Six Days in Portugal, A Lifetime of Memories

When I touched down in Portugal, I knew I was here for the Algarve—but I didn’t realize just how much I’d fall for the country as a whole. It’s now one of my favorite places in Europe.

Let’s break it down.

Lisbon’s Warm Welcome

We kicked things off in Lisbon with slow wandering and rich history. Praça do Comércio opened up to the water with postcard views and golden light, while Praça da Figueira buzzed with local life, markets, and classic European charm.

One of my favorite foodie finds? Portugal’s famous egg custard tart—pastel de nata. Flaky, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss it.

We wrapped the day soaking in the vibe of Bairro Alto, with its narrow streets, vibrant crowds, and music rising from every corner. Lisbon set the tone just right.

Sintra, Cascais & A Hint of Rain

Our day trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais was a whirlwind of colors, flavors, and a touch of unexpected weather.

Pena Palace was the standout—its bold colors and royal energy perched above the clouds. The climb to reach it was no small feat; some of the ladies nearly gave up, but the panoramic views made every step worth it.

Cabo da Roca greeted us with rain and clouds, obscuring the dramatic cliffs and ocean views.

Cascais offered a delightful contrast. This coastal town charmed us with its vibrant old town and seaside ambiance. A highlight was visiting Gelataria Tchipepa, where I tried their signature “Cascais” flavor—an inventive blend made with seawater, mint, and spirulina. It was a refreshing and unique treat that captured the essence of the sea.

We also had our first taste of Ginjinha, the traditional Portuguese cherry liqueur. Sweet, strong, and served in a tiny cup, it was a delightful introduction to local flavors.

One regret? The tour was too short to explore the Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira. It’s a mystical site I’ve been eager to see, and missing it means I’ll have to return. Lesson learned: Sintra deserves more time.

Lagos: Murals, Markets & a Much-Needed Reset

After catching the bus to Lagos, it felt like stepping into a slower, softer rhythm. The city’s Old Town invited us to wander—its colorful buildings, narrow alleys, and coastal breeze made the day flow easily.

One of the most unexpected highlights? The street murals. They weren’t everywhere—you had to stumble upon them in tucked-away corners of Old Town. But when I found them, it felt like discovering little secrets left by local artists. A quiet delight for someone who always notices the art.

We explored the Marina de Lagos, browsed handmade goods at the market stalls, and let ourselves slow down. After a packed few days, this was the pause we didn’t know we needed.

And our hotel? The rooftop views were everything. Overlooking the marina with a glimpse of the sea, it was the perfect backdrop for sunrise reflections and golden hour photos—a total vibe.

Algarve Coastline: Fear, Fun & a Whole Lot of Beauty

This was hands down my favorite day of the trip.

We set out on a speedboat tour to explore the famous Benagil Sea Caves, and let me tell you, the Algarve coastline did not disappoint. Towering cliffs, golden rock formations, secret beaches tucked between coves—it was like nature showing off.

The boat ride itself was a thrill—bumpy, fast, and soaked with ocean spray. Some of the ladies were nervous about the water—understandably so—but they pushed through and ended up loving it. Facing those fears made the day even more memorable for all of us.

And just when we thought the day couldn’t improve, dolphins appeared, gliding alongside the boat on our way to the caves. Pure magic.

Initially, I planned to visit Praia do Camilo, but it was temporarily closed. So we detoured to Praia da Dona Ana instead—and I’m glad we did. With its layered cliffs and turquoise water, the view was unreal. One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.

So, What Did I Learn?

Portugal is easy to love. It’s the kind of place that welcomes you with open arms—diverse, friendly, and full of charm. Even though my time there was short (just six days), it left a lasting impression.

If I could do it again—and I plan to—I’d slow it down. Starting a new job played a big role in how short this trip had to be, and I definitely felt it. I would’ve loved more time in Sintra, especially. As beautiful as the tour was, it just wasn’t enough. Some places deserve more than a checklist. They need time.

So yes, I’ll be back.

And when I do, Quinta da Regaleira is getting its moment.

Join Me Next Time

Planning your own adventure can be stressful. That’s why I created The Travel Invite—a vibe-forward way to travel with ease, style, and intention.

If Portugal’s calling you, the full itinerary (hotels, tours, prices, and tips) is available as a digital download.

Let’s make your next trip unforgettable.