Let’s Go to Portugal!

One of the best perks of being a writer is the ability to work from anywhere and share stories about the places I visit and the people I meet on my travels. And since part of what I do is to provide content for Wallaroo, I can take my job on the road - and by that I mean, on a recent trip to Portugal, I wore a lot of hats - literally (thanks, Wallaroo!) and figuratively — as I was there to write about culture, wellness, golf, food, and wine. And my husband was there to do it all with me, including sporting a Wallaroo everywhere we went.

Many Hats, Many Stories 

As my husband and I set out for Portugal, we were eager to find out first-hand why the country is experiencing historic numbers of tourists in 2025 and has become a sought-after destination. We embarked on a whirlwind 12-day tour from Lisbon to the Algarve (and back again), where we stayed in beautiful resorts and hotels, played fantastic golf courses, strolled cobblestone streets, tasted the dishes of Portugal, and drank the regional wines … all in the name of discovering why Portugal is “the place to be.” I’m happy to share some of the highlights that might just have you renewing your passport and booking your trip. Let’s go! 

A Bit About Portugal 

Portugal has gotten a lot of press lately as a tourist destination and an attractive place for Americans to relocate. I can definitely see why—this beautiful European country offers diverse landscapes, delicious food, warm, friendly people, and over 300 days of sunshine per year. What’s not to love?

In addition, although Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken throughout the country. When to go? June through August is considered the high season, and Portugal (and Europe in general) is pretty crowded and pricier. You can find better deals and fewer people in the shoulder seasons, April to early June, and September to October. 

Travelers to northern Portugal can enjoy the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards and wine estates, hiking and trekking, and scenic river cruises and kayaking along the Douro River. It’s also great for wine aficionados and foodies. Visitors to Porto will find beaches, a fantastic culinary scene, museums, art galleries, and authentic Portuguese music, such as Fado. 

Travel with Us to Lisbon, Cascais, and the Algarve

While we would’ve loved to visit the Douro Valley and Porto, our dance card was already full with stops in Lisbon, Cascais, and the many villages and beaches of the Algarve. Along the way, we discovered that Portugal has something for everyone - golfers, art aficionados, yogis, shoppers, wine enthusiasts, foodies, and anyone who enjoys a rich cultural environment and beautiful weather. 

Let’s Start in Lisbon

Whenever we travel, my husband and I love staying in unique hotels, so we were happy to be hosted by the Alma Lusa Alfama, a charming boutique hotel in Lisbon’s city center. I loved that it was close to a walking/running path along the Tagus River (morning runs were the best) as well as many popular sites, restaurants, and shops. The hotel was gorgeous, with thoughtfully orchestrated design details, high-end fixtures, and a water view that wouldn’t quit. The English-speaking staff was incredibly helpful, and the Euro breakfast did not disappoint. Note: if you take a ten-minute walk from the Alma Lusa Alfama, you’ll find a partner hotel, the AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado, that’s equally charming and offers a two-bedroom apartment option perfect for longer stays or families who need extra space. 

Dining in Lisbon

Landing in a city and deciding where to eat can be overwhelming. Am I right? You’re tired, starving, and unsure of your bearings, a scenario that invites a serious case of the hangries. To prevent this, we scheduled a food tour with Eating Europe on our first night. Eating Europe uses local guides who tour local spots for local food. (Do you notice a theme?) Taking the tour hours after landing forced us to stay up (when we were exhausted) and helped us avoid a food meltdown. Our tour included samplings from Portugal's many wine regions, and a delicious assortment of Portuguese cuisine.

We tried typical foods like bacalhau (salted cod), ameijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams cooked in white wine and garlic), Polvo à Lagareiro (grilled octopus with garlic and potatoes), bifanas (marinated pork sandwiches in crusty rolls), iconic sardines, and caldo verde, a traditional green soup with kale, chorizo, and potatoes. Also, don’t leave the city without trying a Pastel de Belém, the sweet pastry that Lisbonites enjoy with coffee. Speaking of dining, as you’re planning your evening meal (which happens after 7:30 p.m.), look for a restaurant that features Fado, the traditional, soulful music of Portugal. 

