One week in Portugal

Travel is something I have been passionate about for a few years now. Before 2022, my last overseas trip was 20 years ago! Then I was fortunate to be a part of an orchestra tour to Spain. I enjoyed being there so much, a new passion for travel was born.

Lisbon, a city of views

Portugal was the first big trip I planned for my family. The destination chose itself when I found a great price for direct flights that overlapped with my son's spring school holiday.

For this 7 night trip to Portugal, we explored with a rental car for the beginning of the trip. Then we ditched the car for the last few days in Lisbon.

Here’s our itinerary at a glance:

• 3 nights near Peniche, 1 hour north of Lisbon on the coast

• 2 nights Cascais (30 minutes west of Lisbon, also on the coast.)

• 2 nights Lisbon (which ended up being 3 nights due to a cancelled and rescheduled flight. But that was an unplanned bonus.)

Day 1: Morning arrival, Lisbon Science Museum, lunch, drive to Praia del Rey

Day 2: Visit Nazare, Obidos, & Caldas da Rainha

Day 3: Ericeira and explore around Praia del Rey

Day 4: Cascais

Day 5: Sintra (we visited Quinta de Regaleira and Monserrate)

Day 6: Lisbon

Day 7: Lisbon

the famous pink street in Lisbon

The highlights for me include the walled city of Obidos, Quinta de Regaleira in Sintra, and Lisbon. I enjoy having some variety between big cities and quieter places, plus some scenic beauty. On all of these metrics, Portugal delivered.

For kids, this itinerary has beaches, and a real life castle waiting to be explored. The Lisbon Science museum is fabulous for kids, with a circus and building area that functions like a jungle gym. Time Out market has a nice playground and climbing trees so kids can play while the adults enjoy food and drink al fresco.

Weather was very pleasant at the end of March, mostly 60’s and sunny. Most locals in Portugal speak English. Learning to say “obrigado” if you are male, and “obrigada” if you are female, is all you need! Prices were quite reasonable. Food and drinks were delicious! We didn’t have trouble finding places to eat for an early American dinnertime, though we may have been only diners or the first ones there when a restaurant opened. Transportation in Lisbon was easy, with Bolt rideshare a quick and cheap option for any distance too hilly or far to walk. Don’t even think about driving a car in the city of Lisbon! Roads in the countryside are well-maintained and pleasant to drive on.

Top 3 restaurants we visited:

• Lumi Rooftop Bar and Restaurant, Lisbon (the view!)

• Boa- Bao, Lisbon (Asian inspired, delicious salmon)

• Marisco na Praca, Cascais (amazing fresh seafood)

I’ll elaborate more on my favorite destinations in the next post. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to Portugal, and hope to explore more of it someday. I doubt I'll find $400 tickets again, but you never know.

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