Portugal surprised us in the best possible way. With historic cities, dramatic coastlines, fresh seafood and excellent wine, it’s an easy European destination to fall in love with. We had just seven full days, but managed to get a meaningful taste of Lisbon, Sintra, the Alentejo countryside and the Algarve beaches. If you’re planning a trip, this recap highlights the top experiences and practical moments — train rides, castle visits, coastal sunsets and plenty of food.
Day 1
I landed mid-morning and, after a long overnight flight, felt tired but excited. Etienne’s flight arrived a few hours earlier, so he was ready to explore. There’s always a bit of culture shock when you arrive somewhere new, especially where English isn’t the primary language.
After a battle with a train ticket machine we reached the hotel, dropped our bags and walked into Lisbon’s historic Alfama neighborhood. Its narrow, village-like lanes lead down toward the waterfront, where I took the photo of the statue of King Jose I. We had a relaxed first evening — pizza and wine in a local spot — and an early night to recover from travel.
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel was a classic European buffet — fuel for a busy day. We headed back into Alfama and climbed up to São Jorge Castle for panoramic views across Lisbon. A small wine cart near the castle made the view even better: a quiet glass and time to soak it in.
From Lisbon we took a short train ride to Sintra, a fairytale town set among pine-covered hills. Sintra’s palaces belong on every traveler’s list — the colorful Pena Palace and the ancient Castelo dos Mouros are unforgettable. Inside Pena Palace we even saw the original kitchen, complete with engraved pots and pans — a charming glimpse into historic daily life.
We returned to Lisbon after an exhausting day of sightseeing. The plan was to dine outdoors, but by the time we made it back the light had faded — still, a satisfying day of castles and viewpoints.
Day 3
With a rental car picked up at the airport, we drove south into the Alentejo region. The car collection process took longer than expected, but once we were on the road the trip felt liberating. Our little Toyota Yaris had a manual gearbox, which made driving a bit of nostalgic fun.
Evora was our base for the night. The town is full of narrow cobbled streets that feel more like walking paths than driving lanes, so navigating required patience. We visited a nearby winery for tastings and then enjoyed dinner at the in-town restaurant of the Cartuxa estate. The food was rustic, flavorful and paired wonderfully with affordable local wines. Highlights included a fresh fish and vegetable stew and a roasted rabbit salad — simple, authentic Alentejo cooking that lingered on the palate.
A local carnival was in town that night, which added a lively atmosphere as we wandered through the festivities.
Day 5
We drove to the southern coast for the Algarve beaches. After roughly two and a half hours on the road we reached a charming town near Albufeira. Portugal’s coastline was a revelation — red cliffs, golden sand and clear water. We spent the afternoon soaking up the sun and appreciating how varied and dramatic these beaches are.
Dinner that night was seaside at a fresh seafood restaurant where you choose your fish or shellfish directly from the display. The meal was prepared simply and skillfully — one of the freshest dinners of the trip — and paired perfectly with a pitcher of red sangria.
Day 6
We explored another coastal spot on the island near Tavira. Along the way we stopped in a small town for local food and picked up a few hand-painted rooster souvenirs — a popular motif in Portugal. Tavira’s beach is reached by a long wooden boardwalk or a charming mini train, and of course we took the train. The sand and sea were beautiful, and a short walk further east led to a quieter, more secluded stretch of coastline.
Back in Albufeira that evening we tried cataplana, a traditional seafood stew with potatoes and vegetables that showcases the region’s fresh catch. More wine and sangria rounded out the coastal experience.
Day 7
On our final day we left the Algarve and headed back to Lisbon. We stopped at a peaceful, secluded beach on the east coast — one of the prettiest and least crowded stretches we encountered. After a reluctant farewell to the shore, we returned the rental car in Lisbon and took a ferry to a nearby small island for a last dinner. Feeling a little seafooded-out, we chose pizza and wine for a comfortable end to the trip.
Flying home was a mix of exhaustion and contentment. Etienne had an early flight the next morning, and I had a bit more time to sleep before leaving. Seeing our boys reunited at home made the trip feel even more special — getting away to explore is wonderful, but returning to family is the best part of any journey.
Portugal left a lasting impression: historic cities full of character, varied and beautiful beaches, outstanding seafood and wines, and welcoming culture. We barely scratched the surface, and we’ll happily return to discover more of this underrated country.
