Portugal (Porto & The Algarve)

On this continuation of my favorite place in the world, Portugal, I’ll take you from the northern city of Porto to the southern oasis of the Algarve. They are about 5 hours away from one another and offer completely different yet equally amazing experiences. We began and ended our trip in Lisbon, dividing the remainder of our trip between Porto and the Algarve. To begin, let’s escape to the gorgeous countryside and bustling city of Porto…

Porto

We scored an amazing little apartment directly on the riverfront right where all the action was, and I mean right where all the fun was- we had a hard time even finding our place because it was a small entryway directly between two amazing restaurants. It was a primo location with the city’s energy booming around us at all hours of the day and night. If you’re looking for a little calmer, you’ll want to find a place beyond the riverfront. We loved the ease of walking everywhere and even our kids thoroughly enjoyed the music and festivities.

We noticed many walking tours, biking tours and boat tours coming and going throughout Porto, and I highly recommend securing one of these tours to fully learn about Porto. We mostly explored on our own and found ourselves eating, shopping, stopping for treats and listening to street performers and live music along the waterfront.

The food was divine, the entertainment plentiful and there are tons of historical buildings, architecture, and stores to explore. We did have difficulty finding an actual grocery store on foot, so if you’re planning to stay in an apartment for a few days- hit one on your way into Porto. But you’ll also find delightful dining spots on every corner, so finding delicious meals won’t be difficult.

Douro Valley

We found an amazing tour through Viater of a full day trip to picturesque Douro Valley. We were picked up on a huge bus, steps from our rental property and whisked away for the day. Our bus driver and tour guide were absolutely amazing, giving us the in-depth history of Port wine and Portuguese vineyards. We stopped for snacks, an amazing lunch in a gorgeous courtyard overlooking the valley, a relaxing river cruise and multiple stops at vineyards for wine tastings.

If you ask our children, this was their least favorite day of the entire weeks’ long trip. However, the adults were thoroughly entertained, fed and content. It was a beautiful day; the weather was perfection, and the backdrop was breathtaking. It was very warm, even in early June, so I imagine this valley gets pretty hot later in the summer. So, plan your dates and trip accordingly!

Nazaré

If you’re a surfing enthusiast, you’ll want to stop by Nazaré on your way from Porto to the Algarve. This is where some major big wave action goes down and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll see some huge ones. During our visit, they were a meager 5-6 feet (get my sarcasm there?) but they can reach heights of over 50 feet. It’s insane. And the surfers who ride these waves are even more insane. The super cute beach town is worth a stop, go toward the iconic old red lighthouse and there are various parking areas and hikes around the cliffs. You’ll likely have to pay to park and do some walking around this area. Once you’re done, you can head back down the hill and hit the beach!

All around you’ll find food vendors, treat stands, pop up shops with surf apparel and some buildings and history to tour. This area was packed with super friendly, very cool surfing enthusiasts from all over the world and we enjoyed sitting near the section of food trucks, having a cold beer and a taco, and speaking with locals and visitors. There were a lot of people staying in this area for the duration of their vacation and I am sure there was a ton to do, but an afternoon hang was perfect for us on our way down to the Algarve. Once we filled our bellies and took in the views, we headed out to check into our rental home.

The Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal, and it stretches from the border with Spain in the east across to the Atlantic in the west. The coastline has a multitude of beautiful beaches from small secret coves to miles long stretches of fine brown sugar colored sand. Inland there are hills and mountains, and the terrain almost feels desert-oasis-like.

We chose to rent a house for a full week in this region and we’re so glad that we did. We could live there. No, but like actually live there. We haven’t stopped looking at property since we left. All of Portugal is so clean and pristine and this region was no exception. I highly recommend finding a rental home where you can easily walk to the beaches, since you’ll likely make several trips back and forth a day, as we did. Being near the beach was very convenient and we not only easily walked to the beach, but to restaurants, shops, bakeries, and bars each day.

One evening we splurged and hired a private chef, chef Max with Puro catering, to come and cook for us in our home and it was truly magnificent. The food was some of the most delicious I’ve ever had…ever and the experience of having a chef cater to you and your group was divine. He was also just a pleasure to watch and chat with. If this interests you, get in touch with Max, you won’t be disappointed.

Carvoeiro

One of your first stops should be to hike along the Carvoeiro boardwalk path, and marvel at all the beautiful coastal rock formations. We enjoyed exploring this area, walking down to the secluded beaches and even finding cavernous swimming pools to cool off in. There is even an adorable little eatery where you can get a drink and snack, built into the carved rocks. It was a beautiful hike, you’re sure to enjoy.

Praia dos Beijinhos was the beach closest to our home, where we frequently visited. Here, you can even rent small boats, surf boards, paddle boards and the coolest mini boats with slides on them- which we partook in and thoroughly enjoyed. We loved this beach, the ease of walking there, the nearby shops and restaurants and the friendliness of the beachgoers. By the end of our week, it felt like home, and we were very sad to leave!

If anyone in your group is a surfer, you’ll want to take a trip to Praia da Cordoama, a gorgeous and secluded beach (we had to drive through dirt roads to get there) where the waves were prime. We packed sandwiches, snacks, some toys, our boards and towels and spent a beautiful afternoon there. The water is chilly, even in the summer, so you’ll want to pack your wetsuit and either bring your board or rent one. We opted to rent, so that we didn’t have to lug our boards all over Portugal (their cars are small). But, if you’re only staying in the Algarve, you will want to bring your own- just be sure you rent a vehicle large enough.

