Why you should head to Portugal this winter
Published 30 November -0001
Travel Specialist Tippi for going on holiday to Portugal's two largest and most vibrant cities - Lisbon and Porto.
In search of a holiday destination which has lovely weather all year round, low numbers of tourists over winter, excellent transport and world renowned ‘pasteis de nata’? Then take a moment to read through this recommendation by Tippi - one of Expressions Holidays’ Travel Specialists - as she takes you through our fly-rail tour from Lisbon to Porto in Portugal.
My experiences
I have visited these two lively and picturesque cities many times both on research trips and for leisure, enjoying myself on every occasion! These are some general observations I have from my visits.
Portugal is very hilly and whilst there are excellent tram systems in the central parts, I still encourage you to bring some hill walking shoes or trainers. Also, what kind of clothing I would advise bringing depends on when you’re travelling; in December for example, it typically reaches 20 degrees at the hottest point in the day. If you’re travelling over a similar period, you should bring a couple of sweaters and raincoat in the event of some slightly chilly evenings.
I believe that our Lisbon and Porto two-centre holiday is the best way of experiencing what Portugal has to offer. In terms of transport, it’s easy to fly to Lisbon from London and then a 25 minute taxi ride to the airport. Travel from Lisbon to Porto is also very simple, taking under three hours by train. I never felt the need to hire a car given these circumstances.
Lisbon for three nights
The capital city of Portugal is situated just north of the River Tagus. There is a lot of ancient architecture like the Castelo de São Jorge and the Praça do Comércio - Lisbon’s iconic ‘yellow square’ – which are well worth seeing. Additionally, throughout the city there are ‘miradouros’ or terraced viewpoints where you can see over different city quarters like Alfama where a lot of street festivals take place.
I also recommend going on day trips from the city. One suggestion would be to get the train to the rolling foothills of Sintra, which are very accessible and cheap by train from Lisbon. In this area, the ornate Queluz Palace is open to visitors which is where the Portuguese royal family used to live until the French invasion in 1807.
There are also the beaches at Cascais, a coastal resort with various postcard-worthy beaches to relax on. Do be aware though that this is a more touristy area and less authentically Portuguese.
This is the hotel we recommend staying at in Lisbon:
Pousada de Lisboa, Lisbon
Previously the Portuguese Ministry of the interior, the building has been renovated and offers luxurious rooms, a stylish bar and an excellent location being so close to the Praça do Comércio.
Porto for two nights
This second capital of Portugal has the river Duoro winding between its cobbled streets, with more than six bridges crisscrossing over at various points. It has its own architectural masterpieces including the gothic Church of São Francisco and the Palácio da Bolsa – the latter was inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain! If you want to see a more modern side to the city, I suggest meandering along Santa Caterina which has many international stores and local coffee shops serving delicious pastries.
On the northern side, you have the old town and views back across the river at the southern side which has a series of vintage port wine distilleries. Examples include the Calém cellars and the Espaço Porto Cruz - here you may also try the ‘vinho verde’ which has made the northern vineyards of Portugal famous.
We suggest staying here for your final days in Porto:
1. Pestana Vintage Porto, Porto
A 5-star hotel which overlooks the River Douro, with a highly elegant interior, a lavish bar, spa and comfortable rooms all within walking distance of the cultural, historical and gastronomic draws of Porto.
I felt welcome wherever I went in these two beautiful cities, where every effort was made at the hotels I stayed at to make my stay enjoyable.
What are you waiting for?
I felt welcome wherever I went in these two beautiful cities, where at the hotels I stayed in every effort was made at to make my stay enjoyable. Don’t miss out on this holiday of a lifetime!