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Discover what makes Portugal unforgettable
Portugal’s beaches are simply stunning. The Algarve features dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Towns like Lagos and Albufeira offer vibrant atmospheres with charming cafes and shops. If you’re a surfer, Nazaré’s giant waves are legendary. For a more peaceful vibe, check out the serene beaches of Comporta, where you can unwind and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Beyond the beaches, Portugal’s landscapes are incredibly diverse. You’ve got the lush, green mountains in the Azores, the rolling hills of the Alentejo, and dramatic cliffs along the coastline. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, or just taking in the scenery, Portugal’s natural beauty will leave you speechless.
Portugal’s architecture is a mix of medieval, Moorish, and modern influences. You’ll find Gothic monasteries, ornate Manueline-style buildings, and contemporary designs by world-renowned architects. Whether you’re visiting the ancient Jerónimos Monastery or the modern MAAT museum, the blend of old and new is stunning.
Portugal’s famous blue-and-white tiles—azulejos—adorn buildings, churches, and even train stations. These hand-painted tiles tell stories through intricate designs, adding character to the streets. You can explore Lisbon’s tile museum or just wander the streets and admire the art all around you.
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See all Portugal local experts →Rough Guides gets rave reviews
Itinerary fitted our needs. Travel book was very useful and well put together. Joel (our host) was always available and easy to reach and provided good advice as well as addressing last minute requests for changes.
We had a great time. Joel was a wonderful host and took great care of us. He was knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed our time with him. The trip went very well. All the accommodations were more than we expected, and the sights/events chosen gave us a full view of Portugal. I would whole-heartedly recommend Rough Guides and Joel for anyone considering Portugal. The only suggestion I would make is that an electric vehicle is not the best choice for long car rides. To manage the battery life, we had to go very slow, but we did enjoy our time with Joel on the drives. Electric is great for short visits like Sintra and Belhem, but for the longer drives the technology is not yet there.
Traveled to Portugal and Joel with Rough Guides was amazing. He planned our trip and was our driver too. He’s very friendly and loves his country. We felt we made a friend in the 10 days we were there. Loved our trip.
Our trip through rough guides, coordinated by Monica, was wonderful. Monica was an absolute pleasure to work with, she organized our trip so that we had no concerns. We have recommended Rough Guides to numerous people at home and during our trip.
I'm not sure where to send this so I'll start here. My parents just reached out to me to ask whether I'd told you how exceptional our experience was in our recent (May 2024) trip to Portugal and, particularly, how wonderful our guide, Joel (mylisbonholidays), was. I let them know I had not, but that I would. At any rate, I wanted to pass this on. Joel made our trip exceptional himself, with meticulous planning to ensure my mother, who is disabled, could participate to the degree possible. Her ability to walk is significantly compromised, yet he "made it happen". He, personally, pushed her around in a wheelchair in a number of circumstances that I was simply not able to or would have been limited. What an experience - I am eternally grateful to him for making this trip possible for my parents (85 and 89 respectively) and for making it a trip I (55) could enjoy without worry. I would recommend Joel and his company 100%. In fact, this experience was so good that my parents, who were thinking they were done with traveling outside the US, are contemplating another trip next year. As an aside, this was my second Rough Guides trip and I recently recommended you to another couple who is taking a trip with you to Italy in October. Thank you,
Just wanted to express my thanks to Joel and Rough Guides for a wonderful trip! Everything was well-chosen and we just loved all of the hotels, sightseeing recommendations, activities, etc. The one time we had an issue (and it really was only one time), I called Joel and he responded immediately and fixed the problem. Thanks again!
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