Portugal- Lisbon, Algarve
Similar to New Zealand, I think Portugal likes to be unexplored and a bit of a secret. Aside from the language, Portugal is amazingly easy to navigate and a real untouched gem in Europe with very passionate people who love to have a good time. We were very lucky to be here during the start of World Cup so the country was alive with energy! We did Lisbon in 2-3 days and spent most of the time in the Algarve, which is a 3 hour drive south. Leave time to drive into Spain as well!
The Essentials
- Rent a car with GPS and explore. So small that you can cover alot of ground. Eat seafood, drink wine from the Douro region, and yes, try the Port. Since this was summer, we headed south to the beaches instead of north- another trip for that!
Lisbon
- If you have a quick layover, stay at the Tryp hotel literally across the street from the airport, you can catch a quick taxi into Lisbon.
- Lisbon is like the San Francisco of Europe, complete with its own version of the Golden Gate. Fresh seafood is everywhere, oldest cable car, and an overall chill approach to life.
- Lisbon- eat at the restaurants down by the water, including Ibo. Stay across the street at the amazing LX Boutique Hotel - we were there only 1 night, but can't wait to come back - the morning views of the water are like a breath of fresh air. Lisboa a Noite is a great seafood restaurant with some amazing wine selections - followed by port and more wine at Sul wine bar around the corner.
Algarve
- First stop was Lagos, a small surf town, which reminds me of the Greek Islands. The rock formations at all the beaches are dramatic and beautiful, as is the frigid blue water!
- Castro Marim. My favorite town where we stayed, it's where the Portuguese go for vacation. We stayed at an amazing old olive farm B&B, Companhia Das Culturas. My dream is to own an olive farm B&B just like this - fresh breakfasts and bike rides included!
- Restaurants - all the restaurants along the beach are amazing including Restaurant Des Mares and the trendy Pezinhos N'Areia. Have drinks up the road at Hotel Praia Verde. Can't go wrong any way.
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| Beaches in Lagos |
- Rent a car with GPS and explore. So small that you can cover alot of ground. Eat seafood, drink wine from the Douro region, and yes, try the Port. Since this was summer, we headed south to the beaches instead of north- another trip for that!
Lisbon
- If you have a quick layover, stay at the Tryp hotel literally across the street from the airport, you can catch a quick taxi into Lisbon.
- Lisbon is like the San Francisco of Europe, complete with its own version of the Golden Gate. Fresh seafood is everywhere, oldest cable car, and an overall chill approach to life.
- Lisbon- eat at the restaurants down by the water, including Ibo. Stay across the street at the amazing LX Boutique Hotel - we were there only 1 night, but can't wait to come back - the morning views of the water are like a breath of fresh air. Lisboa a Noite is a great seafood restaurant with some amazing wine selections - followed by port and more wine at Sul wine bar around the corner.
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| View from LX Boutique, Lisbon |
Algarve
- First stop was Lagos, a small surf town, which reminds me of the Greek Islands. The rock formations at all the beaches are dramatic and beautiful, as is the frigid blue water!
- Castro Marim. My favorite town where we stayed, it's where the Portuguese go for vacation. We stayed at an amazing old olive farm B&B, Companhia Das Culturas. My dream is to own an olive farm B&B just like this - fresh breakfasts and bike rides included!
- Restaurants - all the restaurants along the beach are amazing including Restaurant Des Mares and the trendy Pezinhos N'Areia. Have drinks up the road at Hotel Praia Verde. Can't go wrong any way.
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