monuments dotted across the country, from Lisbon’s ancient Moorish and mediaeval past through Porto’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Further afield, explore regions and villages of ancient importance to Romans, Moors and Portuguese alike.

A Feast of Contemporary Culture

Clients looking for culture with a modern edge? By heading to Porto or Lisbon (both brilliant choices to begin or end their exploration of this fabulous country), they’ll be spoilt for choice.

Winding through the lively, picturesque streets of Porto unearths many a hidden gem - quirky cafes, fabulous little seafood restaurants and favourite local haunts, like the fabulous Livarario Lello, Porto’s oldest bookstore.

And we mustn't forget the city’s most acclaimed export! From the plentiful port lodges of Gaia to the verdant vineyards of the Douro Valley, sampling the region’s rich, sweet wines at their very best is an absolute must.

In cosmopolitan Lisbon, take time to soak up the incredible views from the Seven Hills before returning to the City’s sunny streets, buzzing with shops, bars, restaurants and of course those famous pastel buildings.

Explore the sights of Belem and later, nourish body and soul with great food and excellent wine while the strains of Portugal’s iconic music tells stories of love, loss, and longing at one of Lisbon’s celebrated Fado restaurants.

Still not done? Neither is Lisbon. As the sun finally fades, discover the renowned nightclub scene and dance to your heart’s content.

"I don't know any other country where it's possible to see so much in a single day: from the grandiose Douro River to the beauty of the Alentejo plains, passing through the plateaus and mountain-ranges of the Beira Interior.”

Alex Ellis, former British Ambassador in Portugal

To the heart of Portugal…

True culture vultures are in for a real treat as they travel through this fabulous land.

Sintra is the place for those who long for an authentic City experience that blends some of Portugal’s best scenery with fairytale architecture and stunning gardens.

Here, romantic souls can head to the magical Palácio de Pena, with its colourful turrets that sit high in the clouds, for a truly eclectic, Romanticist experience. Or explore the gardens and grottoes of Quinta da Regaleira Palace, a place with a spirit all of its own.

Feeling adventurous? Hike the Serra de Sintra (Sintra Mountain), which starts in the centre of the village and ends by the ocean.

At the country’s heart, stunning Coimbra rises from the Rio Mondego. With its ancient University (rumoured to be the inspiration for Hogwarts Castle and the black cloaks, based on the uniforms used by university students) and Roman and Moorish roots, Coimbra exudes culture, history and beauty - but with a youthful vitality brought by its large student population.

The setting for a tragic tale of forbidden love between a Portuguese Crown Prince and a lady from neighbouring Castile, this place that has inspired poets and writers for centuries is now known for its incredible architecture, famous University and delicious regional cuisine - Portugal by TravelTailors highly recommend trying the local Leitão da “Bairrada”, a dish of roasted pork with round, homemade fries.

Further North, travelling a short distance inland from Porto brings you to Guimarães, known as the cradle of Portugal. The birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Guimarães’ historic centre has been preserved with such authenticity and care that it has been classed a World Heritage site - the perfect place to take a step back in time.

For Foodies and Wine Buffs…

For those in search of the best food and drink, Portugal is paradise found.

As much a reflection of the eclecticism of Portugal’s past as its architecture, Portuguese cuisine is as mouth-watering as it is multicultural.

Blessed with access to fresh seafood from its continual coastline, dishes like the famous Bacalhau (or salt cod) proliferate, each a hymn to the day’s best Atlantic catches.

The Mediterranean climate brings year-round seasonality, and Portugal’s rich heritage mixes local ingredients with other influences - from the spices and grains of the Moors to the best meats from the Iberian peninsula.

No surprise then that Portugal is becoming a haven for emerging Michelin-starred restaurants, now with 45 stars across 38 restaurants and a dedicated Michelin guide due for the first time in 2024.

(And don’t even get us started on the desserts - literally. One Pastel de Nata is never enough!)

To the vineyards of Portugal, where wine lovers can embark on a voyage of discovery that charts new ground, and new grapes.

Though the Douro region is world-renowned, there are few large producers in Portugal and, other than the port for which it is most famous, the country is not a big exporter of wines.

