Coast to Countryside: My Week in Portugal

I’ve been telling anyone who will listen: if Portugal’s not already on your radar, it should be. It’s a rare place that feels both effortless and elevated — from the vibrant charm of Porto to the vineyard-draped hills of the Douro Valley, the barefoot elegance of Comporta, and the slow, golden beauty of the Alentejo. Compared to much of Western Europe, your euro stretches a lot further here, especially at luxe 4- and 5-star stays. Here’s a look at the places that left me completely smitten — and already dreaming about a return.

Porto: Where the Past Meets the Pour

We began in Porto, diving straight into the world of port — and came out true believers. One highlight: a private tasting at Cockburn’s Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, where we explored their aging cellars and learned the art of blending. There’s something magical about sipping a vintage tawny just steps from where it was born, surrounded by the scent of aging barrels and centuries-old stone.

Beyond the port, Porto is pure poetry. Blue-tiled churches, warm people, and food that surprises you with every bite. My stay at Vinha Boutique was icing on the cake. Situated on the river on the outskirts of Porto is this design-forward hotel delivering great food and views.

Where Luxury Meets Nature: Six Senses Douro Valley

From Porto, we made our way into the hills of the Douro Valley, home to Portugal’s oldest demarcated wine region — a UNESCO World Heritage site. We sailed down the Duoro River on a vintage boat, sipping a Port and Tonic (my new favorite drink) and wine. Our stay at Six Senses Douro Valley was exceptional. Anyone who appreciates wine, wellness and the spa (what Six Senses is known for), as well as a commitment to sustainability will relish their time here. If you appreciate a more minimalist design aesthetic to let the natural beauty shine, this property is for you. I woke to sweeping views of the river and misty terraced vineyards, spent the morning at the spa, and sipped wine in the cozy library by night. This property embodies everything I love about travel: thoughtful design, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land.

Comporta’s Barefoot Cool: Sublime Living

Midway through the trip, we traded the vineyard views for the breezy coastal charm of Comporta — Portugal’s answer to laid-back luxury. Our stay at Sublime Comporta was exactly that: sublime. Think sand dunes and pine forests, villas with private plunge pools, and a rhythm that makes you naturally slow down.

This is the place to disconnect. Mornings on horseback along the beach, afternoons sipping natural wine under the pines, evenings with your feet in the sand and no agenda. The property has its own beach club just ten minutes away which you can reach via the properties shuttle service. Portugal has protected the land on the water, preventing anyone from building on it. Click here for more photos of the property

Lisbon: A City of Light and Layers

A city I could return to again and again. It has that perfect blend of European elegance and laid-back coastal charm. We wandered through neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto, where the sound of Fado drifts out of tiny taverns and every turn reveals another tiled façade or miradouro (viewpoint).

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed our sidecar morning through the city. It was the best way to get my bearing, see the different neighborhoods, and stop at places of interest. I would highly recommend it for anyone (including children over the age of 6)!

Alentejo Dreaming: São Lourenço do Barrocal

We ended our journey in the Alentejo countryside, just 1.5 hours from Lisbon — making it the perfect place to start or end your trip when you want to slow down and sink into Portugal’s softer side, or shake off the jet lag.

São Lourenço do Barrocal is a restored 200-year-old estate turned refined retreat. The Alentejo region itself is often called the “breadbasket” of Portugal, filled with rolling plains, cork oak forests, olive groves, and medieval villages like Monsaraz that feel beautifully untouched. It’s peaceful and pastoral, but never boring. Here, we wandered the grounds on foot and bike, tasted estate wines, and dined on fresh, seasonal cuisine rooted in the surrounding land. It reminded me of a more untouched version of Provence. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family, Barrocal is that grounding final note you didn’t know your trip needed. Click here for a reel from my stay.

Flavors to Remember

Let’s just say I didn’t come home hungry. The food and wine throughout this trip were exceptional. From Michelin-starred dinners to countryside feasts, Portugal’s culinary scene is rooted in simplicity and quality. Think olive oil that tastes like sunshine, wines you can’t believe aren’t more famous, and seafood so fresh it makes you rethink your standards. The tinned fish I brought home is on-par with the seafood I get from my local fishmonger!

Ready to plan your own Portuguese escape? I’d love to help you experience this incredible country the way I did.