1. Experience Porto's Culinary Scene
Embarking on a gastronomic journey through Portugal's delectable food and wine heritage could not begin in a better place than Porto, the renowned city recognized primarily for its rich, fortified wine bearing its name. The Infante De Sagres serves as an ideally positioned lodging facility during your expedition through the city. Boasting a glamorous ambiance of an antiquated era, this lavish 73-room hotel takes pride in its location at the epicenter of Porto's culturally layered old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Resplendent in its antiquated charm, the hotel features an ingenious combination of collectibles from different periods, sumptuous Persian rugs, and glittering crystal chandeliers. Its tranquil courtyard terrace serves as a perfect setting for savoring diverse Portuguese delicacies. Complement your culinary adventure with a tour of the D Filipa restaurant, offering an array of delicacies sourced locally, as well as from across the globe. Indulge in exquisite artistry as you sip from a variety of cocktails at the hotel's bar, adorned in a veil of breathtakingly beautiful art pieces.
2. Unearth Sea Treasures in Ria Formosa
Envision plunging into the warm expanses of the Ria Formosa waters, maybe for a rewarding treasure hunt. These subaqueous treat-seekers look for razor clams, cockles, and mussels, all ample in these waters. The Ria Formosa is proud, having been recently recognized as one amongst the seven natural marvels of Portugal. The Nature Reserve cradles a unique ecosystem of lagoons, marshes, saltpans, and intertwining channels, all marvelously tucked away on the south coast. The region's geographic make-up sports a chain of long, sandy islands on the coastal dune that offer a buffer from the harsh sea.
Oysters are harvested within these waters, plus you’ll encounter an abundance of cuttlefish and octopus. Not forgetting the charismatic aquatic seahorses and elusive chameleons making a striking display of the diverse fauna. Now that's not all, if you ever want to discover the bountiful stretch of seafood on offer, then a visit to the animated, vibrant fish market in Olhão is a must. This quaint, whitewashed town, which has maintained a thriving fishing industry since the Middle Ages, is not to be missed.
Dedicate some time to explore the visitor centre that hosts a fascinating aquarium and cumulating exhibits, offering an immersive experience. This also serves as the launch-pad for your guided exploration through the location's marshes and stellar dunes. Finally, indulge your taste buds to a plateful of local gastronomy at the plethora of eateries and restaurants scattered across the town.
In the heart of summer, particularly in August, you shouldn't miss the esteemed Seafood Festival which, although the exact date is still to be announced, is a gastronomic delight you simply cannot ignore. It boasts an array of stalls offering a diverse range of seafood and is accompanied by the enchanting tunes of local musicians.
Following your culinary adventure, what can be more relaxing than a stay at the recently established Convento? It's a tastefully renovated bed and breakfast located just stone's throw away from the bustling fish market, making it an ideal spot to unwind.
At a starting price of £85 per night, you could be one call away from this tranquil retreat. Dial this number: 00351 911 970 167 or visit conventoolhao.com to start your relaxing journey.
Go ahead, immerse yourself in the festival and relish the exquisite seafood of Portugal; then find repose at Convento. After all, this is the essence of the rich and intriguing food and drink holidays in Portugal.
3. Lisbon - A Gastronomic Delight
In the sun-soaked atmosphere of Lisbon, Portugal's gourmet food scene is flourishing into a culinary paradise replete with Michelin-starred establishments, trendsetting restaurants and bustling gourmet food markets. A great starting point for food aficionados is the iconic 19th-century Mercado do Ribeira, renowned for its prodigious showcase of local cuisine crafted by acclaimed chefs.
Enjoy a deep dive into the Portuguese culinary tradition at Bairro do Avillez, famous for its succulent Portuguese cheeses and mouth-watering hams. Don't forget to ascend one of Lisbon’s seven hills for an invigorating dining experience at A Cevicheria.
If Michelin-starred dining thrills your palate, make it a point to visit Alma - an exciting new entry to the Michelin guide located downtown, and Feitoria at the stylish Altis Hotel in the Belem neighborhood. Belem is renowned for its legendary custard tarts whipped up since eons at Pastéis de Belém nestled close to the majestic Jeronimos Monastery, and served fresh from the oven spritzed with a hint of cinnamon.
Indulge yourself in an opulent stay at Altis Hotel from £117 per night. Discover more about the hotel at altis.com and take a sneak peek into our Altis Hotel review.
