Portugal – Personal Travel Studio

Portugal is one of those countries that is incredibly easy to enjoy.

We love it for a city break, particularly Lisbon, where history, food, waterfront neighbourhoods and a wonderfully sociable atmosphere all come together. Further north, Porto offers something smaller and more intimate, with the Douro running through the city and the Atlantic coast close by.

Then there’s the Algarve.

We’ve travelled along the coast from Vilamoura and Albufeira to quieter areas beyond, experiencing some excellent hotels and resorts along the way.

Portugal can therefore be whatever you want it to be: a long weekend eating and drinking your way around Lisbon, a few days exploring Porto, a family holiday in the Algarve or a longer journey combining city and coast.

And from the UK, it’s all wonderfully accessible.

Our travels in Portugal

We’ve experienced Portugal in several different ways, but Lisbon is somewhere we particularly love returning to for a city break.

It’s a city that feels very manageable.

Yes, it’s hilly, sometimes considerably hillier than you might expect, but we find it easy to explore on foot, and taxis are inexpensive when the next hill suddenly looks rather less appealing.

We love the history, the architecture and the waterfront, but also Lisbon’s food and drink scene.

Porto has a different personality again. It’s smaller, atmospheric and closely connected to the Douro and the coast, making it an easy destination to enjoy either on its own or as part of a longer Portuguese journey.

And when we simply want a great resort and some sunshine, we head south to the Algarve.

Those experiences help us think about the practical side of choosing a base, as well as the places you might like to see. In a city, the neighbourhood and the route back to your hotel matter. At a resort, the accommodation and dining choices can shape the whole week.

We would use that starting point to match the holiday to your pace. You may want a short break with plenty of walking and restaurant time, or a longer stay with a few outings between quieter days. There is room for both without making the journey complicated.

Why we love Portugal

Why do we keep returning to Portugal? Because it’s wonderfully uncomplicated.

We can spend a few days walking the streets of Lisbon, eating exceptionally well and enjoying the waterfront, escape to smaller Porto for a completely different city experience or head south to the Algarve and do very little at all.

Good food, great cities, beautiful coastline and some excellent hotels, Portugal simply works.

We also like being able to enjoy Portugal with a fairly simple plan. A comfortable hotel, a few places you want to explore and time for meals can be enough to give a short break its own character.

For a longer holiday, the contrast between city and coast is particularly useful. Each part can feel complete, with the change of pace giving you something different to look forward to.

The right choice depends on what you want around you. Some travellers enjoy having restaurants and local life on the doorstep, while others prefer a resort where the day can unfold without many arrangements. Portugal gives us the scope to consider both and find a balance that suits you.

Our Portugal picks

These six choices bring together city stays, coastal relaxation and ideas for exploring further. We would select the right base or combination around your interests and the amount of travelling you want to include.

Lisbon

Lisbon is one of our favourite European city breaks.

It has enough major sights and history to keep you busy, but it’s equally good when you stop trying to sightsee and simply enjoy being there.

The city is made for wandering.

Historic neighbourhoods climb the hills, old trams rattle through the streets and viewpoints appear when you least expect them. Then down towards the river, Lisbon opens up into a completely different landscape.

And the food and drink scene is fantastic.

There are traditional restaurants, little bars, cafés, markets and an increasingly sophisticated restaurant scene. It’s the sort of city where lunch can quite easily become a significant part of the day's itinerary.

Which is absolutely fine by us.

One of Lisbon’s other advantages is what sits beyond the centre.

You can reach the coast and beaches relatively easily, while Cascais makes a lovely escape if you want some sea air alongside your city break.

It means you can spend one day immersed in Lisbon’s history and another beside the Atlantic.

We would choose your neighbourhood with the hills and your evening plans in mind. A convenient base makes it easier to enjoy the city without planning every journey.

Lisbon

Lisbon is one of our favourite European city breaks.

It has enough major sights and history to keep you busy, but it’s equally good when you stop trying to sightsee and simply enjoy being there.

The city is made for wandering.

And the food and drink scene is fantastic.

Which is absolutely fine by us.

One of Lisbon’s other advantages is what sits beyond the centre.

You can reach the coast and beaches relatively easily, while Cascais makes a lovely escape if you want some sea air alongside your city break.

