Explore This Summer: Portugal
Portugal offers a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. With average summer temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) and a continuous Level 1 Travel Advisory, Portugal is an especially ideal destination for families. Here’s a curated guide to enhance your time in the country:
Must-Visit Destinations
Lisbon: avg temp 74-81
Historical building off the coast of Portugal
Known as the “City of Light,” Lisbon enchants visitors with its golden beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks such as St. George’s Castle and Belém Tower. Book a small-group food tour in the Alfama district or go sailing on a luxury yacht
Recommended luxe hotel stay for singles & couples: Corinthia Lisbon
Recommended luxe hotel stay for families: Tivoli Oriente Lisboa Hotel
Porto: avg temp 67-80
Local neighborhood street in Porto, Portugal
Famed for its port wine, Porto boasts a picturesque riverside, the historic Ribeira district, and architectural marvels like the Dom Luís I Bridge. The city’s vibrant arts scene and culinary delights are sure to captivate. Ruuminate (We had to) on contemporary art at Serralves Museum or visit WOW (World of Wine), dubbed the best wine museum in the world.
Recommended luxe hotel stay for single & couples: Altis Porto Hotel
Recommended luxe hotel stay for families: Porto Palácio Hotel by The Editory
Sintra: avg temp 65-78
Woman in a red dress inside a historical building in Portugal
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sintra is renowned for its romantic 19th-century architecture, including the colorful Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira. Its lush hills and fairy-tale ambiance offer a magical escape. Catch some fireflies at Castelo dos Mouros or prioritize your health with a ~3 mile hike to Praia da Ursa, Europe’s most western beach!
Recommended luxe stays for singles & couples: Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho Relais & Châteaux
Recommended luxe stays for families: Vila Galé Sintra
Évora: avg temp 75-86
Historical building in Evora, Portugal
Located in the Alentejo region, Évora is a beautifully preserved medieval town featuring narrow lanes leading to striking monuments, including an elaborate cathedral, Roman ruins, and a picturesque town square.
Recommended luxe stays for singles & couples: CICIOSO Boutique Hotel
Recommended luxe stays for families: Alentejo Marmoris Hotel & Spa
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Political and Social Climate
As of March 2025, Portugal is experiencing political uncertainty following the collapse of its center-right minority government due to a lost confidence vote. This development may lead to the country’s third general election in as many years. Despite this, Portugal remains a stable and welcoming destination for travelers, with daily life and tourism activities continuing as usual.
Safety Considerations
Portugal is generally considered a safe country for tourists. Standard precautions apply:
Urban Areas: In cities like Lisbon and Porto, be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and public transportation.
Coastal Regions: Popular coastal areas such as the Algarve are known for their safety and family-friendly environments.
Rural Areas: Countryside regions and smaller towns typically experience low crime rates, offering peaceful retreats.
Touristy vs. Local Experiences
Highly Touristic Areas:
• Lisbon’s Alfama District: While rich in history and charm, Alfama attracts numerous tourists, especially during the summer.
• Sintra: Its fairy-tale palaces draw large crowds; visiting early in the day can provide a more serene experience.
Local Experiences:
• Azenhas do Mar: A picturesque village near Sintra, Azenhas do Mar is considered a “hidden gem” with natural pools and stunning Atlantic views. Its white houses with blue accents perched on cliffs offer a tranquil escape from the usual tourist trails.
• Setúbal Peninsula: Known for its beautiful beaches and the Arrábida Natural Park, this area offers authentic local culture and cuisine, away from the typical tourist routes.
By blending visits to both renowned sites and lesser-known locales, you’ll experience the diverse facets of Portugal, making your summer journey truly unforgettable.
Let’s Talk Food
Savoring Portugal: Where to Indulge in the Country’s Finest Flavors
Portugal’s culinary scene is a symphony of tradition and innovation, where centuries-old recipes meet Michelin-starred creativity. Whether you’re savoring a humble yet exquisite pastel de nata in Lisbon or indulging in a multi-course tasting menu overlooking the Atlantic, the country’s gastronomic offerings are nothing short of extraordinary. For the discerning traveler, here’s where to experience Portugal’s finest flavors—only at establishments consistently rated 4.6+ on TripAdvisor and Google, and 9.6+ on TheFork.
