Alexis & Taylor
Recommendations
Sintra
40 Minutes by Train from Lisbon
This fairytale of a town has amazing castles and scenic views. Sintra is just outside of Lisbon, so you can do this in a day. Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle high atop the mountain are a must!
Algarve
3 Hours Outside of Lisbon
Visit the Algarve region in the south of Portugal if you have a few more days. Known for picturesque beaches, surfing, Michelin-star cuisine, golf, and natural marvels. The Algarve is one of Portugal's most popular tourist regions and for good reason!
Comporta
1 hour 30 Minutes Outside Lisbon
Comporta is Portugal's best secret beach spot. A favorite getaway among celebrities and royals; Comporta is known for its pristine beaches, luxurious villas, avante-garde dining, and delightful boutiques.
Cascais
1 hour train from Lisbon
Frequently compared to the The French Riviera, Cascais is a popular cosmopolitan vacation destination in Europe. And yet, this beautiful town of white-washed walls and pastel hues, still retains a lot of its old fishing village charm.
Porto
2 hour 45 minute train from Lisbon
Porto is Portugal's second-largest city and just an hour and a half away from one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world- Douro Valley! You can tour one of the port wineries (it is recommended you make reservations prior to going), visit the Livraria Lello, the famous library in Porto that is rumored to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s depictions of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, and grab a francesinha, the famous Portuguese sandwich which originated in Porto.
Douro Valley
5 1/2 hour train from Lisbon
The scenic Douro Valley — the birthplace of port wine — is a vine-draped land of otherworldly, ever-changing terrain sculpted by centuries of hardy farmers. The Douro Vinhateiro, as it is known, was the first demarcated wine region in the world (1756) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to beautiful natural landscapes and viewpoints. The Quintas (wineries) offer several experiences, such as spas, farm-to-table activities, balloon rides, and excellent restaurants.
Nazaré
1 1/2 Hour Drive or 2 Hour Bus From Lisbon
Nazaré has been a popular beach resort for many years now and this is unsurprising given the town's fantastic stretch of golden sand. Over recent years though, it isn't just holidaying families who have been drawn to the coast around Nazaré, but some of the world's best surfers. Long regarded as the home of big wave surfing in Portugal, Nazaré has recently put itself firmly on the global map with the biggest waves ever ridden being surfed here.
Madeira
1 hour 45 minute flight from Lisbon
Geologically dramatic and bursting with color, Portugal’s most enchanting island is a place that keeps all its subtropical holiday promises. Pearl of the Atlantic, island of eternal spring…Madeira well deserves its fanciful nicknames and the affection visitors and locals alike feel for this tiny volcanic island that offers so much. What Madeira lacks in size (it’s only 35 miles long and 14 miles wide) it makes up for in the sheer variety of things to see and do – from its Hawaii-esque waterfalls and thick forests to its ocean adventures, incredible hikes and exhilarating toboggan rides.