So Much to Do in Lisbon

While our trip included Lisbon, Cascais, and the Algarve, we found that one could easily stay in Lisbon for a week or longer and find plenty to do. Climb the Castle of São Jorge, the highest point in the city, to soak in the beauty of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Make your way to the Terreiro do Paço - Lisbon’s largest square, and one of its most iconic symbols, then walk along the nearby river walkway. Visit one of Lisbon’s two World Heritage Sites, the Jerónimos Monastery or the Tower of Belém.  And beyond the many additional sites, museums, parks, shops, and tours, Lisbon is the perfect city to stroll and immerse yourself in the culture. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll find many cobblestone streets and a fair share of hills. 

Take a break from walking with a TukTuk or tram ride through the city’s historic neighborhoods. And don’t forget to look for the distinctive painted, tin-glazed ceramic tiles called “azulejos” that Portugal is known for. Find many azulejos-inspired treasures in shops throughout the city, or visit the National Tile Museum to learn the history of this beautiful tile. 

If you run out of shops in Lisbon, take a trip outside the city for luxury shopping at the Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet to find high-end European and US brands in a gorgeous outdoor space that is easy to reach by car or a city shuttle. Best of all, you can shop tax-free and receive an immediate tax refund right at the mall.  

Visit or Stay in “The Portuguese Riviera” aka Cascais

If a charming seaside village is more your speed, stop in the seaside town of Cascais. It’s just a short drive or train ride (35-40 minutes) from Lisbon and is known for its beautiful beaches, historic town center, music, art, shopping, and water activities. Not sure where to start? Ask the experts! Visit Cascais is conveniently located in the city center - stop in for suggestions, or visit their site before you go. 

While in Cascais, we stayed at the Intercontinental Estoril Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel with oceanfront views, in a great location. (We could walk to the city center by street or along the beach, day or night.) From here, we had access to Cascais’ many restaurants, shops, and the lush Parque Marechal Carmona, famous for its wildlife from free-roaming peacocks to ducks, chickens, and turtles.  After a stroll in the park, head to the Cascais Food Market - bonus points if you come on Saturdays when it’s bustling with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood, plus clothing, jewelry, and other vendors. While you’re there, have lunch at Marisco na Praca. 

Also at the market is the Cascais Food Lab—a fabulous kitchen space where trained chefs teach the art of Portuguese cooking.  My husband and I spent a morning here and learned how to make a traditional Portuguese meal. 

Other highlights included dinner in the city center at Sr. Manuel - not a Mexican restaurant as the name would suggest, but a seafood bar named after the building’s former owner. Other standouts were the charming fisherman tavern O Pescador, and Aires Estoril, an elegant Argentinian restaurant owned by native Argentinians. Our meal was fabulous, and the atmosphere was also 10/10.

Golf and Resort Life Outside of Cascais

Since we came for the golf, we headed outside of Cascais to stay and play at the Ritz-Carlton property, the Penha Longa Resort. Tucked along the lush landscape of Sintra’s rolling hills, this luxury resort features a 14th-century monastery and chapel, a 27-hole championship golf course, gardens, walking trails, a world-class spa (our couples massage was divine), and seven dining experiences. (Two of which hold Michelin stars.) The accommodations take luxury to new levels - our suite was bigger than my first apartment, with unforgettable views of the pool, golf course, and surrounding area. 

In addition to playing a round on Penha Longa’s Atlantic Championship Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed-course, we played the nearby Quinta de Marinha Golf Course and OITAVOS DUNES Links Golf. To say the region is prime for golfers is an understatement.

