Holiday in Portugal

(53 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Cara McBroom

Denver, CO
Wine & Food Travel Advisor for US & Europe

Since childhood, I have been the traveling the world. In fact, I got my first passport at the mere age of 6 months old. Both my parent and I have lived abroad several times. Because of I have traveled extensively and lived in a variety of places, ...

Views from resort in Lagos

Recently I decided to spend my friendsgiving in Portugal in lieu of a traditional family Thanksgiving dinner stateside. My father, sister and 2 best friends joined me on this week long adventure to Lisbon and Lagos, where we dined on local dishes, took in the sites and explored the coast. I have to say Portugal is one of my very favorite countries in Europe - the people are soooo freindly, the food delicious, wines range from easy drinking to complex varieties and the views are beyond stunning. We stayed in the old town part of Lisbon called Alfama at a the Solar do Castelo boutique hotel. This hotel was originally used as the kitchen for the local Castelo de S. Jorge and is still the only hotel in the castle village. With less than 30 rooms, this B&B offers a daily breakfast buffet served in their quaint communal area with beverages and snacks throughout the day and a fully stocked honesty bar available round the clock for all your wine & cocktail needs.


 


After several days taking in the sites of Lisboa, we ventured down to Lagos, a short, easy 3hr drive to the Algarve coastal region. We found this small resort & spa with an incredibly accommodating staff, a spa with a wide range of treatments and a restaurant on site that should have already received their first Michelin star. Vivenda Miranda Boutique Hotel perched atop a high cliff overlooks the beach with breathtaking views. During dinner their sommelier guided through the wine list, pairing their fabulous fare with local bottles from wine regions all over Portugal. After full days of activities such as hiking along the coast to Ponta de Piedade or private boat cruises to Benagil caves, we retreated to said restaurant since the food & service were top notch and the fully stocked bar had sprawling areas of comfortable seating to reconvene. 


 


If you're ready to start planning your trip, you've come to the right place. This wasn't my first time to this beautiful country and certainly won't be my last! 'til we meet again - obrigado!


 


*see more pictures in Portugal photo album*

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