Experiences · Private travel
When is a private tour in Portugal worth it?
An honest guide to when private guides and drivers improve Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, the Douro and Portugal’s historic regions—and when they do not.
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.
Experiences · On the water
Portugal’s best river and coastal experiences
The best boat experiences in Portugal, including the Douro, Tagus, Ria de Aveiro, Ria Formosa and Algarve coast.
Itinerary · 7 days
One week in Portugal without rushing
A realistic seven-night Portugal itinerary combining Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley with sensible travel times and few hotel changes.
Itinerary · 10 days
10 days in Portugal without rushing
A thoughtfully paced ten-day Portugal itinerary through Porto, the Douro, Central Portugal and Lisbon, with an Alentejo alternative.
Planning · Seasons
The best time to visit Portugal
A seasonal guide to Portugal’s weather, crowds, harvest and regional differences from the Douro and Lisbon to the Alentejo and Algarve.
Planning · First trip
What first-time visitors to Portugal get wrong
Common Portugal planning mistakes, including rushed routes, hills, heat, driving times, restaurant schedules and one-night stays.
Planning · Reservations
What to book ahead in Portugal
When to reserve Portugal hotels, restaurants, wineries, private guides, trains, monuments and boats—and which plans are better left flexible.
Wine · Douro Valley
The Douro, beyond the postcard
An honest guide to wineries, river cruises, drivers, overnight stays and experiencing the valley without rushing.
City guide · Porto
Three considered days in Porto
A realistic route through the historic center, local food, Port wine and the Atlantic edge.
Stay · Lisbon
Where to stay in Lisbon—and why
The best Lisbon neighborhoods compared by hills, atmosphere, hotel access and the way you actually travel.