Travel Guide: Lisbon, Faro & Sintra

Portugal is a coastal gem in southwestern Europe. From the vibrant capital of Lisbon and the sunny Algarve coast, Portugal combines natural beauty with a warm, delicious food culture.

Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, feels like a city steeped in history. I’m always struck by how deep its roots go, from its early days as a Phoenician port to thriving under Roman and Moorish rule. Lisbon truly hit its golden era in the 15th century during the Age of Discovery, when explorers like Vasco da Gama set out to find new worlds. Though the massive 1755 earthquake almost flattened it, the city was rebuilt with forward-thinking designs, and now it’s full of incredible landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, all celebrating its seafaring legacy.

Then there’s Faro, the easygoing capital of the Algarve, with its own unique past. It began as a Roman settlement and later flourished as a Moorish city. In the medieval period, Faro grew as a trade center but often faced raids, even from English pirates. Over time, it mellowed into a quiet fishing town until tourism picked up, drawing people in with its beaches and historic sites, like the Cathedral and the eerie Chapel of Bones—a quirky must-see spot.

Sintra, a magical hillside town just outside Lisbon, feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s been a royal escape for centuries; the Moors built a fortress here, and by the 19th century, it had turned into a romantic hideaway for Portugal’s royalty and artists. With misty forests, the colorful Pena Palace, and the Moorish Castle, Sintra has inspired poets and visitors alike and was even named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Stay
Conrad Algrave Conrad Algrave provided a lovely night's stay in the picturesque area of the Algrave Coast in Faro, Portugal.
H10 Duque de Loulé A stay at the H10 Duque de Loulé hotel served as a perfect location for a lovely stay in Lisbon, Portugal
Experiences
A Day Trip to Sintra, Portugal and Palace of Pena When in Lisbon, one of the easiest and most fun day trips you can take is an easy 40 min train ride to Sintra, Portugal
Dolphin Watching & Enjoying the Coastal Sea Caves of Portugal with Algar Experience Tours The AlgarExperience tour of the dolphins & sea caves and arches off the Algrave Coast was a lovely experience off the coast of Albufeira, Portugal
Undiscovered Lisbon Food & Wine Tour with Eating Europe Lisbon Booking this Eating Europe Lisbon tour, my intention was to walk the city streets and enjoy bites of local cuisine. What I got was that - and more.
Eat
Balcão do Marquês Breakfast at Balcão do Marquês was a lovely way to enjoy a classic Southern European breakfast - including prosciutto and cheeses - in Lisbon, Portugal
Louro Dinner and breakfast at Louro at the Conrad Algarve was a refreshing and delicious take on Portuguese cuisine in the Algarve Coast of Portugal
Mini Bar by Jose Avillez Mini Bar by José Avillez was a delicious concept, executed flawlessly in Lisbon, Portugal
Undiscovered Lisbon Food & Wine Tour with Eating Europe Lisbon Booking this Eating Europe Lisbon tour, my intention was to walk the city streets and enjoy bites of local cuisine. What I got was that - and more.
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