Lisbon: The Capital of Culinary Excellence
Traditional Portuguese Fare: O Frade
Tucked in the heart of Lisbon, O Frade serves up authentic Alentejo flavors with an intimate, contemporary twist. Dine on arroz de pato (duck rice) or carne de porco à Alentejana (pork with clams) while sipping on a perfectly paired regional wine.
Fine Dining: Belcanto
An image of Pastel de Nata from My Gorgeous Recipes
Lisbon’s culinary crown jewel, Belcanto by José Avillez, is a two-Michelin-starred masterpiece where Portuguese heritage meets gastronomic artistry. Signature dishes like the reinvented cozido à portuguesa and delicate sea bass ceviche offer a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
A Must-Try Treat: Pastel de Nata at Manteigaria
Forget tourist-trap bakeries—Manteigaria serves the finest pastel de nata in Lisbon, with its perfectly crisp crust and silky, caramelized custard center. Best enjoyed warm with a dusting of cinnamon.
Porto: A Haven for Authenticity & Elegance
Traditional Portuguese Fare: Taberna dos Mercadores
For an authentic taste of Porto, head to Taberna dos Mercadores, a small but revered spot known for its seafood specialties. The bacalhau à Brás (salt cod with eggs and potatoes) is legendary.
Fine Dining: Casa de Chá da Boa Nova
Casa de Chá da Boa Nova
Overlooking the rugged cliffs of Leça da Palmeira, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Rui Paula is an experience in itself. Expect exquisite seafood dishes that showcase the pure flavors of the Atlantic, like the lagostim com citrinos (crayfish with citrus).
A Must-Try Treat: Francesinha at Café Santiago
Porto’s signature sandwich is not for the faint of heart. The francesinha, a decadent stack of cured meats, steak, and cheese smothered in a beer-based sauce, is perfected at Café Santiago.
Sintra: Where Fairytales Meet Flavors
Traditional Portuguese Fare: Tascantiga
This charming eatery near the historic center offers delightful takes on Portuguese tapas, from pataniscas de bacalhau (cod fritters) to chouriço assado (flaming chorizo). Pair it with a crisp vinho verde for a truly Sintra-worthy feast.
Collage of Midori menu items from TheFork
Fine Dining: Midori
The first Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Portugal located in Penha Longa Resort. Midori is a fusion of Portuguese and Japanese influences, using local ingredients in unexpected ways. Dishes like wagyu beef with a Portuguese twist elevate this experience to an art form.
A Must-Try Treat: Travesseiros at Piriquita
A visit to Sintra isn’t complete without a travesseiro—a delicate puff pastry filled with almond and egg custard. Piriquita, a historic bakery, has been perfecting this pastry for over a century.
Évora: The Heart of Alentejo Cuisine
Traditional Portuguese Fare: Fialho
For a true taste of Alentejo, Fialho is the place to be. Dishes like migas com carne de porco (bread-based stuffing with pork) and ensopado de borrego (lamb stew) highlight the rustic yet refined flavors of the region.
Collage of Degust’AR menu items from TheFork
Fine Dining: Degust’AR
Blending tradition with modernity, Degust’AR crafts elegant dishes infused with Alentejo’s rich flavors. Try the presa Ibérica com puré de batata-doce (Iberian pork with sweet potato purée) for a culinary delight.
A Must-Try Treat: Queijada de Évora
These small, cheese-based pastries are a local delicacy, best enjoyed at Pastelaria Conventual Pão de Rala, where convent-style sweets are crafted with historic precision.
Beyond the Cities: Hidden Culinary Gems
Algarve: Vila Joya
This two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Albufeira is an oasis of gourmet indulgence, where seafood takes center stage in a setting reminiscent of a Mediterranean dream.
Madeira: Armazém do Sal
Collage of DOC by Rui Paula menu items from TheFork
For an island twist on Portuguese cuisine, Armazém do Sal in Funchal offers elevated takes on black scabbardfish and bolo do caco—a traditional Madeiran bread.
Douro Valley: DOC by Rui Paula
Nestled along the breathtaking Douro River, DOC is a refined yet welcoming restaurant that celebrates regional flavors with sophistication.
Final Bite: Portugal’s Culinary Soul
From the cobbled streets of Lisbon to the sun-soaked shores of the Algarve, Portugal’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its history. Whether you’re indulging in a rustic Alentejan feast, an avant-garde tasting menu, or a simple, perfect pastel de nata, every meal here tells a story—one of passion, tradition, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
For those who seek more than just a meal but a true gastronomic experience, Portugal awaits, ready to serve you the very best of its table.
