Why Portugal?

Portugal holds a very special place in our hearts. It was our first trip abroad together and we were blown away by the beautiful landscapes, amazing food and rich history that the country had to offer. The beach towns are made up of small cafes, narrow cobblestone streets and a rugged coast perfect for sunset (or surfing!). The towns have a laid back vibe where eating, drinking, relaxing and coming together with family & friends is at the core of everything they do. Living is easy!

We are so excited to share that experience with the ones we love most!

Pristine Beaches & Landscapes

Ericeira

This town is our absolute favorite. It’s the epicenter of the European surf scene as 1 of only 9 World Surfing Reserves: meaning that the land is protected to preserve the wave. Fun fact: the world’s largest ever recorded wave of 80 ft was only an hour away from this town… and Greg thought this was a good spot to have my first surf lesson! The neighborhood is filled with tiny streets of royal blue colored houses facing the ocean; amazing restaurants, serving caught that day seafood, that seat no more than 10-15 people; and the best pastel de nata at Marias Bakery.

Ericeira is about 30 minutes from Lisbon & Santa Cruz.

The Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal known for amazing beaches with white sand, turquoise water and dramatic coastlines of limestone cliffs. A hike through Ponta da Piedade (pictured) and a boat trip (or a swim!) to Benagil Caves is an absolute must if this the Algarve is on your list of things to do. The views are guaranteed to take your breath away! Some of the cities in the Algarve have a heavy tourist and nightlife population - so do your research on potential stays.

The Algarve is 3 hrs by car from Lisbon.

The Azores

Dubbed “ the Hawaii of the Atlantic”, the Azores is an archipelago made up of 9 islands. The islands are best known for their vibrantly colored blue-green lakes, volcanic craters, beautiful prairies, and the fact that cows almost outnumber the people on the island! It’s a nature lover’s dream with hiking, fishing, scuba, kayaking, zip-lining, volcano climbing … the list goes on!

The Azores about a 2.5 hr flight from Lisbon.

History & Architecture

Gothic Cathedrals

Gothic architecture is a European style of architecture that values height and exhibits an intricate and delicate aesthetic made up of dramatic pointed arches and ribbed vaults. The best display of this is at Jeronimos Monastery, located a short walk from the Belem Tower.

Castles & Forts

The Belem Tower was constructed in the 16th century to serve as a fortress protecting the city of Lisbon. The Tower sits in the middle of the Tagus River, and guards the entrance to the Lisbon Harbor. Not too far is Sao Jorge Castle, built in the 12th century and occupied by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors before its conquest by the Portuguese.

Palaces

The Pena Palace is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. The brightly colored castle is located in Sintra, about 30 minutes outside of Lisbon but easily visible from the city on a clear day. Another short drive away is the Palace of Mafra, a palace-monastery turned royal getaway in hunting season.