Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe and a series of invasions during her lifetime created a culturally rich country. The republic is heavily dependent on tourism and after wanting to go there for years, I was happy to finally be one of the annual twelve million visitors, visiting three different cities.
Lisbon
Starting in the capital it was time to put on the walking boots and start exploring. The Pastéis de Belém café is the original home of the now iconic Portuguese Pasteis de Nata – so start your pastry search here. Then stroll along Belem’s promenade, where a series of impressive monuments pay tribute to the country’s important nautical history. Entering the historic city center, you will go up to the Castle of São Jorge, where the first mentions of fortifications date back to the 1st century BC. A short walk away you can reward your legs with some rest on the Miradouro das Portas do Sol terrace, which offers stunning views and equally good Aperol Spritzes.
After some research, the Wine & Books Lisboa was my firm choice to rest my head in Lisbon. Located close to the tourist center of Belem – the five-star hotel offers intimate hospitality with a sumptuously curated interior – from the double entrance hall to the sunken restaurant overlooking the neighboring Igreja da Memóri. The room’s automated curtains were sleek and the sauna, Turkish bath and shower circuit were very welcome after a long day of exploring.
postage
Here too you can explore the historic city on foot, where a beautiful variety of architecture awaits around every corner. Lello Library is perhaps the most beautiful bookstore in the world – expect some crowds, so try to arrive early in the day and buy your tickets in advance. When it comes to dining, Congo serves traditional Portuguese favorites at very reasonable prices and for a larger affair, reserve a table at the Belle Epoque-era Majestic Café and be prepared to be impressed.
Cross the iconic Luís I Bridge into neighboring Gaia and you’ll be surrounded by the famous port houses where you can drink your way through a wealth of drinks. At the heart of these cellars is the Yeatman Hotel, which I think is Porto’s most enviable position, with unparalleled views over the city and the Duoro River. The monumental Relais & Châteaux hotel also features a spa and a restaurant with two Michelin stars.
Lagos
After all the exploring of the city I was ready to head to the picture postcard beaches of the Algarve. Lagos has been touted as a great starting point for exploring the region, and the city’s Ponta da Piedade peninsula is home to some of the Algarve’s most dramatic landscapes. Cliffs plunge into the ocean with unique rock structures standing free in the ocean. Hidden between the cliffs are small beaches waiting to be visited. You can also explore the landscape via kayaking, or as I chose, on the net of a catamaran as the rock formations and beaches pass by. Getyourguide offers four-hour excursions that include sightseeing, a stop for swimming and water sports – and then great Mojitos on board.
The luxurious Cascade Wellness Resort, located on the Ponta da Piedade itself, is a five-star resort that, as the name suggests, places a strong emphasis on well-being. Think of it as your retreat after exploring the beaches and hidden coves that are all a short walk away. For those who want to do a little fitness, the resort has a driving range, pitch-and-putt overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, football fields and tennis courts.