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, 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 an experiences that took us seamlessly adventure to adventure. We landed in Lisbon but 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, chic aesthetic, the serene amenities, and the genuinely 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.
Our adventure took us to historic wineries, where we learned the art of winemaking, from the unique terroir of Douro wines to the deep-rooted traditions of viticulture. Of course, no visit would be complete without tastings, and each sip told a story—rich, complex, and undeniably special.
Then came one of my favorite parts: a private river cruise along the Douro, accompanied by snacks, drinks, and magical golden-hour views. 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.
Pastel de Nata—Portugal’s sweetest little masterpiece. We were already obsessed after our first bite, 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. With glasses of regional wine in hand, 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 the perfect host—warm, engaging, and genuinely invested in making sure we understood every step. There was no rushing, just a relaxed, hands-on experience that let us appreciate how each ingredient and technique played a role in creating that signature crisp, caramelized top and creamy custard center.
The best part? Pulling our golden, flaky Pastel de Nata fresh from the oven and pairing them with a rich Portuguese café. That first bite—warm, silky, with just the right amount of crunch—was absolute perfection. Better than any we’d ever had before, and made even sweeter by the fact that we had created them ourselves.
Another unforgettable experiences of our trip was diving into the soul of Portuguese music with a Fado show. Fado isn’t just a genre—it’s pure emotion, and a heartfelt expression of love rooted in Portuguese tradition of passionate storytelling, heartbreak, and the bittersweet beauty of life.
Held in the intimate setting of A Casa do Fado in São João Novo, our class was more than just a lesson—it was a journey through Portugal’s musical heritage. We learned about the deep roots of Fado, its poetic storytelling, and the way each melody carries the weight of history. Our instructor, passionate and deeply connected to the art form, guided us through the rhythms and expressions that make Fado so captivating. And then came the best part—we got to try singing a few verses ourselves.
But beyond the big, planned activities, some of our favorite moments came from the simple joys—wandering through local farmers’ markets, discovering beautifully designed restaurants, indulging in some retail therapy in Lisbon, and, of course, 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. All of which you don’t even have to break the bank to enjoy the cinematic beauty.
From charming coastal towns to vibrant cities, Portugal is filled with breathtaking places waiting to be explored. And I’m beyond 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