Five days into our trip, we left Cascais, hopped in our rental car, and set out for the village of Comporta to stay at the AlmaLusa Comporta. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because we stayed at another AlmaLusa property in Lisbon. We found the Comporta property just as well-designed and beautiful as the Lisbon properties, yet it had a look and feel that aligned well with its rural surroundings. The showstopper was the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, offering stunning sunset views and delicious dining. 

On the Road Again

Our hotel was the perfect launching pad for the busy golf itinerary, and we were grateful to our hosts, Tee Times Golf.

(Sidenote: Using a local tour company such as Tee Times Golf gives you peace of mind, knowing that all the details are being taken care of by locals who know all the ins and outs of the area. All you have to worry about is relaxing, playing golf, and enjoying your trip.) 

The first stop was Dunas Golf Course, part of an up-and-coming luxury development. While the course opened only in October 2023, it has already earned worldwide acclaim as the “World’s Best Golf Course” at the World Golf Awards. After a round there, we headed next door to tour the second phase of the luxury development, the Torre Course, which opened this past October.

More Golf, More Accommodations for Golfers and Non-Golfers Alike

Next stop was the NAU Morgado Golf & Country Club—an elevated, luxurious four-star golf resort near Portimão offering stunning views of the Monchique Mountains and sunsets and sunrises that literally took my breath away. We were only here a night but were so taken by the quiet and the gorgeous surroundings that we could have stayed longer to play their 18-hole course or venture to nearby Algarve destinations like Rocha Beach or Portimão Marina.

Next Stop… the BEACH! (And more golf!)

Before we left the peaceful rural setting of the Nau Morgado, we toured one of the Algarve’s most iconic and historic golf courses, the Old Course Vilamoura, known as the “Grande Dame” of the region. We would’ve loved to have played it, but alas, we were headed to the Lagos area to stay and play at the Palmares Beach House and Palmares Golf Course. While the golf was incredible, you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy this adult-only resort. An outdoor pool, fitness center, and nearby beaches and village will appeal to everyone. Beyond the resort, be sure to tour the seaside village of Odiáxere or nearby Lagos. 

If marina life is what floats your boat, you’ll love the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, a luxurious 5-star resort set along the Vilamoura Marina in the Algarve. It’s known for its stunning waterfront location, private beach, upscale amenities, and proximity to shops, restaurants, and beaches. 

And don’t worry, there’s also golf nearby… at one of Portugal’s premier tournament courses, Quinta do Lago South. How do I know it’s a premier course? Besides many glowing reviews, the couple we played with from Ireland—who actually own a golf lodge—said it’s the only course they play in the Algarve. (When Irish golfers and golf lodge owners endorse a course, it’s definitely time to book your tee time.)

Winding down our tour was a stop at the Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, known as “Portugal’s premier golf destination.” Located along the Portuguese/Spanish border, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course was a blast to play, and the list of high-end amenities, including a golf academy, multiple restaurants (with Michelin-starred options), pools, tennis courts, and 24/7 concierge service, enhanced the experience. The beautiful three-bedroom villa where we stayed was incredible… the perfect spot if you’re bringing the whole family or traveling with other couples. 

After a lovely two days at the Monte Rei, it was time to return to Lisbon for flights early the next morning. My husband was headed home, and I was headed to the next leg of my adventure, which I’ll tell you about in a future blog ;). To save time and hassle, we stayed minutes from the airport, at the Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto, which was a great decision as the airport hotel has well-appointed rooms, is close to the city center (we walked from our hotel), and caters to guests with flights at all hours. This meant breakfast was available at 4:00 a.m. and shuttle service to the airport began soon after. A welcome start to a busy travel day. 

And that’s a wrap! After 12 days, we felt the warmth of Portugal, which makes it such an attractive destination for travelers with all kinds of itineraries. Come for the golf, culture, art, recreation, food & wine, or just plain relaxation… and leave with a greater understanding of a place and people who truly know how to live. 

Be sure to put Portugal on your bucket list! 

And as always, remember….

It’s a sunny life. Wear your hat! 

By Wallaroo Writer, Abbey Algiers