With the notable exception of Italy (mi amore!), which we’ve visited every single year for the past three, Spain and Portugal are the two European countries where we’ve spent the most time over the past several years, including a full two months a few years back, a return trip to Spain this spring (April/May of…
Tucked away along the coast in southern Portugal, the Algarve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire country. And with the area’s dramatic coastal scenery, beautiful white sand beaches, exciting resort towns, and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s not difficult to see why it’s a staple on…
By the time we actually made it to Lisbon, Portugal had long been on our list of places to visit. After saving for years to spend a year traveling (and a few rocky years in 2020 and 2021), we found ourselves planning a three month trip to Europe, flying in and out of Lisbon. All…
In a lot of ways, Lisbon reminds us of San Francisco, which is where we met and spent our first eight years together. It has plenty of hills (which means both incredible views and also getting sweaty trying to get to those views), it has a big red bridge, and it’s earthquake prone. Same-same, but…
With its exquisite tiled churches, spectacular viewpoints, indulgent local dishes, and namesake port wine, Porto is a city that everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, Porto is regularly overlooked in favor of the country’s capital of Lisbon or the beautiful beaches of the Algarve. But we would argue that missing…
Sintra, once the preferred summer destination for royalty looking to escape the oppressive Lisbon heat, is a picturesque hilltop town just northwest of Lisbon. In Sintra, you’ll find amazing views in all directions, some unique architectural styles that you aren’t likely to find anywhere else in Portugal, and expansive castles and palaces fit for royalty….