10/5/2024
Soirée Answers Your Portugal QuestionsWondering whether Portugal is the right choice for you? From stunning beaches with crystal blue waters to great food and wine, world class architecture, and deep cultural roots, Portugal checks all the boxes for a perfect vacation. We answer your Portugal questions to help you craft a just-right travel experience. When is the best time to visit Portugal?Soirée helps identify your travel goals and then works with you to select the best time for your Portugal visit based on those goals. Similarly, if your travel dates are set, we assess the best routing and destinations within a specific time frame, just as we do for any country you’re visiting. That said, spring (March-May or early June) and early fall (September-October) typically offer the best weather north to south. The summer months can be hot and crowded, but for beachy vacations, travelers might prefer more sunshine and warmer temps. November and December are the rainiest months in Portugal. Can I combine Portugal with Spain?Many travelers enjoy pairing Portugal and Spain. Portugal is fairly compact, but Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe. That’s a lot of ground to cover. We suggest allowing plenty of time to do both or simply to focus on highlights rather than comprehensive itineraries. Southern Spain can be brutally hot during the summer months, so if your travel dates fall during June, July, or August, we’ll suggest simply sticking with Portugal and saving Spain for another trip. Where should I go in Portugal?Portugal is worth exploring north to south and coast to interior. Soirée listens to your travel priorities and preferences, then works with you to develop the right itinerary for your tastes and interests. Here are a few of our faves. Lisbon A true modern metropolis that can compete with any world capital in the number of attractions, Lisbon is a city that is deserves your attention. Best known for its colonialist history, rich architectural tradition and Fado music, this walkable city makes a great destination. Romans, Berber pirates, Moorish builders and brutal Reconquista knights left their mark on the urban fabric of the city. But you'll also find a bohemian vibe and a city that takes its nightlife seriously. Porto Time has seemingly failed to touch some of the hidden corners of Porto, with many of its typical winding alleys full of shops and restaurants looking like a scene straight out of a medieval history book. The city is so soaked in the past that the historic area of Ribeira has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a backdrop of wrought-iron balconies full of flowers, the daily washing, and an array of fresh white and blue ‘azulejos’ tiles, you will have the perfect city for aimless wandering. Another big draw are the Porto wine cellars along the Douro River that runs through the city. ![]() The Douro Valley The Douro River Valley is known for its breathtaking scenery sculpted by the vineyards, for its people, for its heritage, and for its genuine uniqueness. For centuries, Portugal’s Douro Valley, the world’s first officially designated wine region, has drawn people for not only its port wine but also for the postcard-pretty landscapes—steep terraced vineyards carved into mountains along the Douro River and whitewashed quintas (wine estates) atop granite bluffs. Amarante Amarante, a small northern town over the Tâmega River from Porto, has a preserved historic center and charming architecture. Amarante is easy to fall in love with. The Tâmega runs through the town giving the landscape a unique touch of beauty and the pretty São Gonçalo bridge helped Amarante to survive French attacks in the 19th century. ![]() Coimbra Coimbra was the birthplace of six of Portugal's kings. There are several beautiful medieval churches and a fascinating Roman archaeological site. Coimbra is one of Europe's oldest university towns, and its students swarm the streets in traditional black capes with colored ribbons indicating which faculty they belong to. The majestic university building, founded in the 12th century, overlooks the city, which is a medieval wonderland of cobbled alleys, archways and stairways. You'll find restaurants, museums, galleries, bookstores and boutiques along the winding roads. Strolling through the medieval center of town, you are likely to hear the nostalgic strains of traditional Fado music, as well as the buzz of activity at the numerous restaurants, cafes and bars that spill out onto the streets. Tomar The city of Tomar was founded by the Knights Templar in 1160, who left most of the mysteries and secrets of this religious and military order immortalized in the stones of this city. Countless myths and legends have emerged over the centuries about the treasures and relics hidden in the foundations of the city of Tomar. Perhaps for this reason, over the centuries adventurers and treasure hunters have sought to find in Tomar the revelation of the great secrets that this authentic mystery capital hides. With its pedestrian-friendly historic center and charming natural setting adjacent to the lush Seven Hills National Forest, Tomar makes a lovely central Portugal stop or stay. ![]() Cabo da Roca About 25 miles from Lisbon, you’ll meet the western-most point of continental Europe at Cabo da Roca with its stunning views. Imagine the minds of the Portuguese people when they wondered what could be beyond the horizon you see from there. Porches Nestled in the heart of Portugal’s sun-drenched Algarve, the charming village of Porches emanates a quiet allure distinct from the region’s bustling tourist hubs. With its narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillea and the fragrant aroma of almond and orange blossoms wafting through the air, Porches is the very epitome of traditional Algarvian serenity. How can I avoid crowds in Portugal?Overtourism is a hot-button issue these days, and for good reason. But it’s a topic we’ve been addressing for years. The beauty of private or extra-small group travel is that we pay close attention to helping our guests get off the beaten path whenever possible. And if it’s not possible to completely avoid crowds, then we help travelers experience a site or destination in the best way possible. We intentionally and thoughtfully design personalized itineraries that include immersive and meaningful experiences that respect our guests and the local communities they visit. Is English spoken in Portugal?Though Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, English is broadly spoken. Soirée ensures that our guests always enjoy English-speaking guides and, as much as it is within our control, English-speaking drivers. We also make sure our guests interact with English speakers in other immersive experiences like winery visits and cooking classes. What kinds of things should I buy in Portugal?Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world. Shop for cork designs, gourmet food, crafts, soaps, and shoes. Gold jewelry is another specialty of Portugal, a reflection of its colonial past and its conquests of gold-rich lands in South America. Artisans in the village of Porches have been crafting exquisite earthenware for centuries, and today visitors are captivated by the workshops and studios that showcase beautifully hand-painted tiles, plates, and various ceramic artifacts. What is Portuguese food like?Bordering the Atlantic, seafood restaurants are both everywhere and delicious. But there is a strong gastronomical history of grilled meats, rice dishes, and Pasteis de Nata, a typical Portuguese custard tart. Suckling pig is a culinary specialty in central Portugal. Since the 18th century, the moist, smoky, crispy allure of the dish has been a succulent delight for locals and visitors alike. They also say that “You won’t find bacalhau (salted cod) in Portugal; bacalhau will find you.” This dish can be found prepared a hundred different ways, and it will feature on almost every restaurant menu or in bacalhau-centric eateries. Portugal boasts three distinct wine regions. While sweet, nutty Port is one of its most famous products, Portugal produces a variety of fabulous red and white wines. Tap water is safe to drink in Portugal. What's the best way to travel in Portugal?When traveling between destinations within Portugal, we recommend private car service or train travel, depending. Unless travelers have driven in European destinations previously, we do not advise self-driving in Portugal. Written and unwritten rules of the road are different than in the USA, which can result in high fines, fender benders, or worse. Train travel might be an option, especially between major cities, but for off-the-beaten-path experiences train service may be unreliable or unavailable. At Soirée, we suggest the best way to travel based on your goals and itinerary. Cities in Portugal are notoriously hilly. When circumstances dictate, we can assist with car, tuk-tuk, or other modes of transportation for local sightseeing. On our carefully crafted itineraries you’ll experience fabulous Porto, the Douro Valley wine region, Templar Knights and Roman history, lively Lisbon, and more. Experience the best Portugal has to offer while our English-speaking professional guides will bring the history, culture, and charm of Portugal to life. Prefer to travel with an extra small group? Check out our exclusive Portugal small group tour. Comments are closed.
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