Wine · Seasonal planning
When to visit Portugal’s wine regions
Use this month-by-month Portugal wine travel calendar to choose the best time for the Douro, Vinho Verde, Dão, Alentejo and Setúbal.
Independent advice from Portugal
The Portugal Journal.
Hotels, wineries, restaurants, private experiences and itineraries considered with the eye of a travel specialist.
Latest stories
Go beyond the obvious.
Planning · Flights
Nonstop flights from the USA to Portugal
See every nonstop flight from the USA to Lisbon, Porto and Faro, with airlines, seasonal routes and advice on choosing the best arrival airport.
Experiences · Algarve
Benagil Cave tours: boat, kayak or private cruise?
Choose the right Benagil Cave tour by boat, kayak or private cruise, with advice on departure points, sea conditions, current access rules and families.
Experiences · Porto
Porto’s Six Bridges cruise: which boat should you choose?
Compare Porto’s Six Bridges Cruise by traditional boat, small-group sailboat and private yacht, with advice on duration, departures, sunset and value.
Wine · Porto and Gaia
The best Port wine cellar tours—and which lodge to choose
Compare the best Port wine cellar tours in Vila Nova de Gaia, including Taylor’s, Cockburn’s and Graham’s, with guidance for first visits and premium tastings.
Experiences · Lisbon
Lisbon sunset cruises: sailboat, catamaran or private yacht?
Compare Lisbon sunset cruises by small-group sailboat, catamaran and private yacht, with advice on routes, departure docks, weather, families and value.
Practical Portugal · Porto
Porto Airport transfers: which option is right for you?
Compare Porto Airport transfers by metro, taxi, rideshare and private car, with practical advice for luggage, families, late arrivals and hotel locations.
Practical Portugal · Lisbon
Lisbon Airport transfers: which option is right for you?
Compare Lisbon Airport transfers by metro, taxi, Uber, Bolt and private car, with advice for luggage, families, late flights and hotel locations.
Wine · Douro Valley
The best Douro wine-and-river day from Porto
Plan a Douro Valley day trip from Porto with wine tastings, a regional lunch and river cruise. Compare group, small-group and private tour formats.
Wine · Douro Valley
Quinta das Carvalhas: the Douro seen from the inside
An independent guide to Quinta das Carvalhas near Pinhão, including its private vineyard experiences, Ruin with a View picnic, Casa Redonda and signature wines.
Itineraries · Porto & Northern Portugal
Five days based in Porto—without rushing the North
A considered five-day itinerary based in Porto, combining the city, Douro wine estates, historic Minho, Aveiro, excellent food and private touring.
Planning · Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Portugal: what visitors should know
A practical guide to Portugal travel insurance, including medical care, evacuation, cancellation, interruption, exclusions, pre-existing conditions and policy limits.
Itineraries · Lisbon to Porto
The best stops between Lisbon and Porto—and which are worth it
Compare Coimbra, Tomar, Batalha, Alcobaça, Óbidos, Nazaré and Aveiro as stops between Lisbon and Porto, with honest advice on timing and detours.
Stay · Douro Valley
Where to stay in the Douro—and which kind of base is right for you
Compare vineyard hotels, Pinhão and Régua river-town stays, and historic Douro estates by atmosphere, access, dining and the way each shapes a wine-country trip.
Experiences · Family travel
Portugal with children: private experiences for the whole family
Plan a family trip to Portugal with private experiences in Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, the Douro and the Algarve that children and adults can enjoy together.