Why do we ♥ Portugal?
Portugal is very dear to my heart, if I don't get the chance to visit at least once a year to extinguish the longing 'Saudades', I will most definitely become very, very, depressed. Visiting Portugal not only re-energises me by recharging my batteries but brings so much joy back into my life which has wilted over the winter months. I always experience a huge nostalgic feeling throughout the year and the reason for this is because it's my home from home, and home is definitely where the heart is. My main home is in London but as my life began in this exquisite country, I've never forgotten and profoundly cherish my roots and naturally still have many family members living there, which I miss deeply.
Nevertheless, I do believe that if you leave your birthplace onto pastures new, you increasingly become a lost soul. I strongly feel Portuguese when I'm in England, proud of my origin and at the same time a tad unconnected to the English way of life because of my background, but on the other hand I feel very British when I'm in Portugal as the culture and people are so different to that of what I'm used to. Ultimately, I don't feel I completely belong in either place but it's probably a positive rather than a negative as I have been very lucky to have had the best of both.
Nevertheless, I do believe that if you leave your birthplace onto pastures new, you increasingly become a lost soul. I strongly feel Portuguese when I'm in England, proud of my origin and at the same time a tad unconnected to the English way of life because of my background, but on the other hand I feel very British when I'm in Portugal as the culture and people are so different to that of what I'm used to. Ultimately, I don't feel I completely belong in either place but it's probably a positive rather than a negative as I have been very lucky to have had the best of both.
 Submarino Beach, Alvor |  Submarino Beach, Alvor  Serra de Monchique |
Why just stay in the glorious Algarve?
I'm probably very biased but have to admit Portugal is such a beautiful place to visit. Not many people have truly discovered its natural beauty as yet, with the majority only ever visiting the Algarve, which I find such a shame as I believe it doesn't even touch the surface of what Portugal truly has to offer - it has so much more. Just by crossing into the Alentejo region you've already entered another world. All of Portugal's regions are worlds apart, the diversity is immense - the Algarve is absolutely stunning with its glorious golden beaches, ideal for a relaxing, fun holiday. Alternatively, you can take to its luscious waters and dabble in some watersports or if you're more adventurous take to the mountains for some hiking or biking. We love taking the sensational drive up to the highest peak in the Algarve, Serra de Monchique, where the views take your breath away. We have also been very lucky to have experienced the most exciting boat trip to a secluded beach with hidden caves, great for exploring - plus a delicious BBQ on the beach, it was such an astonishing day. Along with an excellent nightlife, the Algarve offers everything you could wish for, to have a fantastic holiday.
El Condor, Vilamoura
Why is the Lisbon coast awesome?
Although the Algarve has the reputation for offering the best beaches in Portugal, I beg to differ. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love the Algarve but there is so much undiscovered coastline all the way up the West coast of Portugal, from top to bottom and back again, that will astound you. Some with rugged cliffs, some deserted coves and some with the longest stretches beyond what the eye can see, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Our most cherished beaches are on the
Lisbon coast, South of the river known as the Costa coast - they're just awesome. Ideal for watersport lovers, families, even nudist sunbathers - the stretch is so long you can pick and choose the beach which best suits your needs and desires.
Lisbon coast, South of the river known as the Costa coast - they're just awesome. Ideal for watersport lovers, families, even nudist sunbathers - the stretch is so long you can pick and choose the beach which best suits your needs and desires.
 Costa coast |  Fonte da Telha stretch, Costa coast |
 Costa coast |  Sao Joao stretch, Costa coast |
Why did we plant our roots in sleepy Alentejo?
Portugal is split into five regions, one of my favourites is the Alentejo region - again I'm being biased as this is where my family originated from but believe me, if you like to to take things easy, this is the place for you. It will not only take you back in time but will also undoubtedly slow your life down too. Mostly, due to the unbearable dry heat but also with its very laid back attitude. It's so picturesque and pretty with its whitewashed villages and remarkable rustic countryside filled with undulating, contrasting plains, olive groves, vineyards, cork trees and spectacular lakes. Sometimes, you won't even encounter another soul for miles and miles, it's unquestionably the perfect place to escape to for peace and quiet.
