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When one thinks of Portugal, they often stop at big cities like Lisbon or Porto, but this beautiful country has many other experiences in store for you! As soon as you get off the beaten track, you'll find real little nuggets, exotic places and an enchanting culture! Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Portugal and its many facets will not leave you indifferent.
Our Story Tailor team went there in September and shares with you its unusual itinerary and all our good addresses to discover Portugal as you have never seen it.
Step 1 - Feet in the water in the Algarve
To begin with, let's go to the south of the country with the Algarve region. This magnificent little corner owes its fame to its beautiful Mediterranean beaches as well as to the numerous protected natural sites that abound in the region. When you arrive in this magical place, you are immediately struck by the beauty of its vast wilderness and its breathtaking cliffs at the foot of which are small fishing villages overlooking beautiful sandy bays. We advise you to go to the one of Ferragudo, an authentic village where you can stroll to the sound of the waves and taste the local specialties like the Dom Rodrigo, a dessert made of fresh egg yolk, almonds and sugar. For the more sporty among us, the sea offers a wide range of possibilities: water sports, sailing cruises, or the discovery of the paradisiacal lagoon of Ria Fermosa. The Algarve is also a top destination for golf lovers, offering superb greens with ocean views.
If you are still hesitating, the region has a sunny climate all year round with mild winters, so you can enjoy it in any season.
Where to stay?
We recommend the sumptuous setting of the Grand House Algarve. This Relais & Château hotel is ideally located on the banks of the Guadiana River, the natural border between Portugal and Spain. Its unobstructed view of the port of the small town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio ensures a luxurious stay in the open air.
Step 2 - Discovering history in Alentejo
The further you go from the South and the coast heading to the North, the more you discover the immense wealth of Portugal. Occupying about a third of the country, the Alentejo is a region that is still unknown but is full of treasures.
Explore the old medieval villages, discover the immense vineyards that cover the region as far as the eye can see or enjoy a cultural interlude to discover the history of the country. If you are in the area, don't miss the incredible city of Elvas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest fortified city in Europe. If you want a romantic setting and a breathtaking view of the region's vineyards, make a stop in the medieval village of Marvão to visit its castle and the still well-preserved architectural gems that offer a unique cultural immersion. If you prefer an original alternative to visit the region, we recommend a kayak trip on the Guadiana River or a romantic horseback ride.
As you can see, the Alentejo is ideal for those who want to spend a quiet vacation in the middle of nature and in a historical setting, and enjoy the real Portugal, far from mass tourism.
Where to stay?
We fell in love with Malhadinha Nova. Whether it's for the breathtaking view of the vineyards and rolling plains of the region from your room or for the fabulous experiences it offers to its visitors, we recommend you put your bags down in this magnificent establishment nestled in the heart of Portugal's unspoiled nature.
Step 3 - Discovering the vineyards in the Douro Valley
To finish your journey, we invite you to discover the Douro Valley located not far from Porto. This sublime region owes its fame to the magnificent curves of the hills covered with terraced vineyards that run along the Douro River. This spectacular landscape, changing with the seasons, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your immersion at Ventozelo and Miradouro São Leonardo da Galafura to discover these breathtaking landscapes. Portugal is a small country where nature is still very well preserved and luckily, this region is quite unknown to tourists.
The country is not only famous for the famous Pastéis de nata! The must when visiting the Douro Valley is of course the tasting of the Port or Douro produced in this beautiful region. To visit this unique place, we recommend the month of September to attend the grape harvest in order to combine business with pleasure. If you are in the region for several days, we strongly recommend you to visit Porto, the second most populated city in Portugal, known for its beautiful colored houses and the ideal place for a small city trip on the Iberian Peninsula.
Where to stay?
See you at the Six Senses Douro Valley, an old manor house from the 19th century, completely renovated, which welcomes you in the unique landscape of the Douro Valley for an exclusive and intimate stay. You can enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable break in this beautiful region of Portugal.
Read also: 5 city-trips in Europe to get away this fall
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