Portugal Archives - A Luxury Travel Blog : A Luxury Travel Blog

The Algarve: Europe’s leading (and almost undisputed) beach destination

By Paul Johnson on Oct 25, 2021 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Portugal, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

The Algarve has once again been distinguished as the “Leading Beach Destination in Europe”, in the 2021 World Travel Awards. This is the eighth (and third consecutive) time that the destination has won the nomination from leaders of the tourism and travel industry from around the world, who annually participate in this initiative and vote […]

5 hidden gems for an in-depth European getaway

By Kerry Golds on May 14, 2021 in Europe, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

To truly get to know a place, you need to spend quality time with it, getting away from the crowds and immersing yourself in the local surroundings. It’s often when we venture beyond a destination’s ‘greatest hits’ to discover our own hidden gems, that we make our most treasured memories. Here we explore five exclusive […]

8 top tips for first-time visitors to the Algarve

By Paul Johnson on May 06, 2021 in Europe, Portugal, Regions, Western Europe

The Algarve in southern Portugal is a favourite summer holiday destination for Brits and the Irish. Many head there for its fabulous beaches and legendary golf courses. With so much more to explore, Algarve Tourism has compiled a list of ‘must do’ experiences for first timers visiting the region. It offers a mixture of favourite […]

The best 5 luxury resorts in the Algarve

By Guido Graf on Apr 24, 2021 in Accommodation, Europe, Portugal, Regions, Resorts, Western Europe

The Algarve is an area on the southernmost tip of Portugal, blessed with a warm and sunny climate, fine white sandy beaches, and glorious scenery. A redeveloped area, the Algarve retains the charm of quaint fishing villages. It also boasts a coastline lined with fine restaurants, bars, and villas. The Algarve is famous for its […]

6 wild destinations to counter cabin fever

By Kerry Golds on Mar 16, 2021 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Chile, Europe, Georgia, Madagascar, Morocco, Portugal, Regions, South America, Speciality Travel, Taiwan, Western Europe

What better antidote for being cooped up inside – or indeed the drudgery, din and dusty air of the city – than the great outdoors? Nature affords us the perfect contrast to crowded urban living. In small doses, such as a few stolen moments in a back garden brimming with flowers, it’s a blessed (if […]

Remote working in Portugal

By Paul Johnson on Feb 11, 2021 in Europe, Portugal, Regions, Western Europe

In time, lockdowns will come to an end and the pandemic will be under control. However, some trends we adapted as ‘the new normal’ in the past year may be here to stay, such as remote working. For those who can work from home, some may consider travelling to different locations and enjoying a “workoliday”. […]

21 countries to visit in 2021

By Paul Johnson on Feb 01, 2021 in Africa, Asia, Australia, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Denmark, Egypt, Europe, Featured, Health & Safety, Israel, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Middle East, Netherlands, New Zealand, North America, Oceania, Portugal, Regions, Singapore, South America, Tanzania, Thailand, Travel Miscellany, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vietnam, Western Europe, Worldwide

Following 2020, the year of staying at home, most of us are now yearning to travel again. As we bide our time through the darker winter months while vaccines are being rolled out, more people than ever are looking forward to travelling once more, whenever that may be. With so much culture and so many […]

5 unexpected wine destinations

By Matt Holmes on Aug 05, 2020 in Asia, Bhutan, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, North America, Portugal, Regions, Slovenia, Travel Miscellany, USA, Vermont, Western Europe

While Spain, Italy, and France typically enjoy the limelight when it comes to well-known wine regions—think Rioja, Tuscany, and Bordeaux—travelers have long known that what we drink at home is often dictated by what gets exported and imported. Demand for bottle diversity has expanded what we can find on the shelves (thankfully), so it’s easy […]

5 best places to go in September and October

By Matt Holmes on Apr 01, 2020 in Asia, Bhutan, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Nepal, New Zealand, Oceania, Portugal, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

Although not the first one to say, I’ll reiterate—these are weird times. And while international (and sometimes even domestic) travel is basically out of the question at the moment. We and many other adventuresome folks are thinking ahead to when it’ll be safe for us to explore the world again. Nothing right now is guaranteed, […]

The 5 most romantic spots to propose in Portugal

By Jenny Lovett on Jan 19, 2020 in Europe, Honeymoons, Leisure Travel, Portugal, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Are you planning the most special occasion of your life, your wedding proposal? The proposal of marriage to the person you love is something that should be treasured for ever. The setting, timing and location are so important. You will be talking about this moment for the next seventy years, so you really do need […]

Top 5 up-and-coming golf destinations for 2020

By Ravi Coutinho on Jan 18, 2020 in Asia, Bulgaria, Eastern Europe, Europe, Italy, Leisure Travel, Mexico, North America, Portugal, Regions, Speciality Travel, Thailand, Western Europe

Anyone who loves golf and travel has a few bucket list golf courses on their minds, like The Old Course at St. Andrews or Pebble Beach. But when you are truly devoted to traveling the world to play golf, you start to crave new challenges. Here are our top five up-and-coming golf destinations to add […]

ETIAS: the new visa waiver program for the Schengen Zone

By Paul Johnson on Dec 26, 2019 in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Eastern Europe, Estonia, Europe, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Health & Safety, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Regions, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Are you thinking of one day visiting one or more of the Schengen member states of Europe? Whether you’re drawn by the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, the sunshine and beaches of Spain or the relaxed pace of life in Greece, you need to be aware of some changes that are due to take place. From […]

5 perfect ladies breaks in Portugal

By Jenny Lovett on Dec 15, 2019 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Portugal, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Are you looking for a weekend break for you and your friends? Not sure where to go or what to do? Then Portugal may be the ideal location. With a wonderful Mediterranean climate, amazing food, glorious beaches and white washed villages to explore there is something to suit everybody. But if you are looking for […]

6 of Europe’s most luxurious rail journeys

By Dave Warne on Oct 24, 2019 in Eastern Europe, Europe, Italy, Leisure Travel, Portugal, Rail Travel, Russia, Spain, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

While there are myriad ways to experience Europe’s heritage-filled cities, spectacular landscapes and world-class gastronomy, we think it’s all perhaps best showcased with a luxury rail journey. Expect centuries-old tradition and five-star service framed by iconic views that range from the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands to the coastal charm of Spain’s north. See […]

5 things you have to do on a weekend trip to Lisbon

By Jenny Lovett on Oct 14, 2019 in Attractions, Bars, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Going Out, Portugal, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Lisbon is the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital of Portugal. A popular destination for a weekend break with easy access to Lisbon airport from most countries. One of the oldest cities in the world, and the second oldest European capital city (after Athens), predating other modern European capitals by centuries. But how do you spend your […]

5 reasons why it’s time to visit the Azores

By Matt Holmes on Oct 05, 2019 in Europe, Food and Drink, Portugal, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Just a few years ago, the Azores started appearing in a handful of publications and articles with titles like, “remote islands that no one knows about” and “Europe’s Best Kept Secret.” Many people, especially North Americans could not point out this archipelago on a map. But for those in the know, the thought of a […]

Category: Portugal