Postcards from Portugal

Beautiful beaches, epic scenery and delicious wines await

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all enjoying the last, lazy days of summer. I’ve recently returned from a road trip around Portugal and, as requested by my lovely followers on Instagram, I’ve rounded-up my favourite spots across the country.

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Enjoy! 

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DOURO VALLEY

A visit to the Douro Valley, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, is a highlight of any multi-stop trip around Portugal. Located about one and a half hours drive from Porto, it is home to some of the best wineries and boutique hotels in the country.

Although it’s best known for its port wine, the region is now producing increasing quantities of robust, characterful reds, olive oils and whites. It’s also one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, full of terraced hills with patchwork vineyards and quaint, whitewashed villages offering dramatic views across the sinuous Douro river. 

The Douro Valley

STAY: At Quinta de la Rosa, a family-owned winery and hotel located just outside of Pinhão. Scattered around the hillside estate, the 23 rooms and villas are prettily furnished, all with commanding views across the river. There’s also a decent-sized pool, a rooftop bar serving all-day snacks and a restaurant where guests can enjoy delicious, local dishes such as roast pork or octopus. Tuck into a leisurely breakfast (the pastry & sweet treat selection is to die for) before enjoying a tour of the on-site winery.

EAT: Book a table for lunch at nearby Quinta do Seixo, serving seasonal dishes devised by head chef Vasco Coelho Santos. Opt for the pork neck with roasted potatoes before indulging in the ultra decadent walnut, blackberry and chocolate cake. The service can be a tad slow here, but the views and food are worth the waiting time.

STAY, EAT OR DRINK: Quinta de Ventozelo (below) is a top choice for couples looking for rest & relaxation. The rooms are small, but the top-notch food, hillside infinity pool and extensive grounds teeming with olive groves, vines and lemon trees more than make up for it.

Me at Ventozelo wearing my Mondo Corsini Victorine dress in white

PACK: The Douro Valley is seriously hot in summer, so cool, breezy clothes are a must. I lived in my white Mondo Corsin maxi (above), a floral midi dress like this gorgeous green one from Whistles (currently on sale) and flats like this pair of woven black sandals from H&M. (Side note: heels don’t fare that well on the rocky terrain so it’s best to opt for wedges if you like a bit of height.) There are a few mozzies in the evening so a cotton long-sleeved shirt like any of these from & Other Stories would be perfect.

PORTO & LISBON

Portugal’s most popular cities merit comprehensive features in their own right, so I’ve cherry picked two of my favourite articles spotlighting the hotels, cafes, restaurants and attractions to explore when you get there.