Great trips to Portugal start here.

Plan your ideal Portugal trip with unique travel guides and personalized planning services by local experts.

Ask ThatchGPT

Recommend a local expert to help plan my Portugal trip

Suggest an unique itinerary for my Portugal trip

What foods do Portugal locals eat

What are some true hidden gems in Portugal

Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Portugal

Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Portugal

Find a local Portugal expert
to plan your trip

Lena Müller

Rising Pro

Cologne, Germany

Welcome to my travel shop. 👋🏻 I'm Lena, originally from Germany but have called California, Mallorca (Spain), and Chile temporary homes over the years. When I don't travel, I like to spend my time with landscape photography, digital product design, baking, and drinking overpriced coffee. My goal here on Thatch is to offer you more than travel guidance. I'm dedicated to bringing value to your future trips by sharing my carefully curated itineraries, expert tips, and, most importantly, the priceless locals' perspective. Why should you work with me? Because I've lived it. I've walked the cobblestone streets of Valldemossa, Spain, set out to find the best cardamom bun in Copenhagen, and hiked the W-Trek in Torres del Paine, Patagonia. Because I've made mistakes, taken detours, and found hidden gems. I've learned from every step of my journey, and I'm here to share those lessons with you. Love, Lena P.S. Connect with me on Instagram or check out my blog @thegoodlandbeyond, where

5.0

(2)

Rising Pro

Chelsea Papa

Rising Pro

San Francisco, CA, USA

California based travel designer for the design minded + culturally curious. With professional experience in the luxury travel industry, I specialize in designing custom travel experiences that get to the heart of a place and its local culture through the lens of design and food. I’m here to help you travel in good taste with the perfect balance of high luxury and local flavor. My destinations of expertise include Italy, France, Mexico and the US, but I'm always expanding my destination knowledge and love taking on requests in other places. Shop my curated travel guides or check out my custom travel design services to elevate your experience and minimize the stress of travel planning. Let’s get designing!

Rising Pro

Emma | Where's Emma Now

New Pro

Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Amateur Italian, travel advisor, and adventurous eater! I’m a travel creative living in small town northern Italy, and I've been planning travel for over 15 years. I've lived on three continents and visited over 40 countries, so I'm passionate about helping travelers experience the best of a location, no matter where! I love both/and travel: I want to see the big sights AND the local hangouts, the big cities AND the small towns. I’d love to help you do it too! If you’re going to Rome for the first time, you don’t need me to tell you to see the Colosseum. But you might want me to tell you if it’s better as a guided tour or on your own, what add-on’s are worth the money, and what are the extra secret things your ticket can get you! My favorite part of travel is eating well: finding the local haunts, tasting a new wine, and trying the local dishes. Amazing food doesn't have to be expensive: sometimes the best of a place is in the street food! But if it is a splurge, I'll make sure

5.0

(1)

New Pro

DIY your trip to Portugal with guides
and itineraries by local experts

Harmen Hoek

Backpacking the island of Madeira in 8-10 days

This is a backpacking guide for hiking the island of Madeira, Portugal in 8-10 days. The island, located 1000 kilometers from Portugal in the Atlantic ocean, is often referred to as the Hawaii of Europe with its rough interior mountains and steep cliffs. The route includes all the highlights of the island including all it's types of flora: from the wet coastal forests in the north, the magical Fanal forest up the plateau, some of the tallest waterfalls, the tallest peaks and the rough coastal cliffs. The hike passes through dense rain forests, across the arid peaks and through several tunnels of the island famous water canals (levadas). What this guide includes: - Itinerary with flexible route for different lengths and difficulty, distances, best overnight (camping) options and other useful waypoints; - custom Google Maps with all the important locations (official campsites, grocery stores, overnight options, water sources, trails and viewpoints); - gpx-tracks of all the stages. - all the practical information: how to get there, when to go, trail conditions, weather, geography and more. Get an impression of the hike on YouTube/harmenhoek. Note, this route is not the Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT), but one optimized for hiking.