Rent a yacht

I would say the highlight of our entire trip was the day we rented a catamaran sailing yacht for the entire day. It was divine. They supplied breakfast, snacks and lunch, some beverages (we also brough our own wine) and took us up and down the coast, admiring the coastline and stopping for swims and paddleboarding. It will be something our whole group will remember forever. There are many options in this region, so find one that is conveniently located near wherever you’re staying. We used Viator to find the boat and captain that suited our group the best.

If you’re looking for a little adventure, perhaps some cliff jumping? Then head to Praia do Carvalho, there is an amazing cliff you can easily climb up to and jump off. It was a rush and a risk I am glad I took. Absolutely crystal-clear blue water with a gorgeous beach located into a carved rock formation- it was heaven. Again, we brought our towels and some snacks and made an afternoon of it. You’ll want to keep those towels handy- you never know when you stumble into one of Portugal’s gorgeous beaches!

Benagil Cave, Lagoa

My final recommendation of a “must see” while visiting the Algarve is to sign up for a boat tour to visit the caves, more specifically the Benagil Cave. You’ll find dozens of options on Viator, from paddleboarding and kayaking through the caves to small boat group tours (which is what we did). I recommend doing both, doing the boat tour so you can see all the awesome caves and then also do a kayak tour where you can go inside the Benagil cave, pull your kayak up to the shore and move around a bit more.

It was much more crowded than we anticipated, so I am happy we did a boat tour as well, to see some of the less popular and crowded caves along the coast. It was a bumpy ride and several hours long – but it was worth it. Just don’t sit in the very back, major splash zone, and again the water is cold- so brrrrr!

There are countless adorable towns nearby, shops, delicious restaurants and decadent bakeries- I could go on and on with recommendations, but honestly you just can’t go wrong with any of them. Hit some of these major must see spots and explore while you’re on your way there. With so many adorable coastal towns, find your own hidden gem and favorite coffee shops. Explore small towns and dip inside tiny local stores. The culture is vibrant, friendly and warm and you’re sure to find something awe-inspiring all on your own. And if I can be of help in planning your Portugal getaway- feel free to contact me!

And since I’ve already done my top 10 packing list in Part 1 of my Portugal blog, for something a little different I am going to list my top 10 delicious things to try while you’re there! So let’s chow down on some delicious Portuguese cuisine…

10 foods to try when visiting Portugal…yum!

Bacalhau– a salted cod fritter, usually mixed with potato and onion. A super tasty, super cheap food you can find on all menus and in every store. If you love fish, you’ll love this dish! And if you don’t like fish…our tastes might be very different.
Linguicia– a pork sausage with a delicious smoky herb flavor. Served usually with rice or potatoes, and in most Portuguese homes.
Pastel de nata– a yummy custard tart, different variations were all over Portugal with my favorite ones being in Lisbon. I loved having these in the morning with my coffee.
Sardinhas assadas– basically grilled sardines. Sardines are super popular throughout Portugal and served every which way, even enjoyed straight out of the can. Again, for fish lovers. Very strong flavors, that I absolutely loved- but it’s not for everyone. I enjoyed mine served over toast almost as a sandwich. So. Good.
Arroz de marisco– a delicious, fresh seafood rice and my absolute favorite meal in Portugal. Served various ways, our private chef made my favorite, and with different seafoods (shrimp, fishes, octopus, etc.) with always perfectly cooked rice- the Portuguese know their rice and seafood!
Breads & cheeses– not a specific dish, but we really enjoyed going to markets daily and picking up fresh loaves of bread, super orange fresh eggs and yummy cheeses that I couldn’t pronounce. There wasn’t one day we didn’t enjoy some fresh eggs, cheeses and deliciously soft and perfectly baked breads.
Piri-piri chicken– Piri-piri sauce has got to be one of my favorite flavors ever made, ever. I am so obsessed and to the point I seek out Portuguese restaurants and this sauce/dish. I wish I could perfect making it and make Piri piri- everything. But nothing quite replicates it unless you can find an authentic local Portuguese restaurant.
Açaí bowls- This is so random and definitely not Portuguese, but the acai craze has made its’ way to Portugal, and I am not mad about it…in fact the best acai bowls I’ve ever had have been in Portugal. I got SEVERAL and every single one was delicious, fresh and wonderful. I was sad to return home and find ours somewhat lacking. Whether it’s fresher fruit, pesticide free agricultural or just atmosphere- I have no idea. But they were the best.
Honeymelon– I am still not sure if this is the actual name, but there is a small green melon you’ll find at any market in Portugal that is absolutely divine. I am talking a mix between the flavors of melon, watermelon and pineapple somehow. Super juicy, sweet and perfectly ripened. We bought one every time we found one. Every. Single. Time. *currently drooling*
And finally, Vinho Verde– not a food, but a wine, this wine is my favorite wine still to date and I purchase it by the twos here in the states now (Trader Joe’s and ABC are where I get mine). Fresh, light and literally intoxicating, enjoy this Portuguese wine everywhere you go. The perfect day time and summer vibe wine.