Reflections on My First Trip to Portugal: Enhancements for a Better Experience

Last year, it seemed as though everyone around me was exploring Portugal, a trend backed by the country's surge in tourism numbers from January to June 2024. This naturally piqued my curiosity, so when my boyfriend and I traveled there last summer, I was eager to discover what all the excitement was about.

With a prior trip that was rather unplanned, I resolved to make this getaway meticulously organized. After weeks of diligent research, I snagged excellent flight deals and made sure every activity was accounted for in my trusty spreadsheet. I secured impressive lodging arrangements, yet despite all my efforts, the perfect vacation eluded me. Here’s what I would do differently if I could revisit the experience.

Securing Dining Reservations Ahead of Time

Though we stayed right on the edge of restaurant-rich neighborhoods like Ribeira and Baixa, securing a dinner reservation proved challenging if left to the last minute.

Our first night in Porto, we opted out of our reservation at The Door, a popular tapas restaurant, only to find it fully booked for the remainder of our stay. Scrambling to find late-night dining options became routine, leading us to adopt a morning pre-meal reservation practice.

The Advantage of Choosing a Central Location in Lagos

During trip planning, I had no specific destination in mind within the Faro District of southern Portugal, aside from the allure of a beach and the familiarity of Lagos. My focus on accommodation reviews and ratings somehow eclipsed the importance of our lodging’s proximity to key sites.

I booked a delightful Airbnb, and as someone used to New York's fast-paced lifestyle, a 12-minute walk to Old Town Lagos and a 25-minute trek to the beach seemed reasonable. However, I overlooked the challenging elevations of Lagos, which took a toll on our legs.

Porto’s hilly terrain had already tested our endurance with long days full of steps, museums, and historic sites. Anticipating a relaxed phase of our journey in Lagos, I was disappointed as each beach trip felt arduous.

Meanwhile, our Porto stay at Casa da Companhia, part of the Vignette Collection, was a highlight. This upscale IHG hotel offered free breakfast and an ideal location, simplifying our exploration.

Making Time for Unique Portuguese Attractions

On a multicity trip, dedicating a full day to a singular experience can be daunting. Nonetheless, I regret not giving precedence to Portugal’s unique landmarks.

For instance, visiting the Capela dos Ossos in Évora had long been on my list. Just a short drive from Lisbon, we missed the opportunity. Similarly, despite Porto's renown for port wine, we passed on a Douro Valley day trip. While we enjoyed city wine tastings, a regional tour would have enriched our experience.

Ultimately, a brief car ride is a small price to pay compared to a lengthy journey abroad.