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Lisbon, Portugal
During our family trip to Lisbon, we stayed at **The Vintage**, a super stylish hotel that perfectly mixed modern vibes with a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. The rooftop bar had the most incredible views of the city, and we couldn’t get enough of their fresh breakfast each morning. After long days of exploring, we loved coming back to chill in the hotel’s spa or just relax in the comfy rooms.
To kick off our Lisbon adventures, we hopped on the **Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour**, which was a fun and easy way to get around the city’s top spots. One of the highlights was visiting the **Torre de Belém**, an iconic fortress right on the water, full of history and amazing photo ops. We also explored the **Palácio Nacional da Ajuda**, a royal palace with jaw-dropping interiors that gave us a glimpse into Portugal’s regal past. Finally, we made our way up to the **Castelo de São Jorge**, a historic castle with stunning views of the city—it’s a must-do for any visitor!
We spent time wandering through the charming **Chiado** neighborhood, known for its cute boutiques, lively cafés, and a perfect mix of old and new Lisbon. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time just soaking in the atmosphere.
Of course, no trip to Lisbon would be complete without indulging in some of the city's best eats. We loved the bustling **Time Out Market**, a foodie paradise where you can sample all kinds of local flavors under one roof. For dessert, we made a pilgrimage to the famous **Pastéis de Belém** to try the original *pastel de nata*—and trust me, it was worth the hype!
For dinner, we went to **Sea Me Peixaria Moderna**, a trendy spot serving up fresh seafood with a modern twist (the sushi was amazing!). Another favorite was **ZeroZero**, an Italian restaurant that had some of the best pizza and pasta we’ve ever tasted. And for a more laid-back vibe, **Russo’s** was the perfect place to grab some delicious burgers and relax after a day of exploring.
Lisbon is such a vibrant city, and we had an absolute blast discovering its rich history, beautiful neighborhoods, and mouthwatering food!
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TrĂłia Peninsula, Portugal
After our Lisbon adventure, we spent a magical night in TrĂłia, staying at the stunning TrĂłia Design Hotel. This place was all about sleek design and modern luxury. Our room had a breathtaking view of the ocean, and we felt pampered by the peaceful vibe. It was the perfect spot to unwind after our city explorations.
In the evening, we took a short trip to Carvalhal Beach to catch the sunset, and it was absolutely stunning. The golden sands, peaceful waves, and the sky changing colors made it one of those moments you wish could last forever.
For dinner, we headed to the charming village of Comporta, where we ate at Sado. This cozy restaurant was the perfect mix of relaxed and delicious. The seafood was super fresh, but the real stars of the night were the desserts! We couldn’t stop raving about the Baba de Camelo, a rich condensed milk mousse, and the Mousse de Chocolate—both were to die for.
Though we only stayed in TrĂłia for one night, it was a perfect escape filled with beautiful views, great food, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes you want to come back for more.
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Sagres, Portugal
After our quick stop in Tróia, we headed south to **Sagres**, where we stayed at the beautiful **Memmo Baleeira Hotel** for two nights. This hotel was all about relaxation, with a modern, minimalist style and panoramic views of the ocean. Waking up to that view each morning was something we’ll never forget!
Our first adventure took us to **Praia do Beliche**, a stunning beach tucked down a cliff. Getting there involved a bit of a climb, but it was totally worth it! The view from above was breathtaking, and once we reached the beach, it felt like a hidden paradise with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. We also stopped at **Pontal da Carrapateira**, a scenic viewpoint with dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of the coastline—definitely a spot to remember!
The next day, we headed to **Praia do Amado**, a beach famous for its perfect surfing conditions. Watching the waves and the surfers in action was mesmerizing, and the beach itself was gorgeous, with wide stretches of sand and rugged cliffs framing the view.
For dinner on our first night, we dined at **Mar a Vista**, a local gem with fresh seafood and a cozy atmosphere. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and we loved the relaxed, beachy vibe. The next day, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at **SĂtio do Forno**, which offered not only delicious food but also stunning ocean views. It was the perfect place to take in the beauty of Sagres while enjoying some local specialties.
Sagres was all about incredible beaches, awe-inspiring views, and laid-back vibes. It was the perfect spot to recharge and soak in the natural beauty of Portugal’s Algarve region!
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Carvoeiro, Portugal
Our next stop was **Carvoeiro**, where we spent two nights at the gorgeous **Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort**. This hotel was perched right on the cliffs, giving us incredible ocean views and easy access to explore the surrounding area. The Algarve is one of my favorite regions in Portugal, and even though I didn’t have time for it this trip, I always recommend doing the cliffside hike that starts at Carvoeiro Beach—it’s the perfect way to experience the region’s stunning landscapes.
On our first day, we went to **Praia Vale de Centeanes**, a beautiful beach framed by towering cliffs. From there, we hopped on a boat trip that took us to explore some of the Algarve’s famous sea caves, including the iconic **Benagil Cave**. Seeing these natural wonders up close, with their dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters, was absolutely unforgettable!
The next day, we took a day trip to **Lagos**, another must-see town in the Algarve. We visited **Praia do Camilo**, a small but breathtaking beach with a wooden staircase leading down to the sand—it’s like something out of a postcard. After soaking in the beach, we explored **Lagos' Old Town**, wandering through its narrow streets, visiting local shops, and taking in the historic charm.
As for food, we had some truly amazing meals. Our first dinner in Carvoeiro was at **Le Crô**, a fantastic restaurant owned by a lovely couple—a Brazilian woman and a Portuguese man. Each dish felt like an adventure, with creative flavors and beautifully presented plates. The next night, we dined at **Restaurante A Galé**, a cozy, traditional spot where the seafood and local dishes were simply delicious.
