For our 25th wedding anniversary, we packed our bags, hearts brimming with excitement, and set off to explore Portugal—a land of stunning coastlines, rich history, and endless charm. From the bustling streets of Lisbon to the serene cliffs of the Algarve, and the vibrant culture of Porto, Portugal left us mesmerized. Here’s a recap of our unforgettable journey, and why you should add this country to your travel bucket list.
Touchdown in Lisbon
Our adventure began in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, known for its hilly streets and pastel-hued buildings. We didn’t linger long, though, as we had plans to explore the sun-soaked Algarve region first. Renting a car, we headed south to Albufeira, a journey that revealed Portugal’s scenic countryside along the way.
Trip Map
Albufeira: A Stay, Fit for Royalty
We stayed at Vila Origens, a boutique hotel with a unique Arabic influence. The Vila Origens hotel is a gem worthy of its own spotlight. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel like royalty. Their hospitality was impeccable—they not only greeted us with warm smiles but also had our room ready early, well before the typical 3 PM check-in time.
As a special welcome, they left a bottle of green grape wine and an assortment of homemade delicacies in our room—a thoughtful touch that set the tone for our stay. The luxurious details didn’t stop there. The bathroom featured heated floors, a delightful comfort during the cooler December evenings. And let’s talk about their stunning amenities!
The hotel boasts a heated saltwater pool—a must-try for a refreshing dip. But the real highlight? Their rooftop jacuzzi. Imagine soaking under the stars, sipping wine, and gazing at the sparkling city lights—an unforgettable experience that felt like a scene straight out of a dream.
Fun fact: one of the hotel’s walls is part of an original fort! Each morning, we were treated to an indulgent breakfast featuring a basket of freshly baked bread, made-to-order eggs, and the most divine freshly squeezed orange juice I’ve ever tasted.
Vila Origens isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an experience that elevates your trip to the Algarve into something truly extraordinary.
The charm extends beyond the hotel itself. Surrounding Vila Origens are several scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the beach and the golden hues of the sunset. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the Algarve’s natural beauty.
Exploring Algarve : Silves, Mount Fóia, Sagres, Ponta da Piedade & Lagos
The Algarve is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty, and we explored it all on a “History Tour of the Algarve.”
Silves Castle: Perched atop a hill, this red-stone fortress is a reminder of the region’s Moorish past. The views from the top were nothing short of magical.
Sagres: Known as the “End of the World,” this windswept cape was once believed to be the edge of the known world. The cliffs here are dramatic, and the ocean, endlessly vast.
Ponta da Piedade & Lagos : These golden-hued cliffs are nature’s masterpiece. Standing here felt like being on the set of a fantasy movie.
The next morning, we embarked on a boat tour to the Benagil Caves. Imagine gliding through sparkling aqua-blue waters, with sunlight dancing on golden cliffs. The caves are a marvel, and the experience is simply unforgettable.
Back to Lisbon: A Tale of Two Towns
After soaking in the Algarve’s beauty, we drove back to Lisbon and returned the car. In Lison we stayed at the Epic Sana Marques. It was the perfect location, at the crossroads of the iconic “Praça do Marquês de Pombal” square and Lisbon’s glamorous “Avenida da Liberdade.” Surrounded by elegant shopping destinations, cultural and historical landmarks, and lush city parks and gardens, it offered an ideal blend of sophistication and convenience. Public transport was easily accessible as well. The staff was kind to leave us a bottle of champagne and treats for our anniversary. We dined at the Allora restaurant one night. When the staff found out that it was a special day for us, they treated us to a table side Gin-Vermouth cocktail experience which was pretty flattering.
Our next adventure took us to Sintra and Cascais.
Sintra: This fairytale town is cooler than Lisbon, thanks to its unique microclimate. Its lush hillsides are dotted with colorful palaces and castles, making it a photographer’s dream.
Cascais: A quaint fishing town that, while charming, wasn’t our favorite stop.
Cabo Da Roca: the westernmost point of mainland Europe, offers dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and a sense of standing at the edge of the world.
Exploring Lisbon’s Hills and History
Lisbon is a city that demands good walking shoes! With its cobblestone streets and steep hills, we spent a day exploring its vibrant neighborhoods and historic landmarks:
Torre de Belém & Padrão dos Descobrimentos: Two iconic landmarks that tell tales of Portugal’s seafaring history.
Bairro Alto: We took a funicular to this lively district, which offers stunning views during the day and comes alive at night.
Praça do Comércio & Arco do Triunfo: The heart of Lisbon’s downtown, these spots are perfect for soaking in the city’s vibe
Castelo de São Jorge: A Moorish castle offering sweeping views of the city.
Visiting in December added a festive touch—twinkling Christmas lights and bustling holiday markets greeted us at every turn.
Beyond Lisbon: Obidos, Nazare, and Porto
For our final day, we ventured out to explore three gems:
Óbidos: A medieval town surrounded by a fortress wall. Walking its cobbled streets felt like stepping back in time.
Nazaré: Known for its giant waves and surfing culture, we enjoyed a peaceful walk along its beach.
Porto: This vibrant city was the perfect finale to our trip. Strolling along the Douro River and watching the sunset over the iconic Ribeira district was pure magic.
Lessons Learned and Travel Tips
Knowing what I know now, here’s how I’d plan the perfect Portugal itinerary:
• 3 Days in the Algarve: Spend more time hiking the cliffs in Sagres.
• 2 Days in Porto: Immerse yourself in the city’s culture and riverside charm.
• 2 Days in Lisbon: Explore its hills, landmarks, and neighborhoods at a leisurely pace.
Portugal exceeded every expectation. Whether it’s the golden cliffs of the Algarve, the historic streets of Lisbon, or the vibrant energy of Porto, this country has something for everyone. Our anniversary trip was everything we hoped for—and more.
So, pack your bags and head to Portugal. Adventure, beauty, and unforgettable memories await!