Exploring Central Portugal: Wine, Waves, and Wonder

In October 2024, I had the chance to experience an incredible journey through Portugal, courtesy of the Portugal Tourism Board for the Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace. Over 10 days, I explored Lisbon, Algarve and Central Portugal, meeting amazing local suppliers, tasting delicious wines, and seeing some truly stunning sights. If you’ve ever thought about visiting Portugal (or if you’re already dreaming about your next getaway), here’s a glimpse into my road trip through Central Portugal that I know you’ll love.

3 Days in the Algarve: Catching Up with Local Suppliers

I kicked off my trip in the Algarve, where I spent the first few days meeting with local suppliers. This was all about connecting with the amazing people behind the scenes—Hotels, Tour Operators, and local guides—to learn what makes the Portugal such a great destination. From the gorgeous beaches to the charming towns, I got to chat with the key tourism business owners who make travel in this region unforgettable.

These few days gave me so much new knowledge and inspiration for your future trips, so I’m excited to bring that back and share it with you!

Road Trip Through Central Portugal

After soaking in all the Algarve had to offer, I and a group of Travel Advisors from US-Canada hit the road for Center of Portugal, which turned out to be a total hidden gem. Here’s a rundown of my itinerary:

Sanguinhal Wine Estate – Cheers to Portugal’s Wine Culture

First stop: Sanguinhal Wine Estate in Óbidos. This beautiful vineyard is not only picturesque but also deeply rooted in Portugal’s winemaking history. Family owned business since 5 generations, here we had the chance to tour the estate, sip some of their finest wines, enjoy our Portuguise lunch nd learn about Portugal’s rich wine culture. If you love wine, this place is an absolute must!

Óbidos – A Charming Medieval Town & Tasting "Ginja d'Óbidos"

Next, we headed to the medieval town of Óbidos, and honestly, it’s like stepping into a fairytale. With its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and impressive castle, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this place. I had to try the local specialty, Ginja d'Óbidos, a sweet cherry liqueur. It’s served in a small chocolate cup, and let me tell you, it’s as delicious as it

sounds!

Nazaré – A Boat Ride to the Nazaré Canyon

From Óbidos, we made my way to Nazaré, a coastal town famous for its gigantic waves. Here, we took a boat ride to the Nazaré Canyon, where the waves are so big they’ve become a bucket list spot for surfers worldwide. It was absolutely mind-blowing to see these massive waves up close. If you’re into surfing (or just love nature), Nazaré is a place you need to check out.

Lunch at Pangeia – Delicious Portuguese Seafood

After the boat ride, we were served lunch at Pangeia, a restaurant in Nazaré known for its fantastic seafood. The fish was incredibly fresh (caught that morning, in fact!), and the vibe was perfect for a relaxing break. Trust me, if you're a foodie like me, this spot is heaven! I was humming in every bites!

Alcobaça Monastery – Stepping Back in Time

Next, off to the Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastery is an impressive example of Gothic architecture, and walking through the grand halls gave me such a sense of Portugal’s deep history. If you enjoy history or architecture, this is a must-visit!

University of Coimbra – A Place of Knowledge and Tradition

We made our way to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe. Founded in 1290 and a UNESCO World Heritage site since June 2013. The campus is absolutely stunning, with its historic libraries and beautiful courtyards. It was so cool to see where some of Portugal’s greatest minds have studied and lived.

Who would've thought I'd be geeking out at the real-life Hogwarts? The University of Coimbra, is a treasure trove of awesomeness!

Some mind-blowing facts:

This campus was once a Medieval Palace,
Has its own Cathedral where only royalty and alumni can tie the knot here
Students still wear academic cape dress.
There's the Biblioteca Joanina Library - older than the school itself! - with its stunning frescoes, carvings, and gold leaf. Oh, and did I mention there are bats living in it that protect the books by snacking on insects?
And yes, there's an Academic Prison where naughty students were locked up back in the day. The school guards even rock actual weapons.
The students' black capes with cuts that signify BFFs, family, and significant others - talk about a medieval relationship status update! Soo cool!!

Santar Valverde – A Peaceful Stop to Relax and Watch the Sunset

After a day full of history and exploration, we checked into Santar Valverde, a peaceful retreat where I could unwind and relax. The views of the vineyards at sunset were breathtaking, and it was the perfect place to recharge before heading back to Lisbon.

Pena Palace – A Fairytale Ending

In Lisbon, I had one last stop to make: the Pena Palace. I was invited to Repunzel's 'Dragon Castle' – and you're invited too!

This fantastical and magical fortress owns the Sintra Mountains, looming large over the town and serving up some serious fairy tale vibes. No fairy godmother needed, just wear your tiara and grab a camera!

This colorful palace perched on a hilltop is one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s easy to see why. The architecture is whimsical and unique, and the views of the surrounding area are just stunning. It was the perfect way to wrap up an amazing trip.

A Sweet Start: Pastéis de Nata

Of course, no trip to Portugal is complete without trying a Pastel de Nata (or two!). On my first day in Lisbon, I made a beeline for a local bakery and grabbed a warm, flaky pastry filled with creamy custard. The sweet, buttery taste of a freshly baked Pastel de Nata was the perfect introduction to what would be a trip full of delicious flavors and unforgettable experiences.

Wrapping It All Up: Portugal’s Magic

My journey through Central Portugal was everything I hoped for and more. From the amazing wine estates and charming villages to the rich history and jaw-dropping landscapes, there’s so much to discover here. Whether you're into great food, beautiful views, or fascinating history, Central Portugal has something for everyone.

I’m already thinking about my next trip back, and I’m so excited to help you plan your own adventure to this beautiful region. If you’re ready to explore, reach out—I’d love to help you design a trip that’s perfectly tailored to your travel style.

I am only a call away!

Kerry R. - 613.883.3311

accessvacations@centreholidays.com