Areas
Where you base in Portugaldecides what your trip feels like.
Each part of Portugal is a different vacation. Here's what each one is actually like, and who should stay there.
Lisbon
The capital — seven hills, tuk-tuks, tiled facades, and day trips to Sintra and Cascais.
Stay · eat · do — the full area guide
Sintra
Palaces in the forest 40 minutes from Lisbon — the day trip everyone takes, and a quiet place to sleep.
Stay · eat · do — the full area guide
Cascais
The seaside town at the end of the Lisbon train line — beaches, surf lessons, and a slower evening.
Stay · eat · do — the full area guide
Porto
The river city — port wine cellars, the Douro, and the country's best-value food.
Stay · eat · do — the full area guide
Douro Valley
Terraced vineyards two hours inland from Porto — wine estates, river cruises, and quintas to sleep in.
Stay · eat · do — the full area guide
Albufeira
The Algarve's resort capital — the widest choice of hotels, the liveliest strip, and boat trips to Benagil.
Stay · eat · do — the full area guide
Lagos
The western Algarve's walkable old town — Ponta da Piedade, surf beaches, and a younger crowd.
Stay · eat · do — the full area guide
Carvoeiro
The cliff-village closest to the Benagil caves — villas, coves, and quiet evenings.
Stay · eat · do — the full area guide
Vilamoura
The purpose-built marina resort — golf, wide beaches, and the most polished hotels in the Algarve.
Stay · eat · do — the full area guide
Tavira
The eastern Algarve — tile-fronted town, island beaches by ferry, and far fewer tourists.
Stay · eat · do — the full area guide