In Lagos, we had lunch at **Buteo Kitchen and Bar**, which had a cool, laid-back vibe. The food was fresh and flavorful, and it was a great place to relax after a day of exploring.
Carvoeiro and Lagos offered the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with incredible beaches, unique experiences, and some of the best food we had on our trip!
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Ă“bidos, Portugal
After our beach-filled days in the Algarve, we made our way north to the fairytale-like town of **Ă“bidos**, where we spent one night at the charming **Casa das Senhoras Rainhas**. This boutique hotel, nestled right in the heart of Ă“bidos, was the perfect place to stay, with its beautiful decor and warm, cozy vibe. It felt like we were stepping back in time!
We spent the day exploring **Óbidos' Old Town**, a medieval village surrounded by ancient castle walls. Wandering through its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses and vibrant flowers was such a unique experience. The town’s history is palpable, and we even walked along the castle walls to get a panoramic view of the picturesque town and surrounding countryside.
A highlight of our time in Óbidos was trying the famous **ginja**, a sweet cherry liqueur that’s often served in small chocolate cups. We stopped by the well-known **Ginja das Mariquinhas**, where we sipped on this delicious drink—it’s a must-try if you’re visiting Óbidos!
For dinner, we headed to **A Casa Nova de Ramiro**, a local favorite known for its rustic, hearty Portuguese dishes. The food was fantastic, with generous portions and rich flavors that left us feeling full and happy. It was the perfect way to end our day in this magical little town.
Though our stay in Ă“bidos was short, it was packed with charm, history, and, of course, the delicious taste of ginja!
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Serra do Buçaco, Portugal
On our way to Porto, we made a memorable stop at the stunning **Buçaco Palace**. Nestled in a lush forest, this former royal retreat looked like something straight out of a storybook, with its intricate architecture and grand gardens. Exploring the palace grounds felt magical, and the surrounding forest gave it an almost mystical vibe—definitely a hidden gem worth visiting!
After soaking in the beauty of Bucaco, we continued our journey and stopped for lunch at the famous **Pedro dos Leitões** in **Mealhada**. This place is known for serving the best **leitão** (roast suckling pig) in the region, and it certainly lived up to the hype! The crispy, flavorful pork was absolutely delicious. However, if you’re planning to visit, I highly recommend getting there early or making a reservation because it fills up quickly, and it can be tough to snag a table.
This quick stopover between Ă“bidos and Porto gave us a perfect mix of history, natural beauty, and mouthwatering Portuguese cuisine!
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Porto, Portugal
Our time in **Porto** was brief—just one night—but it left a lasting impression, and I can’t recommend staying longer enough to fully experience all this vibrant city has to offer. We stayed at the elegant **PortoBay Flores**, located in the heart of the city. The hotel was the perfect blend of comfort and style, with a beautiful location that made it easy to explore Porto’s historic old town.
Though our time was limited, we managed to catch one of Porto’s iconic sights: the sunset from the **Dom LuĂs I Bridge**. Crossing the bridge at sunset was breathtaking, as the sky turned brilliant shades of orange and pink, reflecting over the Douro River. It’s one of those moments that truly captures the spirit of Porto.
For dinner, we ate at **Ponte PĂŞnsil**, a lovely restaurant with a great view of the bridge and river. The food was delicious, and it was the perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere of the city while enjoying a relaxing meal.
Though we only had a short time to explore Porto’s **Old Town**, we wandered through its narrow streets and admired the colorful buildings and lively squares. It’s a place full of history and charm, and I definitely recommend spending more time here to see everything—from the Livraria Lello bookstore to the famous port wine cellars.
One night in Porto wasn’t enough, but it gave us a taste of the city’s beauty and energy. I’d love to return and explore even more!
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Douro, Portugal
Our final stop was the breathtaking **Douro Valley**, where we stayed at **The Vintage House Hotel**—and honestly, it was the highlight of the entire trip. The hotel was absolutely stunning, with its classic charm, beautiful views over the river, and a pool that we couldn’t resist lounging by on our first day. It was the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of the valley.
Though we didn’t have time to visit all the quintas recommended by the hotel, what we did experience left us completely in love with the region. On our second day, we went on a leisurely boat trip along the Douro River, which offered incredible views of the terraced vineyards lining the hills. It was a peaceful and scenic way to explore the valley before diving into some serious port wine tasting.
We visited three incredible quintas: **Quinta do Bomfim**, **Quinta da Pacheca**, and **Quinta de São Luiz**. Each had its own unique charm, but all offered amazing port wines that gave us a true taste of the Douro. One standout for me was the **Pacheca Port Tawny 20 Years**—it was smooth, rich, and absolutely delicious.
Though we didn’t manage to visit all the quintas, the ones we saw were enough to show us why the Douro Valley is world-famous for its wine. If you’re a wine lover, this region is a must-visit. And even if you’re not, the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience!
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Lisbon, Portugal
On our way back to Lisbon for our last night before catching our flight, we made a lovely stop in **Cascais**. This charming coastal town was the perfect place to stretch our legs and explore. With its picturesque streets, vibrant marina, and relaxed atmosphere, Cascais felt like a mini-vacation within our trip! We wandered around, soaking in the ocean views and the town’s laid-back vibe.
For lunch, we headed to **Furnas do Guincho**, a fantastic restaurant right by the sea. The view of the Atlantic was as impressive as the food, with fresh seafood that was cooked to perfection. It was the ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely meal before continuing on to Lisbon.
Back in **Lisbon** for our final night, we wrapped up the trip with dinner at **Copo de Mar**, a cozy spot with a focus on seafood. The food was delicious, and it felt like a fitting farewell to a trip full of amazing culinary experiences.
Cascais and Lisbon provided the perfect ending to our journey through Portugal, with great food, beautiful scenery, and just the right mix of relaxation and exploration before heading home.