After visiting Morocco in May 2023, I had my sights set on Portugal — it was so close, yet I just couldn’t make it happen due to time constraints. So when I planned my next European adventure, there was no question — Portugal was at the top of my list. And in February 2024, I finally made it happen, but this time with my original travel buddy — my mom!
I went in with little to no expectations, but Portugal completely blew me away. Even in February, a time when much of the world is still in winter’s grasp — the weather was an absolute dream, with sunny skies and temperatures hovering in the high 50s to mid-60s. That alone made the trip feel even more magical. But beyond that, everything from the stunning architecture to the rich culture, the warm and welcoming people, and, of course, the incredible food, made Portugal one of my favorite destinations ever.
Since I didn’t have a set vision of what to expect, I wanted to be intentional about planning a well-balanced itinerary, so I curated experiences that flowed seamlessly from one adventure to the next. Arriving in Portugal, we landed in Lisbon then quickly hopped on a train to Porto, where we spent the majority of our trip. And upon arriving in Porto, our stay at GA Palace Hotel was nothing short of perfection. The elegant and chic aesthetic, the serene amenities, and the very kind and welcoming staff made it one of the best accommodations I’ve ever had in Europe. I was in awe from the moment we arrived.
Beyond the stunning accommodations, we fully immersed ourselves in Portuguese culture, starting with a scenic journey from Porto to the Douro Valley. Winding through beautiful vineyards and making spontaneous stops at hidden viewpoints — each one more jaw-dropping than the last.
This experience led us to historic wineries, where we discovered the art of winemaking — learning how the region’s soil, climate, and traditions shape the character of Douro wines. And of course, no visit would be complete without tastings, and each sip told its own story: rich, layered, and truly unforgettable.
Then the day reached one of its most magical moments with a private river cruise along the Douro River, where the views set such a beautiful scene. And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, we arrived at a family-owned winery, where we were welcomed in for a home-cooked Portuguese feast. Fresh, local ingredients, paired with exquisite wines — it was the kind of meal that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
This one of a kind experience was hands down one of the most unforgettable days I’ve ever had.
The next day brought something just as sweet, Pastel de Nata’s, Portugal’s most beloved little masterpiece. After arriving in Portugal and tasting a few, we were amazed. So naturally, we had to take it a step further and learn how to make them ourselves.
Our cooking class in Porto turned out to be one of the most delightful experiences of our trip. We dove into the art of crafting these iconic pastries, soaking up not just the technique but the rich history behind them. Our chef was so patient, engaging, and genuinely invested in making sure we understood every step. Not once did we feel rushed, instead, just a relaxed, hands-on experience that let us appreciate how each ingredient and technique played a role in creating our perfect little pastry!
The best part? Pulling our golden, flaky Pastel de Nata fresh from the oven and pairing them with a rich Portuguese café. The first bite was warm and creamy, with just the right amount of crunch. It truly turned out amazing, and was an even sweeter experince knowing we had created it with our own hands.
Another unforgettable experience of our trip was immersing ourselves in the soul of Portuguese music with a live Fado performance. Fado is a traditional style of music that blends melodies with poetic lyrics, often telling stories of love, longing, and the bittersweet beauty of life. It isn’t just a genre — it’s pure emotion, a reflection of Portugal’s history and heart.
Held in the intimate setting of A Casa do Fado in São João Novo — a cozy venue dedicated to preserving and celebrating this traditional music — the performance was more than just a concert, it was a journey through Portugal’s musical heritage. Each song unfolded like a poem, weaving stories of love, longing, and life’s bittersweet moments. The singer’s passionate voices, paired with the soulful strum of the Portuguese guitar, carried the weight of history and emotion in every note, and was beautiful to listen to live.
But beyond the big, planned activities, some of our favorite moments came from the simple joys, like wandering through local farmer’s markets, discovering beautifully designed restaurants, indulging in some retail therapy in Lisbon, and capturing every incredible memory along the way.
All in all, Portugal has a special place in my heart. It’s a place I’d recommend 10 times over. A destination where you can fully immerse yourself in the food, the culture, and the stunning landscapes while creating the most unforgettable experiences.
From charming coastal towns to vibrant cities, Portugal is filled with breathtaking places waiting to be explored. And I’m so grateful to have experienced just a glimpse of all the magic this country has to offer.
So if you’re wondering where your next European adventure should be — look no further!
Check out the links below for all the excursions I loved (and tell them Morgan sent you)!
Wine Venture & Boat Trip in Douro Valley
Pastel de Nata Workshop in Porto
Xoxo,
Morgan
