Tailor-Made Portugal: Inspiring Iberia

For seven days of beautiful landscapes, diverse cities, delectable gastronomy, and an abundance of UNESO World Heritage Sites, head to the far west of the Iberian Peninsula. On top of must-see sights ranging from medieval castles to golden beaches, Portugal is a hive of nightlife, shopping and LGBTQ+ activity, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto. Outside the cities, Portugal is bursting with scenic wonders like the Algarve, the Mountains of the Moon, and the Douro Valley wine region. For an added touch of comfort, Portugal’s year-round sunny weather is cooled by Atlantic Ocean breezes, resulting in warm summers and temperate winters.

While all of Portugal is a delight, your first visit to this historic nation should undoubtedly include a stay in Lisbon, where each neighbourhood has a distinct personality. Drop by the Belem district to see the famous Jeronimos Monastery, or stroll through Bairro Alto to see cobbled streets filled with partygoers after sundown. In addition to Lisbon, you need to experience the more laid-back city of Porto, where the main draws include old wineries, Baroque churches and coastal treasures. Follow our itinerary, and you’ll also stop at destinations including Sintra, Coimbra and the Douro Valley.

Portugal at a Glance

While Portugal is teeming with crowds of tourists during the months of June to August, the hot summer provides the perfect conditions for sunseekers, and plenty of off-the-beaten-path destinations offer peace and quiet. Be aware that forest fires are an annual event if you intend to brave the more remote rural areas. For slightly milder conditions and less crowd-jostling, visit from April to June or September to November. Winter may be the quietest time of the year, but many regions attract visitors from colder climates in search of the winter sun. The cold season also brings the biggest waves to beach towns like Ericeira, Nazaré and Peniche – great for surfers, less so for families with youngsters.

For the LGBTQ+ community, Portugal is one of the world’s friendliest and most welcoming destinations. Homosexual activity, same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption are legal, as is the right to change gender via a simplified process without requiring surgery. Recognition of non-binary gender is ambiguous, but the ban on LGBTQ+ discrimination is enshrined in Portugal’s Constitution. Wherever you go in Portugal, there’ll be no shortage of openly gay couples and rainbow flags displayed at gay-friendly establishments.