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Ready to race off to Europe in search of adventure? Why not follow in my footsteps and explore Portugal, a southern European country rich in history and culture! Here’s a brief roundup of the excellent hotels, restaurants, famous sights, and excursions I experienced in three of the most popular cities in Portugal right now: Porto, Madeira, and Lisbon.
My first stop was Porto, where I took up lodgings at Pestana Vintage, an exclusive luxury hotel that offers more interest than the usual high-end accommodations. The hotel itself is made up of a group of 18 colorful historic buildings in the Ribeira district, right on the edge of the Douro River. It boasts a restaurant, a bistro, and a spa, as well as charming rooms and suites.
After thoroughly exploring my hotel, I set out to experience more of the city. My first stop? Livaria Lello Bookstore. Though it might sound unusual, this century-old bookstore in Porto has been deemed as one of the city’s most interesting sights. The stained glass skylight, curated spaces, displayed works of art and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves make it almost more like a museum than a bookstore.
Another of the famed sights of Porto that I enjoyed getting to visit was the city’s historic town hall building, Câmara Municipal do Porto. Built in the early 1900s, the palatial architecture and great clock tower make it an impressive remnant of the previous century. A third notable stop from my time there was the Igreja do Carmo. This beautiful baroque church is famous for the stunning tiled mosaic on the facade of the building. Inside and out, this building is a sight to behold.
Out of all the amazing cafes and restaurants I had the opportunity to patronize in Porto, my favorite was DOP by Rui Paula, which is known for classic Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist. There, I dined on coastal staples like seafood and high-quality meat along with fresh local produce. I selected the Memory tasting menu but the Sea tasting menu and the a la carte options were enticing as well.
From there, I moved on to Madeira, where I stayed at the Cliff Bay hotel. This newly-renovated 5-star hotel lives up to its name: it’s built into a cliff overlooking the sea, offering panoramic views of the glittering blue waters to guests. I also enjoyed gastronomic fare from the hotel’s restaurant (and recipient of two Michelin stars), Il Gallo d’Oro, free exploration of the hotel gardens, and the rejuvenating services at the on-site spa.
I spent some time wandering the grounds at the Monte Palace. Once an esteemed resort, the garden campus in Madeira is now a tropical paradise, housing species of exotic plants from all over the world on its multi-level property, a nature park which encompasses more than 70,000 square meters. It brought me much-needed peace, hearing the sounds of wildlife and watching majestic birds strut around the grounds.
Though I generally stay away from more touristy things, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to–just once–take a ride on the Funchal Cable Car. Revered as one of the best views of the old town, the cable carried me high over Funchal in Madeira to see sweeping, uninterrupted views of the city’s terracotta rooftops and the sea. Speaking of views, another great Instagram-worthy scene was the one I saw after a hike up Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on the island. I was truly walking on clouds at the top.
My most memorable dining excursion in Madeira was at Uva at Hotel The Vine, where I enjoyed a wine-focused experience paired with expertly-prepared and elegantly-presented seasonal dishes.
Portugal is famous for regional wines, with vineyards scattered across the country offering some of the world’s most sought-after vintages. I spent a full day (though one could easily book a half-day, if your schedule is tight) being chauffeured around to some of the best vineyards in Madeira to sample locally-produced wines.
My final abode for my trip was the Corinthia in Lisbon. My suite was modern and beautifully furnished. It quickly became my home base while I explored all the city had to offer. I returned often in time to enjoy afternoon tea, dipped my toes in the indoor pool, or and worked up a nice out on the solarium. I couldn’t help but fantasize about hosting a destination wedding here!
In the “City of Seven Hills”, I enjoyed taking the Santa Justa Lift when walking proved to be more tiresome than I anticipated. The stunning gothic elevator helped me easily get from the lower Baixa Pombalina district to the Barrio Alto district, and provided an extraordinary view of the lower levels of the city at the top. Other places I found to be of interest were the Jerónimos Monastery, an architectural marvel which took a century to complete, and the Castelo de São Jorge. One could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring the 11th century castle and grounds (I did!). I actually got more than I bargained for; from its hilltop position, I took in some of the most spectacular, unique views of the region.
If the line that typically snakes around the building at Cervejaria Ramiro is an indication of the quality of food found inside, this is one dining experience in Portugal you can’t afford to miss. The fine cheeses and cured meats, and the variety of clams, prawns, lobster, oysters, and crab are hard to come by elsewhere. I found the food to be well worth the wait!
Shopping is one excursion I can typically count on for consistency around the world, especially when dealing with higher-end designers like Dolce and Gabbana, Carolina Herrara, Armani, Burberry, Lacoste, Karl Lagerfeld–all of which and more I enjoyed spending my hard-earned money at within the Freeport Fashion Outlet.
These were just some of the highlights of my mini-road adventure around Portugal–there’s much more to explore. Ready to plan your trip, yet? Chat with your travel advisor at Amavio Travel to get started with a custom itinerary for an unforgettable experience like mine!