Alentejo
 Monsaraz |  Castelo de Vide |
The Alentejo also offers an array of outstanding ancient fortified towns and villages. We were lucky to stumble upon Monsaraz last year and it has since become one of our top places to visit. With its breathtaking views, charming cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses encircled by an impressive hilltop castle, it's simply magnificent. As well as Monsaraz, Marvao, Castelo de Vide, Vila Vicosa, Evora, Elvas, Estremoz and Alcacer do Sal to name but a few are also on our top-picks list for the region. We just love driving through the Alentejo, along wonderful winding country roads with the roof down in the blazing heat - the scenery is just to die for. We sometimes get onto the water too - again, last year we took a smashing boat trip on the Barragem de Alqueva (the biggest lake in Europe). It was so lovely capturing the astounding Alentejo landscape from a different perspective.
 Marvao Castle  Temple of Bones, Evora |  Alqueva Lake |
 Elvas Aqueduct |  Agostinhos Church, Vila Vicosa |  Alcacer do Sal |
Why are we always seduced by the Lisbon region?
Moving on swiftly to the Lisboa region, it may be the smallest region but it's most certainly inundated with exceptional architectural treasures. From its capital city Lisboa, where the Atlantic ocean leads into the Rio Tejo (River Tagus) to one of the best coastlines, this region is so impressive, it will truly seduce you with all that it has to offer. It's not only situated by the sea but also has a river, it's a main city with a village feel but also a beach destination, it's very historic and traditional but at the same time is very modern and cosmopolitan too.
 Ferry on the Rio Tejo, Lisboa  View from the Santa Justa Lift, Lisboa |  Descobrimentos Monument, Lisboa |
I have always felt very lucky to have been born in such an exhilarating city such as Lisboa - it's just simply awesome in every way. There are truly so many gems yet to be explored by us, even after many, many years of visiting, we still haven't managed to scratch the surface of all there is to discover. We love everything about Lisboa from the very old to the very new such as its architecture to its lovely vintage trams to the historical mosaic paving and winding cobbled streets with traditional lighting and glazed tiling - gorgeous uphill and downhill alleyways with plenty of washing fluttering beneath adorable old windows, amazing viewpoints and astounding bridges and monuments. This extraordinary city has an incredible atmosphere during the day and night. It's romantic, chic, sexy, hip, trendy, very much alive and vibrant with bars and restaurants in abundance. Finally, not forgetting the awe-inspiring monument of Christ the King (Cristo Rei) overlooking this magnificent city from the other side of the river at the top of Almada.
 Lisboa  Rua das Portas de Santo Antao, Lisboa  Santa Justa Lift, Lisboa |  Lisboa  Lisboa  Lisboa |
Travelling North West of Lisboa you'll find the most magical and mystical kingdom of all - Sintra with its marvellous fairytale palaces. It never ceases to amaze us, we still haven't managed to explore all the hidden sparklers Sintra has to offer. The Lisboa region also holds one of the most visited religious locations in the world, the sacred Fatima, famed for the apparitions of 'Our Lady, the Virgin Mary'. Portugal is also brimming with exquisite, gothic and medieval buildings and ancient tombs not only in Lisboa but throughout its contrasting regions. We just adore Alcobaca, Batalha, Tomar, Mafra and Obidos, they really are sensational and each one hugely captivating in their own special way. Isn't it amazing that we can touch the stones and walk the same paths of Royalty and other religious cultures who conquered, defeated and lived in these historic buildings many centuries ago, which we admire today?
 Pena Palace, Sintra |  Monserrate Palace, Sintra  A Virgem do Rosario Basilica, Fatima |
 Alcobaca Monastery  Obidos |  Mafra National Palace  Tomar Castle |
Why is the Central region so educational?
Venturing further North, the Central region is enjoyed for its splendid and dramatic scenery, offering the highest mountain in Portugal, Serra da Estrela. It's a superb drive around this mountain range, the winding roads are a dream for confident drivers and the views with sweeping valleys are stupefying. We also extremely enjoyed visiting the illustrious capital of the region, Coimbra, which flaunts the oldest university in Portugal. Coimbra is perfectly positioned by the Mondego river and is immersed in fabulous surroundings and seeped in history. As well as many historic locations throughout the Central region including the delightful Viseu, it also offers a marvellous coastline with Figueira da Foz being a very popular destination for die-hard surfers.
