18 days in Portugal: My Wine-Filled Itinerary Through the Douro, Porto, Lisbon & the Algarve Coast
After 2.5 unforgettable weeks traveling through Portugal, I’m still buzzing from the incredible wine, food, and hospitality I experienced. From the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley to the relaxed surf towns of the Algarve, this trip was a dream. Whether you're a fellow wine lover, a foodie, or just someone planning a getaway to this beautiful country, here’s a peek into my full itinerary. I’ll be posting more soon with deep dives into specific experiences, wineries, and restaurant gems—so stay tuned!
🍇 Douro Valley – 3 Days of Wine Country Bliss
The Douro Valley was everything I hoped it would be: breathtaking views, incredible hospitality, and some of the best wines I’ve ever tasted. It’s the birthplace of Port wine, but beyond that, the still wines here are phenomenal and you have your pick of amazing hotels and wine spas!
Where I Stayed:
Beautiful Views from the Douro Valley
Quinta do Ventozelo – A peaceful and elegant wine estate with stunning views of the Douro River. Set above the hills, this quiet property is a peaceful respite where you could easily escape for a week and never want to leave!
Quinta da Pacheca – A must for wine lovers. You can even sleep in a giant wine barrel here! I loved the unique experience of staying in this bucket list hotel room and getting to taste their ports in the beautiful cellar where they are made!
São José do Barrilário – A hidden gem tucked into the hills, perfect for a quiet escape, this newer hotel has an amazing infinity pool that overlooks the valley! They also have an amazing restaurant with a patio offering incredible views of the river.
Wineries I Visited:
Luis Seabra Vinhos – A boutique producer making terroir-driven wines from old vines. Truly a highlight from my trip as he taught me about the soil and terroir throughout the region, let me taste right out of the barrel, then cooked my sister and I an amazing lunch in his private kitchen. Excited to share more soon!
Quinta da Pacheca – Iconic estate offering immersive tastings and a deep dive into Douro winemaking. Their head winemaker was one fo the first female winemakers in the region and I got to sit down with her for an exclusive interview - can’t wait to share more!
Kopke – Portugal’s oldest Port house. Their aged tawnies were absolutely stunning and I got to see the terraced vineyards up close! Their vintner also took me to visit the ruins of one of the old crush houses dating back to the early 16th century!
Top Restaurants:
Libatio Bar – Great for small plates and wines from across Portugal - loved the vibe here! It was recommended by local winemakers and the wines were all amazing.
DOC – Chef Rui Paula’s riverside restaurant is a splurge—but 100% worth it for a long, leisurely lunch.
🌉 Porto (Oporto) – 4 Days of Port, Seafood & Seaside Charm
Porto is a magical city perched on the Douro River, and Vila Nova de Gaia (just across the bridge) is home to the major port cellars. It’s a city of contrasts: cobblestone streets and cutting-edge cuisine, iconic bridges and cozy wine bars.
Where I Stayed:
Kopke Tivoli Hotel – Vila Nova de Gaia – Perfectly located for port tasting adventures, with beautiful views of the river and city. It’s new and I loved that each room has a patio with views of the city! Their pool was also amazing on hot summer days.
Port Cellars I Visited:
The Vintage Room at Graham’s
Graham’s – Gorgeous cellar tour with a tasting in their Vintage Room (beautiful setting, very masculine and much more intimate than the main tasting area).
Ferreira – Rich in history and an authentic Portuguese-owned experience! This is the only port house that has always been owned and operated by Portuguese. We did the tasting in their blue tile room and I cannot recommend it enough! The tour was phenomenal and we learned so much. The blue tile room was stunning and incredibly intimate!
Quinta do Noval – Boutique and elevated, the tasting room is small, but perfect to sit on the patio and taste some of Port’s most storied wines. They have had vintage wines approved and made every year since 2011, which is a difficult feat - so you know their wines are amazing!
Restaurants I Loved:
Casa de Chá da Boa Nova – A Michelin-starred culinary experience right on the ocean. Each course was an adventure and I can’t wait to share the entire experience!
Mercado do Bolhão – Great local market with authentic bites and plenty of people-watching.
Casa Guedes – Famous for their pork and cheese sandwiches. Simple and so satisfying!
Rogerio do Redondo – Local favorite with rustic Portuguese fare. No one spoke English here and the food was local, authentic, and one of the best meals we had in Portugal!
Prova Wine Bar – Cozy, curated, and a great place to try unique Portuguese wines. Loved sitting on their patio and watching the sun set over the city!
🇵🇹 Lisbon – 4 Days of Culture, Cuisine & Chiado Charm
Lisbon charm
We based ourselves in Chiado, one of Lisbon’s most charming neighborhoods. Our Airbnb was perfectly located for walking, exploring, and eating our way through the city.
Must-See Attractions:
Lisbon Cathedral – The city’s oldest church with incredible architecture.
Castelo de São Jorge – For sweeping views and ancient history.
Jerónimos Monastery – A stunning symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
National Tile Museum – An underrated gem showcasing the country’s azulejo artistry.
Can’t-Miss Restaurants & Experiences:
Mini Bar by José Avillez – A playful and delicious modern dining experience from one of Portugal’s top chefs. By far one of the most unique and delicious experiences we had in Lisbon!
Sr. Vinho – A classic Fado dinner experience—emotional, authentic, and unforgettable. Delicious food and one of the best Fado shows in the city!
Time Out Market – A buzzing food hall filled with everything from gourmet bites to traditional eats. A must visit for foodies!
Pastéis de Belém – The birthplace of the pastel de nata (and the best I had in Portugal!).
Aljezur & the Algarve Coast – 1 Week of Surf, Sun & Relaxation
The beautiful Aljezur coast
After all the city exploring and wine tasting, I wrapped up the trip with a laid-back week in Aljezur, one of the Algarve’s quieter surf towns. This area is perfect for recharging—beautiful beaches, scenic cliffs, and a chill, outdoorsy vibe.
I met up with some friends and we spent our days surfing, swimming, and relaxing at beachside cafés. It was the perfect way to end the trip.
Favorite Spots:
Black and White (Aljezur) – The ideal brunch stop after a morning surf session.
Seafood Shack on Dona Maria Beach – No-frills, super fresh seafood with sunbathers in the background.
Fermento (Sagres) – Artisan tapas and natural wines across from the most southern tip in all of Europe!
More Coming Soon…
This itinerary barely scratches the surface of what I experienced in Portugal. In the coming posts, I’ll be sharing deeper dives into each region, my favorite winery visits, hidden restaurant gems, and travel tips for planning your own Portuguese adventure.
Whether you’re planning a wine-focused trip, a cultural escape, or just want to catch some sun and surf, Portugal truly has something for everyone.