Southwestern Europe
Portugal
Atlantic light, tiled façades and a country where nobody rushes — not even dinner.
Photo: Liam McKay / Unsplash
Portugal is a small country that holds a great deal. In the morning you might listen to trams clanging through Lisbon's Alfama, in the afternoon wander the palace gardens of Sintra, and in the evening watch the sun set into the Atlantic. For travellers from Lithuania it's an easy, warm and wonderfully hospitable choice — for a few days or a longer holiday.
Beyond the cities the pace slows: the terraces of the Douro Valley, where port wine is born, the cork-oak plains of the Alentejo and the fishing villages of the Algarve coast. And further out in the Atlantic lie the green islands of Madeira and the Azores — another Portugal altogether.
Experiences to consider
- 01
The Douro Valley
Vine terraces stepping up from the river, wine estates with tastings and a journey by boat or train along the Douro — especially lovely at harvest time in autumn.
- 02
Lisbon and Sintra
Viewpoints above the Tagus, evenings of fado in the Alfama, the monuments of Belém and the misty hills of Sintra with their palaces and romantic gardens.
- 03
The Alentejo and the Algarve
The white towns of Évora and Monsaraz, wine and olive estates, and in the south the golden cliffs, sea caves and quiet off-season beaches of the Algarve.
- 04
Madeira and the Azores
Madeira's levada trails along old irrigation channels, and the Azores' volcanic lakes, tea plantations and whale watching — when conditions are right.
Ways to travel
Ways to experience it
Ways to travel aren't separate paths — the best journeys often bring several together.
Culture & discovery
The story of azulejo tiles, fado, monasteries and wine culture — with local guides who love sharing their country.
Exceptional stays & escapes
Wine-estate quintas, pousadas in historic buildings, peaceful Alentejo farmhouses and homes by the ocean.
Adventure & active travel
Walking Madeira's levadas and the coastal paths of the Rota Vicentina, surfing and kayaking on the Atlantic.
Family journeys
Short distances, a mild climate, castles and beaches — Portugal is easy to travel with children of any age.
Sample journey
More journey inspiration
10–12 days
Portugal, slowly: from the Douro's terraces to the Alentejo plains
Porto, the Douro Valley, Évora, the Alentejo & Lisbon
Culture & discovery · Exceptional stays & escapes
9–11 days
The Azores: crater lakes, whales and island walks
São Miguel, Pico, São Jorge & Faial
Adventure & active travel · Wildlife & nature
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