Destinations · Atlantic coast
Comporta, the Alentejo Coast or the Algarve?
Compare Comporta, the Alentejo Coast and the Algarve by atmosphere, hotels, beaches, logistics and the kind of coastal trip each creates.
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.
Itineraries · Lisbon & Porto
Lisbon or Porto: how many nights in each?
Compare Lisbon and Porto by atmosphere, interests, day trips and pace, with practical advice on how many nights to spend in each city.
Stay · Algarve
Where to stay in the Algarve—and why
Choose the right Algarve base by comparing Tavira and the Ria Formosa, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, the cliff coast, Lagos, Sagres and the wild west.
Destinations · Sintra
Sintra from Lisbon: train, tour or private driver?
Compare the train, small-group tour and private driver for a Sintra day trip from Lisbon, with Pena Palace timing, tickets and a route that avoids wasted time.
Wine · Douro Valley
The Douro Valley: day trip or overnight?
An honest comparison of a Douro day trip and one- or two-night stay, with advice on wineries, boats, trains, drivers and hotel locations.
Planning · Transport
Train, rental car or private driver?
Compare trains, rental cars and private drivers in Portugal by route, luggage, flexibility and the kind of trip each option suits.
Stay · Portugal
Portugal’s best luxury and boutique hotels
A considered regional shortlist of Portugal luxury and boutique hotels, with honest advice on location, atmosphere and who each stay suits.
Destinations · First trip
Where should you go in Portugal?
A region-by-region guide to choosing Lisbon, Porto, the Douro, Central Portugal, the Alentejo and the Algarve for a first trip.
Destinations · By interest
Portugal’s best places, matched to your interests
Choose the right Portugal regions for wine, culture, beaches, nature, food, cruising and a slower luxury trip.
Destinations · Essentials
12 places not to miss in Portugal
Twelve essential Portugal destinations, why each matters, how long to stay and which famous places are better treated as detours.
Stay · Planning
Where to stay in Portugal on a first trip
The best bases in Portugal, how many nights to allow and when a city center, vineyard hotel or coastal stay makes more sense.
Stay · Hotel advice
How to choose a luxury hotel in Portugal
What really matters when choosing a five-star or luxury hotel in Portugal, from location and room category to service, season and sense of place.
Wine · Regions
Portugal’s wine regions explained
A traveler’s guide to the Douro, Vinho Verde, Dão, Bairrada, Lisbon, Setúbal and Alentejo wine regions and what to taste in each.
Wine · Planning
How to plan a wine trip in Portugal
Appointments, drivers, tasting order, lunches and realistic distances for a thoughtful private wine journey through Portugal.
Experiences · Insider ideas
Portugal beyond the usual sights
Meaningful private and independent experiences in Portugal, from markets and boats to crafts, wine, walking and food.