Portugal is a small country on the coast of the Atlantic ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. With a rich history of being a maritime empire between the 15th–20th century and a relatively small territory with some 1700 kilometres of coastline, it is a perfect destination for both beach & culture lovers. See the collection of my 8 favorite Portuguese spots and activities.

1. Lagos

If you check the map of Portugal, you'll quickly realise that the country stretches from South to North, having Lisbon, the capital city in the middle. Therefore, it is wise to plan a road-trip starting from the South or the North instead of Lisbon. Opting for the South, you can start your Portuguese adventure by flying into Faro Airport. From there, you can pick any town to be your base for a few days and explore the area. The Algarve Coast in the South of Portugal will treat you with spectacular views, small towns and a laid-back atmosphere. My favourite gem, Lagos is a small beach resort at the Algarve. If you wake up early in the morning, you'll get to walk in streets like these, having them all for yourself (and when I say "early morning", I'm talking Mediterranean standards, that is, 7-8 AM). 

2. Algarve Coast

When in the Algarve Coast, just get yourself some hiking shoes and hit the road wherever! The best thing about the Algarve is that you don't really need maps or worrying about making super detailed itineraries in advance. In this corner of Europe, you'll naturally bump into hidden caves and scenic coastlines, still relatively untouched by mass tourism. Here's an example of me getting lost somewhere between Lagos and 'Ponta de Piedade'. 

3.Praia Do Camilo

There are no big signs on the road advertising this beach, so chances are, you won't find it unless you know it's there. One of the most beautiful beaches of Europe, Praia do Camilo is only accessible via a steep staircase that takes at least 15 minutes to climb, because you can't stop taking photos of the scenery after every 3 steps. Be prepared with drinks/food though, as there are no bars/restaurants once you get down to this tiny piece of paradise.

4. Miradouro das Portas do Sol in Lisbon

Lisbon is a city built on hills, which can make sightseeing feel like a high-intensity cardio workout sometimes. But oh my dear, climbing these hills is so worth it: you get to see amazing views on literally every hilltop. This is 'Miradouro das Portas do Sol', where the beautiful whitewashed buildings of the Alfama neighbourhood meet the Atlantic Ocean. 

5. Mouraria Neighbourhood in Lisbon

Being one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Lisbon, Mouraria was once a Medieval quarter of the Moors. Nowadays it is the most multicultural neighbourhood of the city, with more than 50 nationalities and countless restaurants and cafés around.  

6. Wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia

Once in Porto, going for a wine tasting tour is a MUST. Fun fact: Port wine is a sweet, fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley in Northern Portugal. Then this unique wine is aged in barrels that are stored in cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Douro River from Porto. Long story short, technically, this wine has nothing to do with the city of Porto. Then where does its name originate from? Well, visit a cellar and find out yourself!

7. Portuguese Street art culture 

Regardless of which city you’re in, there's a whole world of urban art to be discovered in the streets of Portugal. This artistic form of expression makes the urban space feel more alive and full of colours. For example, this graffiti is in Lisbon, symbolising the melancholy music of Fado, a unique genre born in the city.

8. Porto old town

Porto is Portugal's second-largest city today, that is home to 240,000 people. But. There is very few cities in Europe (and especially in the Mediterranean area), where you can still sense something about that old, untouched historical vibe. The heart of Porto still beats in the medieval old city – the Ribeira, and if you’re a history lover, it will surely resonate with your soul.