Fabled Libations, Rich Culture, & Stunning Terrain
Portugal’s Douro Valley vineyards have served as the center of the port-wine industry for 400 years. But look beyond the bottom of your glass to discover the cliffs and beaches of the Algarve, the waterfalls and lakes of Peneda-Geres National Park, the gorges and peaks of Madeira, and the maze-like Moorish alleys of Lisbon. Feast on traditional salted codfish, or ply waters teaming with sea bass, grouper, and salmon for your own fresh catch.
Next to Croatia, this is the go-to place in Europe. Madonna loves it so much she has a home here. It has fabulous and rich culture and, is nowhere near the price of traveling to Italy (for now).
Part of the EU & Schengen. Should be easy for most US Citizens. Standard Passport requirements, 2-pages blank and 6 or more months until expriation.
US Department of State Portugal Information
Starting in 2022, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU or Schengen Member. The cost of an ETIAS is €7, however, individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee. The ETIAS must be applied for online prior to arrival to the EU. Each eligible traveller, regardless of age, will require an ETIAS to visit EU member countries. The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of such countries as the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
for more information, visit the Official ETIAS site
The Rio Arade meets the Atlantic at Portimão, a fishing port and popular watersports destination on Portugal’s beautiful Algarve. The city’s charm is best experienced along the river, where the old fishermen’s quarter and pretty, fountain-splashed squares invite leisurely strolls. Alternatively, take a walk at Rocha beach, where medieval ruins stand guard over the sands, or stroll along the boardwalk at Praia do Alvo. Head west to discover the former provincial capital of Lagos, or make your way to Silves, where you’ll find a stunning fairy tale castle. In the evening, head back to Portimão and take a seat at one of the casual, open-air eateries that dot the river quays and delve into a delicious plate of the local specialty – grilled sardines straight from the ocean.
Grândola, Portugal
For those who are not fully up to speed on the current trends and predilections among Portugal’s A-listers, let us shed a little light. Comporta, a casually chic beach destination located an hour’s drive south of Lisbon amid the rice fields and forests of the Tróia peninsula, has been garnering comparisons with Ibiza — and, perhaps more aptly, with Uruguay’s José Ignacio. There are high-end boutiques and rustic beach bars, beautiful people stretched out on chaises longues, restored fisherman’s cottages available for rent; it’s frequently been referred to as “Cool Comporta,” and only partially because alliteration is what headlines are made of.
With a name like Sublime Comporta, this high-end country retreat is hardly underselling itself. But the aesthetic is more classic, the look and feel more elegantly restrained, than you’d expect. The hotel is located on a 42-acre estate dotted with umbrella pines; the place is partly powered by solar energy. Accommodations span 34 rooms and suites across a handful of buildings, balancing a starkly modern first impression (concrete floors, crisp white and light gray color palette) with subtly cozy elements (soft cotton sheets, a bedside table made of petrified wood, a lived-in armchair). Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open onto private wood-planked patios. Villas and upper-tier suites extend the luxe atmosphere with private plunge pools, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, and visually striking textures.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, and one lunch or dinner for up to two people per room).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY TABLET HOTEL PORTFOLIO
Almancil, Portugal
Located in one of the most exclusive and luxurious destinations of Europe in the south of Portugal, the Conrad Algarve is one of the most modern 5 star hotels in Portugal. Nestled within two thousand acres of idyllic landscape in the Ria Formosa National Park, the Conrad Algarve sets a new standard of luxury in the Algarve offering a true opportunity to immerse into the Algarvian culture through a variety of authentic and bespoke experiences that will create lifetime memories for each and every guest. The 154 room property evokes a true sense of place, from the 18th Century Portuguese palace design, to the local ingredients used in the SPA and extensive gastronomic offerings. A contemporary style and culture that, whilst reflecting Conrad’s passionate commitment to service, is uniquely Algarvian in its conception and character. Guests don’t just come to stay, relax or play golf, they come to discover and be inspired by the real Algarve, whilst immersing themselves in the highest levels of style and sophistication.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, and one lunch or dinner for up to two people per room).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY HILTON LUXURY IMPRESARIO PORTFOLIO
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Departure: Sept 3, 2021
Soak up the sun at the gorgeous gateway to the Costa del Sol, then wend past the Barbary apes in the UK’s last overseas territory in mainland Europe and toward the capital of Andalusia, where fiery flamenco reigns supreme.
Contact me for Details and Special Amenities
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
A RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION PREFERRED PARTNER
Some of the tallest waves on earth are in Nazaré, a Portuguese fishing port. A scientific team has determined that in February Maya Gabeira, a 33-year-old Brazilian, rode a 73.5 feet wave in February, the biggest wave surfed in the 2019-20 winter season. That’s a first for a female surfer.
My Portugal Information Page at Virtuoso
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels and Activities.
Lisbon General Information Page
Need a bit of help planning a trip?
Let me know.
page updated: September 2020
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