It means you can spend one day immersed in Lisbon’s history and another beside the Atlantic.

We would choose your neighbourhood with the hills and your evening plans in mind. A convenient base makes it easier to enjoy the city without planning every journey.

Porto and Northern Portugal

Porto feels very different.

It’s smaller than Lisbon and has a wonderfully atmospheric setting around the Douro River, with historic buildings climbing the hills on either side.

There’s a strong connection to food, wine and the river here, and naturally this is the place to discover more about the port houses for which the city is famous.

We like Porto because it works at a slower pace.

You don’t necessarily need a packed sightseeing itinerary. Walk along the river, cross the bridges, explore the historic streets, stop for lunch and enjoy the atmosphere.

The Atlantic coast is also close by, adding another dimension to a city stay.

Porto works perfectly well for a few nights on its own, but it can also form part of a longer journey through Portugal.

And for wine lovers, travelling inland along the Douro Valley opens up another completely different Portuguese landscape.

We would give the city enough time before adding further stops. A few unhurried days leave room for the riverfront, a wine experience and meals you can enjoy without watching the clock. Choose accommodation that suits how much you want to walk, with comfortable ways to return after exploring the hills.

Porto and Northern Portugal

Porto feels very different.

It’s smaller than Lisbon and has a wonderfully atmospheric setting around the Douro River, with historic buildings climbing the hills on either side.

There’s a strong connection to food, wine and the river here, and naturally this is the place to discover more about the port houses for which the city is famous.

We like Porto because it works at a slower pace.

You don’t necessarily need a packed sightseeing itinerary. Walk along the river, cross the bridges, explore the historic streets, stop for lunch and enjoy the atmosphere.

The Atlantic coast is also close by, adding another dimension to a city stay.

Porto works perfectly well for a few nights on its own, but it can also form part of a longer journey through Portugal.

And for wine lovers, travelling inland along the Douro Valley opens up another completely different Portuguese landscape.

The Algarve

For a beach and resort holiday, the Algarve remains one of Portugal’s great attractions.

There’s a huge choice.

We’ve travelled along the coast and know areas including Vilamoura and Albufeira, as well as resorts further along the Algarve.

Vilamoura works particularly well if you like a marina atmosphere, restaurants and plenty going on around you.

Albufeira offers another lively option, while travelling further along the coast reveals quieter beaches, smaller towns and resorts where the emphasis is much more firmly on relaxing.

The Algarve is also particularly strong for families and multi-generational holidays because there are properties with enough facilities and activities to keep very different age groups happy.

And one resort that particularly stands out for us is Pine Cliffs.

We would look at the setting as carefully as the property. Being close to evening restaurants feels different from staying somewhere designed around spending most of the day on site.

Think about whether you want to hire a car, arrange a few excursions or simply settle into one area. Choosing that balance early helps make the hotel a comfortable base, with enough variety nearby when you want a change of scene.

The Algarve

For a beach and resort holiday, the Algarve remains one of Portugal’s great attractions.

There’s a huge choice.

We’ve travelled along the coast and know areas including Vilamoura and Albufeira, as well as resorts further along the Algarve.

Vilamoura works particularly well if you like a marina atmosphere, restaurants and plenty going on around you.

Albufeira offers another lively option, while travelling further along the coast reveals quieter beaches, smaller towns and resorts where the emphasis is much more firmly on relaxing.

The Algarve is also particularly strong for families and multi-generational holidays because there are properties with enough facilities and activities to keep very different age groups happy.

And one resort that particularly stands out for us is Pine Cliffs.

We would look at the setting as carefully as the property. Being close to evening restaurants feels different from staying somewhere designed around spending most of the day on site.

Pine Cliffs

Pine Cliffs Resort is a great example of just how much choice the Algarve can offer within one property.

It’s somewhere we particularly like for families because different generations can holiday together without everybody needing to do the same thing all day.

There are multiple accommodation options, restaurants, pools, activities and plenty of space, alongside access to the beach.

That flexibility is important.

A couple may want a completely different holiday from a family with young children, while a larger multi-generational group needs enough choice to allow everyone a little independence.

Pine Cliffs manages that particularly well.

You can have active days, spend time around the resort, head to the beach or simply find your favourite spot and do very little at all.

