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Cruises Portugal : Offers and promotions 2026 - 2027

29 cruises found

Cruises to Portugal: A guide to choosing the right one

A cruise to Portugal follows the water in many forms: arriving in Lisbon along the Tagus, exploring Porto's waterfront and the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, seeing the Douro's terraces, or admiring Madeira's green cliffs.

Depending on the itinerary, the journey may be urban, river-based, Atlantic or island-focused, combining azulejos, viewpoints, wine, markets, tropical gardens and ports opening onto the ocean.

Portugal is an easy cruise destination to love because it combines ports of call that are simple to explore, a strong maritime identity and a wonderfully relaxed sightseeing pace.

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Portugal

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Senhora da Ribeira, Ferradosa, Folgosa, Leverinho, Porto

CroisiEurope
Gil Eanes
On-board meals included
Gil Eanes

4 other departures

Gil Eanes

6 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

04/15/2027

from

2 660 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included

Other departures:

16 Oct 2026

16 May 2027

03 Jul 2027

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Senhora da Ribeira, Ferradosa, Folgosa, Leverinho, Porto

CroisiEurope
MS Miguel Torga
On-board meals included
MS Miguel Torga

8 other departures

MS Miguel Torga

6 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

07/22/2027

from

2 670 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included

Other departures:

17 Aug 2026

30 Oct 2026

13-18 Apr 2027

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Ferradosa, Pinhao, Regua, Porto

CroisiEurope
Vasco de Gama
On-board meals included
Vasco de Gama

28 other departures

Vasco de Gama

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

08/31/2026

from

2 688 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included

Other departures:

24 Aug 2026

07 Sep 2026

05-31 Oct 2026

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Ferradosa, Pinhao, Regua, Porto

CroisiEurope
Fernao de Magalhaes
On-board meals included
Fernao de Magalhaes

3 other departures

Fernao de Magalhaes

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

10/30/2026

from

2 837 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included

Other departures:

23 Oct 2026

15-22 Oct 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Ferradosa, Pinhao, Regua, Porto

CroisiEurope
Infante D Henrique
On-board meals included
Infante D Henrique

14 other departures

Infante D Henrique

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

06/28/2027

from

2 904 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included

Other departures:

07 Sep 2026

05-12 Apr 2027

10-17 May 2027

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Senhora da Ribeira, Ferradosa, Folgosa, Leverinho, Porto

CroisiEurope
Amalia Rodrigues
On-board meals included
Amalia Rodrigues

Amalia Rodrigues

6 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

05/31/2027

from

3 267 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Senhora da Ribeira, Ferradosa, Folgosa, Regua, Cock, Porto

CroisiEurope
Infante D Henrique
On-board meals included
Infante D Henrique

1 other departures

Infante D Henrique

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

04/26/2027

from

3 609 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included

Other departures:

11 Oct 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Ferradosa, Pinhao, Regua, Porto

CroisiEurope
Amalia Rodrigues
On-board meals included
Amalia Rodrigues

15 other departures

Amalia Rodrigues

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

07/30/2027

from

3 768 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included

Other departures:

31 Mar 2027

07-14-21-28 Apr 2027

13-25 Jun 2027

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Ferradosa, Pinhao, Regua, Porto

CroisiEurope
Gil Eanes
On-board meals included
Gil Eanes

9 other departures

Gil Eanes

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

07/22/2027

from

3 768 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included

Other departures:

13-20 Aug 2026

21 Oct 2026

25 Mar 2027

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Ferradosa, Pinhao, Regua, Porto

CroisiEurope
MS Miguel Torga
On-board meals included
MS Miguel Torga

3 other departures

MS Miguel Torga

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

08/15/2027

from

3 768 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included

Other departures:

27 Jul 2027

03 Aug 2027

15 Oct 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Regua, Porto

Rivages du monde
MS Queen Isabel
On-board meals included
MS Queen Isabel

45 other departures

MS Queen Isabel

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

03/21/2027

+

from

4 415 $CA

Flight available

On-board meals included
Flight included

Other departures:

16-23-30 Aug 2026

06-13-20-27 Sep 2026

04-11-18-25 Oct 2026

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Vega de Teron, Pinhao, Regua, Porto

Ama Waterways
Amasintra
On-board meals included
Amasintra

7 other departures

Amasintra

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

12/25/2026

from

4 526 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

23-30 Oct 2026

20-27 Nov 2026

04-11-18 Dec 2026

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Vega de Teron, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Pinhao, Barca d Alva, Regua, Porto

