Portugal is fascinating—again, much antiquity is buried under the sands of time, and it's serendipity when you find construction sites in Lisbon whose work is interrupted to preserve ancient Phoenician or Roman ruins. Like Sicily, this place was an interstate for all successive empires.
Understanding the impact of the Jewish cartographers on Portugal's ascent changed how I have viewed Portugal's empire. Like many businesses that are first - the Portuguese were later eclipsed by Spain - the fortunes built on that empire seem not as impressive as those built in Spain. That's partly due to massive earthquakes demolishing much of what was built in the pre-1754 era.
We're now in Algarve - surrounded by German tourists on beach vacations - and I am looking past this to Porto already.
Planning - Overview
Here’s a detailed itinerary for your trip to Portugal, focusing on must-see attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Friday, September 27: Arrival in Lisbon
Arrival: 5:45 AM
Morning:
- Breakfast: Nicolau Lisboa – Start your day with a healthy breakfast at this trendy café in the Baixa district.
- Explore Alfama: Wander through the narrow streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. Visit the São Jorge Castle for panoramic views of the city.
Lunch:
- Off-the-beaten-path: Taberna Sal Grosso – A cozy spot with traditional Portuguese dishes in a casual setting.
- Must-see: Time Out Market – A gourmet food market offering a variety of dishes from renowned chefs.
Afternoon:
- Belém: Head to the Belém district. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.
- Pastry Stop: Don’t miss Pastéis de Belém for the famous custard tarts.
Evening:
- Dinner: Off-the-beaten-path: Pharmacia – A quirky restaurant with a beautiful view over the river.
- Must-see: Cervejaria Ramiro – Famous for its seafood, especially the garlic prawns.
Overnight: Stay in Lisbon for the night.
Saturday, September 28: Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais
Morning:
- Sintra: Take an early train to Sintra (30-40 mins from Lisbon). Visit the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
Lunch:
- Sintra Village: Enjoy a meal at Tascantiga, offering local tapas and a cozy atmosphere.
Afternoon:
- Cascais: Take a short drive to Cascais. Stroll through the coastal town, visit the Boca do Inferno cliffs, and relax on the beach.
Evening:
- Dinner: Return to Lisbon and dine at Taberna da Rua das Flores for a mix of traditional and modern Portuguese cuisine.
Overnight: Stay in Lisbon.
Sunday, September 29: Lisbon to Lagos
Morning:
- Explore Bairro Alto and Chiado: Visit the lively neighborhoods and the Carmo Convent ruins.
- Brunch: The Mill – A mix of Australian-Portuguese cuisine in a laid-back setting.
Afternoon:
- Travel to Lagos: Take an early afternoon train or drive to Lagos (approx. 4 hours).
Evening:
- Dinner: Off-the-beaten-path: Casinha do Petisco – A local favorite for fresh seafood.
- Must-see: O Camilo – Renowned for its stunning location and delicious food.
Overnight: Check into your lodging in Lagos.
Monday, September 30 to Wednesday, October 2: Exploring Lagos and the Algarve
Day 1 (Monday):
- Morning: Ponta da Piedade: Explore these stunning cliffs and caves.
- Lunch: Cantinho Algarvio – Traditional Algarve cuisine in the heart of Lagos.
- Afternoon: Relax at Praia Dona Ana or take a boat tour to explore nearby grottoes.
Day 2 (Tuesday):
- Day Trip to Sagres: Visit Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of Europe. Explore the Fortress of Sagres and relax at Mareta Beach.
- Lunch: A Sagres – A simple yet delicious local spot.
- Dinner: Adega da Marina – A casual dining experience with a variety of Portuguese dishes.
Day 3 (Wednesday):
- Off-the-beaten-path: Explore Monchique and the Foia Mountain for panoramic views.
- Must-see: Spend the day in Tavira, a charming town with a rich history.
- Dinner in Lagos: Nah Nah Bah – A fun spot known for its great burgers and lively atmosphere.
Thursday, October 3: Travel from Lagos to Porto
Morning:
- Departure: Check out of your lodging and travel to Porto by train or rental car (approx. 5 hours).
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Porto: Cantina 32 – Modern Portuguese cuisine in a trendy setting.
- Explore Ribeira: Stroll through the historic Ribeira district and along the Douro River.
Evening:
- Dinner: Off-the-beaten-path: Taberna Santo António – A cozy, family-run spot.
- Must-see: Cervejaria Brasão Aliados – Known for its francesinha, a Porto specialty.
Overnight: Stay in Porto.
Friday, October 4: Explore Porto
Morning:
- Livraria Lello: Visit this beautiful bookstore, one of the oldest in Portugal.
- Clerigos Tower: Climb the tower for panoramic views of Porto.
Lunch:
- Off-the-beaten-path: Apego – A small, intimate restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.
- Must-see: Cafe Santiago – Another spot for a delicious francesinha.
Afternoon:
- Port Wine Cellars: Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and tour the famous Port wine cellars.
Evening:
- Dinner: Off-the-beaten-path: Antiqvvm – Fine dining with a view.
- Must-see: Ribeira Square – Dine at one of the many riverside restaurants.
Overnight: Stay in Porto.
Saturday, October 5: Douro Valley Day Trip
- Morning to Afternoon: Enjoy your Wine Venture and Boat Trip in the Douro Valley. This experience will include visiting vineyards, tasting local wines, and exploring the scenic beauty of the valley.
Evening:
- Return to Porto: Relax after your day trip.
- Dinner: Off-the-beaten-path: VinUM Restaurant & Wine Bar – Excellent food paired with local wines.
- Must-see: Pedro Lemos – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a memorable dining experience.
Overnight: Stay in Porto.
Sunday, October 6: Day Trip to Aveiro
Morning:
- Travel to Aveiro: Known as the "Venice of Portugal," this charming town is famous for its canals and colorful boats.
Lunch:
- Local Specialty: Try ovos moles, a sweet treat typical of the region.
Afternoon:
- Costa Nova: Visit the nearby coastal village of Costa Nova, known for its striped houses and beautiful beaches.
Evening:
- Return to Porto: Enjoy a relaxing evening in Porto.
- Dinner: Off-the-beaten-path: Casa de Chá da Boa Nova – A stunning seaside restaurant with exquisite dishes.
Overnight: Stay in Porto.
Monday, October 7: Transfer to Lisbon
Morning:
- Travel to Lisbon: Depart Porto early in the morning by train or flight to maximize your last day in Lisbon.
Lunch:
- Off-the-beaten-path: DOP Restaurante – Modern Portuguese cuisine by a renowned chef.
- Must-see: Majestic Café – An iconic café known for its elegant Art Nouveau decor.
Afternoon:
- Explore the Serralves Foundation: Visit this contemporary art museum and its beautiful gardens.
- Relax or Shop: Stroll through the Rua de Santa Catarina for some last-minute shopping or relax at a local café.
Evening:
- Dinner:
- Off-the-beaten-path: O Paparico – A hidden gem offering traditional Portuguese cuisine.
- Must-see: The Yeatman Hotel Restaurant – Enjoy a luxurious dining experience with a view.
Overnight: Stay in Lisbon.
Tuesday, October 8: Departure from Lisbon
Morning:
- Brunch: If time allows, stop by Fábrica da Nata in Lisbon for a final taste of pastéis de nata.
Departure: 11:45 AM – LIS to BOS (Flight TP 217)
Arrival: 2:10 PM EDT in Boston
Thu, Sep 26
6:10 PM
EDT
Mon, Sep 30
Thu, Oct 3
Sat, Oct 5
Tue, Oct 8
Porto Portugal - https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/30/travel/things-to-do-porto.html
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