20 travel experiences in Portugal

Por We Love Small Hotels

The year has just begun, but to inspire you with new ideas we share 20 travel experiences in Portugal.

Discover Portugal from north to south by exploring its towns and villages, its architectural and cultural heritage, its paths, beaches and mountains and its unique food & wine. Build memories that will last forever.

Our suggestions:

1. Begin with a hike up in the north of the country that extends to Spain. Venture down the Camino de Santiago, pass through the beautiful landscapes, the charming villages, the lively and historic surroundings and the positive energy of the path. In the end, you will realize the fascination of those who reach the end of the route with many memories to share. On our Camino de Santiago tour, you will be able to embark on this path and enjoy a collection of carefully selected hotels for your comfort as well as unique tips to fully enjoy the route. 

2. Discover the Douro by navigating one of Portugal's best-known rivers. Take a boat trip and watch the riverbanks, home to the vineyards that produce some of Portugal's finest wines.

3. It is in the centre of Portugal that the historical and picturesque villages are located. Known as Schist Villages, they are small villages where schist was the main building material. Do not just visit a village, make your way and discover natural walking trails through the mountains and rivers.

4. Visit Portugal further south, where you will find Alentejo and a wonderful place to visit and to taste its wines. Choose a cellar and have a wine tasting, together with some regional snacks.

5. Portugal is a country of many traditions and with a lot of heritage, and there were several contributions to its vastness. In the Alto Alentejo, you can find out more about Jewish Heritage in Portugal and the Sephardic Jews.

6. You may already know Lisbon and may have visited this city more than once, but you have certainly never seen the capital in the eyes of the famous Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa. Our suggestion is to look at Lisbon with different eyes and possibly discover places you never saw.

7. If you have never travelled through flavours know that there is a first time for everything. Discover a complete tour dedicated to Portuguese cuisine, start in the north of Portugal, go to Alentejo and finish in the capital, Lisbon. Taste not only the typical dishes of the regions but also their wines and sweets.

8. A yoga retreat is all you need to calm down, reflect and regain concentration. In this program, you can participate in activities such as hiking with picnic, massages and enchanted nights, with the warm of the fireplace and a glass of wine, together with the songs of the Fatima Sanctuary.

9. If you value family time and don't want to leave anyone behind, then we address to you an invitation to come to Alentejo for a family adventure. Entertainment is for everyone.

10. In Ponte de Lima, up in the north of Portugal, venture to run or cycle in a unique rail trail, a disused railway line. Go through idyllic scenery, among mountains, forests, rivers and typical villages. Cycle calmly through the greenway that stretches along the Lima River so you can enjoy the silence and natural landscape that makes this greenway one of the most beautiful in the country.

11. Venture into one of the main stages of the world surfing tournament and discover the fishing village of Peniche. Surf the waves of the beaches near the hotel, perfect for any athlete.

12. This is a suggestion for those who like to run by the beach. In Lagos, Algarve, always run with the sea line insight and discover magnificent beaches. If the weather is nice, soak up the sun and take a dip in the crystal clear waters.

13. Live a fairy tale in the charming village of Sintra and discover the palaces and a castle at the top of the mountain. This unique village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there is no shortage of paths to discover through the mountains.

14.Search the UNESCO-listed Heritage in Northern Portugal and discover not only impressive architectural masterpieces but thousands-year-old paintings and wonders of nature.

15. In the Alentejo region, along the coast there is a route that you must do at least once in your life. Rota Vicentina is very special and you can do it at your own pace, watching the ocean and discovering the southwestern Alentejo, a place of great people, typical food and wonderful beaches.

16. Discover Porto by running with a guided tour of the main points of the city and, on the second day, recover your energy with a food tour where you will have the opportunity to taste the flavours of this vibrant city.

17. Drive along the most beautiful roads in the Alentejo that connect Lisbon with Comporta and Rota Vicentina. As you stroll, stop to watch the nature and to enjoy the local dishes in the typical restaurants.

18. In the Algarve, you will not only find beaches but also mountains, a historic interior and a lot of charisma in its fishing villages. If you decide to explore its colourful and bustling local markets, the quirky villages and romantic almond fields, scented by the sea and mountain breezes, then we have a suggestion for you: Off the beaten track Algarve walk tour.

19. Cycle through the Douro vineyards with the river to side by side and feel free in an idyllic setting. The Douro region is one of the most charming regions in Portugal, you can explore for yourself and taste the fine wines produced here or have a picnic in the vineyards.

20. In 2020, if you need to take time for yourself and think about tough decisions or look back, do so with the help of a professional and in a relaxing and inspiring place like the Costa Vicentina. Do your personal development in a walking mentorship tour.

Explore Portugal like a local and adventure yourself in some off-the-beaten path experiences. Let us help to prepare a custom trip to Portugal.