![\"Douro\u00a0Valley](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Douro-Valley-1.webp)
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<\/picture><\/p>\nI found it nestled in the northern part of the country extending from the city of Porto to the eastern border near Spain<\/a>. It was once a wild and turbulent river but eight huge dams have tamed it and its now very calm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n I drove two hours from Porto and spent an idyllic three days at the very Insta-worthy 4-star Lamego Hotel & Life<\/a>. I <\/span>toured the historic wine estates (quintas) and went to tastings and on a vineyard tour, cruised along the serene and very pretty Douro River, cycled through the scenic landscapes and explored the small and charming villages of Pinh\u00e3o and Peso da R\u00e9gua.<\/p>\n I also paid a visit to the Douro Museum<\/a> and learnt about the region’s rich wine-making history and stopped by the exquisite <\/span>Mateus Palace<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought this was such a romantic and picturesque place! It was stunning with its elaborate palaces, such as the ornate and turreted Pena Palace which sat alongside rugged, cliff-lined beaches, a misty dense forest and dramatic ocean views.<\/p>\n The vegetation here was lush and exotic due to having its own microclimate. To me, it felt magical and otherworldly, blending fairy-tale architecture with a touch of gothic mystique.<\/p>\n I found it hidden in plain sight <\/span>within the hills of the Sintra Mountains near the Atlantic coast around 25 kilometers northwest of Lisbon in the western part of the country. I found out from the guide that it has current population of around 381,000, and that it was once one of Lord Byron’s favourite Portuguese haunts. It dates back to the Moors in the 8th century and today it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I spent two days here staying at the elegant and romantic 4-star boutique Chalet Saudade<\/a> and explored the striking Pena Palace<\/a>, wandered through the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira which had hidden tunnels and enchanting gardens, and visited the ancient Moorish Castle and seeing superb panoramic views.<\/p>\n I wandered through the grand halls of Sintra National Palace<\/a>, unwound on the peaceful shores of Praia da Adraga and Praia das Ma\u00e7\u00e3s, and tackled the green, winding trails of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.<\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought this was such a unique hidden gem! Known as the Portuguese Venice, I discovered a quaint beauty spot with Art Nouveau buildings, picturesque canals lined with brightly-coloured moliceiro boats and bridges and the nearby Praia da Costa Nova which was home to distinctive striped houses (pictured above). I was also taken in by its lively yet relaxed vibe.<\/p>\n I unearthed this gem in the <\/span>central part of the country, along the Ria de Aveiro lagoon, around 70 kilometers south of Porto. It has a maritime history which dates back to the Roman era and a current population of around 78,000.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I drove an hour from Porto and stayed three days at the very unique and Insta-worthy Barcos Casa Aveiro<\/a> and enjoyed a colourful gondola-type moliceiro boat tour<\/a> along the picturesque canals, and explored the interesting Art Nouveau Museum.<\/p>\n I also strolled along the colourful Costa Nova beach to see it’s iconic striped houses, tasted the local delicacy ovos moles (a traditional Portuguese pastry), and visited the nearby S\u00e3o Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve<\/a> to see interesting wildlife and serene landscapes.<\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n
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7. Sintra<\/h2>\n
![\"Sintra](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Sintra-Portugal-2.webp)
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8. Aveiro<\/h2>\n
![\"Aveiro](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Aveiro-1000x645-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C645&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Beautiful](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Aveiro.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Striped](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Costa-Nova-beach-striped-houses.webp)
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9. Sagres<\/h2>\n
![\"Praia](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Praia-da-Marinha-1.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Praia-da-Marinha-in-Algarve-taken-in-July-2024.jpg?resize=1200%2C783&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
This beach is famous for a reason! I found golden cliffs framing a dreamy crescent of fine, golden sand, shimmering turquoise waters, and unique rock formations, with a backdrop of charming traditional Algarvian buildings. There was a mix of secluded tranquil spots as well as more crowded areas. <\/p>\n
I found it located onto the southern coast of the country, in the Algarve region, near the town of Lagoa and is a very popular tourist destination – it’s actually know to be one of the world’s best beaches.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n When here, I relaxed, snorkelled in the beautifully clear waters, explored nearby caves, rock pools and rock formations, hiked the picturesque cliff-top trails and saw really breathtaking views, and took an awesome boat tour where I saw incredible sea arches and hidden coves, including the famous Benagil Cave which was a magnificent rock dome which flooded sunlight onto the sandy beach inside (pictured above)!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought the hilly Portuguese capital was such a gem of a place! It’s was also very easy-on-the-eye in a shabby chic kind of way with narrow, winding streets paved with traditional Portuguese cobblestones, colourful tile-clad buildings, quaint cafes, sublime views, Gothic cathedrals and majestic monasteries all set against the backdrop of sun-drenched beaches along the nearby coastline.<\/p>\n I loved how it had a bohemian vibe mixed in with traditional charm and a lively, youthful energy. I found it located on the western coast of the country, facing the Atlantic Ocean, at the mouth of the Tagus River. It dated back Roman times but today it’s home to around 505,000 people.