It feels like everyone and their dog has been to Portugal in the last five years. So, naturally, we figured it was finally our turn to see what all the fuss was about. After all, how many pastel de nata photos can one scroll through before booking a flight?
Why Visit Portugal in November?
We strategically chose early November for our Portugal adventure—aka shoulder season. Why? Fewer tourists, cooler temps, and no risk of melting into a puddle in Lisbon’s cobbled streets. The weather was “Goldilocks perfect”—not too hot, not too cold, and just enough rain to make things interesting.
Lisbon: Where Our Journey Began
We kicked things off in Lisbon, the bustling capital and best starting point for a Portugal itinerary. After landing, we handed our bags off to the legends at LUGGit—a luggage transfer service that’s a total game-changer—and strolled into town with just a daypack and a sense of adventure.
Enter David from WithLocals, our private walking tour guide and certified Lisbon history wizard. If you want to see Lisbon like a local and dodge the tourist traps (you know the ones), book a tour with these guys. David was born and raised in Lisbon and had stories that made the city come alive.
On his recommendation, we had our first Portuguese meal at Inhaca, a hidden gem where the locals outnumber the tourists. Pro tip: Always text your local guide for food advice. Always.
The walking tour wrapped up—conveniently—at the front door of our rental flat, just as LUGGit rolled up with our bags. Perfect timing. Smooth start. 10/10 would recommend.
Lisbon Day 2: Walking, Wine & the World’s Strongest Granny Liquor
We walked about 15 miles through Lisbon’s most charming neighborhoods: Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Alfama. Each corner revealed another picturesque alley or cozy café, making it hard not to stop every five minutes for another espresso or photo op.
Traveling with kids? Lisbon’s Oceanário (aquarium) is fantastic and located right on the waterfront—just a short Uber ride from downtown.
Later that evening, we joined a food tour in Alfama, booked via Airbnb Experiences. Yes, it was a bit pricey. Yes, it was worth every euro. From sipping local wines to eating in tiny taverns only locals know about, it was a flavorful crash course in Portuguese cuisine.
And then there’s Ginjinha, the cherry liqueur sold by adorable street-side grannies. It tastes like cherry-flavored NyQuil...but in a good way. Kind of.
Day Trip to Sintra: Castles, Crowds & Forest Trails
No Portugal trip is complete without visiting Sintra. Even in the off-season, it was packed. But the castle ruins, fairy-tale palaces, and misty forest trails made the crowds worth it. We skipped the guided tour and explored on our own, which gave us plenty of time to soak in the views—and a bit of drizzle.
Coastal Cruising: Lisbon to Nazaré
We picked up a BMW diesel (hello, road trip luxury on a budget) and headed north to Nazaré, the beach town famous for giant waves and big wave surfing. Unfortunately, the ocean was as flat as a pancake that day. But hey, the clifftop views and seafood joints made it a worthy pit stop.
Off-the-Grid at a Lake House Near Ferreira do Zêzere
We then made our way to a remote lake house near the teeny-tiny town of Ferreira do Zêzere. No tourists. One restaurant. One grocery store. And lots of peace and quiet.
It was cold. It was rainy. It was awesome. We hiked the surrounding hills and embraced the moody November vibes. When life gives you lemons in Portugal? Add wine and make sangria.
Next up: Tomar, home to the Castelo de Tomar—a hilltop fortress that feels like something out of a medieval video game. For a few euros, you can explore for hours. Highly recommended.
Obidos: Portugal’s Fairytale Walled City
Rather than following the crowds to Porto, we detoured to Óbidos, a lesser-known (but arguably better) alternative. This medieval walled city is packed with charm, boutiques, and excellent food. We especially loved walking the city wall and dining at A Nova Casa de Ramiro—fine dining without the pretense.
The Algarve Finale: Lagos, Cliffs & Coastal Trails
Our final stop was the southern gem of Portugal: the Algarve, specifically Lagos. It’s a historic walled town perched by the sea, loaded with character and flanked by jaw-dropping beaches.
Fun fact: While
remodeling our Airbnb, the hosts discovered Roman pottery dating back to 200 BC. Yes, this place is old.
Top food pick: Pomo – La Pasta Italiana. It’s tiny, so go early unless you enjoy long waits. Favorite coffee? Black and White. Great brew, cozy vibe.
If you’re a fan of hiking, don’t miss Ponta da Piedade and the Marinha Beach coastal trails. We hiked westward for hours along the cliffs—each turn more scenic than the last.
Want something less touristy? Head north to Bairro Monte Vistoso and Lighthouse Beach. Surfing, hiking, and water sports await.
Bonus Portugal Travel Tip: Wine Without Regret
One of Portugal’s best-kept secrets? No-headache wine. The local Vinho Verde (green wine) is refreshing, light, and budget-friendly. Try it—you might never go back to your usual bottle again.
Final Thoughts on Our Portugal Road Trip
From Lisbon’s rich history to Lagos’ stunning coastline, Portugal delivered on every level. Whether you're in it for castles, cuisine, or coastlines, this country has something for every kind of traveler—especially those who like their trips with a side of spontaneity and a splash of wine.
Here are some other photos from our trip:
