Portugal Itinerary: 2 Weeks of Culture, Coast & Cuisine

The beautiful city of Lisbon lies draped across a string of seven hills on the western Iberian Peninsula and is the westernmost and oldest city in western Europe. Its long and tumultuous history has resulted in an aesthetic characterised by a haphazard combination of old and new; however, the aesthetic chaos of Lisbon only adds to its appeal and its undeniable charm. Bright yellow centenarian trams rattle their way up steep, tree-lined, cobbled streets; ornate ironwork balconies overrun with bougainvillaea sit above elegant outdoor cafes housed in ancient whitewashed, red-roofed stone houses; and a flurry of detailed mosaics decorate the sidewalks. Ancient statues adorn grand squares and hidden gardens. A diverse culinary scene, a plethora of fascinating museums, and numerous castles make it easy to see why Lisbon is one of Europe’s most misunderstood and underrated cities.

Set roughly halfway between Lisbon and Porto, Coimbra is a vibrant, historical university town that flanks both sides of the Mondego River, with the old quarter on one side and the modern district on the other. A walk down the ancient town’s main street will take you past shops and cafes, culminating in an atmospheric plaza. The square is crowned by the 12th-century Santa Cruz Monastery, a majestic building of ivory-coloured stone with an elaborate arched entrance and an exquisitely detailed interior decorated with blue tiles. The University of Coimbra, dating to 1537, is Europe’s oldest university and the town’s main architectural attraction, while the Quinta das Lagrimas estate, with its forests, bamboo groves, poppy fields, and manicured gardens, provides a tranquil oasis just outside the city.

Located in northern Portugal along the Douro River estuary, the old sailing port of Porto is a World Heritage Site and the second-largest city in the country. While retaining the timeless charm of a small town, Porto also has many of the modern advantages of a metropolis. Browse the expansive art collection at the Soares dos Reis National Museum, view the ornate interior of the Church of Sao Francisco, and explore the medieval maze of stairways and terraces in the old quarter of Ribeira. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Vila Nova de Gaia area to sample some of Porto’s famous Port wine. Other popular attractions include the 12th-century Porto Cathedral, Clerigos Tower and the Harry-Potteresque Livraria Lello bookshop, showcasing some magnificent neo-gothic architecture.

Set on Portugal’s coast in the southern Algarve region, the once-sleepy fishing village of Albufeira has evolved into one of the area’s most alluring and vibrant holiday destinations, thanks to its outstanding beaches and dramatic scenery and lively social scene. There are over 20 beaches to choose from in Albufeira, including the main beach’s vast, crescent-shaped expanse of fine, pink-gold sand fringing a turquoise bay and sheltered by rugged cliffs. The streets of the old town behind it are frequented by street performers and scattered liberally with shops, bars and restaurants. On the glittering Albufeira strip, you will find some of Portugal’s wildest nightlife venues, including the renowned Kiss club, which usually opens after midnight and pulsates till after dawn.

The Algarve’s southernmost city, Faro, has an elegant marina backed by a historical quarter dotted with white-washed Portuguese buildings, stately Catholic churches and age-old Moorish architecture. Its atmospheric squares and boulevards are paved with white and grey stone and lined with boutiques, designer stores, cafes and bars. There is no shortage of entertainment in this university town - it has a lively nightlife and a thriving arts and culture scene that caters to a wide array of audiences. There is plenty of opportunity for swimming and sunbathing on the area’s golden coast, and nature lovers will be in their element in the nearby Ria Formosa Reserve, with its incredibly biodiverse lagoon and coastal zone.

Resting on Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast over the banks of the Gilao River, the ancient town of Tavira has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological surveys have found relics dating to as far back as the Bronze Age, and the city’s snaking alleyways are lined with mosques, palaces, elegantly weathered churches and regal 18-century homes which stand as testaments to the city’s Moorish and medieval eras. Just as impressive as Tavira’s architecture is its natural beauty: idyllic sandy beaches fringe its azure shores, while the Rio Formosa Nature Park is an astonishingly beautiful marshland reserve dotted with salts pans and candy-pink flamingo flocks. Make sure to visit the Pego do Inferno just outside the town, an awe-inspiring waterfall and lake of turquoise-green water offering the perfect spot for an invigorating dip.

Located in Portugal’s south-central Alentejo region, known for its glorious olive groves and traditional villages, the town of Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its profusion of historical architecture and archaeological sites. These include the ruins of an ancient Roman temple dating to about 1000 BC, the medieval University of Evora, founded in the 16th century, and several beautiful old churches. Oldest of all is the astonishing neolithic site at Almendres Cromlech, which dates back 8000 years and has been used for three millennia. One of the most intriguing and macabre religious sites is the Capela dos Ossos - the Chapel of Bones - which has interior walls encrusted with bones and skulls. Gourmands will delight in the mouth-watering local dishes, most notably the incredible range of delicious traditional desserts.

The beautiful city of Lisbon lies draped across a string of seven hills on the western Iberian Peninsula and is the westernmost and oldest city in western Europe. Its long and tumultuous history has resulted in an aesthetic characterised by a haphazard combination of old and new; however, the aesthetic chaos of Lisbon only adds to its appeal and its undeniable charm. Bright yellow centenarian trams rattle their way up steep, tree-lined, cobbled streets; ornate ironwork balconies overrun with bougainvillaea sit above elegant outdoor cafes housed in ancient whitewashed, red-roofed stone houses; and a flurry of detailed mosaics decorate the sidewalks. Ancient statues adorn grand squares and hidden gardens. A diverse culinary scene, a plethora of fascinating museums, and numerous castles make it easy to see why Lisbon is one of Europe’s most misunderstood and underrated cities.