<\/p>\n I stayed for a fun three days and explored the historic Belem Tower and Jer\u00f3nimos Monastery, rode the iconic Tram 28 through the picturesque neighbourhoods, gorged on past\u00e9is de nata (a custard tart) in the locally famous Manteigaria<\/a> pastry shop, discovered quirky street art in the bohemian Bairro Alto district, and took in incredible panoramic views from the city’s highest point, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.<\/p>\n I also enjoyed the gorgeous views from S\u00e3o Jorge Castle, unwound in the lush gardens of Gulbenkian Museum<\/a>, people-watched from alfresco coffee bars and checked out both the trendy and traditional restaurants. Pretty views seemed to pop up everywhere in this city – it almost felt unreal!<\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I adored this sleepy little fishing village turned chic coastal resort! I thought it was very beautiful too with a scenic blend of sandy beaches and rugged coastlines dotted with elegant villas, historic forts, and a charming old town with cobbled streets and quaint cafes. To me, it felt both relaxed and intimate with an arty, upscale vibe and I really like the mix of the charm of a traditional fishing village with the sophistication of a cosmopolitan resort town. <\/p>\n It turned out to be hidden away <\/span>along the western coast of the country, just west of Lisbon, along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the Estoril Coast. It had a rich maritime history but I saw it was now a popular tourist destination with a population of around 214,000. <\/p>\n I stayed here for a week at the very Insta-worthy and modern 4-star Legacy Hotel Cascais<\/a> and it quickly became one of my favourite places in the country I strolled along the picturesque Bay of Cascais, visited the historic Santa Marta Lighthouse and Museum<\/a>, and explored the rugged beauty of Boca do Inferno cliffs (my photo is above).<\/p>\n I also found time to relax on the sandy beaches of Praia da Rainha, discover the opulent interiors of the Castro Guimar\u00e3es Museum<\/a>, and dine in gorgeous restaurants in the gleaming marina which shimmered in the sunshine. <\/p>\n Due to its exquisite scenery, I also loved how it was popular with artisans, writers, and artists and I personally discovered its remarkable selection of art, proudly displayed in The Conde de Castro Guimaraes Museum<\/a>. <\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Yes, it’s developed and touristy, but this place is popular for a reason! I personally thought it was a very beautiful place with golden cliffs, sprawling sandy beaches, hidden coves, and charming whitewashed villages with Moorish-influenced architecture, which glow under the warm Mediterranean sun. It has a leisurely laid-back holiday vibe which I saw livened up at night when the club seekers came out to play.<\/p>\n I discovered it located in the southernmost region of the country, and stretches along the country’s coastline from the border with Spain<\/a> to the westernmost point of Cape St. Vincent. It had both Roman and Moorish influences, but today it’s home to around 451,000. Before my trip, I read that it\u2019s actually one of the most visited spots in all of Europe – with around 7 million visitors a year! <\/p>\n I stayed for a blissful two weeks and stayed one week in the dreamy 4 star boutique Central Monchique Hotel<\/a>. I sunbathed on the stunning beaches of Praia da Marinha, Praia da Marinha Falesia Beach and Praia Da Cordoama, and watched surfers tackle the sturdy waves at Sagres.<\/p>\n I wandered the charming old streets of Tavira, hiked the dramatic cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, while my partner teed off on Vilamoura\u2019s world-class golf courses – and we both dived into Albufeira\u2019s buzzing nightlife!<\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n I thought this one eclectic and interesting city! It does have some edgier parts but it’s also very attractive with a mix of historic architecture, baroque churches, neoclassical buildings, quaint cobbled streets and a gorgeous Douro River setting. I was also charmed by is vibrant and artistic vibe! <\/p>\n I came across it in the northwest of Portugal along the Douro River estuary. As the second-largest city in the country and the capital of the Norte region, Porto boasts a population of 214,000. Dating back to the Roman times, its historic center is now listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n I spent three days here staying at the gorgeous and unique 4-star Vincci Bonjardim boutique<\/a> and toured the historic and Insta-worthy Ribeira District along the Douro River which was filled with narrow cobbled streets and colourful ancient buildings and sat under the arches at Placa da Ribeira (the riverfront square) and watched the boats float past.<\/p>\n I also sampled port wine at the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, admired the stunning blue tile work at S\u00e3o Bento Railway Station, explored the jaw-dropping Livraria Lello bookstore<\/a> that inspired J.K. Rowling, climbed the Cl\u00e9rigos Tower and saw breathtaking city views, and gazed in awe at the palatial 19th-century Pal\u00e1cio de Bolsa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n
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2. Lisbon<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Lisbon-Portugal-views-taken-in-July-2024.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/My-photo-of-Lisbon-taken-in-summer.webp "\\"My")
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3. Cascais<\/h2>\n
![\"Cascais](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Cascais-Portugal.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Cascais](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Cascais-beach-1.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Cascais-taken-in-June-2024.webp "\\"My")
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4. The Algarve Region<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Chapel-of-Nossa-Senhora-da-Rocha-Our-Lady-of-the-Rock-in-the-Algarve-Portugal-taken-in-July-2024.webp)
<\/picture>![\"The](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Algarve-town-Portugal.webp)
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5. Porto<\/h2>\n
![\"Beautiful](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Porto-Portugal-1.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Where](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Porto-Portugal-2.webp)
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