Ama Waterways
AmaDouro
On-board meals included
AmaDouro

40 other departures

AmaDouro

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

12/29/2026

from

4 858 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

11-18-25 Aug 2026

08-29 Sep 2026

23-30 Mar 2027

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Vega de Teron, Pinhao, Regua, Porto

Ama Waterways
AmaDouro
On-board meals included
AmaDouro

6 other departures

AmaDouro

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

12/22/2026

from

4 858 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

27 Oct 2026

03-17 Nov 2026

01-08-15 Dec 2026

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Vega de Teron, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Pinhao, Regua, Porto

Ama Waterways
AmaVida
On-board meals included
AmaVida

AmaVida

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

12/26/2026

from

4 858 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Regua, Vega de Teron, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Pinhao, Barca d Alva, Regua, Porto

Ama Waterways
Amasintra
On-board meals included
Amasintra

5 other departures

Amasintra

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

11/26/2027

from

5 092 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

19 Nov 2027

03-10-17-24 Dec 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Porto, Pinhao, Entre-os-Rios, Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Pinhao, Entre-os-Rios, Porto, Pinhao, Barca d Alva, Vega de Teron, Porto

Ama Waterways
AmaVida
On-board meals included
AmaVida

1 other departures

AmaVida

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

11/27/2027

from

5 092 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

11 Dec 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Vega de Teron, Porto, Barca d Alva, Entre-os-Rios, Pinhao, Porto, Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Pinhao, Entre-os-Rios, Pinhao, Porto, Barca d Alva, Pinhao, Porto, Vega de Teron, Porto

Ama Waterways
AmaVida
On-board meals included
AmaVida

4 other departures

AmaVida

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

12/12/2026

from

5 190 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

22 Aug 2026

05-19 Sep 2026

14 Nov 2026

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Regua, Vega de Teron, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Pinhao, Barca d Alva, Regua, Porto

Ama Waterways
AmaDouro
On-board meals included
AmaDouro

AmaDouro

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

11/24/2026

from

5 404 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Vega de Teron, Barca d Alva, Porto, Pinhao, Entre-os-Rios, Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Pinhao, Entre-os-Rios, Porto, Pinhao, Porto, Barca d Alva, Vega de Teron, Porto

Ama Waterways
AmaVida
On-board meals included
AmaVida

2 other departures

AmaVida

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

12/18/2027

from

5 755 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

20 Nov 2027

04 Dec 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Regua, Vega de Teron, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Pinhao, Barca d Alva, Regua, Porto

Ama Waterways
AmaVida
On-board meals included
AmaVida

AmaVida

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

12/25/2027

from

5 915 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Vega de Teron, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Pinhao, Barca d Alva, Regua, Porto

Ama Waterways
Amasintra
On-board meals included
Amasintra

34 other departures

Amasintra

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

07/09/2027

from

6 831 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

14-21-28 Aug 2026

18 Sep 2026

02 Oct 2026

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Porto, Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Regua, Vega de Teron, Pinhao, Vega de Teron, Pinhao, Barca d Alva, Regua, Porto

Ama Waterways
AmaDouro
On-board meals included
AmaDouro

1 other departures

AmaDouro

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Porto

11/02/2027

from

7 179 $CA

Premium Drinks included
Excursions included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

09 Nov 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Lisbon, Porto, Regua, Porto Antiguo, Porto

CroisiEurope
Infante D Henrique
On-board meals included
Infante D Henrique

Infante D Henrique

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Lisbon

11/04/2027

from

2 817 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Lisbon, Porto, Regua, Vega de Teron, Senhora da Ribeira, Leverinho, Porto

CroisiEurope
Gil Eanes
On-board meals included
Gil Eanes

2 other departures

Gil Eanes

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Lisbon

04/13/2027

from

3 610 $CA

River Cruises leaders
On-board meals included

Other departures:

14 May 2027

01 Jul 2027

View offers

Tips for choosing your cruise to Portugal

1. Choose your region

  • Lisbon & Tagus Valley : The most emblematic area for a maritime stopover, with Alfama, Belém, tram, miradouros, Tagus and excursions to Sintra or Cascais.
  • Porto, LeixÕes & the Douro : Ideal for combining the old town, Ribeira, the Dom Luís I Bridge, port cellars and river cruises through the Douro wine valley.
  • Madeira : Perfect for a spectacular Atlantic port of call, with Funchal, tropical gardens, cliffs, levadas, viewpoints and mountains plunging toward the sea.
  • Azores & Atlantic : Less common but exceptionally rewarding for travelers drawn to volcanoes, crater lakes, island ports, green landscapes and marine wildlife viewing.

