Portugal [Best Bets]

urban legends | belas vistas | wonder water | walk the wine

Portugal

A trip to Portugal encompasses so much of what we love about Europe. The modern is mixed with rich cultural tradition in this small-but-mighty country, meaning a stroll through medieval streets can lead to a trendy natural wine bar, or a hike along the rugged coastline can lead to the best seafood meal of your life. Portugal punches above its weight when it comes to vacation experiences—and Canadians can easily take advantage of this underrated European destination with Wingbuddy, which offers a myriad of vacations. You’ll be treated to something new every day, whether wine tasting in the Douro Valley, hiking in the Azores or marvelling at Moorish architecture in Sintra. The country’s westerly position means direct flights from Toronto to Lisbon only take about seven hours (less than other European cities). With direct flights from major Canadian cities offered daily by Canadian and international carriers, it's easy to find adventure and culture in Portugal.

Architecture buffs know Portugal is a must-visit destination for its medieval castles and Moorish buildings, but strolling through the charming cities, even the most fledgling design aficionados will gawk at the brightly painted tiles, cobblestone streets and rainbow of buildings. The cities of Lisbon, Porto and Sintra are all stops on the nine-day Wingbuddy tour in Portugal, perfect for taking it all in.

Lisbon overlooks the Rio Tejo and is said to have been founded on seven hills, just like Rome. The cobbled alleyways and hilly boulevards are covered in gorgeous painted tiles, known as azulejo, or “little stone”—a name from the Moors, who left this architectural legacy behind them.

Portugal's cities offer more than a jumping-off point

The Tiles

The crown jewels of Sintra are its castles, a town once known for being a royal residence and now a popular vacation spot. Stroll the fortress walls of the 10th-century Moorish Castle or admire the Quinta da Regaleira palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its interesting mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Manueline styles.

King of the hill

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Make Madeira memories

Madeira is an archipelago off the coast of Africa, a 90-minute flight from mainland Portugal, but it feels worlds away with a mild climate and dramatic mountain landscapes. Made from volcanic rock, the island offers a whole different variety of vistas, from the golden sands of Porto Santo beach to the Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint, looking out over Funchal and the peaks surrounding it. Wingbuddy offers up a two-week tour to the mainland and Madeira that’s just made for marvelling at the varied landscapes of Portugal.

Stunning natural landscapes abound in Portugal

Portugal is truly an ocean country. Sitting on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the country has a surprisingly diverse set of landscapes for its size. There are the gorgeous beaches of the Algarve on the southern tip, the majestic Atlantic coastline and the lush Douro Valley, all with different natural wonders to appreciate—plus some volcanic islands, too.

The Azores, a volcanic archipelago, are becoming known as the “Hawaii of Europe," and for good reason. The lush forests, crater lakes and dramatic coastlines are just primed for memorable hiking experiences. Take a guided tour from Ponta Delgada to explore the Gruta do Carvão, an ancient lava tube underground, or spend an afternoon hiking along the excellent network of trails along the islands’ coasts.

Hiking in the Azores

Dramatic coastlines

Those in search of idyllic beaches and relaxing, yet exhilarating views of the biggest waves in the world should head to Central Portugal. With more than 300 kilometres of coastline between Ovar and Torres Vedras, vacationers have their pick of pristine beaches swelling with Atlantic waves. Nazaré and Peniche have become world-famous among the surfing community, so you can watch the daredevils at play or just breathe in the sea air as you stroll the shoreline.

Outdoor adventure is waiting

From the world’s biggest beach-breaking waves in Nazaré to the crater lakes on São Miguel in the Azores, there’s an abundance of opportunities for outdoor activities in Portugal. With Wingbuddy’s 13-day package of both mainland Portugal and the Azores, there’s plenty of time to soak in the dramatic beaches and enjoy serene hikes.

The coastal city of Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, but there’s nothing second-rate about their primary export: Porto Wine. Sitting at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto has been pumping out their famous fortified wine since the 17th century and sipping a glass in the historic Ribeira district is unmissable.

Port city, Porto wine

Douro Valley experiences

The Douro Valley is the best-known Portuguese wine region in the world, and it’s also the oldest, demarcated in 1756. Its breathtaking terraced vineyards, historic viticulture and darn good wine have made it the premiere wine tourism destination in Portugal. Take a traditional Rabelo boat tour down the river, sip wine at a Quintas or have lunch with olives picked just metres away.

Touring wine "country" takes on a whole new meaning in Portugal

European oenophiles have long praised Italy, France and Spain, but Portugal’s wine is world-famous for its diverse terroir and grape varieties (there are more than 200) and rich winemaking history. With a deep repository of wineries, tasting experiences and tours to choose from, taking advantage of Wingbuddy’s 13-day Portugal north-to-south tour will get you headed in the right direction—to the vineyard.

Lisbon

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Urban legends

Belas vistas

Wonder water

Walk the wine

Porto

Azenhas do Mar, Sintra

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Benagil Cave, Algarve

Buçaco Palace | credit: Visit Center of Portugal

Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum in Cascais | credit: Tourism Portugal

Lisbon

Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of Madeira

Miradouro da Vista do Rei, São Miguel, the Azores

Peniche | credit: Andre Carvalho

Douro Valley | credit: Andre Carvalho

Port wine in Porto

Photo Credits: Emanuele Siracusa (left); AT Porto and the North (right)

The BLOX Building (left); The Black Diamond (right) Photo credit: Daniel Rasmussen

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Lisbon (left), 'The Adamastor' located in the Bussaco Palace Hotel (right) Photo credits: José Manuel (left); Tourism Portugal (right)

Quinta da Regaleira | credit: Visit Cascais

Alfama neighbourhood, Lisbon

Camara de Lobos, Madeira Island

The Algarve

Douro vineyards, Pinhão

Porto Moniz, Madeira Island | credit: Jackson Groves

Carvoeiro, Algarve (left); Douro River Valley (right)

Azenhas do Mar, Sintra | credit: Turismo Cascais

Algar do Carvão (left); Hiking in the Azores (right) credit: Tourism Portugal (left); Publiçor (right)

urban legends | bela vistas | wonder water | walk the wine

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