A NOTE FROM HANNAH
My Portuguese Travel Guide
I am writing this after a lovely week in London during which I spent lots of time with inspiring women, which I always find reinvigorating. I enjoyed many a Matcha whilst chatting about Beaumont Organic with some of the most influential women in business. I was also treated to the most beautiful breakfast thanks to the lovely team at Mother of Pearl who invited me to their pop-up event at AllBright.
One of the things that came up during many of these chats was summer holiday planning, and I was often asked for my top tips from places I have been in Portugal. So many people have my second home country on their travel wish list! These conversations inspired me to jot down a few of my top tips for hotels and travel in Portugal to share with you all.
I have been going to Portugal since I was 13 and never missed a year. In 2000 I met my now husband on a beach holiday and that cemented my bond with this beautiful, friendly and very sunny country. I could write pages and pages about the places we have visited over the years, however in this edition I will simply note down a few of my favourite regions and accommodations, which I can happily build on in further mailers if the appetite is there.
So... let's start in the South.
The Algarve is where I started my love affair with the country. Because the Algarve is my family base, I have been fortunate enough to stay with them during most of the time I have spent there, however, I have also had the pleasure of staying in a couple of the local hotels. Vila Monte can be found nestled in the hills of the region, and Pensa o Agricola is positioned near one of my favourite beaches, Cacela Velha.
If you like fresh fish and meat, the food of the Algarve is unparalleled as it is so fresh and delicious, but if you are vegan it's worth noting that the choice can be more limited so I'd recommend doing a little homework beforehand.
I enjoy eating beachside, so I would recommend Vale Do Lobo, where you can find amazing sushi at Well and fresh fish at 2 Passos, amongst many more.
Heading to Northern Portugal is easy by car, but equally, the country's trains are efficient, cheap and clean so public transport is a great option.
I’d highly recommend travelling inland to Evora and Alentejo and staying a few days at one of the vineyards there. We have enjoyed time at both L'and Vineyards and Sao Laurenco do Barrocal through the years, both of which are exceptional in their different ways.
Back to the coast, and Comporta is a must-visit. My favourite hotel is Quinta da Comporta, but there are also many amazing villas to rent in this area, and again exceptional food from restaurants like 5 Entidos and Sublime down at Praia Do Carvalhal.
Lisbon, a beautiful vibrant city, and the quaint town of Sintra are essential stops as you travel up the coast. If you are able I would take some time to relax at Areias do Seixo which is close to Santa Cruz beach and a great spot for surfing.
Finally, onto Porto, probably one of my most visited cities and a city of two halves featuring lovely beaches down at Foz, and a vibrant colourful city just a short taxi ride away. The port tours are super fun and the accommodation is well-priced and of a high standard. We normally stay in an Airbnb as I am often there on business, but Conde Nast Travel has put together a lovely list of places to visit which you can explore here.
I hope this has been useful and that perhaps it has inspired you to visit this beautiful country. If you would like to know anything more about these recommendations please message me on Instagram @hannahbeaumontlaurencia and I'll do my best to help. I could happily chat about Portugal all day!
Through my work and my love of learning and immersing myself in new cultures, I have enjoyed travelling to quite a range of regions and countries over the years so if there is anywhere else I have visited that you are intrigued about just drop me a line and I will happily share some tips on other areas in future emails.
Have a beautiful June.
Love Hannah x
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