Sometimes that's exactly what a holiday needs.

We would begin with the ages and interests of everyone travelling, then compare the accommodation options and their locations within the resort. Enough space and a practical layout can make a shared holiday more comfortable.

Leave time to enjoy the facilities rather than filling the week with excursions. A few days with no fixed plans allow each person to find the pace they prefer.

Pine Cliffs

Pine Cliffs Resort is a great example of just how much choice the Algarve can offer within one property.

It’s somewhere we particularly like for families because different generations can holiday together without everybody needing to do the same thing all day.

There are multiple accommodation options, restaurants, pools, activities and plenty of space, alongside access to the beach.

That flexibility is important.

A couple may want a completely different holiday from a family with young children, while a larger multi-generational group needs enough choice to allow everyone a little independence.

Pine Cliffs manages that particularly well.

You can have active days, spend time around the resort, head to the beach or simply find your favourite spot and do very little at all.

Sometimes that's exactly what a holiday needs.

Leave time to enjoy the facilities rather than filling the week with excursions. A few days with no fixed plans allow each person to find the pace they prefer.

Cascais and the Lisbon coast

Cascais offers a way to bring the Atlantic into a holiday that begins in Lisbon. It can be a change of scene for the day or a separate coastal stay, depending on how much time you have and the pace you prefer.

We would consider it when you want to explore the capital but would also enjoy somewhere with a seaside atmosphere. A walk, a leisurely lunch and time near the water can provide a welcome contrast to the city's hills and busier streets.

The choice of hotel matters if you plan to stay longer. Think about what you want within walking distance, whether you prefer to spend the day exploring or relaxing, and how often you expect to return to Lisbon.

We would give the journey between the two enough room in your plans. There is no need to turn a coastal outing into a full sightseeing circuit when the point is to slow down. A few well chosen arrangements can be enough, leaving the rest of the time open for whatever appeals once you arrive. A longer stay also gives you time to revisit somewhere you have particularly enjoyed exploring.

Cascais and the Lisbon coast

The Douro Valley

The Douro Valley offers another perspective on northern Portugal, particularly for travellers drawn to wine, scenery and a slower pace. It can follow a few nights in Porto or become the main focus of a longer stay.

The landscape is part of the reason to travel inland. River views and vineyard slopes create a different setting from the city, with opportunities to spend time at wine estates and enjoy the surroundings between visits.

We would choose a small number of experiences rather than fill each day with tastings. A relaxed meal and time at your accommodation deserve a place in the holiday too, especially when the setting is one you want to linger in.

How you travel also matters. Road, rail and river options offer different experiences, and the best choice depends on your route and preferred pace.

We would consider the full journey from Porto, including the final transfer to your accommodation. Allowing several nights can make the travelling worthwhile and leave room to appreciate the valley without needing to move straight on after a single outing. A comfortable base can become part of the attraction, with time to enjoy it between visits.

The Douro Valley

How you travel also matters. Road, rail and river options offer different experiences, and the best choice depends on your route and preferred pace.

Things to do in Portugal

Explore Lisbon on foot

Lisbon rewards a day spent exploring without trying to reach every major sight. Choose a neighbourhood that interests you, allow time for its streets and viewpoints, and leave room for a café stop along the way.

We would consider the hills when planning the outing, particularly if you prefer shorter walks. A taxi or another suitable connection can make the return easier when you would rather save your energy for the evening.

The aim is to enjoy the city at your own pace. With a few nights to explore, there is less pressure to cover everything in one day and more opportunity to return to somewhere you particularly liked.

Make lunch part of your Lisbon visit

Lisbon's food scene is one of the reasons we enjoy returning. A relaxed meal can become the focus of an afternoon, giving you time to appreciate the surroundings rather than hurry towards another attraction.

We would leave space for different styles of dining, from somewhere traditional to a restaurant chosen for a special evening. Ask about the dishes that interest you and enjoy discovering what suits your taste.

There is no need for every meal to be planned before you travel. A few arrangements can sit alongside places you find while exploring, leaving room for the spontaneous lunch or favourite café that gives the city break its own character.

Enjoy Porto from the riverside

The Douro provides a natural focus for time in Porto. Walk beside the river, explore the streets around it and pause somewhere that lets you enjoy the setting without feeling obliged to keep moving.