2. Choose your cruise style

Top experiences for your cruise to Portugal

Lisbon offers one of Europe's most beautiful urban cruise arrivals, with the Tagus, hills, bridges, old neighborhoods and major monuments of Belém.
Alfama

Alfama

Stroll through sloping lanes lined with azulejos, stairways and laundry at the windows, with sudden views of the Tagus.
Belém

Belém

Discover the tower, Jerónimos Monastery and pastéis de nata in one of Lisbon's most iconic districts.
Sintra

Sintra

Go to the palaces, gardens and foggy hills for a more romantic and very different excursion from the city center.
Belém

Belém

Combine monuments, a walk along the Tagus and a delicious break for pastéis de nata.
Sintra

Sintra

Leave Lisbon for a decor of palaces, wooded hills and views that contrasts strongly with the docks of the Tagus.
Alfama

Alfama

Plan a short walk with viewpoints, trams and lanes whose stories are easy to share.
Sintra

Sintra

Go for a more spectacular day, between colorful palaces, forests and views.
Alfama

Alfama

Combine miradouros, small streets, fado bars and café terraces to experience Lisbon's atmosphere.
Belém

Belém

Move from monuments to the banks of the Tagus, a historic café and photos overlooking the river.
Porto is an enjoyable port of call to explore from Leixões, with its historic center, bridges, cellars and the Douro Valley in the background.
Ribeira

Ribeira

Walk along the Douro, between colorful facades, rabelos boats and views of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Vila Nova de Gaia port cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia port cellars

Discover the world of port wine with a tasting overlooking the waterfront.
Douro Valley

Douro Valley

Join the terraced vineyards for an excursion between river, viewpoints and wineries.
Vila Nova de Gaia port cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia port cellars

Plan a focused visit to understand the history of port wine, even if you do not want tasting to dominate the day.
Douro Valley

Douro Valley

Choose a panoramic excursion if you want to see the wine-country landscapes without packing in too many visits.
Ribeira

Ribeira

Enjoy a simple walk by the river, with bridges, boats and many possible breaks.
Douro Valley

Douro Valley

Go to Pinhão or the viewpoints for a slower day between wine, river and landscapes.
Ribeira

Ribeira

Start with the docks before crossing the Dom Luís bridge to Gaia.
Vila Nova de Gaia port cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia port cellars

Share a Port tasting in one of the historic riverside cellars.
Madeira gives Portugal a more tropical and vertical dimension, with Funchal, gardens, cliffs, levadas and mountains above the Atlantic.
Funchal

Funchal

Stroll between market, old town, Madeira wine cellars and seafront.
Monte

Monte

Ride up to the tropical gardens for sweeping views of Funchal and the bay.
Cabo Girão

Cabo Girão

Visit one of the island's great viewpoints, suspended above the cliffs and ocean.
Monte

Monte

Center the day on a cable car ride or the gardens for a more visual experience.
Cabo Girão

Cabo Girão

Enjoy a spectacular view, accessible without long walk.
Funchal

Funchal

Combine market, sea promenade and old town in an easy to organize stopover.
Cabo Girão

Cabo Girão

Add a panoramic highlight before returning to the port or natural pools.
Funchal

Funchal

Alternate market, painted alleys, Madeira wine tasting and terrace break.
Monte

Monte

Head uphill for a change of perspective and see Funchal from the gardens.
The Azores offer a more volcanic and nature-focused port of call, with crater lakes, island harbors, viewpoints, hydrangeas and the deep ocean.
Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada

Discover the center of São Miguel, between city gates, churches, marina and black and white cobblestones.
Sete Cidades

Sete Cidades

Join the crater lakes to admire one of the most emblematic landscapes of the Azores.
Furnas

Furnas

Head to the hot springs, fumaroles and gardens to discover the island's more geothermal side.
Sete Cidades

Sete Cidades

Focus the day on a panoramic excursion around the lakes, which is easy to enjoy even during a single port call.
Furnas

Furnas

Discover the fumaroles, hot water and green landscapes on a particularly vivid excursion.
Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada

Keep to a simple tour of the center and waterfront before heading out on a nature-focused excursion.
Furnas

Furnas

Add a more unusual experience combining steam, gardens and food cooked using heat from the ground.
Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada

Start with the center, the market and the marina before heading towards the volcanic landscapes.
Sete Cidades

Sete Cidades

Look for the great views of the lakes and craters of São Miguel.

The best times to go on a cruise in Portugal

April - June (spring)

Weather & swimming

Mild, bright and very pleasant for sightseeing. Lisbon, Porto and the Douro are easy to explore, with green scenery and still-reasonable crowds.