$15.00

4.5

(14)

173

Itinerary

Talia Mazepa

Available for hire

🌎 3 Day Guide to Lisbon From Someone That Lives There

Planning a trip to Lisbon? Get ready to be swept off your feet, and not just because of the steep hills. This city has it all: stunning architecture, rich culture, and amazing food. But don't worry if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities, I got you! I fell in love with this city the first time I saw it and have been planning bespoke trips and sending clients here for the past 5 years. It’s no wonder I decided to move here in 2022. This FREE 3 day city guide will help you navigate the city like a pro even if you can't speak a word of Portuguese. This guide includes 👉 Detailed outlines of what you should do each of the 3 days 👉 16 recommendations of places to visit that I have personally seen before 👉 2 tour suggestions 👉 4 hotel recommendations that I have personally inspected and sent clients to before 👉 8 restaurant recommendations (and a link to more!) 👉 Links to my TikToks highlighting my visit to a place

Free

115

📍🇵🇹 Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. We were absolutely starstruck by this city charm, the colorful facades, the amazing food, the cheap alcohol, and the friendliness of it inhabitants! I can’t wait to return!!! 📸 For more photos, follow @oliviafrances143 on Instagram.

Private

Map

Reasons to visit

Portugal

Top Areas to Travel to in Portugal

Algarve Coast

The stunning Algarve Coast in southern Portugal is a traveler's paradise with its golden sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming fishing villages. The region boasts some of Europe's finest beaches, such as Praia da Marinha and Praia da Falésia, perfect for relaxing or water sports enthusiasts. Don't miss the picturesque town of Lagos, known for its historic city walls and vibrant nightlife.

Lisbon

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, offers a perfect blend of rich history, captivating architecture, and modern culture. Explore the colorful streets of Alfama, visit the iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and enjoy panoramic views from São Jorge Castle. Indulge in delicious pastéis de nata and listen to traditional Fado music in quaint cafes.

Douro Valley

For wine lovers and nature enthusiasts, the Douro Valley is a must-visit destination. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its terraced vineyards, producing the renowned Port wine. Take a scenic boat cruise along the Douro River, visit historic wine estates known as quintas, and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley's rolling hills.

Porto

Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, is a charming riverside destination known for its stunning bridges, colorful buildings, and port wine cellars. Explore the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, stroll across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and visit Livraria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores. Don't forget to taste the local delicacies like francesinha and pasteis de bacalhau.

Sintra

Just a short drive from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale-like town surrounded by lush forests and extravagant palaces. Discover the whimsical architecture of Pena Palace, explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its underground tunnels, and wander through the romantic gardens of Monserrate Palace. The mystical aura of Sintra is truly captivating.

Azores

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the Azores archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. These nine volcanic islands offer extraordinary landscapes, including crater lakes, hot springs, and lush greenery. Go hiking in São Miguel's Sete Cidades, whale watching in Pico, or relax in the natural thermal baths of Furnas. The Azores are a nature lover's paradise.

Madeira

Known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic," Madeira is a subtropical paradise with rugged mountains, botanical gardens, and levada walks. Explore the capital city of Funchal, visit the enchanting Laurisilva Forest, and admire the vibrant flora at Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local Madeira wine and indulge in freshly caught seafood.

Conclusion

Portugal offers a diverse range of travel experiences, from sun-kissed beaches in the Algarve to historic cities like Lisbon and Porto, as well as enchanting regions like the Douro Valley and Sintra. Whether you're seeking cultural discoveries, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxation, Portugal has something for every traveler to enjoy. Plan your next trip to Portugal and immerse yourself in its beauty and charm.

Thatch can help you with
any trip to Portugal

Explore curated travel guides, itineraries and custom travel planning services for Portugal. Whether you are spending 4 days in Portugal or 2 weeks in Portugal, Thatch guides and itineraries can help you make the most of your trip with curated Portugal recommendations by locals and travel experts. Explore what to eat in Portugal, the best things to do in Portugal and the must sees in Portugal. From a long weekend in Portugal to a trip of a lifetime, let Thatch local experts help you plan the perfect vacation.