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Where to go in Portugal?

February 21, 2018| By:Five Star Alliance

Featured Journeys: From Cities to Castles to Vineyards, here's where to go in Portugal

Bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean and Spain to the east, Portugal is a country offering a mix of cultures, history, and gastronomic experiences. In this edition of Featured Journeys, we'll explore three destinations: Lisbon, Cascais, and Porto, with an emphasis on the best places to stay in Portugal, as well as a few of the top reasons to visit each destination. 

Lisbon

Lisbon Portugal

Considered the country's main gateway, Lisbon is a cosmopolitan city infused with history. Known for its extensive network of trams that provide a common means of transportation for locals, these charming trolleys provide an ideal way to explore the city, as well as a variety of potential insta-worthy photo opportunities. 

While in Lisbon visitors will want to experience listening to Fado, whether hearing it sung on the streets of Alfama or enjoyed during a candlelight dinner, this music is filled with emotional vocals and acoustic guitar melodies. 

The Terreiro do Paco is the city's largest square ideal for afternoon strolls, and the Santa Justa elevator in the downtown district is a can't-miss experience designed over 100 years ago by Ponsard (a disciple of Gustave Eiffel) providing travelers with stunning views over the old part of Lisbon. For a view from the highest point of the city, climb to the Castle of Sao Jorge, stroll through the Moorish quarter of Alfama, and see the city's location along the River Tagus. For a night out on the town, Bairro Alto is a trendy destination for dinners and late nights out. 

Where to stay in Lisbon best location depends on if a person wants to stay in the heart of the city close to the entertainment district of Bairro Alto, the Baixa business district, or the Chiado shopping district.

Here are three top Lisbon Hotels: 

1. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz LisbonFour Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

Considered the city's landmark hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon provides a bird's eye view of the city's historic sites, along with a spa and indoor pool. The acclaimed Varanda Restaurant has a menu showcasing fresh seafood from the nearby ocean, as well as views of Eduardo VII Park. While the Ritz Bar serves an extensive selection of Ports and Afternoon Tea.

Check availability at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

2. Olissippo Lapa Palace

Palace Junior Suite at the Olissippo Lapa PalacePalace Junior Suite at the Olissippo Lapa Palace

Situated in a 19th century aristocratic villa, the Olissippo Lapa Palace offers an opulent setting close to the heart of Lisbon. Set on a hilltop overlooking the Tagus River, this property is ideal for travelers wanting a regal experience that is slightly removed from the heart of the city. 

Check availability at Olissippo Lapa Palace

3. InterContinental Lisbon

Presidential Suite at the InterContinental LisbonPresidential Suite at the InterContinental Lisbon

Overlooking the city within walking distance of the downtown corridor, InterContinental Lisbon offers a modern retreat with Portuguese cuisine, chic cocktail bar, personalized services. Plus, the Club InterContinental with a private check-in, breakfast, and afternoon cocktails. 

Check availability at InterContinental Lisbon

Cascais


Where to go in Portugal for great beaches? Cascais is a seaside resort town, just 38 miles west of Lisbon. Home to fishermen, writers, and artists in the 1930s, then frequented by Portugal's royal family, and occupied by the military until 1951, today the city is constantly growing. Popular with the international yachting crowd, new hotels and resorts, fine restaurants, and stylish apartments are constantly appearing in Cascais and nearby Estoril (about 20 minutes from downtown Lisbon) along the Costa do Sol. 

Here are three top Cascais Hotels:

1. The OitavosPoolside at The OitavosPoolside at The Oitavos

Featuring sleek lines and bold design inspired by the Atlantic coast, The Oitavos is a luxurious seaside resort. Surrounded by Sintra National Park, the resort has an equestrian center, Quinta Da Marinha Health Club, beach, outdoor pool, and dunes to explore. The Ipsylon Restaurant blends French, Portuguese, and Atlantic Coast culinary influences for a unique seaside gastronomic experience, while guest rooms and suites have private balconies.

Check availability at The Oitavos

2. Palacio Estoril Hotel and Golf

Palacio Estoril Hotel and GolfPalacio Estoril Hotel and Golf

Welcoming guests since 1930, the Palacio Estoril Hotel and Golf resort overlooks the Bay of Cascais with gardens, outdoor swimming pool, and multiple dining options. The Banyan Tree Spa has massages treatments, along with a dynamic circuit, Turkish bath, sauna, and Jacuzzi. While the Estoril Wellness Center offers yoga, Pilates, and beauty treatments.  

Check availability at Palacio Estoril Hotel and Golf

3. Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel and Spa

Sunset at Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel and SpaSunset at Grand Real Villa Italia Hotel and Spa

Once the home of Italy's Humberto II "King of May", Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel and Spa is a luxury hotel with elegant suites and family Penthouses. The Real Spa Therapy provides exclusive Thalassotherapy treatments and services based on Portuguese ingredients. While the Belvedere Ristorante serves authentic Italian cuisine, and La Terraza Restaurant & Bar has a menu of Portuguese dishes.  

Check availability at Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel and Spa

Porto

Porto Portugal

Wondering where to go in Portugal for wine? The Douro Valley is home to Portugal's finest vineyards, and the city of Porto is the epicenter for the country's famous Port wine. Typically a sweet red wine, Port is often served with dessert. For visitors seeking to try a number of Port wines, Porto has a variety of tasting rooms and bars. 

Considered Portugal's second city, Porto is 195 miles north of Lisbon. In recent years, Porto has experienced a resurgence with a variety of trendy bars and cafes (include the opening of a Vogue cafe in 2017) popping up around the city, as well as new and contemporary architectural and cultural destinations like the Serralves art center and Rem Koolhaas' 2005 Casa da Música. 

For timeless charm, visitors can head to the riverside Ribeira district where restaurants serve traditional cuisine, and laundry hangs from windows above the narrow winding streets. 

Here are three top Porto Hotels:

1. Pestana Palacio do Freixo

Pestana Palacio do FreixoLounge at Pestana Palacio do Freixo

Along the River Douro, Pestana Palacio do Freixo is a National Monument with Baroque architecture, built in the 18th century by Nicolau Nasoni. Guestrooms and suites are located within the mill building featuring dark wood, classic decor, and sweeping river views. The Palatium Restaurant focuses on locally-grown regional cuisine, and Bar Nasoni has a menu dedicated to Port wine. 

Check availability at Pestana Palacio do Freixo

2. InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas

InterContinental Porto - Palacio das CardosasInterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas at night

Overlooking Liberdade Square, InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas is a luxury hotel set within a lavishly restored palace. Just a short walk from popular attractions like Clerigos Tower, Sao Bento station, and Lello's Bookshop. Steps from the city's port wine cellars, the hotel has the Astoria Restaurant with a menu of Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine, and the Cardosas Bar showcases port wines in a traditional British library-inspired setting. 

Check availability at InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas

3. Hotel Teatro 

Audience Room at Hotel Teatro PortoAudience Room at Hotel Teatro

Set on the spot where the Banquet Theatre opened in 1859, the Hotel Teatro is a luxury boutique hotel offering a design-focused environment. Accommodations have modern styling with mood-lit lighting, and the lobby has the ticket office and a huge sofa adorned with an old coil of photographs from the theater. 

Check availability at Hotel Teatro 


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