"The Ultimate Travel Guide to Experiencing the Beauty of Portugal"

Hi Friend.

Well, are you planning a trip to Portugal and need some recommendations? You've come to the right place. I recently visited Portugal on a must needed solo trip, and found this country to be one of the friendliest and safest I've ever visited--not once did I ever feel uneasy or threatened, and found the people to be very warm and welcoming. Depending on the length of time you plan on staying (I was there for 9 days), you may have an opportunity to explore most, if not all, of the items below.

Sintra -

Skip the Pena Palace.  The lines are exorbitant and tickets to enter the palace are typically sold out within moments.  All you end up seeing are the grounds.

Go to these instead :

• Casa Priquita – Best known bakery in Sintra.  Make sure to purchase a travesseiros.

• Quinta Da Regaleira – One of the most unique and amazing estates that I’ve seen; the underground tunnels and caves are not to be missed.

• Monserrate Palace – The palace and grounds are beautiful.  Birds of paradise, and various other types of flora and fauna, were in abundance.

Other sites that I did not have an opportunity to explore but have heard amazing things about:

• The Moorish Castle

• Sintra National Palace

If you have a vehicle, you should try to see these:

• Cabo Da Roca – There’s a beautiful lighthouse that overlooks the most amazing cliffs and ocean views.  I loved listening to the waves crashing against the cliffs.

• Praia Das Macas – a very picturesque beach town.

• Fátima - home to the Sanctuary of Fátima. The Capelinha des Aparições marks the spot where the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917.

If you’re looking for a local guide, I would recommend Bruno from Let’s Talk Lisbon.  He was very professional and spoke excellent English. 

As for hotel recommendations, I highly recommend The Ivens, Autograph Collection or The 1908 Lisboa Hotel.

Speaking of Lisbon –

Guys, I LOVE Lisbon!

• Book one or many of the free walking tours.  They are absolutely worth it and you decide what the price should be.  You pay the guide what you feel is a fair price.  I’ve used SANDEMANs NEW Europe extensively and have never been disappointed.

https://www.neweuropetours.eu/lisbon-walking-tours/

• Take a sunset cruise – there is nothing more amazing than seeing the Christ statue, golden bridge, and the Belem Tower from the water.

• Go to the Alfama area in the evening to take in some Fado music and dancing.  It’s the most authentic area for it.

• Be a total tourist and ride the 28 tram.  You get a great perspective of all there is to see in Lisbon.

• Make sure to try a pastel de nata (custard pastry).

• Speaking of food, walk and eat your way through the Time Out Market.

• Find a rooftop bar in the late afternoon so that you can watch the sunset while sipping your favorite liquid libation.

• Don’t pay the money to go up the Santa Justa Lift.  It’s not worth it – total tourist trap.  You can get to the top from side streets on the backside to take in the views.

• Just walk the city.  You’re bound to find all kinds of treasures.  It’s a very walkable city with lots of historical buildings melded with nouveau art and architecture.

More importantly...HAVE FUN!