Portugal

Portugal is the kind of place that is easy to settle into. 

For a relatively small country, it offers an extraordinary amount of variety. Bustling cities give way to peaceful vineyards and rolling farmland, historic villages sit atop epic coastline, and a train ride can take you from a lively neighborhood café to an empty stretch of sandy beach in the space of an afternoon.

Portugal is also a country that lends itself particularly well to family travel. The distances are manageable, children are warmly welcomed, driving is straightforward, and castles and beaches abound. It is my daughter’s most favorite place.

My best memories of Portugal come from its stunning coastline, particularly the wild and undeveloped Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vincentina. Walking out through the fields of a quiet quinta, over a dune dotted with blooming succulents, to the edge of sky-high cliffs overlooking the booming Atlantic - is an experience replaying in my mind on repeat. In fact it was so good, we circled back for a second stay at the end of our trip, ditching our well-laid plans for one more slice of this heaven. 

Portugal can hold cities, coast, countryside, food, wine and plenty of adventure in a single journey. But for me the real joy was found in the ease of waking up each morning and choosing our own way - packing a picnic and hopping from one amazing beach to the next, strolling walled cities steeped in history, soaking in the culture and the abundant sun.

Our month in dreamy Portugal had us wishing for an endless summer. If you're considering visiting, let me help you discover the places you will want to linger too.