We would allow time for the different levels of the city, keeping the programme manageable rather than turning the day into a long sequence of climbs. A relaxed lunch can provide a pleasant break between exploring.

Consider whether you want a guided introduction or prefer to discover the area independently. Both can work, especially when you have several nights and enough room to revisit a favourite place or simply enjoy a quiet hour by the water.

Discover the story behind port wine

A visit to a port house can add context to a stay in Porto, connecting the drink with the city and the wider Douro region. Choose an experience that matches your curiosity, whether you enjoy learning about production or simply want an introduction.

We would keep the day balanced rather than arrange a series of tastings with little time between them. A meal and some independent exploring can complement the visit without making wine the focus of the whole break.

If you plan to continue into the Douro Valley, the city experience can provide a useful starting point. Allowing time in both places gives you different perspectives without needing to rush.

Spend a day beside the Atlantic in Cascais

Cascais gives you a coastal change of scene during a Lisbon break. Leave time to enjoy the seaside atmosphere, take a walk and stop for lunch rather than fill the outing with a long list of visits.

We would consider the journey in both directions when planning the day, keeping enough room to enjoy the coast once you arrive. If the setting particularly appeals, a longer stay may be worth considering instead of travelling back immediately.

The balance should suit your holiday. A gentle day near the water can provide all the contrast you need, especially after several days exploring the capital and its hills, streets and historical neighbourhoods.

Explore beyond your Algarve resort

A few outings can bring variety to an Algarve stay, even when the hotel is the main reason for coming. Choose a nearby town, marina or stretch of coast and give yourself time to explore at a comfortable pace.

We would think about transport around how often you want to leave the resort. A car may be useful for several independent outings, while arranged transfers can suit a holiday with fewer excursions.

Keep some days free to enjoy the property itself. The pleasure of the combination is being able to explore when you feel like it, then return to a familiar base with time for the pool, beach or a relaxed evening.

Portugal FAQs

When is the best time to visit Portugal?

Portugal has a long season, although conditions vary between the north, Lisbon and the Algarve.

Spring and autumn can be particularly enjoyable for city breaks and exploring, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for walking.

Summer naturally brings the busiest period to the Algarve and coastal resorts.

For us, Portugal is also somewhere worth considering outside the traditional peak summer months, particularly when the priority is food, cities, golf or simply escaping for a few days rather than spending every day beside a pool.

Is Lisbon good for a city break?

Absolutely. It’s one of our favourites. There’s history, great food and drink, a beautiful waterfront and plenty to explore, while beaches and the coast are within easy reach.

Is Lisbon difficult to walk around?

It’s easy to explore on foot, but there are plenty of hills! We tend to walk until the hills get the better of us and then jump into a taxi, which we’ve found inexpensive and convenient.

Should I choose Lisbon or Porto?

We enjoy both for different reasons. Lisbon is larger and has more of a big-city energy, while Porto feels smaller and more intimate, with the Douro and its wine culture playing a major part in the experience.

Can I combine Lisbon and the Algarve?

Very easily, and it makes a great city-and-beach holiday. A few nights exploring Lisbon followed by a relaxing Algarve resort gives you two very different sides of Portugal.

Where is best for families in the Algarve?

It depends on the family, but the Algarve has some excellent larger resorts. Pine Cliffs is a particular standout for us because of the range of accommodation, restaurants, facilities and activities available for different ages.

Is the Algarve only about beaches?

Not at all. There are towns, restaurants, golf, marinas and plenty of coastline to explore. Hiring a car can be worthwhile if you want to discover more than the area immediately around your hotel.

Is Portugal good for couples?

Very much so. Lisbon and Porto are brilliant for food-focused city breaks, while the Algarve has everything from larger luxury resorts to quieter coastal escapes.

Should I stay in the Douro Valley or visit for the day?

A day visit can provide an introduction, while a longer stay allows more time for the scenery, wine experiences and accommodation. We would consider the journey from Porto and how much time you want to spend exploring before deciding which approach suits your holiday.

Is one base enough for a week in Portugal?

Yes. A city stay, an Algarve resort or a quieter coastal base can comfortably provide the focus for a week. A second stop is worthwhile when it adds the contrast you want, rather than simply increasing the number of places on the itinerary.