1. Explore Lisbon by foot or Tuk Tuk

Accurately known as the City of Seven Hills, Lisbon’s historic winding streets and hill-top views truly can’t be beat! So lace up your walking shoes or hail down a Tuk Tuk and explore the cities treasured streets. Your heart will pump as your step count increases with every hilly climb to the next outlook. A sea of red roofs and colourful buildings that have stood strong and proud for 3200 years! And don’t forget to try a Portuguese Tart!

2. Take the train to Sintra to explore the National Palace of Pena

Take the gondola up to Banff’s Sulpher Mountain and explore the jaw dropping beauty of the summit. There’s an interactive interpretive centre where you can discover the alpine eco systems as well as a 360 degree boardwalk where you can take in all the glorious mountain views. Theres also a Sky Bistro where you can indulge in world class dining above the clouds.

3. Rent a car and drive south to the beach

Drive 30 minutes south of Lisbon and you’ll come across a Nature Reserve with the most beautiful white sandy beach. We stayed the night in Aroeira and parked ourselves at the best beach bar I’ve ever been to, “Kailua Fonte da Telha.” We sipped on Corona’s, watched dogs and surfers play in the waves, and eventually basked in the warm glow of the sunset. I highly recommend this pit stop on the way to the Algarve, or, as a spot to stay before your flight home.

4. The Algarve

I have to admit, the Algarve was never on my radar as a top destination, but now, I can’t recommend it enough! The coastal views are unmatched, the food is incredible, and the people are just the kindest. We stayed in the Carvoeiro area in the most beautiful cliff-side hotel called Tivoli. The location was perfect. Walking distance to restaurants, shops, and coastal walking trails. I highly recommend joining a kayaking or paddleboarding tour and visiting Benagil Cave. But proceed with caution! One-by-one, you must time your entrance into the cave perfectly with the tide, or you’ll be flipped and crash into rocks! Having a tour guide assist you is the safest way to enter the cave.

Affordable Accommodations

1. Lisbon – Pestano Lisboa Vintage City Centre Suites – This hotel worked well for us! It’s far enough away from the busy city centre, but still near cafes and restaurants.

2. South of Lisbon in the Aroeira area – Aroeira Lisbon Hotel – Sea & Golf Hotel – We needed a place to stay before our flight home and this place was the perfect choice. It’s only a 40 minutes drive to the airport and close to the beach to enjoy one last sunset. I will definitely return here!

3. Algarve – Tivoli Carvoeriro Algarve Resort – We stayed here during the shoulder season in March so the accommodation was reasonable!