Expert advice

Excellent period for a first cruise to Portugal, especially if you want to combine cities, Douro and Atlantic ports of call.

July - August (summer)

Weather & swimming

Hot, lively and busier. The cities are vibrant and Madeira remains pleasant, but Lisbon and Porto can be hotter and more crowded.

Expert advice

Good choice if you like the summer atmosphere. For urban tours, plan early morning walks and save time for breaks.

September - October (Shoulder season)

Weather & swimming

An excellent balance of climate and atmosphere. Temperatures remain mild, crowds thin out and the Douro Valley takes on the beautiful colors of harvest season.

Expert advice

One of the best times to combine Lisbon, Porto, Douro and Madeira with a comfortable rhythm.

November - March (Mild Atlantic winter)

Weather & swimming

Quieter, more variable and often mild along the coast. Rain is more likely, especially in the north, but Lisbon, Madeira and some Atlantic cruises remain appealing.

Expert advice

Choose for a more cultural cruise or stopover in Madeira. The Douro is less bright than in spring or autumn.

SeasonWeather & swimmingExpert advice
April - June (spring)
Mild, bright and very pleasant for sightseeing. Lisbon, Porto and the Douro are easy to explore, with green scenery and still-reasonable crowds.Excellent period for a first cruise to Portugal, especially if you want to combine cities, Douro and Atlantic ports of call.
July - August (summer)
Hot, lively and busier. The cities are vibrant and Madeira remains pleasant, but Lisbon and Porto can be hotter and more crowded.
Good choice if you like the summer atmosphere. For urban tours, plan early morning walks and save time for breaks.
September - October (Shoulder season)
An excellent balance of climate and atmosphere. Temperatures remain mild, crowds thin out and the Douro Valley takes on the beautiful colors of harvest season.One of the best times to combine Lisbon, Porto, Douro and Madeira with a comfortable rhythm.
November - March (Mild Atlantic winter)
Quieter, more variable and often mild along the coast. Rain is more likely, especially in the north, but Lisbon, Madeira and some Atlantic cruises remain appealing.Choose for a more cultural cruise or stopover in Madeira. The Douro is less bright than in spring or autumn.

Hotspots of a cruise in Portugal

Portugal is especially well suited to cruising because many of its greatest highlights are connected to water: rivers, the ocean, historic ports, wine valleys and Atlantic islands.

In Lisbon

In Lisbon

Alfama, Belém and the Miradouros give a very complete stopover between history, views and local atmosphere.

In Porto

In Porto

Ribeira, the Dom Luís I Bridge and Gaia's cellars tell the story of the connection among the city, river and wine.

Funchal

Funchal

The market, the old town and the gardens show a more island side of Portugal.

In Lisbon

In Lisbon

Alfama, Belém and the Miradouros give a very complete stopover between history, views and local atmosphere.

In Porto

In Porto

Ribeira, the Dom Luís I Bridge and Gaia's cellars tell the story of the connection among the city, river and wine.

Funchal

Funchal

The market, the old town and the gardens show a more island side of Portugal.

In the Douro

In the Douro

The wine terraces and quintas offer one of the most beautiful river experiences in the country.

In Lisbon

In Lisbon

Pastéis de nata, bacalhau, tascas and markets give the port of call a true local flavor.

Madeira

Madeira

Madeira wine, tropical fruits and fish dishes complete the visit very well.

In the Douro

In the Douro

The wine terraces and quintas offer one of the most beautiful river experiences in the country.

In Lisbon

In Lisbon

Pastéis de nata, bacalhau, tascas and markets give the port of call a true local flavor.

Madeira

Madeira

Madeira wine, tropical fruits and fish dishes complete the visit very well.

From Lisbon's miradouros

From Lisbon's miradouros

The rooftops, Tagus and 25 de Abril Bridge create an unmistakably Lisbon view.

From the Dom-Luís bridge in Porto

From the Dom-Luís bridge in Porto

The view of Ribeira, Gaia and the Douro is one of the most striking in northern Portugal.

Sete Cidades

Sete Cidades

The crater lakes of the Azores offer a highly recognizable volcanic landscape.

From Lisbon's miradouros

From Lisbon's miradouros

The rooftops, Tagus and 25 de Abril Bridge create an unmistakably Lisbon view.

From the Dom-Luís bridge in Porto

From the Dom-Luís bridge in Porto

The view of Ribeira, Gaia and the Douro is one of the most striking in northern Portugal.

Sete Cidades

Sete Cidades

The crater lakes of the Azores offer a highly recognizable volcanic landscape.

Madeira

Madeira

Cabo Girão, Monte and the levadas make for a highly scenic port of call.