So the real secret of Portugal lies in the discovery of the many magnificent wines being created by smaller vineyards. These largely family-owned operations, many of whom grow organically, produce from grapes grown on their own estates and their delicious, exclusive wares are snapped up by locals long before they can hit our shelves.

Luckily,  Portugal by TravelTailors  have a range of excellent itineraries on offer that take in some of the best of these boutique vineyards, many teamed with time spent savouring the finest local cuisines and soaking up the sights of Portugal’s most beautiful gardens.

Beachcombers and Island Dwellers

Portugal's coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world, with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches.

Beyond the Algarve, beach lovers can explore shores that cater to all tastes, from calm and tranquil coves to wild and rugged stretches of sand.

Our top picks? Near Sintra, the craggy, secluded beauty and crystal clear waters of Praia da Adraga make it a fantastic spot for swimming, hiking and picnics.

In the Alentejo region, head to Praia da Comporta. With its white sand dunes protected by law, this humble town has long been a secret of those in-the-know, with a raft of eco-chic accommodation and A-list visitors from Christian Louboutin to Caroline of Monaco falling for its natural charms.

And not forgetting the fabulous archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores!

Madeira is a wonderful place to while away a romantic break, with abundant natural beauty and historical sights and cultural experiences galore.

Come for the Madeira wine and the mild year-round climate, stay for the festivals - the month-long flower festival in Spring, the carnival in June, September’s famous wine festival in September and the New Year Celebration… a truly memorable event!

 Explore Madeira, Nature’s Hideout, with this 7 day itinerary 

A mecca for nature lovers, the nine volcanic islands of the Azores offer a restful, restorative experience with a welcoming, laid back vibe.

From incredible landscapes that include crater lakes, volcanic peaks, hot springs, and waterfalls to the diverse range of flora and fauna, including endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, there are few better places to hike, kayak, surf and whale watch to your heart's content.

And the Azores are no slouch when it comes to culture or cuisine either. Their rich heritage brings a mix of Portuguese, Azorean, and other influences, so visitors can explore historic towns, churches, and museums and dive deep into local specialities, including the freshest of seafood and local cheeses and wines.

Adventurous Souls…

For those who love to head off the beaten track, opportunities to find adventure are everywhere.

Portugal's landscape is incredibly diverse, from the mountainous peaks of the Serra da Estrela through the rolling hills of the Alentejo to the rugged coastline of the Algarve and, with only a 7 hour drive from North to South, the whole country is easily accessible.

Hikers and bikers will find it hard to beat the hilliest regions, and especially those in the central mainland, where the sustainable regeneration of traditional Schist villages and houses has breathed new life into these formerly secluded and authentically beautiful spots.

Meanwhile, on the coast, surfers flock to the warm waters and big breaks of the Atlantic ocean.

Portugal is a fantastic place to experience the sport thanks to its long coastline and consistent waves, warm water temperatures and variety of surf breaks to suit surfers of all levels, and a rich surf culture has built over recent decades.

From the challenging waves of Nazaré and Peniche, with its infamous Supertubos beach break, to the laid-back vibes of Ericeira, stunning scenery of Sagres and beach amenities of Figueira da Foz, Portugal offers a variety of options for a memorable experience for surfers of all levels.

Algarve or bust

And finally, if we’ve not managed to convince you to explore beyond the Algarve, those longing for its lost charm are in luck.

Portugal by TravelTailors’  advice is to head to the corners of the region to discover it at its best - try towns like Sagres to the west, or the sleepy, hidden magic of Alcoutim situated 30km inland on the Spanish border.

Here, you’ll escape the busiest of the tourist trails and find magnificent hiking trails through beautiful scenery, rugged coastline and golden beaches, as well as cultural highlights that range from the 15th Century fortress of Sagres to the white churches and impressive castle of Alcoutim.

Diverse terrain and friendly people, stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches, rich culture and unbeatable heritage, amazing food and drink and excellent accommodation.

Portugal is a country full of magic, one that’s ripe for discovery with fresh eyes - and we know no one better to guide your clients than  Portugal by TravelTailors. 

For more information about their example itineraries  - or to discuss bespoke options for a tailor-made trip, get in touch today.