This Summer, we decided to escape to Portugal.

I've visited this beautiful country twice before—once on my honeymoon, exploring Lisbon, Porto, and the Northern regions, and another time as a quick pit stop on my way to a wedding. But it had been many years since those trips.

We chose to go in mid-June to avoid the extreme heat and big crowds. The weather was perfect.

Comporta: The Perfect Start

We started our trip in Comporta, a relaxed beach town just an hour from Lisbon. Whenever possible, I like to begin my trips in places like this—it makes beating jet lag much easier.

Comporta is a small village with stunning beaches (Galé was our favorite), charming boutique hotels, great restaurants, and many shops selling resort wear and local and European products. Comporta reminded me of Buzios, a beach town near Rio de Janeiro, where I’m from. The rice fields there also brought back memories of Bali. With all those connections, I knew I was going to love Comporta.

We stayed at Casa Idalia, a boutique hotel with just five rooms. The service was attentive, the swimming pool cozy, the breakfast delicious, and the decor carefully curated. (You can check them out here).

What did I bring home from Comporta? Some European-made fashion jewelry and a colorful maxi dress I found at Casa da Cultura. The shops are all close together, so it's fun just to wander around and see what you discover.

Portuguese cuisine is exceptional, and we especially enjoyed meals at Café Comporta and Mercearia do Gomes.

Algarve

Next, we headed to Algarve, the southern coast of Portugal, which was the main destination for this trip. We stayed in Albufeira at Nau São Rafael Atlântico, a hotel a friend had recommended, right in front of a small beach.

Albufeira made it easy to explore the Algarve region, which is absolutely stunning! Don’t miss out on visiting Lagos, Sagres, Ponta da Piedade, Almancil, Marinha Beach, and definitely take a boat to see the Benagil Cave—it’s a must!

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is also unbelievably beautiful.

LISBON: the Charm of Portugal’s Capital

Finally, we went to Lisbon and stayed at a friend’s house in Sintra, a charming town nearby.

The best thing about returning to a big city you’ve already visited is that you can skip the main tourist spots and enjoy the atmosphere. We had relaxed meals, walked more than we used transportation, and enjoyed Lisbon's lively feel. The city was full of locals and tourists enjoying summer, but it wasn’t too crowded yet.

In Lisbon, we dined at Tapisco and a local favorite called Zé da Mouraria. In Sintra, we had a fantastic meal with friends at Incomum.

For shopping, local stylists recommended Amelie, Embaixada, and 21 Concept, all in the same area. I found some interesting pieces from small brands there—exactly the kind of shopping I love when traveling.

We also visited the MAAT Museum by the river and saw some interesting exhibitions. And don't miss "Ler Devagar," a bookstore considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The street it's on has lots of restaurants.

If you’re from New York, you’ll be happy to know you can enjoy an Aperol Spritz for just 5 Euros during happy hour or a glass of local wine for 3 Euros. The food is also much more affordable than back home, and even the nice hotels are cheaper than a stay at Jersey Shore.

Maybe this is the sign to start planning your next Summer destination. Feel free to reach out with any questions—I’d be happy to help!

Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. I send newsletters with style tips, brands to know, and products twice a month. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.

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