Portugal is Europe's most underrated country — extraordinarily beautiful, genuinely affordable, with the Atlantic's best surf, a wine country that rivals Burgundy, and Lisbon, which might be Europe's most liveable city. It also has the world's most soulful music: fado.
📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary
📅 Lisbon
Ride Tram 28 through the Alfama to the São Jorge Castle. Pastéis de Belém at 8am before the queue. The Jerónimos Monastery and Monument to the Discoveries. Fado at a tiny tasca in Mouraria — 12 seats, one singer, and the most moving music you've ever heard. LX Factory Sunday market.
📅 Sintra & the Atlantic Coast
Sintra's fairy-tale palaces in forested hills — Pena Palace (riot of colour), the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira (initiatory well). Drive to Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point of continental Europe. Surfers' beach at Cascais.
📅 Douro Valley
Drive or take the scenic train along the Douro to Portugal's wine heartland. Stay at a quinta (wine estate) — tour the cellars, stomp grapes in harvest season, and drink port at its source. The most beautiful train journey in Europe.
📅 Porto
The original port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia — free-flow tasting for $15. Livraria Lello bookshop (allegedly the inspiration for Hogwarts). The Clérigos Tower for panoramic views. Francesinha (Porto's extraordinary hangover-curing sandwich). Sunset over the Dom Luís Bridge.
📅 Algarve
Fly south for a last day — the sea stacks and grottos of Ponta da Piedade near Lagos are among Europe's most spectacular coastal scenery. Kayak through the arches, swim in the sea caves, and eat grilled sea bass on the beach.
🏨 Where to Stay
Bairro Alto Hotel, Lisbon
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Boutique luxury with Tagus river views, rooftop bar
💡 Key tips: Portugal is the best value in Western Europe — a three-course meal with wine costs $20. The Douro train is one of Europe's most scenic rides — book early. Pastel de Belém: the real ones are only at the original bakery in Belém (Rua de Belém 84). Surfing the Nazaré big wave is for professionals only — watch from the cliff. Driving is the best way to explore outside cities.
