Olá Portugal

Dom Luís I Bridge

Northern Portugal

Our Portugal trip began on Christmas Day, a magical time to embark on a journey filled with history, culture, and incredible landscapes. The northern region welcomed us with sunny, mild weather, perfect for exploring. We started by reuniting with family in a very small and quaint country town and enjoying the holiday together.

We opted to rent a car—a stick shift, no less—adding an extra layer of excitement to our travels. Navigating the winding roads of Portugal was not for the faint of heart, but luckily, my partner was an expert. As we drove through the countryside, the geography reminded me of San Francisco, with its rolling hills, narrow streets, scenic coastal views, and charming architecture. Each town we visited had its own festive charm, from twinkling light displays to bustling holiday markets. Some of the highlights of Portugal are its friendly people, affordability, and unbeatable value. We averaged about 15,000 steps while exploring…bring your walking shoes!

Porto: The Gem of Northern Portugal

Our journey took us to Porto, a city bursting with character, rich history, and stunning river views.

Recommended Activities:

• Explore the Ribeira District
  Porto’s most charming area, Ribeira, is a must-see. With its narrow, winding streets, colorful buildings, and breathtaking riverside views, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.

• Dine at a Riverside Café
  The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by local musicians performing while you sip on a refreshing white sangria and savor padron peppers.

• Catch a Sunset at Dom Luís I Bridge
  This stunning iron double-deck bridge spans the Douro River, offering incredible panoramic views of the city. Walking across the top deck is a must for unforgettable sunset photos.

• Visit the Church of São Francisco
  This Gothic church is renowned for its ornate baroque interior, adorned with lavish gold leaf decoration. A true architectural gem!

• Take a Day Trip to the Douro Valley
  Known for its terraced vineyards, the Douro Valley is not only breathtaking but also offers some of the best wine tours. We visited Sandeman Quinta do Seixo Winery & Vineyards, where we enjoyed stunning views and exquisite wines.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Impar Flores (Outdoor seating)
  We indulged in red wine, padron peppers, and steak with a Port wine reduction—an unforgettable meal.

• O’Lusitano Restaurant (Located in Matosinhos, a neighboring fishing town)
  The fresh seafood was incredible! We savored a crisp salad, shrimp in garlic, little clams in white wine, and a perfectly grilled whole sea bass.

Where We Stayed:

• Pestana Palácio do Freixo
  This stunning baroque-style palace, a National Monument, is located directly on the Douro River. Our stay was pure luxury, with breathtaking architecture and impeccable service.

  • Breakfast was a highlight, offering an elegant spread of Portuguese delicacies, including the famous Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts), artisanal breads, cured meats, and other delightful treats. The experience was elevated with mimosas and cappuccinos topped with cinnamon-dusted foam—pure indulgence!

Porto exceeded our expectations with its rich history, warm hospitality, and incredible food and wine. It was the perfect start to our Portuguese adventure!

Lisbon: The Heart of Portugal

Sunset by the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge

Lisbon welcomed us with its stunning cityscape, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Recommended Activities:

• Explore The Alfama District
  The oldest part of the city, with its narrow streets, traditional crafts, and charming cafés. A must-visit for an authentic Lisbon experience.

• Ride Tram 28
  This historic tram winds through Alfama and up to São Jorge Castle, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Tagus River.

• Visit Miradouro da Graça
  A scenic terrace with panoramic views stretching over the city to the river.

• Indulge in Pastéis de Nata at Pastéis de Belém
  These iconic custard tarts are a must-try in Lisbon.

• Try a Cod Cake and Port at Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau
  A deliciously unique Portuguese treat.

• Explore Praça do Comércio
  This grand waterfront square offers stunning architecture, history, and open views of the Tagus River.

• Sunset by the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge
  The bridge, built by the same company as the Golden Gate, is a fantastic backdrop for sunset photos and live music performances.

• Bike or Cruise the Tagus River
  Rent bikes or take a river cruise from Cais do Sodré ferry terminal.

Day Trips from Lisbon:

Magical Sintra

• Sintra
  A fairytale-like village with palaces, castles, and cobblestone streets. Be sure to try the local pastry, travesseiros.

  • Restaurant: Volta Meia (Ideal outdoor deck, delicious soup, steak, and fries.)

• Cascais
  A picturesque coastal town with charming shops and a Ferris wheel.

  • Restaurant: Jardim dos Frangos (Perfect spot for Peri-Peri chicken.) We took our savory, spicy chicken to go and ate across the park while watching locals and tourists browse the festive Christmas market.

  • Sunset Spot: Boca do Inferno (Dramatic cliffs with crashing waves and breathtaking Atlantic views.)

Recommended Restaurants:

• Time Out Market
  A food lover’s paradise with a variety of restaurants. We sampled octopus from a tin can and a traditional Portuguese steak sandwich—delicious!

Where We Stayed:

Gorgeous lobby of Pestana Palace Lisboa in all of it’s Christmas beauty

• Pestana Palace Lisboa
  A luxurious 5-star hotel near key Lisbon landmarks, including the Tower of Belém, Jerónimos Monastery, and MAAT Museum.

  • Gorgeous sitting rooms and lobby bar with an attentive and friendly staff.

  • Breakfast was a highlight, featuring an elegant spread of Pastéis de Nata, breads, cured meats, and fresh fruits. The experience was enhanced with mimosas and cappuccinos topped with cinnamon-dusted foam.

To get a taste of Lisbon’s vibrant food scene, watch “Somebody Feed Phil” Lisbon episode on Netflix!

Lisbon’s mix of history, modern charm, and delicious cuisine made it an unforgettable stop on our Portuguese adventure.