 Serra da Estrela |  Coimbra University |
Viseu Cathedral
Why do we enjoy immersing ourselves in history?
From there you should head North to Porto and the Northern region which is well known for its unspoilt picturesque green landscapes, filled with glorious mountain ranges, waterfalls and ancient villages. Porto definitely didn't fail to impress, even though our hearts are taken by the incredible Lisboa, Porto wasn't far behind - we loved every inch we managed to see of it in our tight schedule. It's uncomparable and so enchanting with innovative bridges crossing the river Douro, the riverside is always buzzing with many visitors offering a fabulous view of Vila Nova da Gaia on the South bank where the majority of wineries are located. With terrific winding streets, pretty coloured houses, it's also oozing with grand historical buildings dotted across many enchanting hillsides.
 Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church, Porto |  Sao Bento Station, Porto  D. Luis I Bridge, Porto |
Just when we thought we couldn't top Porto as we headed North, there were so many more sparklers to enjoy such as surprisingly medieval Guimaraes, ravishing Braga, opulent Lamego, and majestic Viana do Castelo. We didn't manage to see all that the North of Portugal had to offer on our last visit, it was a shame that there was so much more to see including its tremendous Natural parks all the way up to Tras-os-Montes - we can't wait to get back there to experience it first hand.
 Santa Luzia Sanctuary, Viana do Castelo  Claustro da Sé - Lamego Cathedral |  Our Lady of Remedios Sanctuary, Lamego |
 O Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, Braga |  Ducal Palace, Guimaraes |
Why do we have to diet following a visit?
Another huge reason why we love this country so much is because of its food and amazingly cheap but super tasty wine! We love it so much we end up putting on so much weight each and every time we visit. Portuguese cuisine is not very well known throughout the world apart from Nando's grilled chicken and its famous Pasteis de Nata but its gastronomy is full of rich and diversified dishes. Of course, we love all the bacalhau (salt cod) dishes, they're so scrummy whichever way they're cooked - can you believe there are over 300 recipes using this fish. We also adore other seafood and fish dishes and their meat dishes are not far behind either plus their desserts are to die for. Seriously, our favourite is the chocolate mousse but the others are mouth-watering too. When we visit we seem to have espresso (bica/cafe) after espresso. Espresso at the end of a meal, espresso in the morning, the afternoon and at night accompanied with a nata - just yummy!
 Praia Mar, Almada Forum |  |  Pasteis de Belem, Lisboa |
So... will you love Portugal?
We have experienced some unforgettable and special moments in this magical and welcoming country, that is the phenomenal Portugal. It really is a secret jewel, dazzling in every way just awaiting to be discovered, especially those who have never heard of it (is it in Spain, or the ones who do not know where it is and the ones who have only ever visited once - you are so missing out! With so many exciting things to do and see, you'll want to go back again and again as you won't get the chance to savour it all in one visit. We have driven through the North, Central, Lisboa, Alentejo and Algarve regions numerous times and it never ceases to take our breath away. If you have a sense of adventure, you too can explore all the regions easily, everything is very reachable by car, travelling small distances between each fascinating location. Just watch out for the new Electronic Toll motorway system where you can get caught out - check out our Driving Tips for Portugal.
 Alentejo |  Guadiana Bridge, Algarve |
Well known for its all year round sunshine, you won't be disappointed with Portugal's sunny disposition which will warm you right up. It's astonishingly unspoilt and flamboyant, full of national architectural treasures and super rich in culture and history, all mishmashed in perfect harmony. Although Portugal is small in size, it is huge in diversity, there is literally something to surprise everyone - you'll be simply spoilt for choice. Of course, there are so many other shining stars which I haven't mentioned but will do so soon.
For further information on Portugal and all its regions/locations please visit our Destinations pages for more details, as follows:
Discover Portugal
Discover Portugal - Algarve
Discover Portugal - Alentejo
Discover Portugal - Lisbon Region
Discover Portugal - Central Region
Discover Portugal - Porto & The North
Discover Portugal
Discover Portugal - Algarve
Discover Portugal - Alentejo
Discover Portugal - Lisbon Region
Discover Portugal - Central Region
Discover Portugal - Porto & The North
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