Portugal was once the best-kept secret in Europe. It’s now one of the most visited destinations on the continent, attracting more than 20 million visitors per year. Still, there are plenty of reasons to visit now. Here is the Black Book of Portugal!
For City Lovers
Lisbon
Lisbon is having a moment. This city boasts beautiful architecture, delicious dining, breath-taking views, and an abundance of historical treasures — and remains resolutely Portuguese, looking out to sea with its identity intact.
Where to Stay:
- Lumiares — A 5-star hotel and spa in Barrio Alto, housed in a former XVII century Palace with 47 apartment-style rooms, a spa, restaurant, and rooftop bar.
- Verride Palácio Santa Catarina — A splendid old palace in Chiado dating back to 1750. An 18-room boutique hotel with fine-dining restaurant, rooftop bar, and rooftop swimming pool.
Porto
Portugal’s second city is currently undergoing a magical moment of rejuvenation, offering the best of both worlds: cobbled streets and beautifully tiled churches alongside a vibrant, contemporary energy.
Where to Stay:
- The Yeatman — A luxury wine hotel and spa with panoramic city and river views in Vila Nova de Gaia. Home to Europe’s largest cellar of Portuguese wines and a two Michelin-star restaurant.
- Torel 1884 — A late-19th-century Porto palace with 12 rooms and suites, each themed around Portugal’s history of exploration.
For Wine Enthusiasts
Douro Valley
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro Valley is the only place in the world that can legally produce port wine. Today its dry wines are also gaining world recognition.
- Stay: Six Senses Douro Valley — 60 guestrooms, suites, and villas with spectacular vineyard views, an organic garden, spa, and wine bar.
Alentejo
Known as the Tuscany of Portugal, Alentejo features an incredible Atlantic coastline, vineyards, and a slow, easy pace of life.
- Stay: Herdade de Malhadinha Nova — A 450-hectare estate famous for exceptional Alentejo wines, with 21 rooms, suites, and three villas, plus a subterranean spa.
For Beach Bums
Comporta
A beautiful, laid-back countryside area kept secret for years by the well-heeled. Genuine beachside feeling, where the rich and famous blend into the environment rather than stand out.
- Stay: Quinta da Comporta — An ancient rice farm converted into 73 rooms, pool villas, a restaurant, and spa right on the edge of the rice fields.
Algarve
Portugal’s southernmost region, known for beautiful Atlantic beaches and golf resorts, with over 200km of coastline and 25 resort towns.
- Stay: Vila Vita Park Resort and Spa — A luxury cliffside resort with 180 rooms, nine restaurants including a two-star Michelin spot, seven bars, and eight swimming pools.
- Stay: Vila Joya Sea — The Algarve’s most hedonistic retreat with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, 22 ocean-view suites, and a private beach shack.
For History Buffs
Sintra
With curved mountains, dewy forests, exotic gardens, and colorful palaces, Sintra is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.
- Stay: Tivoli Palácio de Seteais — A converted palace filled with 18th-century antiques and restored frescoes. 30 plush guest rooms with views of the Sintra Mountains.
Coimbra
A city of rich history and medieval beauty, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and stunning architectural heritage.
- Stay: Quinta das Lagrimas — A 5-star hotel in a historic medieval palace with botanical gardens, two restaurants, and a library of ancient books.