In the Azores

In the Azores

Volcanoes, lakes, fumaroles and viewpoints reveal a wilder side of Portugal.

On the coast around Lisbon

On the coast around Lisbon

Cascais, Sintra and Cabo da Roca make it possible to extend the port of call towards the Atlantic.

Madeira

Madeira

Cabo Girão, Monte and the levadas make for a highly scenic port of call.

In the Azores

In the Azores

Volcanoes, lakes, fumaroles and viewpoints reveal a wilder side of Portugal.

On the coast around Lisbon

On the coast around Lisbon

Cascais, Sintra and Cabo da Roca make it possible to extend the port of call towards the Atlantic.

What our customers loved:

Portugal cruise must-sees

Arrive in Lisbon by the Tagus

Travelers often remember arriving in Lisbon for its light and openness to the river. As the 25 de Abril Bridge, hills, Alfama and waterfront come into view, it truly feels as though you are entering the city through its natural gateway.

Crossing Porto between Ribeira and Gaia cellars

Porto pleases because everything seems to be organized around the Douro. Travelers like to walk on the banks of the Ribeira, cross the Dom-Luís bridge, reach Vila Nova de Gaia and finish with a Port tasting facing the city.

See Madeira from the heights of Funchal

Madeira surprises travelers with scenery that is far more vertical than they might imagine before arriving. The Monte cable car, gardens, Cabo Girão and views of the bay create a powerful image of the Portuguese Atlantic.

Hidden gems off the beaten path

Have a coffee in Alfama after the miradouros

In Lisbon, Alfama lets you slow down between viewpoints. Travelers enjoy stopping in a small plaza, hearing strains of fado, watching trams pass and finding a more local atmosphere than on the main tourist routes.

Linger in Pinhão among the Douro terraces

In the Douro Valley, Pinhão offers an especially vivid picture of Portugal's wine country. Travelers enjoy the small train station decorated with azulejos, the riverfront, sloping vineyards and the feeling of truly slowing down beside the water.

Explore Furnas and feel the volcanic energy of the Azores

On São Miguel, Furnas offers a more unusual experience than a simple walk through town. Travelers love the fumaroles, gardens, hot water and cozido cooked using heat from the ground, which reveal a particularly vivid side of the Azores.

Learn more about your Portugal cruise

Portugal, a voyage of discovery


If there were only one city to visit in Portugal, it would be Lisbon, the country's capital. Straddling past and present, Lisbon's neighborhoods exude a special aura that leaves no one indifferent. The Alfama district, with its narrow streets often leading to hidden courtyards, is a veritable maze where it's good to get lost. If you're feeling lost, let yourself be guided by the melancholy songs of the fado, or the delicate aroma of grilled sardines emanating from the traditional taverns. As you stroll through Alfama, you'll also discover picturesque grocery stores with azulejo-adorned facades. Bairro Alto, the nest of night birds, is a must for all night owls. When the sun goes down, urban music resonates in this mecca of Lisboan entertainment.

For history buffs visiting Portugal, Porto is a must. Your strolls along the city's narrow pedestrian streets will take you past Baroque churches and centuries-old squares. Crossing the historic bridge, you'll arrive in the Ribeira district, where you'll have the chance to visit the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, the home of port, the emblematic beverage of the city and Portugal. After Porto, take the road to Évora, Portugal's best-preserved medieval city. Around its 14th-century ramparts stand architectural marvels that transcend time, such as this cloistered cathedral. The area around Évora is also dotted with mysterious megaliths that raise many questions. What were they used for, and when were they built?

No trip to Portugal is complete without a visit to the Douro Valley, the country's wine-growing region. Here, you'll visit centuries-old vineyards and taste some of the country's tastiest wine. You'll visit villages of undeniable charm, such as Lamego and its ancient monuments, whose most worthy representative is undoubtedly the Cathedral and Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. The nearby chapel of São Pedro do Balsemão is also well worth a visit. This 10th-century edifice, built with materials dating back to Roman times, is a symbol of the country's centuries-old past. To round off your stay in Portugal in style, take to the island of Tavira to enjoy the pleasures of the sea in an unspoilt setting. If you like surfing, head for the Algarve region, where there are numerous surfing and windsurfing spots.

When to go


Portugal is at its most beautiful when the sun is shining. To make the most of the sun and the Portuguese landscape, plan your trip between April and October. At this time of year, temperatures are mild and the sun shines brightly, perfect for voyages of discovery. If your main reason for coming to Portugal is to enjoy the beaches and the sun, the ideal time to plan your trip is during the summer, i.e. between July and September.