4. Embark on a culinary odyssey through Alentejo
Delve into the heart of Portugal's most flavorful region, Alentejo, where ancient dolmens decorate unblemished plains and storks make their homes in telegraph poles, chimneys, and treetops. Here, the country's most diverse culinary traditions live and thrive. The Alentejo landscape is dotted with black pigs, feasting happily on acorns, while the local cuisine is perfumed by the dominant pennyroyal herb. Venture to local cafés and discover an impressive array of local delicacies; from wild partridges to foraged asparagus, and even the musical tones of petite songbirds, nothing is off-limits in this gastronomic wonderland.
In Alentejo, time stands still, but the cuisine is always evolving. This harmonious contradiction makes it an ideal destination for a slow, leisurely exploration on a bicycle. Experience the heady world of viniculture at the renowned Esporão winery, a gem in the Alentejo crown known for producing world-class wines. To delve deeper into the region's viticultural history and heritage, visit the wine museum nestled in the picturesque Unesco-listed town of Evora. Explore the alcoves of this museum and unravel the rich tapestry of Alentejo's splendid vinous bounty.
The culinary treasures of Portugal, an assortment of cheeses, hams, sausages, and olive oil in an array of forms and sizes, promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Connect with the local connoisseurs at We Love Small Hotels, who provide an eight-day self-guided bicycle tour. They handle the logistics of your luggage transfers, and lodge you in hotels with authentic local charm during your trip.
For a shared double room, the price starts from £1,330 per person. You may contact them at 00351 210 991 899 or visit their website at welovesmallhotels.com for more information. Their international contact number is +351 210 991 899.
5. Do the Douro
An hour and a half along a curvaceous road from Porto is the magnificent Douro Valley, where green vineyards roll steeply down to the wide river that cuts through it. Here, besides the Port, the non-fortified wine – of late some absolutely delicious whites which brim with the mineral content from the schist used to carve terrace in the steep banks – is getting better and better by the year.
A huge global surge in wine tourism has driven the port and wine houses that line the riverside to open museums, tasting tours and lodges in the valley to people who until recently did their tasting in Porto, allowing visitors a glimpse of the terroir.
Base yourself at the luxurious Six Senses Douro Valley, with its interactive wine library, its delicious slow-cooked, local produce and its sensational spa and explore the region by helicopter, private river cruise or along the N-222 which Avis classified as being the world’s best driving road.
From £1,600 pp for a week including two nights in Porto and one night in Amarante (020 8682 5080; scottdunn.com).
The best hotels in Portugal View All
Experience Gastronomic Delight at The Yeatman
A premium establishment set in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal
This luxurious destination boasts an esteemed 9/10 Telegraph expert rating
Immerse yourself in the celebrated culture of Portuguese winemaking with The Yeatman's remarkable amenities: a swimming pool shaped like a decanter, an unparalleled wine collection boasting 25,000 bottles, and a spa offering unique grape-pip treatments. With overnight stays starting from £258, it's an indulgence certainly worth considering. Investigate room availability Information regarding rates is sourced from Booking.com
Discover the Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort
Unearth the magnificence of Algarve, Portugal with your stay at the HOTEL Carvoeiro, a splendid abode known for its unrivaled luxuries.
With a substantial score of 9 from Telegraph experts, anticipate a delightful indulgence in its every nook and corner.
This getaway haven, noticeable for its gleaming white structure, proudly sits on the cliffside with the enchanting sea singing its myriad songs in the backdrop. Boasting of not one, but 248 comfortable rooms, each offering a portion of the stunning vista, it feels nothing short of a luxurious paradise. Delectable Portuguese traditional cuisine awaits you at their rooftop restaurant, the mesmerizing Tivoli, that also caters to the vegetarian palate. And, let's not forget the refreshing blue pool, practically kissed by the sea in proximity. Indeed, this is where your quest for an idyllic vacation ends.
Treat yourself to the breathtaking view of the sunset over the horizon from a contemporary room at a fair price starting from £ 106 per night. The good news is, your dream vacation is just a click away! Simply head over to Check availability to secure your spot at this picturesque resort. As they say, availability is subject to change, so grab the opportunity while it's still up for grabs! Rates are curated by the trusted Booking.com.
Experience Memmo Príncipe Real
Located in Lisbon, Portugal
A solid 9-rating by Telegraph experts
As the crown jewel in the Memmo Hotels collection, this intimate, delicately curated property pledges you an unmatched hospitality experience. Built in a way that charmingly incorporates the culture and heritage of Portugal into its sister properties, Memmo Príncipe Real ensures to sweep you off your feet for only £ 198 a night. Every detail of your stay is designed with an intent to awe you - from the impeccable service, the sumptuous cuisine to the elegant ambience. So, don't wait any longer and reserve your luxurious Portuguese escape today. Check availability. Room rates are supplied by Booking.com
