The beaches south of Porto Covo, the small towns of Alentejo like Serpa and Terena, the Douro International Nature Park, the abandoned villages of the Lousã Mountains, the Montesinho Park.
For sure the Alentejo, whether the coast or the inland part. It’s the most pristine area of the country and it’s easy to access it from Lisbon.
The summers I spent as a kid in Coimbra, at Quinta das Lágrimas, my family’s ancestral home.
A glass of vinho verde in summer or a glass of Moscatel wine in winter time.
Lisbon is a city with many viewpoints but for me the one that beats them all is the one in Cerca Moura (Miradouro de Santa Luzia).
I love going to a place called Casa Independente, located in a shabby, run-down building in Intendente. You go inside and step into a different world, a very cool hipster and alternative bar with live music, an outdoor terrace and a permanent fun groove.
I love spending time in Príncipe Real because it is a mirror of what Lisbon is today, a blend of old and new. It’s a neighbourhood full of cool shops as well as traditional ones, hip restaurants, small tascas (Portuguese taverns), and a great vibe that is visible on peoples’ faces.
“Príncipe Real is a mirror of what Lisbon is today, a blend of old and new.”
My perfect day in Lisbon is a spring Saturday that starts with breakfast in a bakery in Chiado, then a walk to my favourite antiques shops or to Feira da Ladra.
The Museum of Tiles (Museu Nacional do Azulejo), which is a gem of our culture.
A picnic on the lawns of the Palácio de Monserrate (Monserrate Palace) in Sintra.
The Food Temple in Mouraria on a warm summer night and seating outside, on the stairs of the small square where the restaurant is located.
My favourite is the Travesseiro of Sintra (eaten warm). It’s light and sweet, made with a delicate mille-feuilles dough and an egg and almond cream.
Portuguese wines, which are hidden treasures too.
Here's hoping you create new memories here in Portugal. Tag us on Instagram (we would love it if you do!) and let us know how it goes. 🤗
Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about our new picks of places to stay and go in Portugal.
Obrigada,
xx
Joana and Sofia
© Photos by JO&SO except for the portrait (courtesy of Miguel Judice) and the following photos which are licensed from stock.adobe.com:
Serpa town © Jorge Anastacio
Douro international park © Alfonsodetomas
Schist village in Lousã © Jorge Anastacio
Miradouro Santa Luzia © Henner Damke
Feira da ladra © Klublu
Palácio Monserrate © Jcas
Please note that sometimes we use affiliate links and receive a small referral commission from sales, at no additional cost to you. Everything we recommend in our website is handpicked by ourselves and 100% because we like it. By booking through JO&SO you are supporting what we are doing, helping us to keep running the website.