Portugal is the New Italy!

by Lisa Spiller, Luxury Travel Advisor affiliated with Preferred Travel & Company. Lisa@PreferredNaples.com www.preferrednaples.com

Everyone wants to go to Italy, right? But have you heard about Portugal? Portugal is Europe’s best kept secret! If you are looking for a classic, European experience including quaint seaside villages with red-tiled roofs and white-washed stucco architecture, quaint cobblestone alleyways, historic castles and churches, lush foliage, verdant wine country, spectacular coastlines and photographic landscapes, unique culture and world-class golf, make Portugal your destination!

Choosing Portugal as an alternative to Italy can offer a unique and enriching experience for many reasons:

Fewer Crowds: Portugal tends to be less touristy than popular Italian destinations such as Rome, Florence or Venice. This can mean more authentic experiences that allow you to connect more with the local culture without the overwhelming crowds.

Affordability: Portugal is generally more budget-friendly in terms of accommodation, dining and attractions.

Accessibility: There are 42 airlines that fly from the US to Portugal, the most popular route is a direct, nonstop from Newark to Lisbon with an average flight time of only 7 hours.

Diverse Landscapes and Stunning Coastlines: Portugal offers a variety of photographic gems, from the dramatic red sand cliffs and beaches of the Algarve Coastline to the rolling vine-draped hills of the Douro Valley and the historic cities of Lisbon and Porto. The diversity appeals to different interests and one can cover it all in two weeks.

Rich Culture and History: Portugal’s maritime past, sumptuous Manueline-style architecture, and unique traditions only found in Portugal are educational and enriching.

Wine: The Douro Valley in Portugal is the birthplace of Port wine. Only true port wine comes from this region. The best experience is to embark on a scenic cruise up the Douro River and make several stops along the way to bike, hike and visit the charming generationally run Quintas, or wine estates.

Unique Traditions: Portuguese tile art is a visual feast and can be found all over the country. Take a tile painting class and bring home your custom souvenir.

Fado Music: Only in Portugal can you experience live Fado, traditional Portuguese vocal & guitar music themed around love, pain and hardship. Don’t miss the opportunity to sneak into a small Fado house for a soulful performance reflecting the country’s culture and emotions!

Gastronomy: Portuguese cuisine is diverse, featuring very unique styles of cuisine not regularly featured on global menus. The Francesinha is a classic hearty sandwich from Porto made with layers of cured meat, sausage and steak covered in melted cheese and spiced tomato and beer sauce. The Pasteis de Nata is a famous Portuguese custard tart dusted in cinnamon and powdered sugar. Grilled sardines, octopus and salted cod, creamy sheep’s milk, piri-piri chicken and Arroz deMarisco, a rich seafood rice dish, are national favorites that you will want to at least try while in destination.

Portugal is full of iconic experiences that are not to be missed:

Lisbon’s Tram 28: Lisbon is to Europe what San Francisco is to America. The city is built on hills and a fun way to explore is on a TukTuk or the Tram. Tram 28 is a vintage tram that winds through the historic streets and iconic neighborhoods.

Sintra’s Palaces: Visit the fairy-tale Pena Palace and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, both located in the verdant hills of Sintra, only 40 minutes via train from Lisbon.

Porto’s Ribeira District: Stroll along the colorful waterfront of Porto, explore the narrow streets, historic buildings and vibrant ambiance.

Algarve Beaches: Discover the stunning beaches, dramatic sandstone cliffs, sea caves, crystal clear waters and pastel-hued seaside cafes and boutiques that welcome boaters and sunbathers.

Golf Courses: Portugal offers world-class golf, particularly in the Algarve region, which serves up beautiful landscapes, ocean vistas and excellent facilities. Consider Quinta do Lago, a prestigious resort featuring three championship courses or Vale do Lobo, offering stunning ocean views and challenging holes. There are so many to choose from, you may want to extend your stay for a week!

The Douro Valley: Reason number one, in many cases, for visiting Portugal is to explore the picturesque wine country known for terraced vineyards along the Duoro River and local Quintas serving up local varietals only produced in Portugal.

What to buy in Portugal?

Azulejos: These beautiful hand-painted ceramic tiles are iconic in Portuguese architecture and make for charming decorative pieces.

Port Wine: The sweet, fortified wine of the Douro Valley is a must-buy.

Cork Products: Portugal is the largest producer of cork, so you will find bags, wallets, coasters and shoes!

Ceramics: Look for handcrafted pottery featuring intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Fado Music: Bring home Portugal’s soul by purchasing Fado while there.

Olive Oil and Local Spices: Bring a taste of Portugal home with you and relive your gastronomic experiences.

I am hosting an unforgettable 10-night land and river journey through Portugal August 17-27, 2025, featuring the Duoro Valley Villages & Vintages, Porto and Lisbon in partnership with Uniworld River Cruises.

I highly recommend an extension in the Algarve region to experience the breathtaking coastline, five-star resorts, golf and beaches. Have I spiked your wanderlust? Inquiries: Lisa Spiller, Luxury Travel Advisor, Preferred Travel & Co (239) 261-1177 Lisa@preferrednaples.com